New year, new thread - cancer support thread 68 - join us if you have cancer, or are waiting for cancer-related tests

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the new thread. Our previous one is here.

Anyone with any cancer is welcome, or anyone waiting for tests because they might have cancer. If you're new, just jump in wherever. Don't feel you need to catch up with previous posts. We talk a lot! Ask any questions you need to. Someone will hopefully have an answer. And feel free to post photos of cute pets too.

Whether you're new or not, it's helpful to post a little introduction on the new thread to save people trying to remember everyone's different diagnosis and treatment.

Kitchen progress does sound amazing! Hope you can go and view it tomorrow Leslie

I’m just plodding along here, struggling a bit with anxiety... I have a lump in my armpit that I am (of course) convinces is the cancer back... and last night I thought I had a DVT in my leg - but much more likely to be a pulled muscle!! So I’m trying to balance vigilance with awareness that I’m super anxious these days, and trying to deal with that on the days that I’m alone (DP is back in the states now) is my main occupation right now! Oh and planning to go back to work.... which should be my main occupation

Love to you all

Tx Leslie. I will wait until Monday and ask the pharmacist first. If I ring the hospital I'm worried they'll take me off the drugs and the trial. I slept well last night.

I hope you're passing the time peacefully? Are you managing to read anything or browse stuff? I am visiting my eldest in her house for the first time! And tomorrow I will meet her partner's parents. All very grown-up stuff.

Namechange the weight thing is weird eh. I put on 7lb between Wednesday morning and Thursday morning - which can only be attributed to the amount of fluid they put in me at chemo on wed afternoon! I'd forgotten that steroids can make a difference too. I am drinking an awful lot less alcohol as it tastes crap - sounds like you're doing a lot of exercise with the dog too, so hopefully nothing major to worry about.

Ranout was it you asking about your DD? Mine are Y10 and Y8. DD1 is seemingly unaffected (so far) but Dd2 is much more emotional about the situation. School have been great; she has a hall pass for leaving lessons and so far everyone's been very supportive. Adding exams in the mix must be so hard. My own mum died between my mocks and GCSEs and I know the school wrote to all the exam boards and informed them.

I've been feeling utterly shit today tbh; sick of cancer and sick of chemo! My mouth feels all thick and slimy - nothing seems to help. Last of the EC mix, onto Docetaxal and herceptin next - whoo.

Apologies for not name checking more of you, a lot has happened since I last caught up

purple - hope the pain is improving

lesley fingers crossed for the kitchen trip

fuzzy sorry about the anxiety - it takes up so much head space, doesn’t it?

knicker - I think it was me asking about DCs. Spoke to both schools Friday. DS is in yr 7 - his teacher had noticed he was a lot less resilient this term, so was glad I’d told her. DD is yr 10, so these were only grading tests, but she’s very hard on herself. The head of year is going to refer her to the school counsellor. I’ve passed on various people’s comments about the exam boards, but she doesn’t believe me!

Had my operation today - the melanoma went right up to the clitoris, so that’s gone, as has part of my vagina. Got skin grafts on both, so they want me immobile for 3 days and in hospital for 7. Apologies in advance for all the “I’m bored!” posts (although I do have 2 episodes of Silent Witness downloaded) x

Apologies toofar - I read and then forget names!
Glad your op is done but sorry to hear you'll be in for a week (and immobile for a while) hope they keep you well stocked with tea and toast! Xxx

Evening lacies
@KnickerBockerGlooooory as @Toofaroutallmylife she was asking about DCs. I do have DCs but mine are younger and fingers crossed are taking it on their stride at the moment.
I want to know does a general make your really bloated? I had my mastectomy on wed and (sorry tmi) I was the parp queen yesterday! Not what you want when your showing people round your house!! (We've put ours on the market!).
Last question is it just me post mx or does everyone show their uniboob off! It seems everyone is a bit curious. I'm lucky I have no drains and apart from being tired and a bit sore am ok, so far. But the DH, kids, BFF have all had a look! God knows what they will say once the dressing comes off and it actually settles down!
Hope everyone's side effects are manageable and anyone who's just had surgery is doing well. For anyone that's interested I've been taking arnica tablets post surgery, I've no idea if their helping me recover from the bruising faster but I thought it was worth a try!
@WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo looking forward to hearing about the kitchen soon and what cheese based recipes will be first on your list?!
I'm now in my bed (white vino in hand) and midsummer on the iPad!

Ranout yeah I found that after mine - plus the co codamol bungs you up too. I stopped taking them on day 3 and moved to paracetamol so that it could all settle down!
My scar was under so many dressings for so long that there was nothing to show - love your nosy visitors though 😆

knicker no problem- there are a lot of us to keep track of! Sorry you’ve had a shit day

ranout how on earth are you managing to show people round your house, half a week after your surgery - you are amazing! I don’t recall much in the way of gas after my GA... but I may be a touch forgetful! I do know everyone who is anyone wanted to see my new nippleless boob (reconstructed with implant), particularly my DD and my sister - who I showed it off to amid much hilarity in a dim sum restaurant toilet in London 😂 God knows what the other ladies using the loo thought of that (I was past caring ☺️)

Toofar yes anxiety was always an issue for me before cancer - it’s taken to another level now tho! Thank goodness for the lacies here... I know I am not alone! Well done for getting through the op... I hope you’re comfortable, and manage to settle in tonight for some rest...

