The Great Cancer Recovery part 3

[TopOfTheCliff]

You may have finished active treatment for cancer, be in remission or NED. You want to look forward not dwell on the past. You know you ought to be eating well, exercising more and picking up the threads of your old life. Join us and share the ups and downs of recovery. We understand!

Here are some resources we found helpful:

The Mountain Lion
https://www.cancerpal.co.uk/post/what-it-s-really-like-to-receive-a-cancer-diagnosis

Peter Harvey on Psychology of recovery:
https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Resources from Penny Brohn:
https://pennybrohn.org.uk/our-approach/resources/

Breast Cancer Now Moving Forward:
https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/support-you/moving-forward

Get your Oomph Back with Carolyn Garritt
http://www.oomph.london/home.html

Charity providing treats for cancer patients:
https://somethingtolookforwardto.org.uk/

Exercise is good for you:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/exercise-cancer-patients

Any more suggestions? Post them below

There is also a thread for those suspected to have cancer, or newly diagnosed and facing treatment, and also a thread for those with Stage IV cancer who want to talk to others in the same boat.

Wrong Premier Inn?! I once went to the wrong youth hostel in Derbyshire, I heard Eyam as Irlam! Sounds like a nice weekend @TopOfTheCliff - I'm considering going running in a bit, I wish the weather was nicer though to be a bit more motivating!

Glad things are feeling better @FairyWren7 and good luck with the open mic session, let us know how it goes!

@SierraSapphire thanks for asking. It went really well. It’s a little writers group just up the road and I’m going to help organise some events for them. I read Chapter One of my novel, it went down really well!

I’ve been out doing lots of weeding today. The garden is in a bit of a mess. The driveway area in particular.

While I was overseas I ran out of Olaparib (the immunotherapy drug im on for the TNBC BRAC1) I tried to get more but gave up after a visit to my registered GP, I figured it would take too long to sort out (I took as much as I could with me) anyway I went back on it last week and im now back to feeling pretty dreadful. Bad stomach, dizzy, the worst fatigue you can imagine. I also seem to get random hiccups as well. Most disconcerting. I think I’d got used to it and the break has meant adjusting again. (The oncologist said breaks are ok if you have an infection for example) . Also the sinus thing seems to have jumped back into life again.

I’ve lost several kilos… now I feel so rough I just want sugar… 🥴

Anyway, I’m feeling a bit sorry for myself. I’ve got two more months. Medical advice was to take it for a year. I’ve still got the diep to look forward to.

When I got back I felt like I had energy again. Now I very much feel like I’m a bit stuck. It’s the post holiday come down, I miss my family and friends loads and I’m back looking at job applications and I just don’t want to teach. Already had several recruiters reach out… I won’t go back there again.

So I’m going to distract myself I guess. Keep writing and keep painting and im meeting a friend for coffee tomorrow.

KBO as Dad says…

@FairyWren7 Sorry to read that you're feeling so poorly and under the weather. Hoping things pick up for you quickly.

Also sorry you're not feeling great @FairyWren7 - you might adjust to it sooner rather than later, but I wondered whether you need to look for a job immediately, or whether you could give yourself a bit more time? If you've got another two months of the drug to go, you could start looking in the new year again. Of course this may not be an option financially, and not having the certainty of a job maybe adding to how you're feeling, but on the other hand, you might just be being too hard on yourself!

I am pretty knackered this morning, so I'm working at home, I've got my first probation review this afternoon which I'm not looking forward to! I've got 3 1/2 weeks before I've got a week off to go up north to see DD. Really want a break!

@MissMarplesNiece thanks for listening. I think it will take a few days to adjust.

@SierraSapphire I’d like to earn some money. It would be nice to move forward rather than stagnate. I’d like something I can do remotely at least some of the time.
I guess it’s normal to have days when we feel a bit off colour. Up north sounds great, I got as far as Alnwick this time! Loved it up there!

Ah I'm not going that far north @FairyWren7 - just up to Manchester. I'm really missing it now I have a proper job and can't just take off at any point, it was July I last went when I moved DD in. On the plus side I'm taking proper annual leave to go up in November, so I won't be having to take my laptop off to cafes to do bits of work at the same time. Also pondering having Christmas there this year, it will be different from the last 20 or so Christmases with my DM (and DF) and DD may be working shifts over Christmas when she starts her new job so unable to come back. My friend who was also going to come for Christmas Day is working up in the north on polar express up until Christmas Eve so that might work too. It's all a bit up in the air at the moment though. Am I the first person to talk about Christmas plans?!

