H

Had results today from biopsy on tonsil and now know its cancer, its all been really quick what with scans and hospital visits so not really had time to think about it now it's just starting to sink in but I'm pretty positive, I'm told its spread to a lymph node has anyone else had this 

HiAli

I am sorry to hear your diagnosis, but the first thing I would say is there is always hope. Al my friend here has the same and is currently undergoing all the treatment. He is having a six week course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy over most of the week meaning daily trips. The first thing they have to do is make sure you have no teeth that will get corroded by treatment so need removing first,. They then measure you for the mask this apparently is quite comfortable. They then arrrange the neginnings of the treatment. It will not be easy so you will need a good support system around you - family, macmillans, friends especially when you have down days. Some people loose taste buds during treatment some can find swallowing hard but if you look back on our talks there are mouth exeercises to do. 

Find all the exciting food things you love that are highly flacoured and stock up you will need to keep your weight up and need things that are exciting to make you smile. 

good luck i am here is you want to talk. 

stay strong x

Hi 

AL please take things very easily then if you have chronic fatigue and possible mucositis. (hope ENT goes ok tomorrow) seems like you are breaking all rules about being different. hoping this is nothing serious and nothing to worry about. i thnk though people will get a brilliant idea of what you and sam and Alli will be going through by reading this thread. 

am feeling bit better today much like you guys i have good and bad days with fatigue but not so bad as you. trouble is i cannot get to sleep during day very much hence watch a film. 

hahaha we will all be gardeners here!!! should build ourselves another group the cancer chat gardeners lol. well i have always found it therapeutic - yes sorry about spelling, head goes ahead of fingers so sometimes comes out wrong!! my yakon roots are arriving in about a week so that will be exciting to see what they look like. glad to report some of my little plugs are growing yay!! 

going to take hubby into town this morning - my first trip out since christmas - apart from hospital and doctors etc. not sure about wanting to go still even though we have masks and are vaccinated because not sure i should but need to get to bank and he is hankering going round poundland!! he has a sweet tooth lol. i think though he is just looking forward to getting out. At least it is sunny. 

hubby came through this morning to inform me that there was a mini mafia funeral last night (he was truying to make me feel sorry for the mini mafia lol) - the one who had been scrapping a lot to try and get back into carport. he said they made a real racket, had beer cans piled high on top of the coffin, one leg was hanging out, there was a lot of singing and wailing as they walked past. the men were as *** as neuts. (they were faking everything!!!). the protests have begun. as far as iam concerned the carport looks really good now and ready for the hedgehogs. 

am being pestered by rumple teazer now boy he has claws, since he has lost his shyness he has got quite affectionnate but also i need to clip those claws since he pats me with them and they hurt!! - especially at 2am!!! 

well enjoy your day 

keep smiling x

forgot Alli good luck witht he dentist appt

Hi Elona :happy:

Look at me posting two days in a row!  probably because we spent all day yesterday doing absolutely nothing, bar watching a film and a few tv shows.

It does feel like I am breaking the rules again, I'm fed up with rare lol.  Just one bit of normallity, that's all I ask...  Actually life would be boring if everything was 'normal'.

Cancer Gardeners Chat Haha!  Love it.   It is raining here today, all day I believe, which I am actually happy about.  Can't beat a bit of rain water for the young plants.  My Grandad had a water butt to catch rain water, think I am going to put one on my shopping list.  Good to learn that your plugs are growing, here's to blooming gardens this year, such a shame we cannot post pics on here.

How did your trip with hubby into town go?  Our friends that visited, he absolutely loves Poundland.  I am sure he must have shares in the place lol.

Sounds like the Hedgehog Hotel will be opening it's doors soon.  We used to get a lot of hedghogs when I lived in the countryside.  Didn't see one for years after and then we happened apon a weak young one last year in a local park, I was shocked that it was the first time my wife had ever seen one. We kept an eye on it until a local hedghog sanctury picked it up.  We often wonder how he/she got on.

Hope you have a great day today

Stay Strong.

