LJane's blog

2 weeks into treatment

2009-11-05T16:31:09Z

The first week of treatment was very difficult. Had nausea and felt sick, however after taking 2 types of antisickness tablets it helped me overcome. I have experienced pain and it has been a real learning experience in dealing with taking pain killers as I have always avoided drugs where possible. However I have had to overcome my fear of taking them - a fear of being awake but not being able to move. Am taking 30 mg codeine phosphate 4 times a day, 2 x paracetamol, and amitryptaline (taken mostly at night to help me sleep) but which has really given relief for the deep nerve pain. Last night was the first time i have slept through from 10pm to 6am in absolute months. Have been disturbed with discomfort from pain and also night sweats. There has been no temperature, just feeling very hot, almost like hot flushes though these ended some years ago. I am feeling better now than I have done so in a long time.

I have regained feeling in my left hand, arm and shoulder - these had become numb and swollen from the cancer. Its good news, but still have a long way to go.

Melanoma developing

2009-10-19T16:58:11Z

Its been a while since posting a blog. I went thro a stage of not wanting to think about doctors, hospitals and the C word anymore! Since August 09 we had a wonderful summer holiday. However it made me aware how I have slowed down and was unable to go out every day with my family to the parks due to exhaustion and shoulder pain. This stiffness has developed since a lump broke through in my left armpit and it is now very swollen. I cannot lift my arm above my head or behind and feel quite disabled - though happy to be alive! I start chemo tomorrow and am hoping this will deal with the lumps, and loosen up my arm. I dont know whether my hopes are in vain? Has anyone else had significant reduction of lumps after treatment?

Melanoma cancer stage 4

2009-07-23T16:59:56Z

This is my first blog so here goes... I had a malignant melanoma removed in 1993 and after years of regular check ups, and thinking it was all behind me, in April 2009 I discovered a lump and immediately went to my GP. After lots of checks, ultrasound, blood test and MRI scan I was devastated to be told the melanoma cancer had returned as secondary cancer in both lungs and both breasts. It was such a terrible shock! Iinitially I just wanted to cry, then felt angry, but what good would that do? Since then the 3 lumps that have since developed were treated with radiotherapy. Going for treatment at the start was very frightening, especially lying under the huge machine and being left alone whilst all kinds of buzzing noises were going on. Eventually I realised what the normal procedures were and had to learn to trust the nursing staff. Once I had overcome these fears, the treatment went well and the nurses are so supportive. With radiotherapy its important to coat your skin with the cream provided to keep your skin moist after the treatment and morning and night and during the day if necessary, and also drink lots of water. I believe this protected my skin. During the treatment I started waking up very hot and gasping for water at night and could drink a 500ml bottle of water within half an hour. Nearly 3 weeks have passed since the radiotherapy and I am feeling really good in myself - though I still wake up for water. The treatment spots are still tender and discoloured, but I no longer have a tingling/sometimes burning taking place inside the areas where I think the cancer may have been developing. Once I was half way through the treatment I became extremely tired, and could not do much during the day. There were times when I would suddenly get very cold, and only a hot water bottle and blanket could help. I decided to fight through every day, and have returned to work, working full time when I feel strong and shorter hours when I cant make it. I am supported by a wonderful team at work, and it gets my mind off "me" and back to normality when I start thinking about I would like to buy to wear....for my next outing. I have also had a lump removed surgically from my back, just to the side of my shoulder blade. This lump was right in the middle of a pressure point when you sleep on your back or slightly on your side and I could no longer carry a handbag over my shoulder. Well i am recovering from this. Only take painkillers when I really need to as I hate side effects of feeling sleepy, or knocked out, not to mention the constipation that comes with it. O yes, and since the radiotherapy I have struggled with constipation... enough said. I did discover its important to write down questions and prepare yourself in advance before each consultation with your doctor or hospital, so that when you have the full attention of your doctor and staff, you can make full use of time offered for your visit. Well they call me a cat with 9 lives.. to add to this I nearly died from asthma as a young adult and have had to take medication for most of my years for this. I just try to be positive and not take on too much or fight the world. It doesn't do one any good. I am just thankful for being able to enjoy each day or year as long as I have them available to me. I know I have long uphill walk ahead of me! Thanks for your time and you take care.. LJane