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!).

@Mrstraveller yep chemo today, just want to have it, see how I feel and then crack on with the other 2! I've reserved the bed/sofa this time I'm ready for a bit of a break now. I've still be being "me" so far and I think I'm ready for a bit of self preservation!
Is this your first Docetaxel as well?

@ranout

It’s my second one of four. But I had 3 cycles of a different drug before this. Plan is for me to have 7 in total. Last one week before Christmas if the plan doesn’t change.

We sound similar @Mrstraveller I've had 3 of something else which I can never remember then I'm having 3 Docetaxel and fingers crossed I also should be finished a week before Xmas. Their going to give me the injections to help with my white count with these chemos which I'm ok about as my last 2 rounds have slipped by a week each and I'd love to stay on track! Then I think it's around a month off before surgery and radiotherapy.
Right, I'm going to sign off and attempt some more sleep. Hope you manage to get off soon as well.

@ranout

Yes let’s hope we both get more sleep

Morning! @ranoutofquinoaandprosecco and @Mrstraveller It would appear sleep is for the weak or those not on docetaxel LOL I'm one dose in and (if my bloods behave) getting my second dose on Friday. We should start a girl band!

@Simmi1 sorry to hear of patchy hair issues. You guys must be warming up over there now no? I managed to get my hands on some 'bamboo' yoga turbans yesterday which are designed for those who have lost their hair. Exceptionally soft and such a relief after wearing an itchy hat which is a hat I ADORE and have worn for years but now can't cope with?!

For those of you advising to brave the shave I completely agree and it is on the 'to do' list BUT because I had a mammoth amount of hair to start with (we're talking yeti proportions here) the hairdresser managed to do an extreme 'pixie' cut which will hopefully hold out for today's important meeting and then I'll give in.

DD1 was asking last night if my head would be a different colour to my face and if so could she fake tan it........... DD3 says she's just going to cover me in stickers lol

Hey Keepcalm - yes warming up here now. I got given a bamboo turban same time as I got my wig and it is really light and comfy. Today was warm but not hot so I wore my wig and had a good day in it. It’s really similar to my hair but just looks like I’ve had a fab blowdry so can’t complain about that too much

Have a wonderful Sunday lacies

Oops chemo brain. In my defence it’s a public holiday today so we did Sunday things . Have a lovely Tuesday all xx

Hey everyone!
I got my picc line fitted yesterday. The nurses were so lovely that they removed any anxiety I had left and I actually had a nice time. It wasn't too bad at all, and I'm glad I've got it now. Less cannulas and stabbing for bloods!

What do you lacies bring to chemo with you? Is there anything that will make it generally easier/more comfy that I wouldn't have thought of as a newbie? (I won't be having a cold cap or anything, it's not possible with my type of cancer)

Thanks lacies. Hope you're all having a good day as possible. XXX

Hi Noodles yes it's tomorrow when I get my results but I'm at the doctors today as I've had horrendous stomach ache over the last 3 days and paracetamol and morphine is t even taking the edge. I'm really hoping it's just an infection or something and not the cancer spreading. I can't even stand up straight without being in agony How are you doing?

For those debating wether or not to shave your hair just do it. You will honestly feel so much better and I bet you'll all look a lot better that you think you will. Plus no hair clogging up the shower/hoover and you won't need to wash and brush it. Just get up on a morning and stick a hat on

Hello Miri. Are you still in hospital? How are you feeling? One of the ladies on this thread is currently in hospital with pneumonia too.

Hope you're* feeling a bit better today Leslie*

Waves to likeazebra 👋

Oh @purpleunicorns that sounds horrid, I hope it passes soon and you get some answers!

Head shave happening soon, just slightly delayed for this meeting today AND until I found something light to wear. I know am in Scotland but a 'hat' just isn't going to cut it in my job as sometimes it's fecking roasting lol

@Tahitiitsamagicalplace I take my kindle, my juice and some snacks. TBH I keep meaning to take my laptop to do some work but fuck it. My staff bought me pens and a colouring book and DH threatening to bring a pack of cards so we can start a poker tournament lol

Morning all
@purpleunicorns that sounds horrid, fingers crossed they'll get it in under control soon.
I'll be a member of the shaved head gang soon. I can't cold cap any more as there's a patch which is too thin to comb over, which on the one hand is annoying but on the other takes the choice out of my hands. My DS needs his hair cutting so if I'm feeling ok next week I'll see if they can do me and him at the same time.
@Tahitiitsamagicalplace I'm glad your picc line went well. I can't imagine being without mine now.
Re your chemo pack, I have a bag packed that I take to all my appointments as I'm lazy. It has my blue chemo file from hospital, a small document wallet with all my appointment letters, car park pass, snacks!, £20, notebook and pen, book, magazine, tissue, a lovely little my friend bought me with lip balm, hand cream etc. On chemo days I also take tea bags (I like random tea), a reusable straw (used to use this when I was cold capping) and my IPad and earphones! I've just packed my bag for today and am going to get an extra notebook to start Christmas gift and food planning if I have time!
I also have a bag packed for in case I get admitted to hospital, pjs, spare comfy clothes and small bag of toiletries! Makes it easy for my DH if I ever had to say grab me some stuff!
Waves to everyone, those with treatments, scans, results today and let us know how you get on.
Last bit not least @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo how you doing?

