Firstly, thanks so much for all the kind and positive comments regarding my clinical study being stopped last Thursday.
On Friday, I received very sad news that my close friend, Anna had passed away due to C. It all happened so quickly and by the time she was diagnosed it was everywhere. I understand the primary was in her lung. Anna spent most of her life being kind and looking after others and possibly left looking after herself too late..... It’s really hard losing a good friend, we became close when we were both widowed young. It’s going to take me a while to get over this loss, if ever ...
I am usually such a cheerful and positive person but I’m struggling ...
I face a treatment change on Thursday - Xeloda and as it’s a chemo drug, I’m scared as I’ve never had chemo before. Also, on all my other meds, I have never really suffered any side effects....
On a positive note, I’ve been using a “This Works” deep sleep pillow spray with lavender, vetivert and wild camomile and it’s really helped me sleep.
I need to bounce back from all this and I’m sure I will, eventually ....
Wishing you all the very best.
Jo xx
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Sunnydrinking
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You have been through so much in just a short space of time. I’m sorry to hear that your dear friend Anna has died. She sounds like she was a very caring person who had a deep impact on your life.
Having to change treatments after coming off the clinical trial must also be hard. But there are other ladies on here with experience of xeloda who should be able to advise you on what to expect and how to manage the side effects.
It’s good that you have found a way to improve your sleep. I think we tend to overlook the importance of proper, restorative sleep. You need to be kind to yourself right now.
Many thanks for your reply. Very much appreciated during this difficult time for me.
I’ve been looking into articles that Bestbird has shared and I’m wondering if I could start on a lower dose of Xeloda & will ask my Oncologist about this on Thursday.
Dear Jo, I am so very sorry to hear about your close friend Anna. You have a lot on your plate right now and I pray that the Lord gives you comfort. On a positive note, I’m on Xeloda for almost 2 months now and have no side effects. I am on a very low dose though but I believe a lot of ladies here say that it is very doable.
I am sorry for losing your friend, I took Xeloda and the side effects were minimal on my hands and feet and got relief applying creams, I started with two weeks on and one week off then to decrease the side effects on my feet, I went on one week on and another week off and got better.Sending you hugs
It is so difficult to go on without one of our mainstays and a dearest friend. I just feel for you in your loss especially at this time of challenge. Just holding you in thought and hoping you can find some respite moments. I think your chosen moniker here speaks volumes about your character and intent even during the darkest of times, you find restorative moments when you drink in the sun, and others (like here) drink in your shining for us.
So sorry to hear about your friend. Losing people takes on a new dimension when you are in our position and it’s hard.
I had xeloda for 3 months this year and the only real side effects I had were scarlet hands and swollen finger prints which made opening my phone with a finger print difficult - no pain though. And deep water blisters on the soles of my feet when I walked too far. The blisters went in a couple of days and I got gel inserts for my walking boots which stopped them coming back.
This is a lot at once. So sorry about the loss of your friend, especially at a time when so much is happening for you personally. Will hold the very best thoughts for you.
The loss of your friend makes me sad. I wish you strength and peace as you deal with the deep pain. God be with you and lots of comfort to you. Blessings Hannah
Just want to add that I am sorry about losing a friend and you are struggling but you always sound like you are strong, so rest and take care. You will get through and I expect you will feel better after Thursday and you get that sorted out. We are all cheering for you and sending love and hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss . I hope your new treatment is effective yet kind to your body and mind .
Luann
Dear Jo - I’m very very sorry about your good friend. Loyal enduring friends are one of life’s great gifts. She sounds wonderful.
All of this would make anyone’s knees buckle. Please know that we are here for you.
Dear Jo, I'm so sorry! You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear friend. I can imagine how going through young widowhood together really bonded you two.
And all this, in the same week as a stressful change in treatment. I'm sending love and good vibes your way, hoping that things start to look up soon...
Dear SunnydrinkingI am so sorry for you losing such a close, wonderful friend and wonderful person. Hopefully, some day, the pain of your loss will be dimmed by the loving, happy memories of her and you together.
Jo, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend Anna and at a time when you are dealing with your own issues. I really hope the next line of treatment works for you. Thinking of you.
Dear JoSadness from afar. Sending waves of love and knowing that you are special to so many all sending warmth to wrap yourself in until you are yourself again. Heart waves are the best.
So so sorry about your friend...it sounds as if you have wonderful memories of her....I know that isn’t the same as having HER but it is a gift she left you!I’m now 2 1/2 cycles into Xeloda, and it may be one of my favorite treatments so far (it’s my 5th or 6th in 2 years)....I have had to deal with diarrhea, but Immodium controls it pretty well, and I’ve been religiously lotioning my hands and feet and haven’t yet had to deal with that side effect. It also seems to be really helping me (I can see differences in nodes and lungs, and my liver function is improving) so that makes me like it even more. I also love that it is a pill, which makes it much more convenient. I hope that you have a good experience too....my onc said that most people do tolerate it well.
You are in my thoughts. It’s hard enough to deal with our own cancer woes but then having a good friend succumb to this horrible disease is a blow that is hard to recover from. Hugs. Elaine
Jo I am so sorry you have had such bad news recently. The loss of a good friend is heart breaking, and especially during these strange times. You seem such an effervescent person, I do hope you don’t lose all your fizz over this. I am sure Anna would like you to carry on being the Jo that she knew and loved.Heartfelt sympathies for you and your loss
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