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

Hi Figgywig you sound like you are well prepared, all i had at your stage was my limbo sleeve. Like the others have said one day at a time and each day is one day closer to the finish and getting your health back. Once you start it will all seem less daunting. As far as pain and side affects go we all react differently so try not to think about it and just deal if you have to. The treatment has a high success rate so a barbie butt as you put it is pretty unlikely although i do like that description. Good luck for next week. Sending hugs. Xx

Hello Figgywig 

The dreaded pre-treatment chats - I know they have to do it but they always give the absolute worst case scenario.  And many of us have very few side effects from the chemo.  The radiotherapy did have side effects which (for me) were quite brutal.  However, even they didn't really start until I was well into the third week of treatment, and they don't all come at once and are very gradual when they do.

And please keep to the front of your mind that this treatment has a high success rate, all of us have been through it or are going through it and you are really in the right place for a virtual handhold.  You really will feel more in control when treatment starts and you are in a routine each day, and the 28 days passes surprisingly quickly.

You sound so well prepared, well done.  Now have a lovely Easter!

Sending a big hug

Irene xx

Thanks Irene

Yes I think it is the worst case scenario overdose of information that has got me. I take your point about everyone reacts different and I was thinking if I got through the pain and carnage that followed my surgery, then surely I can deal with what comes and knowing you guys on here have trodden that path. I think as you say the routine each day will help as it will be taking a step at a time and getting to treatment and coming back. I have some crochet and cross stitch lined up if the inspiration comes.

Thanks for the hug and I am off to start Easter x

Thank you for reminding me about the high success rate and things being less daunting as the treatment starts and as you say deal with what comes, rather than worry and think the worst.

Thanks for the hugs and wishes! 

Wednesday here I come!