Quick hi to everyone as I have to get going soon to get to the hospital.

How does everyone get these picc line things fitted? Do you have to be having weekly chemo or a specific sort to get one? My chemo is every 3 weeks at the moment.

I’ve never been offered anything like that. Chemo just goes through cannula (not sure that’s how you spell it!) via vein in my hand.

keepcalm you can get some really naice chemo hats, some are super light. Check out headscarves by Ciara .com - some of those are pricey but they look nice. Or hatzwrapzandbagz for cheaper light ones in nice pretty fabrics.

Ranout and keepcalm some good tips! I'm gonna make a list and sort it out tonight. Having a hospital bag packed is also v sensible advice, thanks.

Purple that sounds horrendous. Everything crossed for you. Xxxx

Purple I hope the Dr manages to resolve your stomach ache - sounds horrible. Fingers crossed for your results tomorrow too.

MrsTraveller Ask your nurses about a PICC line. If your chemo is at three week intervals I'm not sure it's worth it (others will disagree!). Although cannulas are not nice, when chemo's done, it's done.

Waving to everyone else, especially those having treatment and waiting for results.

mrstraveller My chemo is every 2 weeks, also the type of chemo is one particularly bad for damaging veins, ALSO my veins are really deep and shit - keep collapsing etc. So they said a picc was necessary. You can ask your nurses and they can give you more info X

Ugh just got back from the doctors and I need to go straight to hospital once I've picked up my hospital bag as she thinks I have sepsis

Noooooo Purple that's not in the plan.... At least they'll sort the pain out and pump you full of the good stuff.

Oh no purple - hope they’re able to get it sorted quickly and you feel better very soon.

mrstraveller I have a port which I think is more permanent than a picc - It had to be surgically inserted but now it’s healed I can swim and do everything else with it. I will be having a total of 16 cycles of chemo though (4 three weekly and then 12 weekly) so they probably thought it was worth it for me. I have horrible veins so definitely glad I’ve got something!

Mrs I had a picc line for my first block of chemo because of having a pump to take home for 48 hours.

This time no pump and 3 week cycles so they tried with no line and just a cannula but I really struggled with the oxyplatin. My veins were so sore I was in tears which is not like me, they haven’t gone back to normal yet and that was months ago. So I begged for another picc line and it has made everything so much easier.

purple sepsis? What a naughty girl!
Seriously though will be thinking of you. Glad someone has picked it up.

Oh @purpleunicorns that's rubbish hope they speed you into a comfy bed and get some meds in you.
@Mrstraveller I'm every 3 weeks and was only offered a picc! I don't know what I'd do without it. Sure you can't swim and have to watch how you exercise but I think it's totally worth it. Ask your nurses for one if you fancy it.

Blimey this thread is busy, I only did a school run & had a lie down and there are loads of posts since I last looked!

purple Just what you needed! That sounds awful, I hope they get you sorted in hospital asap and your stomach ache/pain gets under control quickly. Try to rest up as much as possible.
I am ok thanks, no vomit this time, just jangly flu type achey feelings that had me up & shivering in the night. OK though.

Have been a bit preoccupied with my useless ex as the house sale goes through this week (at last after falling through twice) plus am attempting to plan something for my eldest DD's birthday at the end of the month. A day to London & Hamleys visit is on the cards I think...

I feel the pain of the steroids ranout I was on 8 a day for docetaxel too. I hope you get along ok with it. My side effects have varied each round quite dramatically. 2 lots I seemed to have every one going & the other 2 lots have been much much better, so even if you do get side effects this time, it may not be the case for your next one. Good luck today, and you mrstraveller for 2mo.

Thinking of you Leslie too, I hope you are out of hospital soon.

I get my PICC line out 2mo. I have had 6 chemo's via the picc as the 1st one was by cannula. I will not miss it, but I am so glad I had it

I hope everyone is as well as possible today

Hello just checking in... I am 45 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in April following a routine mammogram. Lumpectomy and rads followed. Unfortunately found a lump in August that was dx as a new primary cancer in the other breast; was offered the same treatment again but decided to opt for a mastectomy (no reconstruction). Currently day 5 post op. Will go back and get the other breast removed next year. Awaiting histology results to find out if I will need chemo this time. Radioactive injection didn't follow through into my sentinel node so the surgeon removed 4 'most likely' culprits.

Oh I have 2 DDs 12/14 and a large ginger Labrador.

Leslie really good to hear from you, hope you get home soon. @MiriAmmerman words fail me as to your situation, but I sincerely hope the move goes well and you find some lovely new friends and neighbours.

Selfishly I came on to grumble how slowly I seem to be recovering, feeling tearful and frustrated today and want to get rid of my drain. And get in the bath!
However reading back through all your stories has sorted me right out - sending hugs to one and all xx

Hello everyone. I'm home again - still not well, and no real answers as to why I'm so poorly, but no pneumonia or blood clot, so that's good. Am in to see the consultant tomorrow and she will decide whether I'm allowed to start my new chemo on Thursday or not.

I'll be getting a PICC line and I can't wait because I've been having a lot of trouble with my veins. I have to have the PICC because I'll be sent home with the chemo on a 24hr pump. Haven't had one before (had a Hickman line in my chest when I had chemo in 2014).

Sending lots of love and good wishes to all of you (especially you purple - good luck at hospital).