Val

First Chemo session part 2 includes a rant

2010-09-24T21:48:02Z

Arrived at the hospital yesterday morning at 8.30 as requested having talked myself into being positive when we got there they did all the normal questions date of birth height weight all that stuff - then they asked me have you been taking folic acid - no I said, it appeared that according to the records they had I should have been.

I explained that I had two appointments to discuss the type of chemo and the decision at the first appointment I was given a prescription for a vitman B injection and some folic acid but told not to have it dispensed that day but that I should come back the following week as they were looking into other types of chemo at this point the bed was booked for my chemo

The following week I went back and was told that I didn't need the prescription and to attend for my chemo on the 23rd

The nurse then said she would need to get in touch with my doctor or his registrar to confirm exactly what chemo I would be having so that it could be prescribed They tried all morning but didn't get hold of him until about 2.30 when I was advised that I wouldn't need the folic acid with the type of chemo I was having so it could go ahead

In fairness to all the staff on the ward they were really lovely and very apologetic and I understood that they needed to get it right but my now my positivity had totally disolved it also made me realise I need to listen harder and either take notes or have someone with me take them and I now know my chemo is Vinorelbine & Ciisplatin ( so lesson learned )

The flush drips started about 3ish and I was finally finished around 10.30 - 10.45

Got home today about 4 (had to wait for a prescription for tablets to prevent a mouth infection they thought they could see some white spots in my mouth)

Anyway on a good point I feel OK just very tired and slightly achey heres hoping it last for as long as possible.

Oh and can any one explain why at 2.20 in the morning they wake you from a sleep give you the shock of your life and expect your blood pressure to be normal!!!

Thanks for listening lots of love to all.

Val

XXX

First Chemo session

2010-09-22T19:58:00Z

I have my first chemo session tomorrow and I am feeling rather scared and unsure.

I know that everyone reacts differently so now one can tell me how it will affect me personally but I just wanted to share my feelings with people who I know will understand how I feel.

Val x

What a day

2010-09-10T15:45:15Z

I have been to the hospital today for the results of the biopsy.

Not good it is cancer in the lymph node, but they cannot find a link to the cancer in my right lung(not quite sure if thats the way they worded it)

They have decided that the best form of treatment will be chemotherapy but are not to sure at present what type of chemotherapy it will be I have to go back next Friday and they will tell me.

I am to have the first chemotherapy treatment on the 23rd September

I am quite lucky in some ways because at present I am not displaying any symptoms so they say that because I am quite fit(their words) they feel positive about the outcome My sister and nephew who came with me also appear to be quite positive.

To be honest I didn't take everything in once I heard the word chemotherapy my brain seemed to stop functioning and when they asked if I had any questions the only one I could think of was why me -obviously I didn't ask because there isn't an answer to that one.

I phoned Tony my husband at work and briefly explained and am now waiting for him to arrive home feeling like my head is about to explode.

I feel like getting absolutely p****d tonight which I know will not change anything but might make me feel better short term.

At least I know that if I have any questions or want to vent my feelings then this community is the right place to do it.

I sign off now and go and have a good cry

Val xx

Fed Up & Feeling Sorry for myself

2010-09-04T19:18:47Z

Should have been getting the results of my biopsy yesterday but they phoned on Thursday to say that the weren't ready so I now have to wait till next Friday.

To say I am p****d off is putting it mildly still as there isn't anything I can do about it I will just have to wait and try not to let it affect my blood pressure!!

Val xx

Been a while

2010-09-01T12:17:16Z

Its been a while since I wrote my last blog - was in hospital last week for a biopsy on the hot spots in the left hand side breast area had the biopsy done last Wednesday and they have just phoned to say that they hope that the results will be through for me to see the consultant on Friday, they are phoning me tomorrow to confirm they are through and to make an appointment - the cancer nurse says that they need to do some more staining whatever that might mean.

I hate the waiting I know I definitely have cancer in the right lung but they won't do anything about that until they know what the hot spots are.

I am trying to stay positive but sometimes it is really hard especially the not knowing about the hot spots.

Hopefully on Friday they will tell me that these left hand side hot spots are not cancer and I can focus on fighting the cancer in the lung.

Take care everyone don't know what the weather is like with you at present but its a beautiful sunny day here in Liverpool and it has defintely lifted my spirits.

Love Val x

The waiting is getting to me

2010-07-28T20:29:27Z

I was diagnosed with lung cancer last Friday in my right lung, they also found what they term as a hot spot on the left side near the lymph nodes in the breast area. The Doctor said he didn't think it was related but they did an ultra sound and I may need a biopsy just to make sure.

On top of this because I have had 2 heart ops in the passed (stretch and then replacement of the mitral valve they did a heart echo to see if my heart can cope apparently they lell me is large (I always wanted to have a big heart although not in the way they mean)

They think they will probably operate depending on the outcome of the tests.

Strange thing is at present I actually feel quite fit physically although mental I'm not so good.

Anyway on Monday I decided I would go into work and try to carry on as normal explaining to people was awful the word cancer strikes fear in everyone (including me) and I didn't want anyone treating me any different it went well and I was quite pleased with myself.

I hate the waiting for the results not knowing if the "hot spot" is cancer and if my heart is strong enough .

Still I guess there isn't much I can do but wait and be glad that at least I can go into work and try to take my mind off thngs.

Thank you for letting me rant a little - I do feel better for it

Take care all

Love

Val

New to site

2010-07-24T19:53:24Z

Hi,

I was diagnosed with lung cancer yesterday I'm still in a state of shock was really pleased to come across this site last nigh and I'm sure I will be using it quite a bit in the future and everyone seems to be kind and understanding

Val