Life as it is.

HI Ladies, just to say thinking of each and every one of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am still chemo free at the moment. Last weekend went to see my little grandson graduating from Nursery School and his end of year Concert, Indeed it was a priviledge to be there and I really appreciate feeling well enough to do these things. The garden is a bit neglected because my lovely lillies are blown down by the wind we have. The rain this morning really finished them off. I didnt end up buying Salvestrol yet. I decided to do the brocolli, ie eat it three or four times a week. To be honest I dont know if it makes a difference. I am glad we have some new members on the site and I wish to welcome them. Please ask any question you may have. I hope those on treatment are coping as best they can because really that is the only way we get through this. All the best

[Gleedy]

Thank you for kind thoughts. Im glad you saw your grandson graduating from nursery. Big school next. Yikes! My garden is also neglected. Stupidly 3 weeks post op I thought could do some dead heading. Well that lasted 5 mins and back on the sofa but the garden doesn't matter. This is the new, no longer highly strung me! Tracey x

[Hidden in reply to Gleedy]

I know what you mean, I do a little voluntary at work and one guy would always wind me up before. We were discussing an event I was invited to and did go last weekend as I felt too tired to do hair and dress up. I had done a fair bit of walking earlier in the day. So I just said to him these things dont faze me any more. If I get tired well I give into it. He is still looking at me, wondering where the stressed lady he had worked with had gone. That part of me doesnt exist any more.

[Caroles1]

Hi Hun,

I too am treatment free at the moment, but have an appointment with my onc (which should have been before I went to Turkey),on Thursday.

Hence why I am in a state at the moment, not because I think there is anything wrong, but because I am always afraid of the unknown.

I don't think we are ever the same after diagnosis and treatment, but I do think we all do our best to get by and I do admit the longer time goes on, the less I think of Cancer and I do think that it is a good thing and that is all we can hope for.

This site is a huge comfort to anyone who is going through OC as there is always someone who listens,who has advice and who knows what you are going through

I wish you all the best in whatever stage you brave ladies are in your journey,appreciate the simple things,live each day to the full and love those close to you,

Carole xxx

[Naimish]

What a wonderfully caring post. Woke up in the morning and the first thing that I saw... apologies to Neil Diamond.....was the sad sad news of Istanbul ap. Scrolled to my mails and was heartened to read this post. Took my mind off Istanbul (Oh God, when will this senseless killings ever end) so thanks again for the lovely post.

Naimish

[Hidden in reply to Naimish]

Hi Naimish, yes Instanbul is another athrocity we dont want or need. It is sad for the families who have lost relatives and also said for those who were injured. It is totally senseless It is crazy that these murderers are on the prowl and dont care who they hurt or kill. We wont go into the politics of it.

[Caroles1 in reply to Naimish]

Hi Naimish,

Am in shock too about Turkey,anything to take my mind off it too,we were there less than a week ago for a wedding and if this had happened pre wedding it may have been cancelled for a third time.

All I can say it is a beautiful country with caring people and I am saddened by what has happened and they will be too, let's pray for peace in this world because God knows that when illness hits it makes you realise if you haven't got your health and strength what is the point?

Carole xxx

[Lupins]

Hello Suzuki , what a lovely uplifting message ,it's after doing me great good . I was in melt down this am ,I had a recurrence scan result on Thursday and must go back on chemo . This time I'm going on Gemcitabine plus the Avastin . Im full of nausea and don't know what I want to eat , looking into the fridge is enough to make me shut the door quickly again . I'm also totally wiped out , my day is resting and more resting .!!!! I want to help myself and not lie down under this but I have no energy just now . I can't make appointments to meet friends for coffee because I just don't know how I will feel at the appointed time .

Anyone with experience of Gemcitabine and its side effects ???

Wishing all on treatment best wishes and those who are feeling well . Enjoy .

Lupins

[Hidden in reply to Lupins]

Hi Lupins, I had that combo in 2013 and doing okay. The Gem wiped me out as soon as I came home and I found I had to rest. There is alcohol in it and I dont drink a lot so maybe that is why. I got steroids which helped a bit. I was yuckey for a day or so during the combo so just ate crackers, plain bikkies and drank seven up flat or Bovril. I had Maxalon for anti nausea which if I took as prescribed knocked me out for twelve hours and next morning wouldnt be too bad. Avastin did give me nasal issues ie messy nose etc. So I was recommended to use Neil Med Rinses which helped. I did have to have antibiotics for sinus. I had combo for six sessions and carried on with the Avastin until last October. I did end up with joint pain, hands knees and ankles but nothing major. You do also get a tired feeling which makes you want to lie down for a nap. It is okay to feel upset that you need more treatment, its something we all dread. You have a treatment plan and once this starts you will feel a little better. Think of it as a means to an end. I got stable with combo and when on Avastin alone I got a another shrinkage. So it is worth it believe me. This is my first drug free summer since 2013. Go and get dressed up get out if you dont want to meet friends that is fine too, go off on your own and have a coffee somewhere outside your area. If you have time, have a little break before treatment starts and plan something for half way through.