Al x

Hope all is OK :happy:

Al x

Hi

Will have to get tomatoes growing now so I can be part the gardeners chat group  Elona lol what is a Yakon  root? hope your hubby stocked up on goodies from poundland they do have a good selection. Hope your appointment went ok Al how did you get on, hopefully your energy levels will pick up soon. Had a busy couple of days went out Monday to New Brighton and had a lovely time and had chips and fudge so no chance of losing weight before treatment that's my excuse anyway lol, hospital yesterday the mask fitting was an interesting experience got a bit panicky cause I'm claustrophobic but they were lovely had scan of head and chest with mask on that's going to take some a getting used to, after dental assessment they said I didn't need extractions so treatment starts Thursday  so scared and pleased at the same time, the doctor has decided against the tube in tum because I have ulcerative colitis so will see how I go and maybe ng tube if needed. The bird I saw was a Rhea I was talking to a neighbour and she said its the farmers so mystery solved, catching up on cleaning today not very exciting  but has to be done

Hope you have a lovely day

Alli x

Afternoon 

bit late today needed more mellow time, and a dog to cuddle up to lol. 

A little pair of pathetic eyes was watching me yesterday cleaning near a window and it skirted out a couple of times to collect a piece of corn litter before running back. felt a slight pang of guilt but it soon passed! there were a few bangs last night too but we could not assertain where they came from this morning. - the plan is afoot!

the trip into town yesterday was not enjoyable. There were too many people not wearing masks i did not like it. Even though iam now vaccinated until i get sorted i do not want to come into contact with stupidity. One woman went into poundland with her young child, put a mask on herself to go inside but didnt put on on her child! could not believe it. even if the risk is low for children i would not have taken any risk. We did not stay out long. 

I let hubby go into poundland by himself and he came out with a bag full lol./ - with the pretence that he had thought of me at the same time and some of the items were therefore for me! Always a good excuse. 

cant believe how cold it is today, we certainly do not have any sun and the wind chill factor is freezing. It is supposed to be summer time - the only indication is the beautiful blossom on my fruit trees. (i have made a small area into an orchard with plum, apple, pear, saskatoon, elderberry and walnut. The apple and pear act as a fence surrounding one side. They also act as a divider for the garden and a wind break. 

there have been a few lovely birds around this morning. The pigeon came for his morning feed, there was a blackbird at the bottom of the garden, a rook next door - what an amazing pointed beak he has - very dangerous!, blue *** and sparrow. i do love this time of year. cant say it enough but love the emergence of new life. 

watching sony movies today - love disaster films! after watching asteroid versus the earth we now have eruption LA lol keeps me happy - no energy for work on paper or book or anything else today, probably just me being lazy lol. shame though have a lot i want to do. Doea not help when a cat attacks you at 2am when you dont need to get up for medication until 4am! the swine you cannot reason with them lol. 

anyway hope you have a good day 

Al great to see you two days in a row lol 

Alli hope went ok. 

keep smiling x

morning

Alli glad you did not need to have any teeth out thats good and that your treatment can start. Hope it goes ok anmd remember we are here for you. x By the way have no idea what yakon roots are like lol they just sounded really interesting so thought i would try them lol!! 

At the moment it is lovely and sunny but they have forcast some rain. Boy the plants need a good downpour they are very dry. it also gives me an excuse not to be able to do anything or feel guilty about not being able to do anything outside. ! i have created so much junk we need a skip!! 

Next door had put out a half coconut filled with stuf for birds and the rook was on it this morning, byt the way it was pecking i would be surprised if there was anything else for the other birds left. Rum tum has taken great interest in looking out the window at them and still forgets there is a window separating him from getting at them ! 

couple of thumps in the carpart again last night but no visible evidence! ....

keep smiling x

Hello

Weather doesn't know what to do with itself here so using time to sort house ready for treatment start on Thursday then if the sun comes out ill go for a walk later, hope you and Al are feeling ok the yakon roots will be a lovely mystery while you wait to see what springs up, poor RumTum will have concussion at this rate Elona lol, next doors cat wandered in this morning while I was in the garden he nearly give me a heart attack when he come walking down the hall he got a bit panicky cause I had shut the door so didn't have any trouble vacating him lol, I'm going to miss the tales of the mini mafia I think maybe they are realising they can't win the battle you may see a small white flag as they leave with there tail between there legs quite literally. Al hope you have been given something to ease your mouth and you are feeling better. Well back to work hope you have a good day

