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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Cancer Support Thread 97: support for those diagnosed and going through treatment

1000 replies

LiliJilliBobs · 11/06/2025 05:32

Cancer support thread 97: support for those newly diagnosed and /or undergoing treatment…..
Thread 96 is pretty full - here’s a new one

OP posts:
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16
cannaecookrisotto · 12/11/2025 10:51

Hey gang!
chemo for me today. Just having my head frozen and feeling sleepy with the antihistamines.

@ForestFlowerFairy
The same happened to me the other day, wrote one my massive essays, thought I’d posted then the next day nada! Gone.

Sorry to hear your throat is playing silly fuckers, but glad you’re sleeping, good sleep makes such a difference doesn’t it. It will definitely end and you will be eating soon. Have they said what they’re going to do to get you back into the land of food again?

I’ve signed up to one of the Look Good Feel Better courses but virtually, so can do it online without leaving my comfy nest.

@Ventress
I avoid sad movies too, Marley and Me was horrendous, it made me to the ugly crying!! So did Green Mile.

Laughing at your Father Christmas fail 😂. Defo something I would do.

It’s true Ventress ❤️, we’ll still be here nattering away on your DS 21st!!

Indeed, King is the King, Pet Semetary is one of my all time favourite books, must have read it about 10
times.

AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc · 13/11/2025 11:45

Hi everyone, haven't been around for a while, just had my head down getting through chemo as unscathed as possible. I hope everyone is doing well and being kind to themselves.

I have a question re: Zoladex and Letrozole. Has anyone had this combination and able to give me some feedback ?

FcukBreastCancer · 14/11/2025 17:24

I didn't get all the good news I wanted. Lymph were clear (they removed 9) but did not get clear margin.
Surgery again next Wednesday:(

dancingwhilstfacingthemusic · 14/11/2025 19:52

Oh bugger, @FcukBreastCancer that happened to me. Crack back on with getting the bastard out.

Hi @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc im on that combo although have swapped letrozole for anastrozole in the hope of reducing the joint pains (spoiler, it didn’t). I have a zol infusion every 6 months. No big deal although I feel slightly dizzy for a couple of days afterwards. They’re just about to put me on Ribocyclib for three years as a further protective layer. I’m feeling rather over medicalised but am grateful for any extra chance I get to reduce risk

cannaecookrisotto · 15/11/2025 00:25

@FcukBreastCancer
Your username is rather apt here as in FUCKBREASTCANCER. Cancer of all types can just fuck off.

Im gutted that you didn’t get the clear margins but I am thrilled your nodes were clear. That is great news.

But massively shit that you have to undergo surgery yet again. This time next week it will all be over and another week from then you’ll be on the road to recovery. I have everything crossed that you’ll be fully recovered and sprightly for Christmas 🎄.

I can’t really be arsed with Christmas this year but I don’t think my kids would forgive me if I went on strike. So I’ll do the old dictate from the couch where to put the decorations to DH and an almighty online shop.

I wanted to go away for Xmas this year, I was looking at cottages in Scotland but after discussing with oncologist she seems to think it might be risky. Would have to research local hospitals and all that shit. So will be off to mums for dinner. Don’t think mum would have forgiven me if I’d have actually fucked off into the Scottish wilderness with her grandkids for Christmas Day!!

How is everyone? This week has been pretty tough, my cortisol levels have come back half of what they should be so they’re questioning if I might have adrenal insufficiency, which can be caused by the immunotherapy. It will massively suck balls if it turns out to be that, because it’s irreversible and I’ll be on steroids forevermore. But what will be will be and I’ll be happy with steroids forever as long as the immuno works in keeping me here for the kids. I slept through the baby fatfat waking up in the night earlier this week so DH had to parent at 4am (won’t anybody think of DH 🙄). But it’s unlike me, he said I was pretty comatose. I’ve never not heard or woke up for one of the kids, and she’s at the end of my bed! So feel like I’ve been hit with the tired train. Mums been here helping me. Hot flushes also kicking my arse.

Got a telephone appt though with the surgeon for Tuesday which I wasn’t expecting, not sure what that’s about. I have been booked for an MRI on the 8th December (midway point before starting the 12 weeks EC). And, an appointment with psychology next Thursday to try and overcome some of the intrusive thoughts. So a bit going on and it’s freaking me out. The thought of an MRI is both reassuring and terrifying all at the same time. I don’t want the scan and the results will scare the shit out of me. I know it’s shrinking because I can feel the bastard shrinking, but it’s any other little surprises that might pop up that plague my thoughts.

Anyway, I can’t change/control the outcomes of these things apart from do as I’m told so I just have to suck it up chew some diazepam in the meantime.

