The night before surgery has arrived, I've kept busy for 2 days with work thankfully, it's kept my mind of it. It's hard to describe how I feel, but you can guess it's very mixed emotions. Nervous for surgery, angry I'm losing two of my three favourite assets, (yes I am actually one of those women that loves her boobs, which has made it worse. I bet you're wondering what my other favourite asset is hehe) glad the cancer that's left after chemo is finally being removed from my body. Happy I don't need radiotherapy, this is because I'm having full mastectomy and all my lymph nodes were clear of cancer.
Over the next few months I will be getting saline injected into my implants every 3 weeks as my skin stretches and eventually nipple reconstruction. I can't wait for this journey to be over and get on with my life. So hopefully by Christmas (yes I mentioned the other C word) I'll have the boobs I want and some hair on my head!
Thank you for all my cards, best wishes, flowers and presents. xxxx
LET'S GO KICK CANCERS BUTT BIG STYLE
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
Monday, 3 August 2015
4 weeks post chemotherapy
Well it's now 4 weeks since my last chemo and side effects are improving at last, my main issues now are Fatigue and Peripheral Neuropathy. My hair is slowly growing back along with some tiny eyelashes. My finger nails are growing all ridged but I can see some nice smooth nail starting to appear at the base. My toe nails have gone darker but no signs of them dropping off yet, fingers crossed they don't.
I've finally finished my blood thinning injections, it was so nice to lock the sharps bin for good and can't wait to hand it in. Maybe my belly can get back to it's normal colour now. I'm still on a few drugs for certain side effects but only about 10 a day now.
My dad came over last week with my Uncle John from the West Midlands and my cousin Stephen from America, I'd not seen him since 2006 when I visited NYC, it was great to catch up. Thank you all for coming to see me. xxx My mom couldn't come this time as she has had another new knee operation, she'll soon be up and about with her bionic knees now, she's doing really well. Love you Mom. xxx
I've had a bit of a roller coaster of emotions over the last 10 days and I hit rock bottom again for a few days last week but luckily I receive therapy through Coping with Cancer and they're helping me to deal with this. As you can guess with surgery pending my fear of losing my boobs got worse, as I've been able to put it to the back of my mind for the last 6 months during chemo. But buying things ready for hospital woke me up that it is actually happening. I do realise they have to go as they cancerous and trying to kill me. So I've finally put them in the "fuck it bucket" Thank you mom for my new PJ's. xxx
I met a friend for the first time at my pre-op called Sharon, we met through an online cancer chat group on Facebook. She is in for her operation the day after me so we will be in hospital together for a few days, we're on the same Ward and Sharon asked our surgeon to put us together, let's see what mayhem we can cause hehe :-D
My friends Hayley and Collette came to see me Friday, we had a lovely afternoon. It's great to see friends and catch up. xxx
One of work colleagues Becky sent me a bag of goodies as a pick me up before surgery. Such a lovely idea it really did just that, it came at the right time too after a bad few days. It contained all sorts of lovely things from a Healing Friendship globe and hand cream to wine and snacks. The kilner jar contains all sorts of fruit and berries. Think I'll be using a bath teabag, wine and chocolates the night before surgery to relax. Thank you Becky xx
I have my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction surgery this Wednesday, I may post tomorrow I may not. If not I'll blog briefly from hospital towards the end of the week. TTFN
I've finally finished my blood thinning injections, it was so nice to lock the sharps bin for good and can't wait to hand it in. Maybe my belly can get back to it's normal colour now. I'm still on a few drugs for certain side effects but only about 10 a day now.
