CANCER SUPPORT THREAD 60! Here we are again... join us if you have any sort of cancer (or if you're waiting for cancer test results)

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Welcome everyone to a shiny new thread :)

It's a club nobody wants to join, but if you need us, you are more than welcome. If you're waiting to find out if you have cancer or not then pull up a chair. We hope you won't need to be here long, but we are here as long as you need us. And if you do have cancer then this is the place for you. Swear, rant, scream, laugh, cry... someone will have at least an inkling of what you're going through!

We only have one rule, which is do not Google. Though perhaps we should update that to please Google responsibly as few can resist completely!

I hope this thread will be a source of support for all who need it

Our previous thread can be found here

So just 3 weeks ago after a bout of flu and rash my Dsis had blood tests, came back abnormal cells, then had mri and bone marrow tests which have today diagnosed myeloma. Mri was clear but bone marrow showed 10% .... not quite sure what the 10% is of...does thjs mean 10 bad blood cells???

Starts treatment of a chemotheraphy tablet with a steriod tablet and an injection in 2 weeks - every week for 4 weeks the a weeks break then restart cycle again ... for 6 months. She cant work during this time as works in a school and too much risk of infection. She is in shock and needs to process all the information.

I knew this was coming so read up on it all so feel as if Ive had the shock and am one step ahead. Ive reassured her Im hear to look after her with her partner when she needs it. We can take it in turns to take her for weekly appts.

Nurse explained not curable but treatable and to take everyday as it comes etc. And the treatment is well received by many patients.

It has come as a big shock to us all. What else can I do help

An update - I had a different type of biopsy today. Last week's sounded like a staple gun but this week's felt like a whisk action and involved a suction/vacuum. Anyhow, it is done and dusted and results next Thursday.

Looking around me as more and more names were called for tests and results I felt like such a small part of an enormous system. Thinking of everyone waiting for their scans, results and treatment xxx

pepper fingers firmly crossed for your appointment and results. And hopefully you’re not going to get stuck on the gynae rollercoaster too!

iVampire I’m glad it’s not too unpleasant and that you had a good doctor. I hope you’re resting up and the pain goes soon good luck for the results.

My manky toenail is on the mend, I think. The podiatrist was quite brutal at my last appointment and cut off a good chunk of nail, but that’s eased the pressure. They were talking about toenail surgery so I’m hoping to avoid that

123lookatme I am afraid I know nothing about myeloma, but I’m sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis it sounds like you’re being tremendously supportive. I’d say just take your lead from her. There’s probably not a lot you can do right now. But once treatment is underway and she’s in a routine I’m sure she will have a better idea of what she needs from you :)

magbob that sounds intriguing! I hope it isn’t too uncomfortable. Good luck for the results :)

Sorry for being a bit absent. A friend died rather suddenly and I have been trying to process it.

I am having a blood transfusion today.

Thinking of everyone waiting for results or having treatment or just in need of kind thoughts

Hi everyone- good luck to everyone having treatment or waiting for results.
I finally have a date for my Right Hemicolectomy , should be happening on the 30th if all goes well in the NHS and it's not delayed.

Anyone know how long I may be in hospital for? Surgeon said depends on my bowel and paralytic ileus ..and could be 4-5 days. I naively thought I'd be in a day or so as its key hole .

Myeloma UK has a helpline so they might be able to help with your questions

Leslie...im Sorry about your friend 💐

ggirl glad you’ve got a date and I hope it all goes to plan :)

4-5 days sounds realistic, sorry! I was in for six after my first op (pan-proctocolectomy) and about the same more recently for an ileostomy surgery. Paralytic ileus is grim so you’ll want easy access to drugs :) I know it’s rather a bummer being in so long but they’ll get you home as soon as you’re well enough

Thank you mrsreynolds how are you?

Ok - Ish
Trying not to think about it So of course it's on my mind 24/7!!
I'm quite busy early next week whixh is prob a good thing

Busy definitely helps

How are you Leslie?

Hello all and welcome to those who have recently joined.

Leslie I am sorry to hear about your friend and I hope the transfusion goes ok.

My operation went ok and I am recovering well, other than some issues with nerve pain. It is awful. The GP has today prescribed some Amitriptyline to help, with a view to stepping up to Gabapentan (sp) if no success.