It’s as though the routine keeps me going and sane and any break in the routine throws me off kilter. So an MRI in the mix has me all a tither.

The ferals living in my house have all come down with colds. It’s germ city up in here. Baby fatfat has another cold, coughing like a little spitty goose. DH has same cold, except he’s coughing up dark phlegm and has sore throat. DD8 has temperature and headache. So I’m just waiting for the inevitable now. I’ve been checking my temp regularly and so far so good 🤞.

I have limited sympathy for DH. He snores like a hog at the best of time and last night the little one woke up about 4am and every time she nodded back off he would either cough or snore and she’d wake up again. In the end he was banished to the couch. Next time I’m going to banish myself to the couch and have some bloody peace.

It’s freezing tonight! Got pants on in bed which is unlike me. See how long it lasts before I wake up in a hot flush sweating my tats off.

Sending peace and warmth to my fellow threadians and a relaxing weekend ahead for all.

Namechange822 · 15/11/2025 08:16

@littlebilliieim on Capox. How are you getting on with it?

FcukBreastCancer · 15/11/2025 08:33

Thanks both. It is annoying just getting better then having the knife again. But if it needs doing. Hopefully she can tidy the acar and avoid a drain.
I'm now having oncotype testing
. Should be grateful as its v expensive, but it's to determine benefit of chemo. And I thought they had already said no chemo

They asked me to gather info from family too to see if I need genetics done.

Big sigh.

@cannaecookrisotto everyone seems to have colds this week so I'm bracing myself. Sorry to hear you have a poorly family just when you need the rest / sleep.
Is it your first MRI?
Hope you can rest over the weekend

FcukBreastCancer · 15/11/2025 08:34

Sorry about typos. Lying in bed and varifocal element of glasses isn't effective 😅
And I need stronger ones. .. Tuesday for eye test. Much of my typing above is guess work.

dancingwhilstfacingthemusic · 15/11/2025 09:16

Yep @FcukBreastCancer the road through is rather unexpected, with bandits hopping g out randomly. I hope the Oncotype testing comes back as no chemo. My journey was just “lumpectomy / radio” and ended up as lumpectomy, resection, mastectomy, chemo, aromatise inhibitors&zol&ribocyclib. Yay! Go, science tho! I think I was unusually unlucky!

FcukBreastCancer · 15/11/2025 10:46

dancingwhilstfacingthemusic · 15/11/2025 09:16

Yep @FcukBreastCancer the road through is rather unexpected, with bandits hopping g out randomly. I hope the Oncotype testing comes back as no chemo. My journey was just “lumpectomy / radio” and ended up as lumpectomy, resection, mastectomy, chemo, aromatise inhibitors&zol&ribocyclib. Yay! Go, science tho! I think I was unusually unlucky!

Sounds familiar. They told me I have been unlucky and unusual.
A lady i met on the ward was on her 4th surgery. I am telling myself thst must be rare. And on the surgery ward you only meet people having surgery, not the rest of the population

Ventress · 15/11/2025 11:35

Sorry to be "that person" @ForestFlowerFairy but yes, it will end. You will eat again and that culinary tour will be back on soon. Good to hear that the pain meds are working and you are sleeping better.

I'm just on chemo at the moment @AlwaysALargeSauvignonBlanc so not experience I'm afraid. How is your chemo going? I'm 10 of (a newly extended) 18 weekly paclitaxel infusions.

@Namechange822 and @littlebilliie hope you are doing well on Capox.

Oh @FcukBreastCancer good news about the lymph nodes but pants about the margins. But, as you say, the new surgery will get the opportunity to tidy up the previous one. Fingers crossed no drain required this time. Will be thinking of you on Wednesday Flowers

I love your bandit analogy @dancingwhilstfacingthemusic very apt!

I wanted to go way for Christmas a few years back @cannaecookrisotto but DS vetoed it. He wanted to be at home but perhaps in a few years time we will get the opportunity. I always treat us to a Waitrose delivery at Christmas. I use the vouchers I've saved up through the year from my partnership card to take the edge of the cost. Not sure what we are doing this year yet but have been invited to the parent's new gaff (my brother in law will cook).

I'm sorry that household risotto is all down with cold. Did you manage to get your flu shot? Your DH can have one on the NHS too. Not sure if your eldest is too young still though.

I'm sorry about the cortisol level result. Does this mean they are looking to change the type of immunotherapy or would it be the same adrenal issue with any of them? You have certainly had quite a week. I can see that the prospect of an MRI scan is daunting, but it is a good thing. I hope the session with the psychologist goes well.