My dad came over last week with my Uncle John from the West Midlands and my cousin Stephen from America, I'd not seen him since 2006 when I visited NYC, it was great to catch up. Thank you all for coming to see me. xxx My mom couldn't come this time as she has had another new knee operation, she'll soon be up and about with her bionic knees now, she's doing really well. Love you Mom. xxx
I've had a bit of a roller coaster of emotions over the last 10 days and I hit rock bottom again for a few days last week but luckily I receive therapy through Coping with Cancer and they're helping me to deal with this. As you can guess with surgery pending my fear of losing my boobs got worse, as I've been able to put it to the back of my mind for the last 6 months during chemo. But buying things ready for hospital woke me up that it is actually happening. I do realise they have to go as they cancerous and trying to kill me. So I've finally put them in the "fuck it bucket" Thank you mom for my new PJ's. xxx
I met a friend for the first time at my pre-op called Sharon, we met through an online cancer chat group on Facebook. She is in for her operation the day after me so we will be in hospital together for a few days, we're on the same Ward and Sharon asked our surgeon to put us together, let's see what mayhem we can cause hehe :-D
My friends Hayley and Collette came to see me Friday, we had a lovely afternoon. It's great to see friends and catch up. xxx
One of work colleagues Becky sent me a bag of goodies as a pick me up before surgery. Such a lovely idea it really did just that, it came at the right time too after a bad few days. It contained all sorts of lovely things from a Healing Friendship globe and hand cream to wine and snacks. The kilner jar contains all sorts of fruit and berries. Think I'll be using a bath teabag, wine and chocolates the night before surgery to relax. Thank you Becky xx
I have my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction surgery this Wednesday, I may post tomorrow I may not. If not I'll blog briefly from hospital towards the end of the week. TTFN
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| Fab card from Becky xx |
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| My goodies from Becky, thank you so much. xx |
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| Flowers from my Mom & Dad xxxx |
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| Still look bald, but there is hair there. |
Monday, 27 July 2015
Chemo 6 Day 25
Chemo 6 Day 25
Well I'm still suffering with side effects, phoned my Oncologist today and he tells me that the Chemo drug (Docetaxel) I had the last 3 times is cumulative, hence why it's taking longer for the symptoms to disperse.
I'm struggling with hot flushes big time, I must be having 30-40 a day, they say it's hormonal but chemo may have only temporarily stopped my ovaries, it's just a case of wait and see. So I'm not even going to think about that fact yet! They've given me a small dose of a drug called Citalopram to take for now see if it helps and told me it's best to wear cotton against my skin as it doesn't feel cold afterwards when you're soaked to the skin. Luckily all my bedding is 100% Egyptian cotton, looks like I'll have to go shopping for some cotton tops etc...hehe any excuse!
My peripheral neuropathy will improve I'm told but they've put me on Naproxen for now see if that helps.
My bowel habits have gone form the miming the Hoover Dam to the Mississippi river, wish they would make their bloody mind up!
My fatigue is the worse it's ever been through the last 5 months, 5-10 steps and I have to sit where ever I stop, never felt so unfit in all my life, i'm in pain from the minute I wake up in my legs, everything just hurts. But it will improve over time and I can see a light at the end of tunnel.
My Pre-op went well, even though I spent most of the day in hospital having bloods, ECG and consultations. Found out today my bloods are all ok and I'm fit for surgery even though I don't feel fit. My ECG was all ok, so chemo hasn't damaged my heart which it can do, so I'm pleased with that. So all I can do now is rest and eat healthy to be at my strongest for surgery on the 5th August. Have a good week. xx
Well I'm still suffering with side effects, phoned my Oncologist today and he tells me that the Chemo drug (Docetaxel) I had the last 3 times is cumulative, hence why it's taking longer for the symptoms to disperse.
I'm struggling with hot flushes big time, I must be having 30-40 a day, they say it's hormonal but chemo may have only temporarily stopped my ovaries, it's just a case of wait and see. So I'm not even going to think about that fact yet! They've given me a small dose of a drug called Citalopram to take for now see if it helps and told me it's best to wear cotton against my skin as it doesn't feel cold afterwards when you're soaked to the skin. Luckily all my bedding is 100% Egyptian cotton, looks like I'll have to go shopping for some cotton tops etc...hehe any excuse!
My peripheral neuropathy will improve I'm told but they've put me on Naproxen for now see if that helps.
My bowel habits have gone form the miming the Hoover Dam to the Mississippi river, wish they would make their bloody mind up!
My fatigue is the worse it's ever been through the last 5 months, 5-10 steps and I have to sit where ever I stop, never felt so unfit in all my life, i'm in pain from the minute I wake up in my legs, everything just hurts. But it will improve over time and I can see a light at the end of tunnel.
My Pre-op went well, even though I spent most of the day in hospital having bloods, ECG and consultations. Found out today my bloods are all ok and I'm fit for surgery even though I don't feel fit. My ECG was all ok, so chemo hasn't damaged my heart which it can do, so I'm pleased with that. So all I can do now is rest and eat healthy to be at my strongest for surgery on the 5th August. Have a good week. xx
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Chemo 6 day 18
Chemo 6 Day 18
I managed to go out for the day on Saturday to the Extonbury Festival in my county, I didn't venture far from home but it was great to be out for the first time in 5 months. Had my first alcoholic tipple too which was very enjoyable. Thank you to all my friends and family that came and made it special.
Sadly I am suffering now which I'm shocked about as I only walked to the toilet 6 times, I spent the rest of the gig on my arse in a lovely comfy chair with blankets in the evening as you can see in the pictures below. 6 toilet trips wasn't bad considering I drank half a bottle of Pimm's and 2 large bottles of lemonade throughout the day!
