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Original poster

Secondary Cancer confirmed I dont know what to

293 replies

EachandEveryone · 11/11/2022 16:53

Im numb. I went to the haemotolgist with a lump in my groin 5cm. He really thought it was lymphoma and was direct that it would be cancer. The biopsy was sent off a week ago. And hes just rang its mestatic. Its like a dream. I feel fine. Thats it for me isnt it? Im only 55 where could it be from?

OP posts:
kateandme · 19/01/2023 17:14

Salacia · 19/01/2023 15:40

Glad that the process is starting for you. Second what @kateandme has said, I’d concentrate on having nice stuff close at hand. Simple/easy snacks for when you don’t feel like eating, perhaps some lazy food options for the freezer etc. I’ve not had chemo but when I’ve been getting myself ready for other medical treatments I’ve made sure I had teabags (especially mint, herbal teas etc which don’t need milk when I’ve run out/don’t feel able to get to the shop), biscuits etc. Sometimes it’s best (or at least easiest) to eat little and often.

I’d also make sure you have distractions to hand - magazines (recommend a readily subscription or similar if that’s your sort of thing), audiobooks, simple crafting stuff etc - whatever makes you feel like you. Make a list of tv shows etc you’ve been wanting to watch so you have it to hand in case you feel too tired to make a decision etc. Cosy things (blankets, jumpers, scarves etc) dotted around so you’re never too far from comfort. I’ve always thought of it as making some sort of pre-emptive nest for myself.

Will be thinking of you!

yep great post.second all of this. it about having the comforts at hand and ready.

kateandme · 19/01/2023 17:18

they will keep an eye on your levels op try not to worry.
and some people are more sick than others.
some feel sick.some are sick. some feel wobbly some dont and have days out and think how the hell did i manage that! dont pre empt what will come. let yourslef go through the motions, do what you can, what you need, what your able to and the rest can wait.
there are of course things the docs can say might happen and usually do for patients. but no body is the same in reaction. so dont get yourself in nots. otherwsie you will feel sick! just out of anxiousness.
i no its soooo much easier said than done.of course your scared and feel all these thigns and want to no exactly what might happen and how you will feel. but those kind of thoughts literally make you feel the things you fear feeling!
try to get those meditivie techniques and mantras going.
we are all here with you.

Riverr · 19/01/2023 18:45

Make sure you take the anti sickness tablets before the chemo starts and afterwards x

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Original poster
EachandEveryone · 20/01/2023 15:43

They’ve given me domperidone.

OP posts:
velvetblanket · 20/01/2023 15:59

How did it go. Was thinking about you today.

Chocolateismyfavourite · 20/01/2023 18:13

Was also thinking of you, how did it go? Hope you're feeling ok

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 20/01/2023 19:48

It was fine. It was a very long day. Tbh I didn’t use anything in the big bags I bought I was too busy eating my sandwiches and sweeties. Plus chatting to both my neighbours. Nurses were fantastic. Short as usual but really thorough and the atmosphere was lovely tbf.

i do feel like I’m on a Dutch dash ferry going to vet the North Sea though😂😂

OP posts:
Weenurse · 20/01/2023 21:50

You will soon have your bag of essentials and that may change as your treatment progresses.
💐

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 23/01/2023 11:24

I also got a lovely free bag today with some bits in it which was a nice surprise

OP posts:
Beach11 · 23/01/2023 15:12

@EachandEveryone how are you feeling?
you can never have too many bags 😃

adriftabroad · 23/01/2023 17:05

@EachandEveryone you sound good... so pleased. Hope you are feeling ok. 😘

Chocolateismyfavourite · 23/01/2023 17:57

Hope you're feeling ok .

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 23/01/2023 18:44

Im ok I just cant stop thinking about that lady telling me shes stage four so I must be too☹️ I swear Im not engaging anymore. I will pull the curtains and read a book 😃 honestly my oncologist has been so positive about me i need to cling to that.

i cant stop bloody eating though. Thank god the steroids stopped today.

OP posts:
OldFan · 23/01/2023 19:12

i cant stop bloody eating though.

That's actually kind of a good thing @EachandEveryone . The chemo will probably make you struggle to have an appetite and eat at some point. So if you keep munching now it'll be better for you.

HPFA · 25/01/2023 09:52

EachandEveryone · 23/01/2023 18:44

Im ok I just cant stop thinking about that lady telling me shes stage four so I must be too☹️ I swear Im not engaging anymore. I will pull the curtains and read a book 😃 honestly my oncologist has been so positive about me i need to cling to that.

i cant stop bloody eating though. Thank god the steroids stopped today.

Good grief, what a stupid thing to say to someone. How on earth does some random stranger know anything about your condition?

Looking back on your original post, at that stage you might have been told you had a liver primary, or a brain tumour, maybe you'd have had to be going through this chemo just to give you a few extra months instead of going through it with an excellent chance of a cure. And in a few months time things will likely be better still.

www.mskcc.org/news/cancers-caused-hpv-respond-better-treatment-new-study-helps-explain-why

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 25/01/2023 21:51

I hope so. Although it is still in the back of my mind that the primary isnt known. I have. Kidney function test tomorrow, i have to make myself busy for four hours so may go to Camden see if theres any nice hair wraps. Then its the second treatment Friday. You have all been so kind x

OP posts:
Original poster
EachandEveryone · 28/01/2023 18:50

Had a really nice session yesterday. I never talked to anyone put my headphones in and had a foot massage 😃. Still nt sleeping though. Ill be glad when my brother goes back up North tomorrow. With him working nights I think Im psychologially waiting for him to come in at 4am. Abit like when my mum used to wait up when we went out at 17. Just so she could get out of bed to shout at us for waking her up!

OP posts:
adriftabroad · 28/01/2023 19:28

Glad it went well OP, thanks for the updates. We[re all rooting for you.

Weenurse · 28/01/2023 20:57

Are you managing to eat okay?

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 28/01/2023 21:29

Like a horse. My weight has stayed the same every time but i do feel bigger. Its like as soon as i wake up I need food.

OP posts:
OldFan · 28/01/2023 22:41

That's awesome. Keep 'troughing.' Smile Probably about the only time in a person's life they should arguably try and eat whatever they fancy.

kateandme · 01/02/2023 13:26

Try not to try and stem or tell yourself you don't want or shouldn't eat the food. Uour body is doing exactly what it should and needs to right now. Your appetite will shift and change throughout this.each time for your best.for your survival. To keep uou nourished for when you might need it.for when you don't feel able.forcwhen your well,or too sick.its all FULLY OK to comfort eat. Don't let any of society's infiltration of food,weight bullshit get in right now.
Eat as u want and need your body is fighting for its life.it needs it.

Original poster
EachandEveryone · 01/02/2023 17:00

Funnily I have a horrible trapped wind pain tonight. Im just on the peppermint. Im going with the flow. I might order some noodles tonight.

OP posts:
kateandme · 01/02/2023 17:12

Good plan.gentle massage on that tummy in circles

Salacia · 15/02/2023 14:24

How are you getting on @EachandEveryone?

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