In my world I've had a really busy week at work and in preparation for the parents house move on Tuesday. That has been really stressful in the last couple of weeks but the end is in sight, thank goodness. DS' birthday was good. We didn't go out for a meal as I was too knackered, but we got a takeaway and watched the new Jurassic World movie on Prime and it was nice to spend some time in the same place which is a bit of a rarity. Mentally and emotionally I'm still trying to get to grips with the whole bone cancer thing. That has really blindsided me.

Chemo number 10 on Friday where I learned that it's been extended to 18 weeks (from 12). As a result of the extension one session is now due to be on Boxing Day but not sure if they will be working on the Bank holidays so perhaps the date will be pushed out.

I may not be around much for the next week due to the move but I wish everyone a stress and pain free week of kicking cancer to the kerb in our own ways.

(edited for typo - though probably loads more I have missed)

ForestFlowerFairy · 15/11/2025 15:20

@Ventress feel free to be that person!
I'm actually feeling a teenie bit more positive today, it could be the drugs....I ran out of oxy whilst the nurse and GP debated if I was allowed more, Macmillan nurse was 100% for it...GP dragged heels as always. So this last week I've been relying on cocodomal, yesterday I got my mitts on more oxy and I'm feeling much better today.
I've also ran out of meal replacements...the joy of bouncing between systems so husband has gone to Tesco to stock up on huel to tide me over.
I however have spent the whole day in my PJs in front of the fire, absolute bloody bliss.

On the flip side, huge fall out with my son this week who has now announced he won't be here for Christmas because he's not wanted....and for the first time I said OK. Didn't argue, didn't tell him that wasn't true, how much we want him etc. I just figured I'm done walking on eggshells and trying to keep him happy so if he's going to kick off again he can get in touch when he's ready.
Anyone else with an angry bitter 21 year old? Any tips? Because I am seriously failing

@Ventress best of luck with the house move

Everyone else with the lurgy I really hope you have a swift recovery and whomever brought the plague into your home steps on lego

littlebilliie · 15/11/2025 17:15

Namechange822 · 15/11/2025 08:16

@littlebilliieim on Capox. How are you getting on with it?

@Namechange822 I’m at the end of round three, it’s been unpleasant how are you?

Namechange822 · 15/11/2025 17:18

Im just about to start round 3. I’m not loving it but finding it manageable, I’ve only got 4 rounds so halfway through. How many rounds have you got?

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 07:57

Namechange822 · 15/11/2025 17:18

Im just about to start round 3. I’m not loving it but finding it manageable, I’ve only got 4 rounds so halfway through. How many rounds have you got?

last one at the end of November

lost my hair, general feeling of malaise, cramps after infusion and nyropathy and heat sensitivity.

in still working but want it to be over

Namechange822 · 16/11/2025 11:25

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 07:57

last one at the end of November

lost my hair, general feeling of malaise, cramps after infusion and nyropathy and heat sensitivity.

in still working but want it to be over

Oh that’s interesting, my side effects are really different, and I haven’t lost my hair at all.

After the infusion I have roughly 5 days when I’m really unwell - nausea, tiredness (like literally having a nap at 10am), really bad neuropathy etc. But it then eases off and I’m just left with a bit of nausea and heartburn until I stop taking the pills. And then I feel completely normal for the rest week.

Namechange822 · 16/11/2025 11:27

I’m still working too, but have moved my days so that I’m off for the days after the infusion.

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 13:22

Namechange822 · 16/11/2025 11:25

Oh that’s interesting, my side effects are really different, and I haven’t lost my hair at all.

After the infusion I have roughly 5 days when I’m really unwell - nausea, tiredness (like literally having a nap at 10am), really bad neuropathy etc. But it then eases off and I’m just left with a bit of nausea and heartburn until I stop taking the pills. And then I feel completely normal for the rest week.

This isn’t my first “rodeo” so I think my hair just drops out at the first sign of chemo. I’m wearing wigs and not too upset about it

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 13:24

Namechange822 · 16/11/2025 11:27

I’m still working too, but have moved my days so that I’m off for the days after the infusion.

This first 5 days are the worst, I think day 5 is the nadir. My fingertips feel like I am touching Velcro all the time

Namechange822 · 16/11/2025 13:55

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 13:24

This first 5 days are the worst, I think day 5 is the nadir. My fingertips feel like I am touching Velcro all the time

Mine too - even drinking room temperature water makes it happen in my throat which is horrible. Will be very glad when it’s done!

cannaecookrisotto · 16/11/2025 17:38

Evening All!

I have the lurg today too but not as bad as I was expecting it to be and my temperature isn’t over 37.5 so I’m taking it as a big win.

