Faced with the possibility of chemo.

mark_jmc

Hi Dreamstar,
Best of luck- you will be fine once the first day and all the unknown is over,
A little something that worked wonders for me in the days after chemo,
If your taste goes off a bit and even water doesn't taste nice- get plenty of Ice Pops- orange sparklers, Rowntrees fruit pastilles ice lollies.
I found these great- soothing on the mouth, taste still got through and also a way of getting important fluid in to you,
Hope all goes well, i'll be thinking of you today as I know how you feel before the first chemo!
Don't forget to post any questions you have as they arise!

Leogirl

Thinking of you. Such a pity we weren't getting it in same place. I'm here waiting on mine now. Good news today, My tumour has shrunk already- after just one chemo treatment. Keep that in your mind- this stuff does work even if it's a bit sh*try getting it :-)

Best of luck. Soon you'll be finished tour first session+ I'm sure you'll be happy to be treating it+ not just waiting around.

dreamstar

mark_jmc wrote:

Hi Dreamstar, Best of luck- you will be fine once the first day and all the unknown is over, A little something that worked wonders for me in the days after chemo, If your taste goes off a bit and even water doesn't taste nice- get plenty of Ice Pops- orange sparklers, Rowntrees fruit pastilles ice lollies. I found these great- soothing on the mouth, taste still got through and also a way of getting important fluid in to you, Hope all goes well, i'll be thinking of you today as I know how you feel before the first chemo! Don't forget to post any questions you have as they arise!

Thanks for the tip! All these little tips really help.
So i have my first session done and am so much more relaxed. I now know the layout of the place and have met the nurses - who are lovely. Most of the day was waiting around - which was fine.
Dont feel any different at all - im sure i will over the next few days but so far so good.

Leogirl i know its such a pity we aren't in the same hospital. Especially since we were in the same day. And that's AMAZING news it has shrunk already! Am so so happy for you! How did today go for you?

Leogirl

It went really well but I am pretty tired. Like you it's a lot of waiting around. Blood tests all fine, my weight hasn't gone down any further+ tumour shrunk- can't really ask for better news with this situation. So I'm happy strangely.

Delighted yours went well. Now lap up the tlc+ rest a lot!! That's all everyone keeps telling me+ I think there's a good reason for that. Isn't it good to know it's started+ you got through it- you're counting down to finish now instead of waiting for the start :-)

dreamstar

Leogirl wrote:

Delighted yours went well. Now lap up the tlc+ rest a lot!! That's all everyone keeps telling me+ I think there's a good reason for that. Isn't it good to know it's started+ you got through it- you're counting down to finish now instead of waiting for the start :-)

So glad you're doing so well. Delighted. I feel like a weight is lifted now ive actually started. Have the weeks marked in my calendar so will just keep ticking it off now.

We'll get there Leogirl!!!

Exclamation Marc

Great to hear that you both got off to a great start.

The days will fly by and you'll be looking back in no time at the amazing strength and positivity you've shown.

Just a matter of time

Leogirl

By the way dreamstar-take the anti nausea medication. Even if you feel ok right now, just take it. I didn't one day + did feel a bit sick+ have tummy trouble but I didn't need them after a while. It's just easier to take them+ not have the sickness at all. I presume they told you that anyway. I didn't listen :-) I'm taking them this time!

dreamstar

Leogirl wrote:

By the way dreamstar-take the anti nausea medication. Even if you feel ok right now, just take it. I didn't one day + did feel a bit sick+ have tummy trouble but I didn't need them after a while. It's just easier to take them+ not have the sickness at all. I presume they told you that anyway. I didn't listen :-) I'm taking them this time!

Thanks a mill. I'll learn from your mistakes! Will definitely take them! :-)

Thanks everyone fir the good thoughts and support. It really helps. Xxx

dreamstar

So I'm on Day 4 after chemo. Was coping really well. Even managed to get some Christmas shopping done. But today........ Oh my god!
I have NEVER experienced tiredness like this before. I'm so tired i can't see straight. I think i may have over done it the few days after the chemo.
Really hoping tomorrow is a bit better.

Exclamation Marc

That's one of the most frustrating things about the chemo is that one day you'll be full of beans and energy planning the days ahead and out of nowhere the next day or few days the energy has just evaporated.

Time to cosy up on the couch with a box set, just make sure to keep yourself busy and occupied. The tired days are manageable once you keep distracted. I found the tired days were the worst when I had nothing to keep me going.

I found that whilst I certainly got tired throughout my chemo, the worst tiredness I experienced was at the very start and towards the end. In my second cycle I had a lot more energy than my first. I think the body's shock to the chemo makes you that little bit more tired so hopefully next cycle you won't be as tired.

You'll get through it though and the energy will peak again. Did you consultant set out when your low immune system days were?