Morning/afternoon lacies
Nice blue sky here today, although I haven't ventured out yet!
@FuzzyWhiteLegs you made think about dim sum all night! I think I'm still running on adrenaline and I really want to sell our house, so I'm very up for viewings!
How is everyone today? I hope everyone is as comfortable as possible. I'm in bed with the black cat, leaving DH to the Sunday roast and watching St Trinians!

I've been puzzling and popped out to see my friends new baby. It's bitter out today!
Still feeling rather crap, hoping to be better in the morning for work...
Now craving chips for supper, I'm sure the DDs won't mind

Had a very uncomfortable night - because I’m immobile I’ve got these weird inflating stockings on my lower legs, that constantly inflate and deflate to reduce the risk of thrombosis, and the pump is really noisy. I’m not in pain though, just a bit tired and grumpy. DH brought me some earplugs so hoping for a better night.

Toofar wishing you a speedy recovery, and hoping you don't get too bored! purple had to stay completely still for days at a time when she had her radiotherapy, so she might have some recommendations.

ranout the kitchen is now usable - its first meal was cheese-based as we had baked Munster (comes out similar to Camembert) on Friday :)

Waving to everyone else and sending love

Nothing exciting to report here really. I'm just slowly fading away. I didn't make it to the kitchen today. Maybe tomorrow...

Cross-posted Toofar sorry to hear that I quite liked the inflating stockings after my op, but I can sleep through most noise. I hope the earplugs help tonight.

Toofar I had brachytherapy which meant I had to lay on my back completely still for 27 hours. It wasn't fun but I took my kindle and just dozed the rest of the time. I quite like those inflating leg things, it feels like a massage

Glad your kitchen is useable Leslie, I love baked Camembert. Hope you feel up to seeing your kitchen tomorrow and that your posh inflatable mattress is comfy. I'm going to order a weighed blanket this week I think, it's not like I have much else to spend my money on now

I still feel rubbish but I think this is as good as it gets, I doubt I'll get on a trial but I'm at peace with that. Just so sick of having no energy, I can't even walk to the kitchen and make a cup of tea without feeling like I'm going to pass out

Toofar I HATED those inflatable leg things!

Leslie we don’t need big news! Report some small things. Are you able to watch TV or films at the moment? What have you enjoyed today? I need some recommendations...

Yes, watching telly is about all I can do Namechange I'm enjoying the Grand Hotel on Netflix. It's in Spanish. It's like a more exciting Downton Abbey.

purple it's utterly shit. I hope you like the weighted blanket! My new mattress is very comfortable, thank you :)

My sister visited this weekend, which was lovely. It was only when she left that I realised it genuinely might be the last time I see her, and I wish I'd hugged her for longer hopefully we will get some warning and she will be able to come home to say goodbye. But then I don't know if that would be worse for her!

Ooh yes I can imagine that the Spaniards would sex their period dramas up a bit Leslie! Do you speak Spanish or is it subtitled?

I play the is-it-the-last-time thing in my head every time I say goodbye to anyone I love at the moment so you have all my sympathies also your sister sounds ace

Ugh. Just thrown up from the exertion of going to the loo I have a commode now (goodbye, dignity!) which can be wheeled to my bedside, so it's only a couple of steps each way. But even that is a massive struggle for my lungs now.

As you know I'm quite a private person, when it comes to bodily functions anyway. It took me ages to work up the courage to discuss them with my medical team, let alone posting online. So I really don't want to post about this, but having tried to be open and honest until now, I feel that I should, especially as some of you are unfortunately heading down a similar path, albeit hopefully far behind me.

I've been drinking less to make myself not need to go as frequently, which probably isn't ideal.

Getting washed and dressed (in bed) is also getting more difficult each day, leaving me out of breath and having to take breaks.

But in between all of that I'm actually OK. I have managed to play some board games and things like that, from the comfort of my bed.

Namechanged it is subtitled. Occasionally I recognise a word, which is very exciting

Leslie I would find that just as difficult. But you’re getting through it and I am in awe. I really appreciate you being so open.

Hugs to you Leslie. I’m quite in awe that you can keep up with this thread so well and then have the concentration to watch subtitled programs. I struggle with watching programs more than half an hour because I start to fidget.

Toofar I’ve never had the stockings but once had a hospital bed with a mattress which randomly inflated to prevent bed sores. That kept the interest up

I mirror @Namechangeforthiscancershit thank you @WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo for being so honest. You need to make the boring things as easy as you can for yourself so you can play more board games and watch more Spanish tv! Bet your too young to remember Eldorado! I think that was set in Spain?!
@Namechangeforthiscancershit I can't put myself in your shoes but I can say it must be really difficult at the minute and I'm not trivialising that at all. If I've just put my foot in my mouth with either of you, I really don't mean too. I'd love to be nearer in RL then we could play board games, eat cheese and drink wine!

Hi Leslie I'm glad you're managing to get some entertainment from the tv and board games. And thank you for the updates on personal care. I can imagine it's very difficult for you but it does help the rest of us so I hope you can take some comfort from that.

Purple do please let us all know how you get on with the weighted blanket if you get one. I think we're all curious now. Get someone else to make the tea!

Waving to everyone else.