Alli x

Hi Alli :happy

I am so glad to learn that all went so well with the restorative dentist, you must be very happy too.  One less stress for your body to go through and believe me the less stressess the better.  It also means that you can get on and fight the real fight.  I was so happy when I got my treatment start date, it was a relief to be able to finally start fighting back. But like you I was also a bit nervous about going into the unknown.  This is why we need more people like you and Sam talking about their experiances of the journey.  I think an NG is much better as it isn't invasive, again less stress on the body.  Did you get a small dot tattoo?  I had a tattoo on my chest to help line up the radiotherapy machine.  As soon as I am better, and can afford it, I am going to have another tattoo in the same place incorporating the dot.

Which part of your treatment starts on Thursday?  Did they decide to go for the two or six chemo sessions?

Go on start growing some tomatoes, if nothing else they will be something to do and think about to help take your mind off of all that is going on.  Loving watching things grow and there is nothing like home grown.  I too have no idea what a Yakon plant is, I am sure Elona has told me before, but with my brain it totally escapes me.

My appointment went very well thank you Alli.  I do have ulcers in my throat, but ENT said that they believe that they are clearing up (forgot to ask what the cause is).  They gave me a script for a mouthwash which also has a pain killer in it.  Also prescribed 3 moths of Antacid, and that is a lot of bottles.  Suffering really bad with acid reflux, probably due to starting to eat real food again, stomach not used to it.  He had a look down my throat with a camara, which was interesting as it goes up the nose but I only have one nostril and the other has the tube.  He said that he could not see any sign of the cancer, Yay!  But obviously they wont know 100% until I have the PET Scan, but still great news.  Diet and speech were there too, decided to stop the 10 hour 1 litre night feeds.  Now on 4 hour 500ml feed 6pm - 10pm plus try to eat as much normal food as I can throughout the day.  They're going to contact me on Tuesday to see if its working.

Alli, have a great bank holiday weekend, enjoy every moment.  Start growing tomatoes.  

Stay Strong

Al x

Hi Elona :happy:

I didn't make three days in a row.

Loving your recent movie choices, we have been watching disastrous disaster movies all week.  Some of them were so bad they're good :laugh:  

I told Alli that you had explained Yakon root to me before, but I had forgotten what you had told me.  My stupid brain must have made that up lol.  Well I wanted some rain, must have done the dance to perfection because the rain Gods have replied with rain for as long as the MET doth forcast!  Still saves us doing it.

We had a pair of black birds in the garden yesterday, he was searching through the bark whilst she stood guard. Luckily the cats were fast asleep on the bed.  Got me thinking instead of a bird table I could put a pole up and hang food from it.  I would have to place it more than a cat leap from the walls though.  May have some baby birds of our own soon though.  The Love Birds have been having much bird fun and produced eggs in the nest.  This isn't the first time she has laid.  On all but the previous attempt the eggs have been without embrios.  He wasn't great at his part.  On the last attempt two of four eggs did have babies, but sadly didn't make it full term.  We believe she didn't keep the nest moist enough.  This time I am proud of him and I think she has sussed egg rearing so fingers crossed by mid May we will hear cheap cheap (actually baby Love Birds are really loud and do not know the difference between night and day) sounds from the nesting box.  Then we have to hope she looks after them properly, we don't step in unless absolutley neccessary.

Have a fab Bank Holiday weekend.

Stay Strong

Al x

Hi Elona :happy:

I didn't make three days in a row.

Loving your recent movie choices, we have been watching disastrous disaster movies all week.  Some of them were so bad they're good :laugh:  

I told Alli that you had explained Yakon root to me before, but I had forgotten what you had told me.  My stupid brain must have made that up lol.  Well I wanted some rain, must have done the dance to perfection because the rain Gods have replied with rain for as long as the MET doth forcast!  Still saves us doing it.