I actually have a reminder in my calendar for later to try and work out Christmas plans, though mainly for childcare as there seem to be some inset days which I hadn't been expecting and holiday clubs get booked up quickly. It is nearly November so I think it's reasonable to be thinking about Christmas.

Last Christmas I was in the midst of chemo and feeling fairly miserable. Hopefully this year will be an improvement.

I've had my final round of phesgo, am feeling tired and a bit run down but very happy to be finished. I have oncology follow up in a few weeks and then I'm hoping that's pretty much it.

Ooh @demivolte have a 🥳 for the end of Phesgo. I was so happy to finish that and my DD came round with balloons and cake.

@SierraSapphire is Manchester not proper north then? It took us two days to get to Burnley and that seemed a very long way. I enjoyed my road trip and cycled a lot of miles in the Peak District en route but was shattered when we finally got home. It is more foreign to me than France which is weird.

All well in Tops towers. Tomorrow we are going to see DM and collect DHs ridiculous car 😂 I hope it makes him very happy!

Great news @demivolte - hopefully now the proper recovery can begin! Hope you manage to sort out Christmas plans! I finished chemo in November three years ago then we got Covid over that Christmas, but still I was feeling good to be getting on with life.

Manchester is north @TopOfTheCliff but only about 40% of the distance to Alnwick that Fairy mentioned! It's only about 2.5 hours to Manchester from where we are in the Midlands, though I always stop off at Pret at Stafford services!

DM's probate came through yesterday, took a month, I'd heard that they were quicker than the 16 weeks on the website, and I'm glad to have it settled, but it feels like not long enough for me to mentally process everything. The estate agent details are being drawn up this week. It's going to be hard when the house goes, as it's a lovely house that my mum loved.

I've had two weekends of doing DM's stuff and have a clear one this weekend, so need to think of things that will feel like a treat, though I'm also v tired.

Hello everyone I’ve been catching up on the news. @FairyWren7 wonderful to hear from you and I’m so happy to hear about your lovely summer. Sorry to hear things have gone a bit off track since then, I hope you adjust to the medication again very soon. Yay for the open mic triumph!

@SierraSapphire well done on all your hard work getting your DM’s affairs in order. Definitely time to do something nice for yourself now.

@TopOfTheCliff I hope the nausea has improved. I am in awe of your cycling feats, as ever.

@demivolte hooray for the end of phesgo and planning a better Christmas.

I got my scan results a couple of weeks ago and all clear. In January I will be having a colonoscopy of what is left of my colon (only 1 sachet of prep required instead of the usual two - woop). From March I can stretch out to 6-mthly appointments instead of 3.

I had a job interview yesterday! I think it went well. Will find out today if I am progressing to the next round. Am utterly terrified about rejoining the workforce but finances require it.

DD is doing her final exams - just two more to go. One this afternoon and one on Monday. Then I expect to barely see her for many weeks haha.

DS has been named captain of his school 1st XI cricket team which is a big deal that necessitated forking out for a blazer (not compulsory in Australian state schools). He does look quite smart apart from the dreadful ’burst fade’ haircut he is currently sporting. The team is going to Brisbane for a week in December for a tournament so DH and I have decided to go along for a week’s holiday to watch a little bit of cricket and enjoy the Queensland sunshine.

It’s my wedding anniversary today - 21 years. We have a nice bottle of red wine from 2003 to open. Am currently debating whether to cook or get takeaway.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

So glad things are going well Remaker Hope your DD gets the results she wants and congratulations to your DS. Enjoy your holiday and glad results were clear.

Hope you can get a nice weekend for you this weekend Sierra

Top Glad you had a good trip up north.

Well done on finishing treatment Demi

Recovery going perfectly here. Checked again last Friday and bruise much improved and rest continued to be fine. Went out to fireworks last Saturday and more fireworks tonight at a local castle. DD loving university and back for weekend in 2 weeks time. Quite busy now with move abroad, all going well and flights booked for start of December.