I had my 'final CT PET scan' on Wednesday morning to see if its all gone and I'm out of the woods. Spent the entire day on Thursday and Friday checking for missed calls, has been an agonising wait and still waiting (and for how long more I've no idea). Expectation from consultant is that it will be but it's impossible to get positive or assuming about it.

Keep the positivity up though, it'll get you through so much

dreamstar

Manufactured Miracle wrote:

I had my 'final CT PET scan' on Wednesday morning to see if its all gone and I'm out of the woods. Spent the entire day on Thursday and Friday checking for missed calls, has been an agonising wait and still waiting (and for how long more I've no idea). Expectation from consultant is that it will be but it's impossible to get positive or assuming about it.

Oh i hope you get news soon. I have everything crossed for you - let us know when you do hear!

I thought the tiredness would be completely manageable but i guess i just didn't realise how severe it is! Like even just sitting up is an effort today. I think you're right about keeping distracted. I'm worried as they say side effects worsen throughout treatment. Although maybe it is just the shock of the first treatment.

They said that it's week 2 my immune system will be lowest so I'll need to be careful that week and mind myself.

Hoping i feel a little better tomorrow.

Exclamation Marc

dreamstar wrote: »

Oh i hope you get news soon. I have everything crossed for you - let us know when you do hear!

I thought the tiredness would be completely manageable but i guess i just didn't realise how severe it is! Like even just sitting up is an effort today. I think you're right about keeping distracted. I'm worried as they say side effects worsen throughout treatment. Although maybe it is just the shock of the first treatment.

They said that it's week 2 my immune system will be lowest so I'll need to be careful that week and mind myself.

Hoping i feel a little better tomorrow.

Thanks Hopefully! Not sure how I'll react if it's not the 'expected' and I've even more to go but I'll cross that bridge if I have to

The side effects do get a little tougher as the treatment goes on but I think cycle one is a doozy in itself. I remember the week after my first treatment I lay in bed more days than not watching the TV and napping and it was horrible as I thought 'wow, and this is the lightest cycle'. But thankfully cycle 2 was a lot more manageable. It did get tougher as it went on but I think it was only near the end when it got as bad tiredness wise as cycle 1 so hopefully it'll be for you as it was for me and just the body getting a shock before it gets more manageable.

But yes definitely have some preparations for the tired days, whether its TV or films as that's what will get you through those days. As much as I love company, even having people over can get tiring as sometimes as you said, just keeping upright can be an effort.

Funnily enough, I was idle from Boards for a couple of years and the tired days got me back into it!

Leogirl

I found the tiredness pretty bad too- hits me a bit this round too but I'm doing ok. Sick baby is not making this easy :-)

I think we have to just give in to it. I'd you're tired, rest+ when you feel good, don't overdo it. We won't get through this easier if we burn out! I think it's stock up on box sets+ chocolate time. Strangely chocolate+ yoghurt are all I really want to eat. Wish I was eating healthy stuff :-(

dreamstar

Manufactured Miracle wrote:

Thanks Hopefully! Not sure how I'll react if it's not the 'expected' and I've even more to go but I'll cross that bridge if I have to

Don't even think that. As hard as it is. Take things a step at a time. I just hope you hear soon. Nothing worse than waiting!

Manufactured Miracle wrote:

The side effects do get a little tougher as the treatment goes on but I think cycle one is a doozy in itself. I remember the week after my first treatment I lay in bed more days than not watching the TV and napping and it was horrible as I thought 'wow, and this is the lightest cycle'. But thankfully cycle 2 was a lot more manageable. It did get tougher as it went on but I think it was only near the end when it got as bad tiredness wise as cycle 1 so hopefully it'll be for you as it was for me and just the body getting a shock before it gets more manageable.

I'm hoping I will be the same. I'm not sure how I'd cope with this if it was worse. I tried explaining how bad it is but you just can't until you go through it. Getting washed and dressed always perks me up a but but even to wash my face yesterday was a struggle. Did manage to bundle myself into the car and go to Mams for dinner. But hubby had to drive. I wasn't able for that.

Think I'm feeling a bit better today but still don't want to overdo it. Have some online stuff to sort so might just do that today.

Hope the baba is ok Leogirl. Was thinking of you yesterday. I thought if she can do this with a little baby I can manage too!

Leogirl

Honestly dreamstar I think I'm having it easier for now. I felt exhausted but I was not nearly as bad as expected or as bad as you by the sounds of it. My chemo is known for being easier to tolerate though. I've been told to expect it to be pretty bad next time so I'm not thinking I'll breeze through. My hormones + humour are my biggest struggle right now. I'm a negative, crying, angry mess the last few days. Probably pregnancy related :-)

I hope it gets easier for you. I'm sure you'll start to feel better by the end of week one. Just remember not to overdo it because you'll need all your strength to do this again. We have to think of the end goal- kill this cancer!!

Exclamation Marc

Found out today that after my scan last week I'm in full remission!

Such a relief, thanks for the kind words

I need a drink.