I wanted to last till the end of the gig this year as last year I was in bed drunk at 8pm, I made it till 10pm which I wasn't happy about, but my friends reminded me I'd been there since 2pm so I suppose I did well considering. I joined everyone in my garden around the fire pit till about 11.30 and went to bed. Luckily I woke without a sore head which I was grateful for. Just can't believe I still ache 3 days later!
I had to give up on the micro pore plaster on my no nails and now wear cotton gloves, so I've been practising my miming lol! Have you tried typing in gloves...it's not easy I can tell you. I've now lost 5.5 nails on my fingers but so far have all my toe nails. Some ladies in my group have lost nails 4 months after their last chemo, will the side effects ever end I wonder! I still have peripheral neuropathy too in the end of my fingers grrr.
I have been fully open and honest on my blog and I'd like to think I've held nothing back as I want this to be as informative as possible and help others in the future too. So yet again I'll mention I have had bad constipation this chemo cycle, so much so that I have an anal fissure, oh the joys...I can hardly contain my excrement!
But if my stool softener doesn't work by end of this week my GP will try creams next, but they prefer to avoid that and do things the natural way first. They are all mentioned in this link for anyone who is interested. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anal-fissure/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Tomorrow I'm of for my pre-op, ready for surgery in 2 weeks.
I managed to go out for the day on Saturday to the Extonbury Festival in my county, I didn't venture far from home but it was great to be out for the first time in 5 months. Had my first alcoholic tipple too which was very enjoyable. Thank you to all my friends and family that came and made it special.
Sadly I am suffering now which I'm shocked about as I only walked to the toilet 6 times, I spent the rest of the gig on my arse in a lovely comfy chair with blankets in the evening as you can see in the pictures below. 6 toilet trips wasn't bad considering I drank half a bottle of Pimm's and 2 large bottles of lemonade throughout the day!
I wanted to last till the end of the gig this year as last year I was in bed drunk at 8pm, I made it till 10pm which I wasn't happy about, but my friends reminded me I'd been there since 2pm so I suppose I did well considering. I joined everyone in my garden around the fire pit till about 11.30 and went to bed. Luckily I woke without a sore head which I was grateful for. Just can't believe I still ache 3 days later!
I had to give up on the micro pore plaster on my no nails and now wear cotton gloves, so I've been practising my miming lol! Have you tried typing in gloves...it's not easy I can tell you. I've now lost 5.5 nails on my fingers but so far have all my toe nails. Some ladies in my group have lost nails 4 months after their last chemo, will the side effects ever end I wonder! I still have peripheral neuropathy too in the end of my fingers grrr.
I have been fully open and honest on my blog and I'd like to think I've held nothing back as I want this to be as informative as possible and help others in the future too. So yet again I'll mention I have had bad constipation this chemo cycle, so much so that I have an anal fissure, oh the joys...I can hardly contain my excrement!
But if my stool softener doesn't work by end of this week my GP will try creams next, but they prefer to avoid that and do things the natural way first. They are all mentioned in this link for anyone who is interested. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anal-fissure/Pages/Treatment.aspx
Tomorrow I'm of for my pre-op, ready for surgery in 2 weeks.
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| Beautiful flowers from my friend Claire xxx |
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Chemo 6 Day 13
Chemo 6 Day 13
Finally started to feel human again the weekend after my last week of chemo hell, shame it wasn't sooner while my Mom and niece were here, but we managed to have a nice day on Saturday before they went home on Sunday. It's lovely having them here to look after me and keep me company. I miss them already and will miss my mom for about 6 weeks now as she has had a new knee operation today, get well soon mom. xx
My hair on my head is starting to grow back and I look like a fluffy baby chick, just want my eyebrows and eyelashes the rest can stay away...I wish! But my finger nails have started dropping off as warned on Docetaxel, but luckily I have new nails starting to grown underneath. They are very short and tender though so having to keep covered at the moment.
The dizziness has gone now along with the bone and muscular pain, so the major side effects have cleared up quicker this time but I was on the reduced 75% dose. I just feel really tired and lethargic now, I can't walk far at all and have to sit down a lot, so it takes a while to get from A to B.
Today I went to get measured up for my new boobies, so they are now ordered and surgery is booked for 5th August 2015, nervous and happy at the same time is a bizarre feeling. I told my surgeon to get me done in the morning or he might see me running across the hospital car park in my gown...lol!
