Treatment starts next week

Hi Figgywig , I am finishing week 3 and have no pain as yet. (I had/have a 4cm Tumour and had a stoma op). I had a bit of a bump in chemo (they changed mine as a precaution in case the heartburn was my heart!) but other than feeling a bit tired, I am ok. I would recommend Flaminal RT application after a wash with tepid water, three times a day. Drink LOADS of water to flush out the nasties and eat what you fancy. Everyone is different but everyone on here is so supportive. Just do one day at a time and dont look ahead. One foot in front of the other! Once you start, each day you are closer to the finish xxxx

Thank you Willow and reading you've been ok has lifted my spirits...I am looking up the Flamminal and I will drink loads of water too! I will have to tick off each treatment day.

Everyone is encouraging and you've encouraged me x

Hello Figgywig,

Those days immediately before treatment are such hard ones. It starts to feel very real and absolutely understand your feelings of dread and emotional turmoil. I really feel for you.

My own experience was that it was less frightening once the treatment started. At least then I knew what it entailed rather than my mind running riot. The waiting to start and the build up can seem to go on forever and it’s no wonder you’re in a gloom spiral.

It sounds that you’re really well prepared with all the helpful bits and pieces which is great but the anxiety and fear is harder to prepare for.  

You will have the support of your treatment team and hopefully once you get the first few days over with you will feel more in control. 

I hope that you can find some ways to distract yourself over the Easter weekend although I understand that it will be in the forefront of your mind. 

Wishing you all the best for next week and big hugs to you xxx

Thank you - I get overwhelmed with the kindness and time taken to respond. I get that once treatment gets going I will be focussing on that, rather than this void of waiting and wondering.

My brother is dragging me off to see Fairport Convention (?) and I will be seeing 2 of my 11 grandchildren so Easter will be good!

Hi Willow,

So good to hear that you’re ok at the end of week 3 after your rocky start. I hope you’re able to rest up over the weekend and wishing you well for week 4. 

You’re getting closer to that finishing line and keep crossing those days off.

Big hug xx

Sounds like a great plan and although the next few days will feel probably quite surreal I hope you have some happy moments of distraction. 

Enjoy the great band and the time with your 2 grandchildren. 11 is an impressive number.  It’s good to have a plan for those days immediately before treatment as having too much quiet time can just escalate the worry spiral.

Big hug xx