[Lupins in reply to Hidden]

Hello Suzuki, thanks for the advise re the Gemcitabine , at least I have an idea of the treatment side effect ahead of me , and can make sure I get enough anti nausea meds . Did get out on Saturday for my birthday and yes it was wonderful , I'm so grateful I had the energy for that few hours . Totally wiped out yesterday , but it was worth it for me and my family . Can't wait to start the chemo as feeling this miserable is worrying . I know I'm not alone and get great inspiration from all you ladies . Will give you all a laugh , got an idea yesterday I want to go to see Tom Jones in the Marquee mid July , am looking into it . Have never done this before !!Remember I'm going to bed at 8 pm now but have worked out if I stay in bed most of that day I'd might manage it . Going for it. So happy for you being treatment free this summer . Thinking and praying for you all .xx Lupins

[Hidden in reply to Lupins]

I am glad you got out on Saturday for your birthday, these days are days to treasure. Go for Tom Jones, you will enjoy him, I was at Lord of the Dance, the seats are small but okay and it was good. The first time I went was to Mamma Mia and I didnt know what to expect, was on Gem Avastin at the time. Just manage your rest earlier in the day. In the meantime, plenty of liquids, eat anything at all you fancy. I found light Massage at Arc CANCER Support House did help the tiredness and the side effects of chemo. The problem too if you are in Ireland is that the gynae or oncology team dont have the time to mention what supports are out there. They are so overwhelmed with work, You can only do what you can do, best wishes

[Hertsmum]

It is heartening to read your positive post, and long may your chemo free period last. My oncologist says I am leading a 'normal life' on this current weekly taxol and 3 weekly Avastin! Well I suppose to his eyes I am and I do feel grateful for what I CAN do and try to focus on that rather than what I can't do as much as possible ....

2 years ago just after diagnosis I saw my daughter off to her leaving school prom and now it's my son's turn. In the past I took being there for all the milestones for granted but now I feel grateful and sometimes amazed to be here for them.

Yesterday my pet rabbit who is poorly bit me as I was trying to give him his medicine - had to dash off and get a tetanus jab! He likely needs antibiotics for rest of his life for an abscess - but he doesn't know what's good for him! So I am chasing him around or trying to hold him like a baby whilst grappling with his claws and teeth to get the syringe in his mouth .... Well it takes my mind off my own health I suppose! My oncologist couldn't believe it when I told him today at my chemo session!

Thinking of you all, and also welcome to the new posters to this feisty and sometimes crazy club

Love

Madeline xx

[Hidden in reply to Hertsmum]

Hi Madeleine, I am laughing here at your rabbit although I know its not funny. I have an elderly cavalier who is on heart meds and fluid tabs. I really thought first I would be gone before her and used be worried she would miss me. So the two of us are fighting hand in paw. She was a rescue and had no social skills. She did improve down through the years but doesnt like men. She has had to get over her dislike of water because she has to be washed every day. I can just imagine my oncs face if I told him I have to wash my dog every day because she has accidents. He would think oh dear, look how the treatment has affected her haha. You are right we are feisty, we have to be, there is no other way.

[HogwartsDK]

Lovely post Joan!

I had my 3 monthly review this morning all good! Went up to see the nurses in the Chemo ward it was as busy as ever and they were as lovely as ever!!! Life is good at the min and it's my birthday on Friday!!! I used to dread BDAYs but not anymore I am just happy to be here!!!

Onwards and Upwards!!!

Dx

[Hidden in reply to HogwartsDK]

Hi D, I didnt think the post was anything special to be honest but felt the need to post. Have a look at my response to Hertsmum, am I cuckoo or what. But my dog is eating drinking etc, cant walk far but she is doing okay despite her heart and age. My hubby says the washing machine will wear out. But I just wash her bed covers every day in a short wash and also herself in the sink. It keeps her clean and stops any irritation on her skin. I am glad all went well today for you and I hope you are out celebrating tonight xx

[IrishMollyO]

Hi Suzuki

Thanks for your lighthearted post. As they say in this country , it did me the world of good ! You always have such a positive outlook . As the song says " stay as sweet as you are "

XXX

[Hidden in reply to IrishMollyO]

I really dont know what I posted but everyone was very quiet so I obviously have woken ye up. I try to have a positive outlook, some days I dont get there. My daughter is on a get fit drive so she has me out walking. I had got lazy very lazy. The weather is changeable at times but it is good to get out and take advantage when we can.

[annieH1]

The photographs were lovely of the graduation Joan and it was wonderful you were well and be able to attend that day as its those kind of days which are so important to us.Its onwards and upwards girl! I know the bloody weather has really affected our gardens,it had to be an Irish man /woman who came up with the saying "when it rains ,it pours" ha ha definitely true in ireland.

[Hidden in reply to annieH1]

HI Annie, I appreciated being able to be there. Callum is five today and they are bringing him and a few of his friends to some Bounce zone tomorrow when they are both off. We wont go down though. We went to visit the place where they took some wedding photos and it was so peaceful there. It is across from Clonmel Park Hotel about a 15 min walk. So hubby then had to go to Kickham Bks to see where he joined the army all those years ago I had a 40th that night but was so tired from walking, couldnt get the energy to change and shower so sent an apology instead. You learn to pace yourself dont you?

[kittie]

Hi Suzuki. 2016 is a very lucky year for you and it is great you are enjoying every moment of it. I would say you were the proudest Granny at the graduation on Saturday last. You are right the terrible weather has all the gardens destroyed my foxglove flowers are kissing the ground. Long may you be chemo free. Kittie.

[Hidden in reply to kittie]

HI Kittie, thank you I enjoyed the day and the next one but I was tired, My lillies are flattened so I chopped them this evening and must do a proper tidy up tomorrow. I must read your other post too

[Lorent]

Hi Suzuki what wonderful new for you, hope you have many many more years chemo free,

Take care L x

[Hidden in reply to Lorent]

Thank Lorent, this is my first treatment free summer in three years so feeling good. Not sure how long it will last though.

[Julie40]

A lovely uplifting post. You are always supporting us all.

I love making precious memories with my family no matter how big or small. Lovely to read that you are doing well and enjoying your chemo free time. Wishing you a very long break. Love and hugs xo

[marymarcy]

Glad to hear you're doing ok and chemo free Joan. Long may it continue!

Mary x

[Hidden]

Thanks Mary and thank you for your condolences re Sara, she was a mighty lady