Finally started to feel human again the weekend after my last week of chemo hell, shame it wasn't sooner while my Mom and niece were here, but we managed to have a nice day on Saturday before they went home on Sunday. It's lovely having them here to look after me and keep me company. I miss them already and will miss my mom for about 6 weeks now as she has had a new knee operation today, get well soon mom. xx
My hair on my head is starting to grow back and I look like a fluffy baby chick, just want my eyebrows and eyelashes the rest can stay away...I wish! But my finger nails have started dropping off as warned on Docetaxel, but luckily I have new nails starting to grown underneath. They are very short and tender though so having to keep covered at the moment.
The dizziness has gone now along with the bone and muscular pain, so the major side effects have cleared up quicker this time but I was on the reduced 75% dose. I just feel really tired and lethargic now, I can't walk far at all and have to sit down a lot, so it takes a while to get from A to B.
Today I went to get measured up for my new boobies, so they are now ordered and surgery is booked for 5th August 2015, nervous and happy at the same time is a bizarre feeling. I told my surgeon to get me done in the morning or he might see me running across the hospital car park in my gown...lol!
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| My Mom, me and niece Lauren xxxx |
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| New nail that was underneath, little bit short at the moment |
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| Trying micro pore tape |
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| Fluffy chick |
Friday, 10 July 2015
Chemo 6 day 8
Chemo 6 Day 8
I managed to have a good weekend before the side effects kicked in, I even managed to do an hour of gardening Saturday which I was pleased about. I didn't like wrapping up though in the heat, sadly I have to cover my arms and hands fully as I'm at risk of getting Lymphedema since having lymph node surgery earlier this year.
Monday afternoon I started to feel really tired and like I'd been through my usual ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Due to having the reduced dose of 75% chemo my pain was slightly better than last but only slightly, it was still 7/10, so still had the morphine and naproxen concoctions.
Tuesday afternoon I started to feel dizzy which I've never experienced before as a side effect of chemo, it's been so bad I fell over in the bathroom. The dizziness also made me feel sick and like I was going to fall arse over tit every time I stood up. The doctor came out yesterday and took my blood pressure and all my obs are fine thankfully, so no A&E for me this time. I'm on the mend today and just feeling light headed now.
The peripheral neuropathy is still hanging around which is annoying and my nails are lifting, I've lost half a nail so far, hope I don't lose too many! I still can't taste anything which I'm fed up with as I'm now going of food and struggling with things to eat because my mouth is sore. Never eaten so many lollipops in my life!
Oh well, on a good note only 2 weeks maximum before I can hopefully put all the chemo side effects behind me. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some sun. Have a good weekend. xx
I managed to have a good weekend before the side effects kicked in, I even managed to do an hour of gardening Saturday which I was pleased about. I didn't like wrapping up though in the heat, sadly I have to cover my arms and hands fully as I'm at risk of getting Lymphedema since having lymph node surgery earlier this year.
Monday afternoon I started to feel really tired and like I'd been through my usual ten rounds with Mike Tyson. Due to having the reduced dose of 75% chemo my pain was slightly better than last but only slightly, it was still 7/10, so still had the morphine and naproxen concoctions.
Tuesday afternoon I started to feel dizzy which I've never experienced before as a side effect of chemo, it's been so bad I fell over in the bathroom. The dizziness also made me feel sick and like I was going to fall arse over tit every time I stood up. The doctor came out yesterday and took my blood pressure and all my obs are fine thankfully, so no A&E for me this time. I'm on the mend today and just feeling light headed now.
The peripheral neuropathy is still hanging around which is annoying and my nails are lifting, I've lost half a nail so far, hope I don't lose too many! I still can't taste anything which I'm fed up with as I'm now going of food and struggling with things to eat because my mouth is sore. Never eaten so many lollipops in my life!
Oh well, on a good note only 2 weeks maximum before I can hopefully put all the chemo side effects behind me. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and some sun. Have a good weekend. xx
Friday, 3 July 2015
Chemo 6 day 1
Chemo 6 Day 1
MY LAST CHEMOTHERAPY... YIPPEE!!!
Well the day finally arrived and went. Chemo all went well as it always does, the worst part of the day is having the cannula fitted and the feeling of cold as the drugs are pumped into your veins, all feelings I've learnt to manage. Can't believe it's been 18 weeks of hell and it's almost over. Just need to get the next 10 days over with and that will be the end of chemo side effects woop woop! I celebrated with some new bling shoes and bright jeans, which all the nurses loved and a few asked where I got them from hehe. I made a poster to remember the day. I also took cakes in for all the nurses who have been so good to me. Had a few hugs but no goodbyes yet as I will see them again later this year when I get my 10 years medication meeting.
