I have spent the last week in Whipps X , my local in East London , fighting a very nasty fever . Investigated every bit of my body and liased admirably with team at UCH . Fever under control , bowels only just , so probably infection / inflamation coming from bowel and pelvis area ....
In the process , I missed my first Gem/ Cisplatin .
We are not in the best of places ; the para rectal tumour that we have been batting down for seven years has now taken hold and is growing quite rapidly . Three surgeons are saying this is inoperable in terms of how it is situated , scar tissue from three tummy ops and just not in a good place for a Stoma etc ....so , the Chemo has got to do its work ! I am being as realistic as I can be , as most of you know me to be ....
To all UCH gang , I will be having bloods done early with an appointment at 10. 15 ...
I have , as most of you know , outwitted this monster for seven years ...my 70th is in 2019 .....a glimmer on the horizon I very much hope to reach .
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angeladale
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Sending you best wishes lovely lady, and a big hug. Hope you manage to get your chemo and carry on outwitting the monster for many years to come. Kathy xx
Just wishing you a return to good ‘health’ in terms of recovering from this infection/inflammation. I wish you all the best in becoming fit for chemotherapy. You are under a good team at UCH....so not worth asking for another surgical opinion?
Whipps Cross, I didn't know you were near there. Number two son was born there, I'm from Chigwell so was my local hospital, I've always loved that place. Maybe when you're up and about again, we could meet for coffee, my travel ability being improved. I come to visit my son at Forest Edge Cemetery and my daughter in Chigwell.
Hope they find a speedy solution, have you asked for second opinion, or maybe an ileostomy is the solution as it is the other side. Are there other chemo that would offer better effect, or steroids to reduce the inflammation?
My dear , a local girl ! It would of course be lovely to meet . Seeing team today , but UCH Colo rectal man very loathe to do anything , and top man at Whipps singing from same song sheet ...as were young Reggie's when they saw the scan ....Chemo will have to do its thing . If nightmare situation they will do something , but 50/50 chance of success and two bags , not one . Trying to get my head round all this ....will be guided by Profs team /MacMillan /Hospice help maybe ...meanwhile house decorated and new curtains and blinds , first in 30 years to make me comfy !!!Big chuck out proving therapeutic !!!hugs xxx
My cousin was a colon/rectal theatre nurse grade 7 (sister?) at Whips Cross for the last 10 years. I doubt you ever met but it's a small world! I'm not local now but I used to live just off the Wanstead flats - twice in my life - and was brought up in Dagenham! I'm not there now but my nurse cousin still works at Whips Cross sometimes.
All my old stomping grounds. Former inLaws live in Hornchurch/Rainham (Elm Park) step daughter in Gidea Park. I was born in Manor Park so used to run the dog at Wanstead Flats when I was a child. They used to have all the cattle roaming on the common land. Wow that bought back memories!
Tough situation but I feel your grit and determination . I am really willing the chemo to shrink the b*****d and give you loads more time so keep fighting on and sending virtual hugs xx
Angela, Good God! You have been through so very much, I'm inspired that you're still here fighting this crap disease. I'm thinking powerful positive thoughts for you to get a complete response from your chemo. T
I have been reading your previous posts, you've had a long hard journey but have tried to stay positive, at least in public!
I do hope you and the professionals can find a way to improve your situation, you deserve a big chunk of luck - or divine intervention, although I don't believe in that much myself.
Talk to us here when you feel down, you really don't need to hide when you feel lowest. That's when you need those who truely understand the most.
You've already had lots of replies and that's a lot of good wishes coming your way. I want to add mine too.
Thank you so much for insight ....I am not good when down and hide . Usually try to be positive and strong but this time , I do feel absolutely awful . Seven years on , my body is shouting , " no more " ....have been in bed since Wednesday and have next go on Tuesday ....don't know how I will manage it . Steroids and domperidine and constipation , don't do it for me ! At least we have some good weather to look forward to . A walk on wanstead flats is what I need soon XXX
That sounds a tough place to be in Angela, both with the infection and the progression but you are such a fighter and I hope the chemo does it’s thing and some. House renovations are quite therapeutic and cheering funnily enough!
Sorry for late reply but thank you for cheering me on. Feel awful but need to get organised for 2nd bout on Tuesday , one down and hoping for a better week x
Can’t imagine what you are going through, but I wish you well for what is to come. There is always hope and once you feel better you will feel more able to face things.
Your positivity is shining through and that is half the battle.
My dear , thank you ( all ) for such support . First chemo was Wednesday and I have been down and out since . Tuesday brings next infusion with a week off . Family barely coping with me ! I will concentrate on birthday bash but at the moment ....not good , not good at all .
It was wonderful to meet you both yesterday. I know you will be resting now but I've only just read your post and just had to make contact.
Take care and let me know what day of the week your chemo is. I left the building at 6.15 last evening and have finally worked out why I'm always kept waiting (usually 4 hours before starting me.) Some infusions have a short validity but Paclitaxol's is several days. Also I'm on a trial so can't be sped up. On a positive note, my luck lies in different areas and that runs into years so I'm not complaining!!
Rest well, lovely lady and hope you feel better soon xx
Thank you so much ...it was lovely to meet you and yes , it all takes so long ...had my first gemcitibane / cisplatin on Wednesday and have felt dreadful ever since ! Still in bed today yet next lot on Tuesday ...I really don't know how I am going to manage . Still , the cats happy sitting with me and enjoys marmite which is all I can eat xx
Hi Angela. Hope the chemo has gone ok day and the gem cisplatin will do its work. You’ve really been through the mill and deserve a break. All the very best. Jo 🌼🌹🌸🌻🌺
You too wiped out ? Ghastly mouth / tongue , cracks , so tired I can barely wash ....as bad as carbo/ taxol seven years ago . I have sailed through six regimes but this is doing me in ! Beginning to wonder if I can go through with twelve weeks of this ....thank you for your support xx hope you not so bad x
Julie, I know you've approached treatment with resolve ,and Angela I believe you've had doubts each time you've started on which ever toxic regime you're on.
The start of any treatment is a massive shock to the system and this is known to be a tough one. And..... you weren't bonny before you started.
Weekly ( have I understood this right? Is it just Gem tomorrow with 3 months in total?) does feel a tough hill to climb.
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