CANCER SUPPORT THREAD 66 for those with cancer or awaiting cancer test results. Rant, rave, laugh, cry, joke, scream - whatever gets you through the day.

[TwitterQueen1]

Welcome to the new thread, and the club that nobody wants to join. Our previous thread is here

Anyone with any type of cancer is welcome. And we will hold your hand if you're waiting to find out whether or not you have cancer at all.

If you have a loved one with cancer you can get support on a different thread here

For old and new posters it's very helpful if you (re)introduce yourself in your first post with a summary of your diagnosis (chemo brain is a real thing and my memory isn't what it used to be!).

Thanks Leslie for the info on the port - I believe it will be a chest one (connected to the fact I have had armpit surgery on both sides this year or something) xx
Sorry you've had such a tough couple weeks, hope you build your strength up towards Xmas. Do you love Xmas or are you ambivalent about it? This is my first one since the 'bad news' and it's very tempting to say 'fuck it' and go nuts out on the spending
I've been wallowing in the bath car shopping online this afternoon - someone stop me!!!!!!

Oh that's grim. You poor thing I hope it eases up soon. Have you had it checked out?

The cold definitely doesn't help with breathing

That definitely seems worth discussing at least. Whatever helps you cope with it all. And gives you the best chance of enjoying Christmas :)

Oh and hair cut was actually colour - mine is pretty short anyway but I was going to go purple. Not sure it's worth the spend if it will be falling out before new year!

Need to find a nice head scarf instead I guess.

Hey everyone waves
Not been on much lately, but I'm reading and keeping up with you all. Knicker sorry to hear you're joining us with chemo. There are some really pretty scarves and hats out there though. If you want any recommendations, let me know.

Hugs to all, especially Leslie after what must have been a very difficult day.
My port came in very useful today. After a failed cannulation it was accessed for a CT scan today. Although it’s used for chemo, it’s the first time they have used it for a scan because radiographers and HCAs cannot access it. However, they have now involved nurses in the process so I benefited from this.

KBG it’s a single mastectomy so it’s supposed to match (which of course is basically impossible - especially with no nipple!! )

to leslie and name, and anyone else having difficulty days

@KnickerBockerGlooooory I had my hair cut into an amazing quiff and loved it! Then a pixie and then it went.

I have a few hats but some arrived from Amazon this week which I love. They took about a week but they're ace.

I'll find a link

If you google chemo hat on amazon.....

I'm inept and can't link But here is a screen grab.

I bought two and love them. I got the one in the photo and a teal coloured one.

Mainly because they're nice and cool they're fab as I keep on over heating and ended up marching about the work with my baldy napper!

Oh wow keepcalm that is actually really pretty. Not ok-for-cancer-accessory but actually pretty

Mysillydog that's good :) I wish more people were trained to use them. They used mine for a CT once. I already had the needle in, but even then they took ages to agree that I could use it. They actually got the port doctor to come in from the theatre next door to check it.

I carry a pile of hats with me each day, living in Scotland can result in a damp bonce lol But I've worn this one two days in a row and lots of people have commented on it.

I find a lot of people don't know what to say and this makes them a little more comfortable?

I may order a few more, just spotted the leopard print one

KBG I love Christmas. Normally I try to save all Christmas excitement for December as I don't like to peak too early, but this year I started buying Christmas magazines in September I've bought most of my presents already. I don't have many people to buy for. I want things as organised as possible so that if I get ill, or heaven forbid, die, it will all be ready. I have been a bit fuck it with my spending recently - I can't take it with me! I think it's perfectly reasonable to go a bit overboard after a cancer diagnosis, as long as you can afford it, of course.

KeepCalm that's very pretty.

I got an amazingly comfortable bamboo (I think) hat from Hair World as recommended by another poster on here. And quite a few from Anna Bandana. I still wear the sleep hats on colder nights as my hair has really thinned recently.

My takeaway was delicious. I'll have leftovers for days though I've convinced myself that crispy seaweed is a health food!

Thanks for your good wishes lesley and hope you’re OK (still with nasal prongs? Which sounds like a mediaeval term)

I was in the MRI tube today - contrast went horribly wrong as the pump delivered it all over the pillow instead of into the catheter. And I’m sure they’re asking me to hold my breath for longer each time. How anyone can sleep through an MRI beats me

Outpatients about cyst next week plus bloods for the bloody one the week after.

Cold and damp here today, feeling a bit low but wishing everyone all the very best

Leslie nasal prongs are hellish if you have a sore nose aren't they?

KGB I gave a portacath just below the shoulder blade, in the jugular I believe. It was a bit uncomfortable at first while healing but it's amazing for meds. It was accessed today and I didn't even feel it.

I have bought several of the pairs of oversized beanies from amazon, they are so comfy and easy to wear. I've also got some bandanas, they appeal to the old punk in me!