Sending warm wishes and positive vibes to all

Amitriptyline is AMAZING for nerve pain
Hope it helps you x

I'm alright thanks mrsreynolds :) bit sleepy now!

Lovely to hear from you wombat I've been a bit worried I'm glad that your surgery went well, but sorry to hear about the nerve pain. I had it after my first surgery too (in my bum/pelvic area! ) it is so wearing. I'm glad your GP is taking it seriously.

Sorry to hear about your friend Leslie

and for everyone, glad my hospital visits are over for a while, I hate driving in the snow

Thank you. How are you purple? I'm glad for you too - any plans to celebrate your freedom?! :)

I'm good, slowly starting to feel a bit more normal now that the chemo is almost out of system. My plans are to decorate yes my life is super exciting while I have the energy. It's just so nice not to have to go through to the hospital 5/6 days a week

Next appoint is 26th February to speak with my consultant and then I'll have a scan a couple of weeks after that to see if the treatment has worked.

I'm still checking in on here regularly to see how everyone's doing.

Waves to all the new posters

purple yay for normality :) be gentle with yourself while you're recovering, but decorating sounds like an excellent project. I'm redesigning our kitchen at the moment as it's falling apart.

I'll keep everything crossed for your scan results

Sharpandshineyteeth how are you feeling now?

Cookiesandwine how are you?

Ghoul have you had your scans yet?

FatMe any news?

Hermonie have you had more information about your treatment plan yet?

whojamaflip how did you get on at the clinic? I hope there wasn't any awkwardness with the relative

WhatzitTooyah thirteen years is fantastic. I'm very pleased for you. Are you still being monitored?

Just trying to catch up on posts that must've slipped through the net, but I'm sorry if I've still missed anyone

I'm another one that thinks amitriptyline is fantastic (and I've slept really well since taking it too which is amazing!)

Hi everyone - just checking in to say hi and wish everyone luck with news they're awaiting and gentle treatments/good drugs for everyone in treatment or post-op. So sorry to hear about your friend Leslie, that's very sad. I hope at least the blood transfusion makes you feel physically a bit better and that your knackered kitchen is a distracting project . I must confess to not loving this new chemo; I normally weather the storm pretty well but this time I'm like a seasick Bambi!

Hi all.
Nicky Sorry to hear you are suffering. I'm doing fine - hardly any side effects at all. A bit sicky in the mornings but nothing major. I'm eating too much as usual - everytime I feel a bit off I reach for food, which makes me feel better. My go-to this week is cornflakes.

I know I'm overdoing things when I get a bit emotional and fragile so I'm having a lazy weekend. I got stroppy in a couple of work emails yesterday - I'm not really supposed to be working (though I am getting paid for it) but this coming Friday is my absolute last day. I've walked every day this week but I'll stick with a mooch into town later.

nicky seasick Bambi doesn't sound fun at all. I hope wears off soon and that they can counteract it better next cycle

Twitter I'm the same with food. Sorry about the work stress. Good job on the walking. How is your toe? Enjoy your mooch :)

I'm feeling a bit delicate so just lazing in bed at the mo

Toes are actually less painful now - I suspect because the small ones are small so don't bother me too much and the big one is lifting so presumably there are fewer nerves. I can walk further without any discomfort. I try not to look at it. I have got as far as looking up a local chiropodist - I may go one step further and actually ring her this week...

That's good. I'd definitely recommend the chiropodist. Mine has made such a difference to my manky toe! :) maybe get someone to give you a lift there though as you're squeamish - you might feel a bit iffy afterwards!

Well done on the walking TQ and I'm really pleased you feel well. Good luck with Friday - I'm sure that will be a mixed emotions kind of day. Treat yourself to some chiropody to celebrate! I've avoided the anti-sickness drugs like I have in previous regimes, as they bung me up badly (!), but I think that's been a mistake this time. Next cycle I think I need to take the vom meds and get on the prunes! And possibly stop eating egg custards, which i'm a bit obsessed with. Cornflakes sound like a more sensible option!! Leslie I hope you have a restful weekend and that the amitriptylene is as good for you wombat as everyone says. x