We're not that old but we're losing our hair... Do you still need us, now we're sixty four?! - CANCER SUPPORT THREAD 64

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Me again. Even attempted a vaguely witty title. Hopefully not in poor taste

If you have cancer, or you're waiting for test results to see if you do, then please pull up a chair and introduce yourself!

Some of us have been here for ages and others are just going through the testing process now, so there's bound to be someone who understands what you are going through.

Whether you are a newbie or an oldie it can be helpful to post a quick recap of your diagnosis/treatment to date just so that other posters can keep track without having to search previous threads :)

If you have a relative who have cancer then there is a thread just for you in the Life limiting illness topic, with lots of others who are sadly in a similar boat and able to support each other. Other threads in that topic might also be of interest. We wish you and your loved one all the best

Below are some links that might be useful. But feel free to ask any questions at all. Nothing is off limits here.

Cancer patients are eligible for a medical exemption card for prescription charges - there is some information on the NHS Business Authority website or you should be able to get the form from your pharmacy or GP surgery

You can find information about the individual chemo drugs or regimes on the Macmillan website here

See if there is a Look Good, Feel Better workshop near you - they are especially useful for advice on disguising missing eyebrows and eyelashes

Ellie's Friends
Something to look forward to
Cancer Research UK
CRUK science blog - this is interesting and very useful for getting the facts behind any big cancer headlines
Breast cancer care
Shine cancer support (for people in their 20s, 30s or 40s with cancer)
NHS What do cancer stages and grades mean?
Macmillan staging and grading (this is in the breast cancer section but applicable to many other cancers too)
CRUK stages of cancer
CRUK cancer grading
Don't forget the kids

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

So quick re-cap from me...

Hi I'm Leslie and I'm one of the oldies - joined some time early in 2013! I have stage four colorectal cancer (lung mets and lymph nodes). Incurable but treatable; currently undergoing chemo and targeted therapy - FOLFIRI and cetixumab. The tumours have been stable for two years and counting, just waiting for my next set of results due in the next few weeks to see if it's still working :)

Waving to everyone and hoping you are having a nice Saturday. I am waiting for the district nurses to come and disconnect my chemo pump - then freeeeeeeeedom!

[purpleunicorns]

Woo! Shiny new thread Thanks Leslie
Not sure if we're still introducing ourselves? If so I've copied and pasted from the last thread as nothings changed for me, although chemo is currently on hold at the minute

Diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer in October 2017, 25 lots of radiotherapy, 4 internal radiotherapy and 5 lots of chemo. Was told last week that it's spread and is incurable, palliative chemo starts on 16th July

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Yes, definitely. Much easier than having to look back at previous threads to try and work out who is having what done and when!

Though I probably should have included a link to our previous thread anyway, so that is here

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Also just saw on TQ's thread that it is her birthday this weekend. So happy birthday TQ!

Between that and purple's anniversary celebrations it is shaping up to be an exciting weekend for the lacies :)

[ranoutofquinoaandprosecco]

Thanks @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 20 July starting chemo a week on Tuesday. Still getting my head around all the medical terms.

Just had my hair chopped off and been for a lovely lunch and vino with my bestie. Making the most of the "normal" time before chemo starts.

Week of scans next week then taking kids away for the weekend then picc line in on Monday and chemo Tuesday.

Have as lovely a weekend as you can ladies xx

[Dulcedelecherocks]

Thank you for new thread.
I'm in the colon cancer club. Diagnosed with stage 3 in March, had emergency surgery and finished 4 rounds of chemo last month. Had a scan last week and will only get results in September. Have a 5 year old dd and that has been the hardest part so far.

[Wildboar]

Hi I joined at the end of the last thread. I’ve got an adrenal tumour and suspicious lymph nodes. I’m have surgery soon I’ve been told. I’ve got a renal scan 22nd but should get some more results 15th.

If anyone is good at interpreting pet scan results let me know as I have those at the moment.

Nice to meet you all.

[purpleunicorns]

Happy birthday TQ! I hope you get spoilt rotten 🎂

We've managed to get away for the night thanks to a local cancer charity who booked us into the exact same hotel that we got married a year ago. It's lovely not knowing I'm going for food and I don't need to wash up afterwards

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Oh that's so lovely purple have a wonderful time - you certainly deserve a treat!

Wildboar tbh we tend to leave most of the medical stuff to the professionals so I'm not sure anyone here would be confident interpreting results for you. Do you have a follow up appointment or a specialist nurse you could discuss them with? Tbh we mainly chat about food and hair

ranout enjoy your pre-chemo normality :)

I have a strong desire for an M&S cheese and tomato sandwich. My wonderful mum is going to look for one while she's shopping so I hope they have some left. Otherwise I might eat my own arm I'm peckish but nothing appeals.

[Dulcedelecherocks]

These cravings are weird. Yesterday I found myself having a cheese and onion sandwich with a side dish of sushi from Sainsbury's! And no I'm not pregnant 😂

[noodles44]

Hi,

Thanks for the new thread Leslie ... I hope your Mum locates an M&S cheese & tomato sandwich for you. I love a Wagamamas pad Thai every so often & that is what I always fancy when nothing else tempts me.

