TAMOXIFEN -the third thread ***

[MaryAnnSingleton]

here we are- will put a link on the old thread.

Thanks all for your support, I think my eldest sister (who lives near mum) will be complaining - although because he's moved so many times, its not clear where he got this infection.

Good luck to all ladies starting chemo next week, the port sounds like a good thing Pennies - hopefully will make things a little less uncomfortable. I had different drugs from the ones you're getting, (epirubicin and CMF) but it was intense because I took part in a drugs trial.
So epi x4 every other week then CMF x8 two weeks on, two weeks off. It's quite tiring, but I was also given GCSF with the first four, which I injected myself with at home, - helps build up white cells quicker I think. Perhaps you will be offered this too?

Anyway-hope that wasn't too boring -it waffled on a bit didn't it?

I've been doing yoga all day - so feeling fairly chilled out - ooooooommmm

KK - there is some kind of injection to boost blood cells so that might be it. I don't think I'll be injecting it myself though. Your regime sounds quite similar to mine.

KK you didn't waffle on at all! But my posts do seem longer than most - do I waffle too much?

Pennies - a woman I've seen on the cancer circuit (!) here has had 2nd session of Epirubicin and felt much better this time. She thinks it was being close to op that did her in the 1st time when she had bad head-aches and felt really rough, including constipation. Lets hope you and I don't have too many SEs. Have you seen the Top 10 tips to survive Chemo on BCC site? Useful I think, although quite a lot of prep! I found it under 1st chemo session but let me know if you can't find it and I'll look more precisely and let you know exactly. I'm going to make a 'Go-Cake' tomorrow

Off for a Thai meal now for DH's birthday before I go into solitary for 6 months.

Of course you don't SR. I am sorry- I hope no-one thought I meant them? -I was talking about my post.

I just thought mine might be a bit incoherent as I'm a bit tired tonight. Also didn't want go on about my chemo too much, when others are just starting their treatment.

Its a bit nerve racking waiting for your fist one - because its all unknown, and everyone reacts a bit differently. Once you've had one, you have a better idea what to expect.

Remember they can give you things to help with most side effects and IME are very good about meeting your needs. So try not to be to apprehensive.

Go-cake sounds good I had some hazelnut roulade today (unhealthy but yum!)

Blimey, miss a couple of nights and we have a new thread with two pages of posts already!
RWU - sorry to hear that you ahd an infection - sounds like you are picking up a bit now though. When will you be able to get your next treatment?

KK - can't believe all that has happened to your poor dad. I can understand why you would just want to get him home. Hope he recovers soon.

Pennies, what a lovely gift the meals sound - that was really thoughtful. People can be totally amazing sometimes.

Pennies, BB and SR hope you are all coming on with your healing. SR and Pennies - try not to worry about the chemo. I found that it was actually a relief to get started with it. Lots of ladies on my ward have had hardly any side effects at all. If you do get SEs, like KK says, let them know. My hospital have been very good at managing any side effects. My only advice would be to let them know sooner rather than later as they can usually do something for you.

No real news my end today. Enjoyed watching the squirrels dig up my plants and lawn. If global warming takes off I will have a bumper crop of peanuts!

Squirrels are so annoying. I can never grow yellow crocuses cos they eat the bulbs and just leave the purple ones!

Thanks for your encouraging words Haggis.

Hope everyone OK. Think the last corner of my wound will just be healed for starting chemo om TUesday.

Thai meal was scrummy last night.

bleugh! you lot have been too chatty, i've had a quick scan through but its manic here so just a quick update!

on the port thing for chemo- what port is it? i have two ports, a hickman (which is quite rare and not intended for short term chemo- ie hopefully you will only have one course so a hickman isn't neccesary) i also have a chest port which is likely to be what you may have, very easy, no pain, when they use it they numb the skin over it anyway.

It is dd's 'being two' day tomorrow (it isn't her birthday as she was born on leap year day so we celebrate it in true welsh style on St Davids Day) i have a banana cake in the oven which the boys are going to 'help' me ice How quickly time flies- also means that it is nearly two years since dx, what a lot can happen in such a short space of time!

happy being 2 day tomorrow RWU's dd - banana cake sounds fab.. is dh's 45th birthday tomorrow - had forgotten what age he is !!
Lots of luck to those having/starting treatment this week.

ooh happy birthday to Mr MAS! cheque went off yesterday MAS, addy was with it but will message it on facebook as well.

happy being two day RWU's DD and happy birthday Mr MAS - he's a young whippersnapper at 45.