My chemo buddy Julie who was there for my first 4 chemo sessions, was in the hospital having her radiotherapy at the same time as me came to visit me in the chemo suite and we exchanged a few little pressies. And it's great that she only lives 18 miles from me so we will be staying good friends. Picture below of my goodies and I love them all, thank you honey xxx
Went home and after having my taste buds back for just over a day was hoping they'd last for the evening, so I got my favourite pizza...but no such luck...no taste whatsoever grrr :-( Oh well looking forward to a good weekend before my chemo side effects kick in, or maybe they won't seeing as I only had a 75% dose...fingers crossed. Have a good weekend everyone. xx
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Chemo 5 day 21
Chemo 5 Day 21
Since my last post I've improved a little and yesterday finally got my taste buds back, oh well I gained a day on last time! On Tuesday I went on a Look Good Feel Better Course which I really enjoyed even though I came out feeling like I looked like a clown. I rarely wear makeup and never knew there were so many things you could use to disguise blemishes etc etc. I will put my bag of freebies to good use next time I get to go out!
I've been working extra hard this week as it's half year end at work and with all my hospital appointments too the pressure was on, I'm almost done now, just a few bits to finish of in the morning. Then I'm of for my final chemo....yes your heard right...MY FINAL CHEMO yippee!
I went to see my Oncologist yesterday and my bloods are all ok and he's very pleased with what the chemo has done to my tumours, they're not completely gone, but they've shrunk a lot, which will make for less invasive surgery in August. He was going to cancel my last chemo due to the peripheral neuropathy and pain I'm suffering, but I felt like I wasn't giving it my best shot if I didn't have it and we eventually agreed I could go ahead but with a reduced dosage of 75% so hopefully I won't suffer as bad side effects this time!
I'll be glad when tomorrow is done and the next 2 weeks are over and I hope never to experience chemotherapy ever again. Then I can enjoy a few good weeks before my final surgery. I was pleased he confirmed that he's 99% certain that I don't need radiotherapy as I'm having a double mastectomy and there is no evidence of cancer in my lymph nodes, which I'm grateful for. So just the dreaded Tamoxifen tablets for 10 years after surgery.
Wish me luck and I'll blog over the weekend with how my last chemo went.
Have a good weekend. xx
Since my last post I've improved a little and yesterday finally got my taste buds back, oh well I gained a day on last time! On Tuesday I went on a Look Good Feel Better Course which I really enjoyed even though I came out feeling like I looked like a clown. I rarely wear makeup and never knew there were so many things you could use to disguise blemishes etc etc. I will put my bag of freebies to good use next time I get to go out!
I've been working extra hard this week as it's half year end at work and with all my hospital appointments too the pressure was on, I'm almost done now, just a few bits to finish of in the morning. Then I'm of for my final chemo....yes your heard right...MY FINAL CHEMO yippee!
I went to see my Oncologist yesterday and my bloods are all ok and he's very pleased with what the chemo has done to my tumours, they're not completely gone, but they've shrunk a lot, which will make for less invasive surgery in August. He was going to cancel my last chemo due to the peripheral neuropathy and pain I'm suffering, but I felt like I wasn't giving it my best shot if I didn't have it and we eventually agreed I could go ahead but with a reduced dosage of 75% so hopefully I won't suffer as bad side effects this time!
I'll be glad when tomorrow is done and the next 2 weeks are over and I hope never to experience chemotherapy ever again. Then I can enjoy a few good weeks before my final surgery. I was pleased he confirmed that he's 99% certain that I don't need radiotherapy as I'm having a double mastectomy and there is no evidence of cancer in my lymph nodes, which I'm grateful for. So just the dreaded Tamoxifen tablets for 10 years after surgery.
Wish me luck and I'll blog over the weekend with how my last chemo went.
Have a good weekend. xx
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| Finally out of my PJ's |
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| Oh my make up |
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| My LGFB goodies |
Monday, 29 June 2015
Chemo 5 day 18
Chemo 5 Day 18
Even though my chemo was reduced to an 85% dosage I've still had a bad time with it. Seems like the side effects are cumulative with this drug. I'm so worn out now it's scary, I can't walk more than 10 steps without sitting down, I can't stand for long and I can't do much with my hands due to the peripheral neuropathy and thin sore skin. I went to the doctors today for my bloods and I had to stand in a queue, I ended up sitting on the floor in the queue I just couldn't stand any more! I'm using pure coconut oil and wearing cotton gloves and socks when I go to bed at the moment, that seems to help a bit with the sore skin.
I still have no taste buds but I can smell now. I say no taste buds, I can taste vinegar but my tongue can't stand it right now. Well I went for the 15 prunes and 15 apricots and ended up going the opposite way for the first time this year, made a nice change to start but I ended up not being able to go anywhere as I was scared to leave the house lol. I can laugh now as I'm almost back to normal.
