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Original poster

Cancer support 67. Waiting for tests, just diagnosed or needing a handhold through treatment

999 replies

purpleunicorns · 06/12/2018 18:22

Welcome to the 67th cancer support thread, the previous one can be found here.

If you're looking for advice, have any questions or just need some support while you're waiting for test results or treatment to start then pull up a seat and make yourself comfortable. You can rant, cry or scream if you need to but we do have some laughs along the way

No questions are silly so please don't feel embarrassed about anything you want to post. The chances are at least one of us has been there at some point!

There's a whole variety of people with different cancers at different stages and nobody goes unanswered, the people on here are amazing (even if I do say so myself Grin) and they have been a massive support to me over the last year.

If you have a friend or family member with cancer then there's a support thread for you here with lots of practical advice to help you support your loved ones

At the beginning of each thread we give a brief summary of who we are and what we have to save us trailing back through old threads

Here's mine: Im 35 and was diagnosed last October with cervical cancer, despite chemo and radiotherapy I found out in June that it had spread and I'm now having palliative chemo to keep me stable. A scan a few weeks ago showed that there was no new growth after 4 lots of chemo. 2 more chemos to go for me so I'm hoping it stays that way

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Original poster
purpleunicorns · 09/12/2018 04:03

3 you are certainly not being weak or over reacting! How old are your children? Breast cancer is so treatable now and if they've caught it early it may be something as simple as just cutting it out but even if you do need other treatment there's loads of lovely people on here to hold your hand through it

Agh it's 4:00 in the morning and I'm craving orange jelly Confused I think my sickness bug has passed Grin

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WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 09/12/2018 08:30

Did you have your jelly purple?! I hope you got back to sleep :)

KnickerBockerGlooooory · 09/12/2018 09:31

Oh yum orange jelly - not had jelly in a long time but might need to make some today!

Leslie and others who mentioned nice cordials to drink - please remind me?

BitOfFun · 09/12/2018 10:12

Signing in...

SymphonyofShadows · 09/12/2018 10:28

Purple I had orange jelly when I went in to get some fluids the other week, went down a treat. The other thing I found really refreshing and easy to eat when I was just getting over the sickness is Dole mandarin oranges in juice. They don’t need to be chilled but they are much nicer straight out if the fridge.

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 09/12/2018 10:41

I'm drinking lots of Sainsbury's blackcurrant cordial at the moment (the added sugar one - costs a bloody fortune!). The Belvoir blackcurrant and blueberry one is nice too. And I also like lemon barley water for when my mouth tastes funny.

I only like red jelly. But I love tinned apricots.

Original poster
purpleunicorns · 09/12/2018 11:14

I did get my jelly, luckily I had made one yesterday afternoon. I going to go shopping today to stock up on those mandarin oranges in juice. My mouth is so dry lately and I'm back on chemo tomorrow so back to feeling rubbish for a while.

So today will be mainly food shopping and housework so I can spend next week not having to do much. I think I might pick up one of those Belvoir cordials too, I don't think I'm allowed to drink on chemo so no Baileys this year so I don't mind spending more on non alcoholic drinks

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SymphonyofShadows · 09/12/2018 11:51

I’ve found the anti sickness meds really dry my mouth out. I’ve also been having Fruit Pastilles lollies. When my mouth was sore the only thing I could drink was flavoured water, the lemon and lime one really quenched the ungodly thirst. I’m going to try and get some paper straws this time as I think it may make swallowing easier.

Mrstraveller · 09/12/2018 12:19

I bought some Dole mandarin oranges in jelly this week. They come in small pots and thought might be good for when I don’t have much appetite.

Haven’t tried them yet.

I’ve tried lots of different drinks and the one I’ve found that I’ve drunk the most of is Ribena.

Also someone mentioned that Haribo sweets are good for dire rear so I now buy big bags of the little party sized ones. Unfortunately I think they may be more addictive than crack! I absolutely love them and find it difficult to stop eating them.

SymphonyofShadows · 09/12/2018 12:29

Tesco cough candy is like crack to me at the moment. Others tell me they are too ‘clovey’ but I think my taste is off as they taste perfect to me. Great for when I’m feeling nauseous and soothing on the mouth/throat.