Happy anniversary @Remaker , congratulations on the progress with sadmin @SierraSapphire - do take some time off.
hope the new motor brings joy- 4 wheels rather than two @TopOfTheCliff ?
@Penguinsa so glad your recovery is going well and uneventfully. Departure getting closer!
I steeled myself to visit dms old neighbours who are lovely- scampered past hers trying not to look at what work has already been done. Wasn’t too hard- and neighbours so pleased to see me.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Great news @Remaker let’s hope life can settle back into a nice routine for you now. Did you get through to the next round? Fingers crossed.

@Penguinsa well done on progress. Are you going to be away from the family for Christmas? That will be a challenge.

We have had an eventful week. Our new hot tub arrived and was craned into the garden from the cliff top. I had to don high viz and direct traffic round the block as we closed the road briefly! It’s very swishy with lights and music and lovely massage jets. The DC will love it. Then we went over to Hampshire to collect DHs new V8 Batmobile. It is very beautiful, noisy, and smelly! He drove it back with me behind in my Golf choking on exhaust fumes. We are living the dream lifestyle now 😂

@remaker - hope you have a wonderful anniversary! I’m in a similar situation with medical stuff and tests. They are dropping me down to sixth monthly. So that’s good news.

Fingers crossed for your interview! I would like an interview!

I’ve got a couple of applications in one for the charity i was offered a role with an hour and a half away! I really want the job!

I don’t want to do supply.(CRT) just the thought of it makes me feel anxious.

But a decent week either way. I’m going to do some volunteer work for a local library, I popped into our local community centre with a view to setting something up there. Had a nice chat with them and popped into the ladies knitting circle, so they might teach me how to knit at some point - potentially rather useful! And they are great!

I did my art class and collages a working cover for the book.

I recorded the first episode and put it on a podcast! I was going to publish it to the wider world… but then lost my nerve!

I got another teacher who is a dear friend to have a look and she’s given me lots of feedback… quite dampened my spirits! I think my attempts at a Gabriel Garcia Marquez/ Louis de Bernieres style have not hit her mark! Oh well.

Its a historical fiction story that follows the story of a famous jewel from Panama to England and the court of Bloody Mary and then to Spain…

Now I’m considering rewriting the beginning. And putting the two versions out there. Anyone fancy helping me with a popularity poll for writing styles? It’s about 30 minutes. Either a recording or a pdf of the opening could be available!

If you are interested send me your email address!

I’m still very tired on this tablets. But going ok.

@TopOfTheCliff that sounds like quite a manoeuvre and quite a journey with the car!

We watched the super bikes down at Phillip Island - great fun! I love some nice machinery!

@SierraSapphire I love the north! Next trip back I hope will involve Scotland!

Thanks Sandwich Glad neighbours were pleased to see you.

Top Enjoy the hot tub and the new car, sounds good. Yes Christmas should be away, big carnival there and nice sunny weather but will do a early Christmas here when DD is back in 2 weeks time though looks very difficult to get a turkey then unless we raid Toby carvery. 😂

Fireworks were really good last night, it was at a private school based in a castle and we got there VIP tickets which included food and drink and in theory seats which is why I took it after surgery when pre booked. Though no seats left by the time we arrived but that was fine and food vans and drinks were amazing as was the fireworks. Got a special area, hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, asked for a burger expecting a very average van burger but was lovely with bacon, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato and DH had 3 tacos with halloumi, pulled pork and beef. Then we were given a cider and a mulled wine and popcorn and haribos and a cake each as well as a free bag each from the company sponsoring it. And a great band and great music, was about 30 minutes walk each way through the grounds and same back but I needed that after all the calories, far too many calories yesterday! But so good to be out. Gave my cake and sweets to DS when we got back who was very happy with them.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Ooh @Penguinsa you do find some amazing treats!

An odd thing happened yesterday that you lot will understand. I was listening to Jeremy Vine’s show and he touched base with listener “Linda” who is going through chemotherapy. This is a regular slot. She has been in hospital unwell with an infection this week and has stopped her chemotherapy to move on to radiotherapy. I sat listening then started to weep. It made me so sad for her but also for myself and all of you. I was remembering how hard chemotherapy was to deal with not once but three times, and felt so proud of myself for getting through. I am so afraid of having to go back and do it again in future. Afterwards I felt cleansed so it was good to let out some of the feelings. Has anybody else heard her updates?