To introduce myself, I have breast cancer (grade 3) with a tumour & lymph node affected. I was diagnosed in June and have done 2 rounds of chemo so far. I am being treated with chemo first to shrink the tumour & node and then an op followed by radiotherapy. My bloods will be checked on Monday to see if I am fit enough for my 3rd chemo on Thursday as my current chemo regime is fortnightly.


Happy Birthday TQ I hope you are having a wonderful time. You were right about the hair cut, I am so much happier with a shaved head compared to my weird thin hair from yesterday.

Purple what a lovely surprise. Enjoy your night away and dinner too. What a lovely gesture from the cancer charity too. Enjoy!

ranout sounds like a lovely day. Enjoy your 'normal' time

I've had a nice time with my friend, she took my dog out for a walk too and we ventured out to a local farm shop for a few bits. I wore my wig, but it is the 1st time I have stepped out since shaving my head, so baby steps... I haven't done much painting, just an hour, but eventually will get there!

[Dulcedelecherocks]

Noodles well done on taking the plunge and having your hair chopped. Small steps as you say and I'm sure you look lovely x

[Oscha]

Just place marking. We’re heading home from holiday today, having spent a week just me and DH-I missed the kids but it was an amazing holiday and so lovely to have that time to just rest and be with him. My appt at the breast clinic is on Tuesday, and I swear to god my lump feels harder and bigger with every day that passes. Paranoia?! It seems so much more obvious now.

I haven’t posted much but have been reading along whenever I’ve had WiFi. Thanks for being kind and inspiring and real. X

[Pandoraslastchance]

I'm 32 with invasive ductal breast cancer with inflammatory presentation grade 3.

Been a battle to get this fucker diagnosed and been back and forwards since January this year being fobbed off. I am fighting on all fronts.

I've just finished 2 days of scans and tests and I'm waiting for Tuesday to have my portacath fitted so I can start my chemo.
Plan so far:
Chemo 18 weeks,mastectomy, post op chemo (unknown length) and then radiation therapy.
Hopefully I will qualify for a breast reconstruction sooner rather than later.

[Wildboar]

leslie I’m the most impatient patient, can you tell . I’ve got an appointment Wednesday for results.

Good luck with chemo everyone.

[plannedshock]

I'm here!
(Still waiting)
Colorectal cancer diagnosed weds, in hospital awaiting an emergency ct as we type.
I'm in that horrible crazy person limbo

[Pebble21uk]

Hello... I'm not yet diagnosed. Called back after a routine mammogram - going through lots of scans and biopsies at the moment.

Have been told I have a Radial Scar lesion 6-8cm, some are benign and some cancerous, so I should get a definitive result after having had a second lot of biopsies - results day on the 22nd, so still playing the waiting game!

[addlebrained]

Here you all are!!

Happy birthday TQ!! hope you’re being spoiled!

to all those in waiting limbo ...

I’ve got stage 3 colon cancer and finished chemo a week ago - had tumour removed in March and now I’m into waiting limbo - seeing oncologist on weds and surgeon again in Sept/Oct - don’t think I get any more scans til next March but not totally sure what the plan is!

Welcome to any newbies and commiserations that you had to come and find us Lacies

to all.

PS Ed’s diner chocolate milkshake WAS really good!! You were right Dulce

[PenApple]

Just popping on so I don’t lose you all!

Not even been seen by Breast clinic yet so just hanging out in frustrated panicky limbo for now.

[plannedshock]

How long did you guys have to wait between being told you had cancer and getting ct or mri scans?

[ranoutofquinoaandprosecco]

@plannedshock I was told I had breast cancer on 20 July I have my mri on Tuesday and ct on Thursday.

In the meantime I've had an appointment with the cancer doctor and nurses, an appointment with the oncologist, one with the oncologist nurse and I also go in a week on Monday for my picc line fitted then start chemo the next day.

I think I'm not as worried about the scans as they've told me they "think" it hasn't spread. Obviously they can't say for sure until they do them.

[noodles44]

Hi planned I was told I had cancer on 28th June (biopsies completed 15th June) then I got a cancellation CT scan on 2nd July. My first Oncologist consultant appt was 5th July and I found out then that there was no spread. So I was very lucky to not have too much waiting around after diagnosis. The consultant said she wasn't worried about the bone or MRI scan results from what she could see on the CT. I had those scans over the following couple of weeks, but after what she had said, I didn't worry too much and they also came back clear.
I hope your CT comes through quickly.

[TwitterQueen1]

Hellooooooooo! Thanks for all the birthday wishes . I was born in '59 and I am now 59.... I had a perfect day. Lazy breakfast with cards and a few presents We all went for a walk (more of a sniff really) with Maisie, who sadly for us goes back to her owners today. Then more cards, flowers & presents followed by a very tasty lunch out and more chilling....

Some old friends coming round to sit in the garden and drink and eat later. I'm hoping the rain will have passed over by then and some cooler sunshine will return.

Quick recap
Stage 4 ovarian cancer dx March 2017. 3 months of carboplatin, taxol & Avastin followed by radical debulking/hysterectomy and more chemo. NED August, recurrence November. Caelyx Jan-May this year, which proved very effective. Having a chemo break for a few months.

[TwitterQueen1]

I love the new thread title Leslie!

[Minniemountain]

Hello Planned
I got diagnosed with a 7mm cancerous lump on 20th July, 10 days after my scan and needle biopsy.
The bastardy lump is being removed on Friday along with the sentinel lymph node (for checking), then I'll have radiotherapy.