Thanks everyone for the good wishes. Chemo was fine but it's a long day. I had to wait two hours for a chemo chair as a lot of the meds were delayed which held everyone up. There is also a gap between giving the meds, two hours between Herceptin and Docetaxal in case of a reaction, so I was there about 7 hours. I feel ok but I'm on those vile steroids that you dissolve in water to negate the worst initial side effects. I have them the day before, chemo day and the day after. They mess with sleep though so I had a rubbish night last night. Trying to stay awake for a bit longer so I hopefully get a better night when I do crash out. The Snr Reg I saw on Monday said I'd probably feel rubbish Friday night into Saturday, which is nice! Positive thoughts though, I have the right sickness meds so I'm hoping I won't fall so far this time, I lost all my salts and potassium last time through the vomiting, that won't have helped.

I've had radiotherapy and I'm on hormone treatment- it's three weeks since the radio finished and I feel practically narcoleptic! Has anybody else experienced this?

BoF I'm not looking forward to radiotherapy. Did it burn terribly? My DF had it on his throat and his skin was very sore.

BoF I was told it can take 4-6 months to recover fully from radio. Are you drinking loads? That should help. And a short walk apparently. But just sleep if that's what you need - I think there's also an 'end of treatment' element where your body feels it can switch off properly for the first time in months.

Symphony I suffered a lot with radio but lots of people on the Breast Cancer Care forum I joined didn't so hopefully you'll be lucky. I had 15 sessions plus 5 booster - how many are you having? I also didn't slather enough cream on every day or drink enough water looking back. I got given Medihoney by the hospital (smells lush!) and Intrasite gel for when it got really bad, so they will keep an eye on you.
And actually once you get going and in the routine, you soon find you're at the end. It is tiring too.

Sorry I'm not sure I've been very helpful there

Thanks also for all the pointers on hats and scarves - I did look last night but the choice was overwhelming so I'm glad to have some recommendations. I also find the mannequin heads used in display shots a bit disturbing!

Symphony your mention of steroids, Docetaxal and Herceptin sounds like what I have coming so thanks for the heads up! I have 3 sessions of EC and then 3 of docetaxal with herceptin carrying on for a year. Had to stop the tamoxifen for now too.

Just popping on to say yes Leslie of course crispy seaweed is a health food . Sorry to hear about your frank oncologist discussion .
No more cancer news here. Colonoscopy next week so have prep to look forward to.
Car shopping might be a bit extreme knicker . Although when I was initially in hospital after my diagnosis I did a lot of armchair dream trip shopping. I now keep getting emails from a company I contacted asking when I am going to book on their polar bear and beluga trip. I do still plan to but can't take kids in winter until they are 8 (2 years)- now it looks like I will last that long will probably wait until then. Not sure summer polar bears quite the same!

Tayto that sounds like a trip worth doing. Although I confused myself for a minute thinking Beluga was a type of caviar rather than a whale...
I'd love to do a cruise around the fjords one day. Or the eastern Med to see really old Europe.

And yes of course crispy seaweed is healthy: it's green!

Another one saying crispy seaweed is definitely a health food.

I make a cheat's version with kale - sprinkle with oil and a bit of sugar, coat it all with your hands to get proper coverage, roast in oven at medium heat, turning frequently until desired crispiness is achieved

That version is even healthier btw, because it's home-made

TQ I like your thinking
And I will try that next time kale appears in my veg box!

I have a question re chemo. First session is December 12 and the office Xmas dinner is on December 14. Realistically am I going to feeling shit on day 3? Is it worth cancelling my food order now? Company are paying have been very good so far but I wondered if I'm being a bit head in the clouds about it...

Good afternoon lacies

I also agree crispy seaweed is health food! Although @TwitterQueen1 I've done kale crisps and they are yummy, kids love them too.

Hope everyone is snuggled up today and doesn't have too many side effects.

@WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo how's your nose now after all the oxygen?

@TwitterQueen1 re the Xmas party it depends which chemo your on my first 3 rounds I was ok but the Docetaxel and injections last time weren't pleasant.

I've just been to see my oncologist, had an MRI on Tuesday and according to the scan no change in the size of the lump (5cm x 5cm) but she thinks she can feel a definite softening and maybe a slight reduction! We've agreed I'll continue with the last 2 rounds of chemo, I said I wanted to see it through. I don't want to have surgery and then be told I need to complete the course afterwards. I'm seeing the surgeon on Tuesday to discuss mastectomy and possible reconstruction, at the moment I'm erring towards no reconstruction at the moment. Next chemo on Tuesday as well!
And lastly, my DH shaved my head for me on Tuesday morning, you were all correct ladies it was pretty empowering to take control of the hair loss situation!
@Pandoraslastchance Hope your ok as I haven't seen you posting for a while?
Waves to everyone else.