I haven't heard Linda @TopOfTheCliff - I did read something in The Times today about cancer buddies, I often try and avoid those sort of things, but I feel that the horror of it all is still tucked somewhere deep inside, that I can't visit but sometimes pops up for me to squash it down again. I don't know what I need really, I've often found counselling disappointing, and I don't feel like adding it to my list of things to do, but it's probably not great to leave it all there unprocessed either.

@TopOfTheCliff @SierraSapphire

This is exactly how I feel. It reminds me of a line in a book where the characters are talking about their wartime experiences and how they expect the trauma will pop up again somewhere.

It’s receded a bit.

When I went back to the oncologists a couple of weeks ago I stuck my head around the door of the chemo ward and waited at the entrance as it no longer felt right to just walk in. Well the nurse came up but she didn’t recognise me until she looked me right in the face. I’ve always gone back to say thank you. That might be the last time (unless I need their expertise again) as I felt that something had changed.

I also realised it yesterday. How long it has been. It’s a year since radiotherapy ended. But I’m still waiting for the surgery. And I’m able to look at myself in the mirror now and see what the challenges are the surgeon may face…

I think I’ve gone for several weeks without having a cry.

I’ve found counselling very helpful. More as an older female voice to guide me and at times acknowledge achievement. But I have more to do in that space I think. Having said that, my counsellor is the first I actually trust and like her style of counselling. She gets to the heart of the issue, but so does my mother in law!!!! 🤣

@Penguinsa which castle?! I’m in official mourning that it will be a year before I see a castle again. I am contenting myself by reading about Agincourt before I rewatch Henry V… I’m a funny little creature in my interests 🤓

Just been attempting to clean some windows. Deep joy!

Happy Saturday and be lucky everyone!

Fairywren It was Kimbolton castle which is a private school but fireworks were open to the public. https://www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/castle

Thanks Top Not heard Linda though tend to largely avoid cancer things, they don't bother me anymore unless people have died or are state 4 with symptoms I have but prefer not to dwell on it and pretend it was in another life. I do sort of feel it was a lot of the time though always reminders like my body. 😆

Had lovely Sunday roast today. DD told us she will come home next weekend now, week earlier than she said before, which is lovely but I planned a Christmas meal for that weekend so have been moving it all forward which was fine as had not ordered anything but now have.

DH is now hoovering as I am still banned, and Floofs hair is getting the carpets all tabby. 😻 Hospital again on Tuesday, don't really need it as all fine but better to be checked too much than too little and they are lovely.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Ohh @Penguinsa I knew about the Katherine of Aragon connection! I actually saw Suzannah Lipscombe lecture on her at Peterborough Cathedral where she was buried a few years ago! That does sound very cool!

We’re deep into Series Two of House of the Dragon here at the moment.

The dog and I have been larking about taking pictures of cockatoos this afternoon. It’s a lovely day here.

I’ve made some more job applications.

I try to avoid cancer related things too. I have to leave the room and often go have a little cry in the bathroom when those "Stand Up To Cancer" items come up on C4 & Celebrity Bake Off. It's not surprising though that we avoid things that remind us of the trauma our bodies have been through and how it all might come back.

There are signs all over my workplace for a Macmillan coffee morning and bake sale thing. I know there are different views about cancer and sugar, but in my cancer, endometrial, there is a link between insulin resistance and cancer, and I no longer eat refined sugar so will not buy any of their cakes so will probably be seen as mean (they don't know I've had cancer). So that particularly winds me up, while at the same time I feel guilty that people are trying to help and I feel this way!

Hello everyone, I thought I would join this thread as I finished active treatment for ILC almost a month ago now and have enjoyed reading your posts. I had surgery to remove my 4 tumours in my right breast 31 July, then the radio early October, and I'm now I'm on tamoxifen for the foreseeable. So I kind of feel released back into so-called normal life.

However I had to have an MRI on my left breast on Thursday to monitor some specks seen there before my surgery. Someone wanted to biopsy them back then but senior radiologists overrode them (felt didn't look sinister) and advised to monitor in 3 months' time. Of course having the MRI has thrown stuff up but hopefully results will be the same as before.

Aaagh, it's annoying as I've started counselling at a local cancer centre to process everything that's happened, and my fears for future recurrence. Also signed up to Breast Cancer Now's Moving Forward course later this month, but I keep thinking am I actually moving forward! Hope you're all having good days.