@Ventress
I think they’ll keep me on the same one but any sign of adrenal insufficiency and they’ll put me on steroids longterm. I’m just worried they would delay the immuno whilst they buggered about with my cortisol levels so I have everything crossed that bloods this week come back normal and it was but a blip 🙏. The MRI will be the first since I’ve started treatment. I’m being a bit silly really because I know it’s shrinking as I can literally feel it getting smaller. I think I just have scanxiety.

Glad DS birthday went well, it’s so lovely just to sit and watch a movie together. This would be my ideal birthday 🎂.

Bet you can’t wait for this house move to be over and done with, the end is in sight!! Sending you stress free vibes for as smooth a move as possible :)

Me and DD8 have had our flu jabs, DH hasn’t yet. I keep telling him!

I’m chemo number 10 next week too. Pants they’ve extended you, is this because of the twatty bone fuckers? I hope you don’t have to go in on Boxing Day and they can shuffle it for a few days after. Boxing Day is for bubble and squeak, movies and the sofa!

@ForestFlowerFairy
Glad to hear you’re feeling positive and also amen for Oxy 🙏. GPs should give us a break. We’ve got cancer. We’re not taking painkillers for the fun of it!!!

A pyjama day in front of the fire sounds ace, was you in your amazeballs chair??

Sorry to hear you’ve had a fall out with your son, it’s not something you need on your shoulders at the moment. I’m proud of you though for doubling down and standing your ground. You have far too much going on right now to be walking on egg shells and your priority needs to be your own mental and physical health. He will come round I’m sure. I was an angsty 21 year old once and now my mums my best mate. You’re not failing at anything either, he’s 21 ❤️. I’m sure he’ll be there for Christmas when he realises those Christmas dinners in a tin are actually quite shite 😄.

@FcukBreastCancer
Fingers crossed the Oncotype comes back with you not needing any chemo but if it does we will be here holding your hand through it. I’m sure the next surgery will be the last and they’ll get those margins. If they don’t we will grab the pitchforks and string up the surgeon for you!

@cantbelieveIamhere
How are you feeling? How’s the side effects? How are you getting on with the Filgrastim? X

@littlebilliie and @Namechange822 nice to meet you both :)
I could end up on Cape (is this the CAP in CAPOX?) if I don’t get a complete response.

I’m TN BC, 35, 2DDs (7mo and 8YO).

What flavour shittery of cancer do you have?

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 18:06

@cannaecookrisotto bowel cancer, the infusion of cap isn’t nice 😒

cannaecookrisotto · 16/11/2025 20:22

@littlebilliie
Sounds horrible, is it weekly? I’m on PC (Paclitaxol and Carbo) at the moment and found it quite easy going but will be moving onto the EC (Red Devil) on the 10th Dec, absolutely dreading it. I’ve heard that’s shite too and I’m probably going to lose my hair. I saw above you mentioned you’re wearing wigs, do you have any recommendations for wig shops? I’m not too fussed about my hair really. Both boobs are getting the chop so… I can’t get worked up about my hair. I’m a bit fussy too if somethings not comfy so I’ll probs end up spending money on a wig then wearing a beanie throughout!

@Namechange822
Are you bowel too?

It’s just fucking shit isn’t it. This thread defo helps me when I need to have a good moan though! :)

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 20:43

cannaecookrisotto · 16/11/2025 20:22

@littlebilliie
Sounds horrible, is it weekly? I’m on PC (Paclitaxol and Carbo) at the moment and found it quite easy going but will be moving onto the EC (Red Devil) on the 10th Dec, absolutely dreading it. I’ve heard that’s shite too and I’m probably going to lose my hair. I saw above you mentioned you’re wearing wigs, do you have any recommendations for wig shops? I’m not too fussed about my hair really. Both boobs are getting the chop so… I can’t get worked up about my hair. I’m a bit fussy too if somethings not comfy so I’ll probs end up spending money on a wig then wearing a beanie throughout!

@Namechange822
Are you bowel too?

It’s just fucking shit isn’t it. This thread defo helps me when I need to have a good moan though! :)

I had the red devil in 2020 My hair is gone in a day. The NHS normally offer you a voucher to buy one or two Wigs depending on whereabouts you are in the country. I live in Manchester and we were able to use Salon Mahier Which is put onto the natural image brand. I wear quite a few different weeks now. I’ve just mix it up. we will find that some people have a real problem with it.

I’ve just bought quite a good wig from this place and it was very reasonable. I definitely recommend going to try some on before you start treatment and just have a laugh with them. Try something new different styles different colours until you find out what suits you.

https://jbextension.com/collections/wigs

WIGS

Wigs to change your look in seconds Easy + Quick Application High-quality Premium synthetic Hair

https://jbextension.com/collections/wigs

littlebilliie · 16/11/2025 20:53

This is good too

https://www.naturalimagewigs.co.uk/

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