I've suffered with acid reflux more this time too because the chemo has destroyed my mucous membrane so I'm permanently on medication for that at the moment. Still injecting blood thinners too, hoping that can stop soon. Looking forward to the end of chemo symptoms and no medication for a few weeks so much. But first I have to tackle my last chemo on Friday which I really don't want and would do anything to not go there ever again. Wish me luck!
Even though my chemo was reduced to an 85% dosage I've still had a bad time with it. Seems like the side effects are cumulative with this drug. I'm so worn out now it's scary, I can't walk more than 10 steps without sitting down, I can't stand for long and I can't do much with my hands due to the peripheral neuropathy and thin sore skin. I went to the doctors today for my bloods and I had to stand in a queue, I ended up sitting on the floor in the queue I just couldn't stand any more! I'm using pure coconut oil and wearing cotton gloves and socks when I go to bed at the moment, that seems to help a bit with the sore skin.
I still have no taste buds but I can smell now. I say no taste buds, I can taste vinegar but my tongue can't stand it right now. Well I went for the 15 prunes and 15 apricots and ended up going the opposite way for the first time this year, made a nice change to start but I ended up not being able to go anywhere as I was scared to leave the house lol. I can laugh now as I'm almost back to normal.
I've suffered with acid reflux more this time too because the chemo has destroyed my mucous membrane so I'm permanently on medication for that at the moment. Still injecting blood thinners too, hoping that can stop soon. Looking forward to the end of chemo symptoms and no medication for a few weeks so much. But first I have to tackle my last chemo on Friday which I really don't want and would do anything to not go there ever again. Wish me luck!
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| Posh beans on toast |
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| This made me laugh |
Saturday, 20 June 2015
Chemo 5 day 9
Chemo 5 Day 9
Well that was a rough week yet again, slightly better than chemo 4 but not much. If chemo 4 was 10/10 then chemo 5 was 9/10. I've had all the same symptoms as last time on Docetaxel even though the dosage was reduced to 85%, apart from the severe rash, so not much different. Morphine has been my life saver that's for sure, definitely going to make sure I have some next time too. The bone pain has been 9/10 and the muscular pain 8/10, I only find this out from how bad it is when I wake as the medication has worn of through the night.
Nausea has been bad this time but within half an hour of taking the new medication it goes, shame I can't take it more regular because it actually works but it's only allowed 3 times a day. At least I've not actually been sick this time though. By Thursday I started to feel more human and could actually walk around a bit so managed to sit in the garden for half an hour.
On a slightly smellier note I've been to the toilet every day this time and all I can put that down to is having 10 prunes and 10 apricots a day hehe, the packets recommend 3-4 a day but I'd had enough of being constipated and looking 6 months pregnant and thought sod it. So a great week in that department until Friday when I started having bad stomach cramps, and I've now not been for a number 2 since Thursday morning, maybe I need 20 prunes and 20 apricots haha ;-)
My skin is so thin now mainly on my hands and feet, along with the nerve damage I'm finding it hard to do most things now, I can't even get my medication out of the packet, so had a little melt down the other day, just hope it does get better! But one good thing is I've got rid of any hard skin I had which is a bonus, flip flop feet here I come :-) Shame about the weather though they won't be coming out today grrr.
It was also a rough week as we've lost a few online friends to cancer the last few weeks, so many tears have been shed for them and their families. R.I.P. Jojo & Rosie xxxx
I've had some new scarves and a wig to add to my collection too. Some lovely Poppy cuddles. Thank you to Angie for staying with me this week you've been an Angel, such lovely company and I couldn't have coped without you, thank you for everything you've done for me. Also thank you to Jan for visiting me and my little gifts. Have a good weekend all. xxxx
Breast Cancer NOW new advert
http://breastcancernow.org/thelastone/
Sad to lose another online friend to Cancer. Thoughts are with your family. R.I.P. Jojo & Rosie. xxxx
https://fightinggenghis.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/the-end/
http://jojogingerhead.co.uk/final-status/
Another young ladies story from the Young Breast Cancer Network. xx
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/you-feel-like-youve-destroyed-5887028#ICID=sharebar_twitter
Medical Marijuana and the future of Breast Cancer
http://thespiritscience.net/2015/06/11/is-medical-marijuana-the-future-of-breast-cancer-therapy/
More trials
http://www.iflscience.com/brain/human-trial-investigating-cannabis-brain-cancer-treatment-set-commence-year-embargoed-11-jun
Well that was a rough week yet again, slightly better than chemo 4 but not much. If chemo 4 was 10/10 then chemo 5 was 9/10. I've had all the same symptoms as last time on Docetaxel even though the dosage was reduced to 85%, apart from the severe rash, so not much different. Morphine has been my life saver that's for sure, definitely going to make sure I have some next time too. The bone pain has been 9/10 and the muscular pain 8/10, I only find this out from how bad it is when I wake as the medication has worn of through the night.