There ought to be one of those birthday cake emoticons on here for such occasions, the nearest is .

Squirrels plant walnuts in our garden - someone nearby must have a tree I think. - I get all these little walnut trees emerging in summer. They also destroy the bird food containers, but I quite like them. (DH does not. "pigeons with furry tails" )

Happy Birthday to RWU DD and MAS DH!

Just popping in to give those about to start chemo this like. Chemo chic. It's set up by a woman who's had BC and aside from some good headwear she also writes some sense on how to get through BC. There are lots of useful links on the site too.

we don't seem to get squirrels in our garden- there are 3 bird feeders,but not troubled by the pesky rodent.
Mr MAS is having his birthday cake soon (Monday isn't really a day to have your bday)- I only have 4 candles for him.
RWU have just finished painting your picture - letting it dry before framing.

just finished icing the cake, to hide my uselessness lack of skill at cake icing i have covered the cake in sweets, any of the kids who have some will be as high as kites for WEEKS! only popped up here to get the camera, will post pics in a bit, its not bad for a beginner!

Happy Birthday to Mr Mas, RWU's DD and my husband too!

Thanks for link to Chemo chic as I am up the wall with nerves. Just about to phone BCN for a chat about several things.

Sorry you are feeling anxious SR, try not to be (I know that's easy to say) hope your BCN can help put your mind at rest.

have you got an ipod or similar you can take with you with some calming music or a good audiobook on it? to listen to while its going on.

The nurses will talk you through everything, and explain exactly what they are doing, and you will be able to lie back in a comfy armchair and put your feet up. I'm sure you will be fine - have you got someone going with you to keep you company?

Hi KK. DH is coming with me - certainly don't think I'd manage on my own! I spoke to BCN who said there would be no rush and the nurses tomorrow wd have plenty of time with me. No reassurance about my veins tho. or about likelihood of recurrence of infection. perhaps I ask impossible questions.

Next (and I hope final) op is set for 13 April. At least I know now that I feel normal 6 weeks after last op. Its dealing with unknown stuff that's hard isn't it. I am quite a controlling person ie like to control my own work for example and have everything planned out usually, but with this disease you can't do that any more - sorry, statement of the obvious I know!

Thanks for reminding me about the IPod - will pack it now. Have got water bottle, sweets and ice pack ready. Am drinking loads of water today.

Tesco has just arrived with enough food for an army for 6 months so better go and put it away.

happy bday to Mr SR too
Am so sorry you're feeling so anxious SR - iPod sounds a good idea to soothe and comfort. Would reading something trashy but enjoyable help ? lots of good thoughts to you x

Yes you are absolutely right it is dealing with the unknown - I'm also a person who likes to be in control, and that is one of the hardest things - having to put yourself entirely in others hands.

But you will get there, again -easy to say, but try not to over anticipate, it's a cliche but try to take it as it comes - or you will exhaust yourself.

You sound very organised with your 'chemo kit', much more than I was, and its great your DH can come with you - a bit of hand holding never goes wrong (By the way chemo day is officially a day when you are allowed anything you fancy by way of treats.)

she's two! my baby's growing up

Happy birthday to Mr MAS and Mr SR (i think i got that right )

SR- don't panic, keep calm, it is the way to go. It is an anxious time because you don't know what to expect but take it from someone who's been there more times than she can remember, the wait is worse than the actual treatment ipod, trashy book and sometimes some odd food (ryvita for me ) bear in mind that everyone reacts differently so just go with the flow for what YOU want, not what someone else has said was useful. For example i was told by a friend that barley water helped her, stopped her feeling so sick and didn't have that horrible metallic taste that most food gets during chemo, so i duly trotted off and bought some, only to find that it made me throw up the instant it got within 5cm of my mouth!
thinking of everyone else as well but i must go and play with dd and the new toys

Busy few days on here, then!

Still manic here, but lots of good wishes for those about to start chemo. I found I was beside myself with nerves on the first one - and that was the very worst bit. So try to chill. Hard I know.

PS Totally about the scabies KK.

Thanks Cakes - I am assuming my Mum, my sister and my 11year old nephew will all have to be treated as well since they've been in close contact.

Thank-you for all your ladies, re chemo. Will let you know how I get on...

Just popping non to say Good Luck to SR for tomorrow. I will be thinking of you loads.

just have to share dd's pics from today www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=160174&id=727616948&l=45aa258f9e