We had a pair of black birds in the garden yesterday, he was searching through the bark whilst she stood guard. Luckily the cats were fast asleep on the bed.  Got me thinking instead of a bird table I could put a pole up and hang food from it.  I would have to place it more than a cat leap from the walls though.  May have some baby birds of our own soon though.  The Love Birds have been having much bird fun and produced eggs in the nest.  This isn't the first time she has laid.  On all but the previous attempt the eggs have been without embrios.  He wasn't great at his part.  On the last attempt two of four eggs did have babies, but sadly didn't make it full term.  We believe she didn't keep the nest moist enough.  This time I am proud of him and I think she has sussed egg rearing so fingers crossed by mid May we will hear cheap cheap (actually baby Love Birds are really loud and do not know the difference between night and day) sounds from the nesting box.  Then we have to hope she looks after them properly, we don't step in unless absolutley neccessary.

Have a fab Bank Holiday weekend.

Stay Strong

Al x

Hi

i think i may have said before Al about yakon roots. Apparently they look like sweet potatoes but are juicy and taste like a mixture of apple and celery. they are probably whats called a super fruit. 

My truffle kentish cob arrived so mad dash to get it into the ground. it meant moving some rocks and digging some soil so consequently iam feeling very sore but proud at the same time. 

i have a question for you two - do my little blatherings help in any way since i am not going through the same experience any more as you two am i still wanted here? 

sorry have a mimi wobble ! 

Alli dont think the mimi mafia are gouing to disappear that quickly! We have offered to help them move home so there could be a story in that. Al is also right you should plant a tomato plant it is easy to grow, will give loads of lovely tomatoes - healthy and good for you and is fun. 

Al love to hear about the love birds wow they are so pretty. It would be amazing to get some babies. I know rearing birds is not the easiest thing to do. 

i have an african grey and he made me laugh the other day. I was sitting on the loo as you do and he suddenly came out with "dont hurt me!" his cage is right outside the bathroom i could have fallen of the loo i cracked up. he must have heard it on a film but you can just imagine he saying it when someone comes round that would be call the RSPB. 

gorgeous day today and the one thing that made the day better is the huge fern my mother left behind that was dry and i thought dying but in actual fact there were some new shoots uncurling. the new growth appearing made me smile. 

have good weekend too 

keep smiling x

Hello

You have been a lifeline Elona I don't know what I would have done some days if I hadn't been able to come on here and listen to all that's happening with you, it doesn't matter that you have something different you are still dealing with an illness and I hope it helps you to come on here to, ooh I like the sound of yakon roots I've not seen them in the supermarket I suppose there a bit exotic for Tesco and Asda lol, the African Grey sounds like a character its a shame we can't put pics up so I could see all yours and Al's lovely pets. Another day at hospital it is now like my second home just a pre assessment for chemo and bloods but ended up being a long day cause we got stuck in traffic coming home, it normally takes an hour but it took 2 but the driver was lovely and chatty so quite enjoyed the journey. Hope your mouth is easing Al good idea about putting bird seed up high so kitty's can't reach, I haunt had the dot tattoo no ones mentioned it yet when did you get yours (sorry another question lol). Got to get more bird seed the last lot had mixed seeds and the birds have just ate the ones they like and left the rest I have very picky pigeons 

Hope your day has been a good one

Alli x

Hi Al

Hope you are well and are starting to have a bit more energy I know it must be frustrating but give your body time and I'm sure you will start to feel more normal soon, the lovebirds sound lovely and sound like there living up to there name baby ones how cute now that is something I would love to see. Not got a very exciting day planned just washing and ironing hope your day is more fun than mine lol

Take care

Alli x

Morning

`well so much for the rain we badly needed I think every where else must be having the rain except us! My plants really need it. 

I really dont know where the days go so far they seem to race away. Its hard to believe it is May already and all of us have gone through so much in the last few months. Al has gone through the worst and come out the otherside and is doing really well.Alli is going through the process and will with hope come through like Al. Sam is also comeing through the otherside. T~he journeys are all unique but similar and special to that person only. Each one special and amazing showing how hope, love, determination and dedication join forces for that person how wonderful is that. I feel humbled to be allowed to share. 