Nausea has been bad this time but within half an hour of taking the new medication it goes, shame I can't take it more regular because it actually works but it's only allowed 3 times a day. At least I've not actually been sick this time though. By Thursday I started to feel more human and could actually walk around a bit so managed to sit in the garden for half an hour.
On a slightly smellier note I've been to the toilet every day this time and all I can put that down to is having 10 prunes and 10 apricots a day hehe, the packets recommend 3-4 a day but I'd had enough of being constipated and looking 6 months pregnant and thought sod it. So a great week in that department until Friday when I started having bad stomach cramps, and I've now not been for a number 2 since Thursday morning, maybe I need 20 prunes and 20 apricots haha ;-)
My skin is so thin now mainly on my hands and feet, along with the nerve damage I'm finding it hard to do most things now, I can't even get my medication out of the packet, so had a little melt down the other day, just hope it does get better! But one good thing is I've got rid of any hard skin I had which is a bonus, flip flop feet here I come :-) Shame about the weather though they won't be coming out today grrr.
It was also a rough week as we've lost a few online friends to cancer the last few weeks, so many tears have been shed for them and their families. R.I.P. Jojo & Rosie xxxx
I've had some new scarves and a wig to add to my collection too. Some lovely Poppy cuddles. Thank you to Angie for staying with me this week you've been an Angel, such lovely company and I couldn't have coped without you, thank you for everything you've done for me. Also thank you to Jan for visiting me and my little gifts. Have a good weekend all. xxxx
Breast Cancer NOW new advert
http://breastcancernow.org/thelastone/
Sad to lose another online friend to Cancer. Thoughts are with your family. R.I.P. Jojo & Rosie. xxxx
https://fightinggenghis.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/the-end/
http://jojogingerhead.co.uk/final-status/
Another young ladies story from the Young Breast Cancer Network. xx
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/you-feel-like-youve-destroyed-5887028#ICID=sharebar_twitter
Medical Marijuana and the future of Breast Cancer
http://thespiritscience.net/2015/06/11/is-medical-marijuana-the-future-of-breast-cancer-therapy/
More trials
http://www.iflscience.com/brain/human-trial-investigating-cannabis-brain-cancer-treatment-set-commence-year-embargoed-11-jun
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| My Lilly's are open :-) |
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| Not very attractive I know, but Poppy cuddles are the best :-) |
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Chemo 5 day 3
Chemo 5 Day 3
Lack of sleep definitely caught up with me, I managed 5 hours sleep, woke at 5 am then about 7am fell back asleep for about 2 hours thankfully. Woke up not feeling too bad, just the nausea and a bit achy, had breakfast which I couldn't taste but need to eat to take my medication. The bone pain is starting to kick in now and Dihydrocodeine with Naproxen and Paracetamol isn't going to be enough, thankfully I have the Morphine ready.
My skin is starting to burn again, soles and palms are really sore, using Aloe Vera at the moment to see if that's any better. Hoping the rash doesn't appear this time but Oncologist gave me anti allergy tablets and Hydrocortisone cream ready just in case as it was horrid last time.
Just done my 2 daily injections...finding a bruise free place is getting harder, and I have to alternate sides, but that's not possible when I'm having to do 2 the week after chemo. Oncologist said last week I need the Fragmin injections that thin my blood at least until after chemotherapy has finished. So hopefully another month on them, fingers crossed.
Had a little walk around my garden earlier to find my Canterbury Bells are in bloom. Finger tips are really sore so think I will log off and watch some catch up TV. xx
Lack of sleep definitely caught up with me, I managed 5 hours sleep, woke at 5 am then about 7am fell back asleep for about 2 hours thankfully. Woke up not feeling too bad, just the nausea and a bit achy, had breakfast which I couldn't taste but need to eat to take my medication. The bone pain is starting to kick in now and Dihydrocodeine with Naproxen and Paracetamol isn't going to be enough, thankfully I have the Morphine ready.
My skin is starting to burn again, soles and palms are really sore, using Aloe Vera at the moment to see if that's any better. Hoping the rash doesn't appear this time but Oncologist gave me anti allergy tablets and Hydrocortisone cream ready just in case as it was horrid last time.
Just done my 2 daily injections...finding a bruise free place is getting harder, and I have to alternate sides, but that's not possible when I'm having to do 2 the week after chemo. Oncologist said last week I need the Fragmin injections that thin my blood at least until after chemotherapy has finished. So hopefully another month on them, fingers crossed.