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 09/12/2018 13:08

Afternoon lacies. Just checking in, had a night away with DH last night, our Xmas present from mil from last year! It was nice and I went wig less as I find my wig a bit hot! I didn't get as many funny looks as I thought I would.
Quick update on the lovely injection I had for blood count, I definitely feel so much better this round. Yesterday was day 4 after chemo as last time I wasn't well at all, I'll be asking for it again for my last lot,
Loving all the drink suggestions. I like a ginger ale but I have been having a vino when I've felt like it! I've found using the 2 mouthwashes they gave me regularly helps with the fuzziness!
Quick question - what has anyone used on their scalp, mine is a bit itchy!
Hope you all have a lovely day, I'm now off to watch my DD in her Christmas cabaret! Then l be back in bed with a dodgy murder mystery on! Grin

SymphonyofShadows · 09/12/2018 13:22

I was using coconut oil on my head but it’s not itchy anymore. The wig place recommended it.

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 09/12/2018 13:28

I used Yes to Carrots scalp relief shampoo, even when I had no hair. It was so soothing. It's a bit expensive, but I only needed a tiny bit.

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 09/12/2018 13:29

Glad you had a good night with DH ranout and that the injection worked well for you Xmas Smile

Original poster
purpleunicorns · 09/12/2018 13:45

Ranout this shampoo bar from Lush is supposed to be really good, it was recommended on another cancer site for people with hair loss. Luckily I've never had an itchy scalp so I haven't tried it but I don't think Lush make anything that isn't lovely

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ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 09/12/2018 20:23

Thanks ladies I'm supposed to be popping into Leeds for lunch on Tuesday if I feel ok, so I'll check your suggestions out.
Hope everyone has had a restful weekend.
Thinking of everyone that has treatments this week.

helly18 · 09/12/2018 23:52

Don't post much but do like to Bob in every now and then. Breast cancer Jan 16 was 48, did lumpectomy, chemo, radiotherapy, bisphosphonates, changed from anastrozole to exemestane and found it much better.
Sending big love and hugs to everyone especially those having a particulary shitty time. Mama elephant leslie I am glad you feel more settled after making plans , its one of the few things we can control in all this cancer shit WineCake
I went on a botox, cheek and lip filler frolic yesterday, did cringe a bit at the price but found out today that a friend's brother dropped dead at 52 so reaffirmed why worry and just go for it!! Xxx

helly18 · 09/12/2018 23:53

Another vote here for yes to carrots great stuff x

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 10/12/2018 06:59

Waving at helly Xmas Smile

purple good luck with today's chemo Flowers

Pandora thinking of you lots.

I hope everyone had as relaxing a weekend as possible!

Original poster
purpleunicorns · 10/12/2018 07:33

Thanks Leslie Smile How are you feeling? Have you managed much walking about?

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KeepCalm · 10/12/2018 07:44

Helllloooooooooo!!! Nipped off to. Wedding for the weekend, have PIL visiting and off to hospital this morning

BUT I am floored with a stupid cold so will take a moment to catch up this afternoon once I crawl onto my couch Thanks

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 10/12/2018 07:49

Morning everyone, hope we're all as ok as we can be.
I think it's getting to be the time to lurk on sofas, watch xmas films and do a spot of crochet!
How you doing with getting around @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo?
@helly18 loving your style. I think I'm going a bit yolo at the moment! I need an eyebrow pencil that will stay on! It's the small things that make me look like an alien!
@Mrstraveller I forgot about those mandarins, I used to love them. Think I'll add them to today's shop!

Original poster
purpleunicorns · 10/12/2018 08:18

Ranout Wunderbrow does not budge which is great if you can draw them on properly in one go as it dries really quickly. It's expensive but lasts ages. I'm not very good at drawing them on so I use a normal Rimmel pencil and use a setting spray which seems to make them last longer

Hope you feel better soon Keepcalm Thanks

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newherebegentle · 10/12/2018 09:07

Hi I'm new. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2 weeks ago and had my first chemo today. I feel crap.

Original poster
purpleunicorns · 10/12/2018 09:14

Hello Newhere Smile the first chemo is always the worst, you'll probably feel rubbish for the next 4 or 5 days but by the end of the week you'll hopefully feel much better. Drink as much as you can to help flush it through and rest as much as you can

How often do you have chemo? Do you have real life support at home?

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