Alli I love all flowers that are blue/purple they are my favourite colour. Some of the flowers i have ordered are blue. colour is important although I would not neccesarily believe when people say what colours mean or hubby with his love pof yellow would be a pyschopath!!! 

Al hope you are getting more and more energy as days go by and resting well. I could not be more pleased for you that you are healing it is amazing your wife and yourself must be full of hope. Keep up the progress!!

had a day free of the mini mafia the brothers must still be suffering from their fight! (or grounded by grandma). 

Am going to have a gentle day of sanding and hopefully painting the last part of the dinning room area. It is a goal to get that area of the double room finished and looking nice. Once the wall is done i have a few floor planks to finish then i can concentrate on the fireplace. That is the exciting area. It is an original fireplace but unfortunately an old boiler was placed inside. I removed the bottom area leaving the fireplace and removed the horrid shelve unit thing the lady left there leaving the fireplace area. I have bought on ebay some original fireplace tiles to go on the outside and cant wait to get them up. Hope Alli you enjoyed your cleaning day lol. 

have a good day 

keep smiling 

x

Morning 

hope everyone is ok this morning. 

very windy today and glum but still no rain. They say we should have some later but not convinced so may have to water the garden.

mini mafia was quiet last night hubby says they are definately having a government meeting about the situation and i could swear i saw one dashing across the garden yesterday. i found a hole they had eaten into next doors fence to get through have to work out how to close it up. 

Bought a new harness for pedro yesterday with a front lead so basically you attach the lead at the front and also at the back which helps you control the dog and teach him proper walking. Pedro can walk nicely but he is reacive with other dogs. this is used by one of my behavioural friends so i thoiugh we would see if it worked with him. he retalliated! i put it on him - no problem looked really smart then decided to walk him down the road a little to see. we got to the end of the drive way and he sat down refused to budge!!! can you imagine trying to move a 37kg dog ? he had those dolful eyes that turned stubborn. it tookus a while to move anywhere!!! we will have another go later. 

Rolo decided to wake  me up as usual last night so his paw came out to pat me on my face then when i refused to budge the claws came out and suddenly pain! a claw dug into my cheek - blood everywhere. little B....... !!! then now he is as cuddly as pie 'i love you mummy' !!!

did not get to finish wall yesterday so will try again today. 

have a good day 

keep smiling x

Hi

Sorry its been a while I do my posts and emails on a kindle I'm a technophobe lol I don't have a fancy phone and managed to leave it in Gary's car yesterday so only just got it charged, how did you get on with Pedro Elona did he let you walk him on the second attempt, sounds like your not taking it very easy hope your feeling well and not overdoing it although the fireplace sounds like it will be lovely when its done I love all the original features so I would be itching to get it done to. Mini mafia are definitely hatching a plan be prepared it may be the calm before the storm and grandma may lead the troops to make sure there's no fisticuffs in the ranks lol. Only a few days to go till treatment getting a bit nervous more that it might not work but trying to put them thoughts aside. Hope your ok Al and on the road to recovery hope the lovebirds are doing ok 

Take care Alli x

Nearly forgot I think we have got all the rain Elona we had a bit yesterday but today its been torrential and windy to, hope tomorrow s nicer maybe you might get some rain soon it's certainly gave the grass and plants a good soaking x

Hi Elona :happy:

OMG!  I, and I am sure others, enjoy reading your 'blatherings'.  They are a much needed relief from the trials and tribulations of living with cancer.  I couldn't imagine this thread without you, actually this thread would no doubt have finished weeks ago without your wonderful, thoughtful posts and replies.  You may not be living through cancer, but you did go through all the tests, biopsies, witing for results etc.  And the end results may not have been cancer, but the stress of the wait was the same and they did diagnose you with a life changing illness.  So many people go through tests for neck cancer to be diagnosed with something else and they need to be able to read posts from beautiful souls like yourself who have also been through the same.  You have certainly helped me through this, for which I will never be able to thank you enough.