Had a little walk around my garden earlier to find my Canterbury Bells are in bloom. Finger tips are really sore so think I will log off and watch some catch up TV. xx
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| Aunt Sally cheeks from steroids |
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| Who'll be my Worzel Gummidge |
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| My Canterbury Bells |
Saturday, 13 June 2015
Chemo 5 day 2
Chemo 5 Day 2
Well chemo went well yesterday, was only 30 minutes late getting in compared to 90 minutes last time. All the nurses are run of their feet bless. My first night I lost my taste by tea time but can just about taste crystallised ginger which I eat for nausea. So I got my taste buds and smell back for one day, how kind of you docetaxel! Had a bad case of nausea and I'm on 2 different tablets for that, but they supplied me with a third new one to try and said I could take one last night if needed, so I did, seems to have helped a little.
I've had insomnia for two nights now due to the amount of steroids I'm on. Last lot to take tonight thankfully, so I may sleep tomorrow. Can't believe I never slept with all the medication I'm on this week, I even resorted to morphine hoping it would knock me out but no. Dare I take a sleeping pill tonight, hate the things but I'm so tired think I got 3 hours each night after laying there for 6 hours. Can't drink alcohol at the moment either grrr.
Anyway fingers crossed my reduced dosage of chemo helps with the side effects and I don't suffer like last time. They started kicking in on the Monday and were really bad by the end of the day. Thankfully I keep a diary and can look back to compare. Best thing I've done during chemo. "Chemo brain" or "Chemonesia" (as I like to call it) has a damn lot to answer for. My hair surely will grow back blonde hehe, sorry blonde friends ;-)
Hope you're all having a nice weekend, even on this wet and miserable day. xx
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| Waiting on the patio swings before chemo, a bit squinty eyed hehe |
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| My view from the swing, not great but better than some. |
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| Tired on the chemo suite after 3 hours sleep grrr |
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Chemo 4 day 20
Chemo 4 Day 20
After a visit to the hospital today to see my Oncologist and we talked through my last chemo and the side effects I suffered with, he decided to reduce the dosage of Docetaxel to 85%, which I'm happy with and also gave me Morphine for the bone/muscular pain (bare in mind I also have the pain condition Fibromyalgia), some new sickness drugs as I was so sick for a week last time and some steroid cream and antihistamine tablets for the severe rash I had on my neck. My chemo dosage has been reduced mainly because I suffered so many side effects but also because I have Stage 1 peripheral neuropathy and if it develops to stage 3 chemo will be stopped and my last chemo 4/7/15 won't go ahead. My blood tests were fine although the neutrophils are low at 2.8, they were 5.4 before chemo, if they go below 1.5 you can't have chemo. If they go down to 1.0 you are classed as Neutropenic, so I've been very lucky to receive G-CSF injections each round to help build my white cells backup.
My symptoms on Docetaxel (Taxotere):
Bone pain
Muscular pain
No taste or smell for a week, also burning tongue and ulcers
Sickness/Nausea
Rash
Pin & needles in veins
Thinner skin so sore palms, soles of feet, eyes, mouth and nose
Peripheral Neuropathy in hands and feet
Constipation
Nose bleeds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutropenia
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/other-side-effects/peripheral-neuropathy.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/docetaxel
After a visit to the hospital today to see my Oncologist and we talked through my last chemo and the side effects I suffered with, he decided to reduce the dosage of Docetaxel to 85%, which I'm happy with and also gave me Morphine for the bone/muscular pain (bare in mind I also have the pain condition Fibromyalgia), some new sickness drugs as I was so sick for a week last time and some steroid cream and antihistamine tablets for the severe rash I had on my neck. My chemo dosage has been reduced mainly because I suffered so many side effects but also because I have Stage 1 peripheral neuropathy and if it develops to stage 3 chemo will be stopped and my last chemo 4/7/15 won't go ahead. My blood tests were fine although the neutrophils are low at 2.8, they were 5.4 before chemo, if they go below 1.5 you can't have chemo. If they go down to 1.0 you are classed as Neutropenic, so I've been very lucky to receive G-CSF injections each round to help build my white cells backup.
My symptoms on Docetaxel (Taxotere):
Bone pain
Muscular pain
No taste or smell for a week, also burning tongue and ulcers
Sickness/Nausea
Rash
Pin & needles in veins
Thinner skin so sore palms, soles of feet, eyes, mouth and nose
Peripheral Neuropathy in hands and feet
Constipation
Nose bleeds
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutropenia
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/side-effects-and-symptoms/other-side-effects/peripheral-neuropathy.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/docetaxel
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