Leogirl

Oh that's fantastic news. Congratulations!! It's exactly the kind of thing dreamstar+ I need to hear now+ then. Remind us that it is worth it+ does work. So happy for you :-)

Exclamation Marc

Leogirl wrote: »

Oh that's fantastic news. Congratulations!! It's exactly the kind of thing dreamstar+ I need to hear now+ then. Remind us that it is worth it+ does work. So happy for you :-)

Thanks

Definitely. When I started I thought this day was so far away but the time has flown by thankfully with all the ups and downs and now I feel so good and you guys will have 'this' day and you'll feel the same, happy and healthy

You will get there, and you will feel so proud of all you've done.

dreamstar

Manufactured Miracle wrote:

Found out today that after my scan last week I'm in full remission!

AMAZING!!!!! And such good timing - you can properly enjoy the Christmas now!

I'm so so happy for you! Had been saying little prayers for you.
So what happens now? Do they keep an eye on you still?

I'm glad it has gone quick for you. Sometimes i get this awful feeling that i can't do it - it seems like such a long time away until treatment is over. But good news like this definitely helps!

mark_jmc

Had my 3rd monthly follow up on Monday. 2 of my 3 tumour markers were normal, one was at the highest point of normal but apparently this one is the least indicative of cancer and cold be raised by a cold etc so im not worried about that.
The results of my chest x-ray- I have to laugh at doctor 'speak':
THe xray hadn't been read by the 'expert' yet but my consultant doctor had a quick look and said 'there is nothing necessarily to be unduly worried about', it was a nurse giving me this info so I couldn't query it further,


anyway - onwards and upwards to all!- next check up 7th December

dreamstar

mark_jmc wrote:

Had my 3rd monthly follow up on Monday. 2 of my 3 tumour markers were normal, one was at the highest point of normal but apparently this one is the least indicative of cancer and cold be raised by a cold etc so im not worried about that. The results of my chest x-ray- I have to laugh at doctor 'speak': THe xray hadn't been read by the 'expert' yet but my consultant doctor had a quick look and said 'there is nothing necessarily to be unduly worried about', it was a nurse giving me this info so I couldn't query it further,

Aw that's fantastic news!
So great to hear so much good news on thus thread.

Leogirl

That's great news! We need to hear stuff like this. Keeps me focussed on the end goal :-)

I had similar chat with my oncologist after bone scan. Expert hadn't read it yet but looked ok to her. I couldn't relax til I was told it's definitely clear (which it was thank God). I expect we will have a good few of those chats in the future! I imagine every test+ scan is worrying until we get told it's completely gone+ it's nowhere else. Roll on that day :-)

dreamstar

So I just had to get in touch and let you all know I had my 3rd chemo session yesterday so I'm finally half way there!!!!!! Can't believe it. I said to myself all along that once I get to half way it will fly.

Am coping ok with the side effects. Starting to get the hang of when my bad days will be etc. I know this weekend will be tough but once I get to Tuesday I'm usually back to normal.

Hope everyone is keeping well and excited for Christmas!

dreamstar

mark_jmc wrote:

anyway - onwards and upwards to all!- next check up 7th December

Hope your check up went well!

dreamstar

Just had to get back on to share the good news. I'm here having my very last chemo session!!! Can't believe I did it. Still have a rough few days ahead but they're the last bad days!
Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. And I hope you're all doing well!

Leogirl

Congratulations!! It's a great feeling. So happy mine is over. I'm back in today but for herceptin only, I can handle that :-)

Hope next few days aren't too bad+ then you can enjoy feeling better + better as each week passes. Xxx

dreamstar

Leogirl wrote:

Congratulations!! It's a great feeling. So happy mine is over. I'm back in today but for herceptin only, I can handle that :-)

Congrats to you too Leogirl. And thanks for all the support. It was great to have you there too for tips / questions!
Good luck with everything else hun! We got through that tough bit!!

Exclamation Marc

Funny this.

I was only thinking of this thread the last few days and hoping you were all getting through everything. So so happy to hear that things are good and hopefully now it's the start of the rest of your life happy and healthy.

I'm back in for my first follow-up check on Tuesday, it's crazy how time flies. More or less this time last year I was heading to the doctor for an annoying lump!

Best of luck with everything in the future, you both deserve nothing but the very best. And well done on all your incredible strength and resolve.

dreamstar

Manufactured Miracle wrote:

Best of luck with everything in the future, you both deserve nothing but the very best. And well done on all your incredible strength and resolve.

Thanks so much MM and right back at you! Onwards and upwards for us all now. Amazing the difference a year makes! Fingers crossed next year we'll be super healthy... And loaded! :-)

Best of luck on Tuesday and if you think of it keep us posted. Will be thinking of you!

Leogirl

Had some Lymph nodes removed last week+got the all clear this morning. All set for mastectomy on good friday- looking forward to getting rid of this f**Ker!! :-)