Well I've had a very quite Bank Holiday.  The weather has been rubbish so just been rattling around the house finding things to do, we even ran out of disasterous disaster movies to watch.  The good thing is the plants have had a very good watering from the heavens.  We had 50mph+ gusts down the valley last night, lights flickering.  Sounded like a freight train, a few trees down and many pubs lost their parasols etc.  We will be venturing out to put bits of the back garden back together today, fortunately no damage just things where they shouldn't be.

I was thinking about, amongst other things, the lack of being able to post pics here.  And was wondering what the interest would be in starting a private Facebook neck cancer journey group.  People would have to ask or be invited to join and only members would be able to see and write posts, comment etc.  What do you think?

I'm eating a bit more normal food each day, I even had a Happy Meal burger on Friday!  No sauce and couldn't eat the chips.  The most amazing thing was yesterday a few sweet taste buds started working!!!  All looking good to having the tube removed before the 15th.   Only eating around 500/600 cals a day at mo, so still having to top up with the tube feeds.  But heading in the right direction :happy:

Right I'm off to put the garden back together.

Be strong

Al' x

Hi Alli :happy:

I think I had my tattoo on the day that they set up the radiotherapy machine.  Throat is still painful, but improving daily.  Slowly eating more normal food each day, only around 500/600 cals at mo.  Still having to top up with tube, but heading in the right direction.  I'm having days of energy, seems to be a pattern at mo of one day completely fatigued and sleeping a lot and then two days of relative energy.

I am both slightly nervous and excited about the prospect of baby Love Birds.  It's not uncommon for first time parents to have issues.  If this happens the babies will have to be hand reared which is a lot of work.  Hand reared however do make better pets and do well as single birds.

I was thinking about, amongst other things, the lack of being able to post pics here.  And was wondering what the interest would be in starting a private Facebook neck cancer journey group.  People would have to ask or be invited to join and only members would be able to see and write posts, comment etc.  What do you think?

How are you feeling with regards to treatment starting this week?  Do you know what chemo you are having?  I had cisplatin.

Hope you have a great day

Stay Strong

Al' x

Afternoon, but late today man delivered compost for garden and Pedro wanted attention. 

He was abit better yesterday on his new front lead harness but did put the brakes on in the new estate. I think it ws actually due to the high winds that spooked him. He is now resting nicely curled up next to me unawares that he will have to try again later! the front harness did work though it did make him walk closer to my side than before which was good. 

Thanks Al for your kind words I needed them. 

I think facebook maybe a good idea but i would check with the administrators first that they woulod not sensor ths pictures. They have been a bit daft recently with some of the things they are not allowing. I have made harmless comments and they have been denied. The other thing would be to ask questions to the people who want to join otherwise we could get anybody. The other thing is as administrator unless you want someone else to also do it have you time and energy?

AM thrilled Al that you are eating and 5-600cal not bad start and a burger lol what a start!! I find some things still get caught in the back of my mouth on occasion so this may always be the case now. Hope the pain starts to ease soon. 

Alli try not to get too nervous about thursday we will all be thinking of you. I am sure hopefully all will go well. Try as many distractions as possible beofe then. 

Mini mafia junior was out again in the carport last night we suspect he has been left there on guard to report back with any changes until the time has come for their retalliation. Grandma will certainly have a say in what happens. 

Al it will certainly be exciting to see baby love birds sounds like you have had experinece with them before. They are beautiful birds. 

Boy it sounds like we have all had the wind. It certainly has been singing its way through my garden and lifte a parasol here too - not far thankfully but shows how strong it can be. Bet it was bad down in Wales. Valleys do seem to get the wind gusting through. Have not cheked on my plugs yet. At least the sun is trying to shine through. 

yay finished the wall and painted the window this morning so floor to finish now then fire place and coving lol. Will be good to get that done. One bit at a time lol. 

have found a foreign disaster movie called the wave on Amazon pretty good. (norwegian i think about a flooding). 

keep smiling and have a goo day x