AWAKE.........

Oh Karen, I am so sorry. It is so much harder when someone dies, especially someone close to you. I didn’t realise your Mum was a pastor, how lovely. It must be so hard for her though, in todays world. Have a good, long cry when hubby comes home and just hold him for ages. I sometimes hold Dec and just don’t want to let go. God bless Karen. Xxx

I haven’t often posted on the ‘AWAKE’ thread, not that I haven’t had sleepless nights!! I want to say a belated happy birthday/anniversary for this thread.

On reading through the posts, it looks as if a lot of us are coming to the end of your/our journey, either finishing, finished or moving on to other treatments. I suppose it takes roughly 9 months to a year to complete.

In all that time strong friendships have really been formed amongst a lot of you as you can tell from the posts.

From my point of view, I cannot thank EVERYONE enough for the help and support I have received over the months. Where would I have been without you all???? Gone absolutely mad I’m sure!! I have never known such support from anywhere and this is a true testament to all people overcoming cancer how really strong we all are. Where that strength comes from I sometimes don’t know but we all find it and STILL make time for supporting others.

I am going to attempt to name but a few who have helped me considerably over the months, please, please do not be offended if I have forgotten you, it is not intentional.

; ; ; ; JoDec; LondonLass; ; ; Violetsniff; Snowys Mum; Eddiboy; ; Jacmatholmad; moomy; toxophilite; ; wombat.23; LiziX; ; ; Deb09; JammyR; .

 For me had the 2^nd T treatment last week, as Deb09 and JammyR advised I have more/better painkillers, steroids for longer and it was reduced by 20%. Haven’t felt too bad, still not great but a lot more manageable than the first, just feeling a bit URGH!!! I’m sure we all can sympathise with that!!!

I have my last chemo in 2 weeks and will be ringing the bell and running like hell!! Who am I kidding?? I have made friends at my chemo treatments; the nurses are wonderful and always cheerful. The chemo has been a BIG part of my life for 5 months and, you know what?? I’m going to miss going there, how stupid is that?? I will cry when I ring the bell as even just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes (blubber). However, I surely won’t miss the side effects. As the end is so near now I really don’t know how I feel, so strange, as sometimes I feel so well and I have to remind myself I have cancer.

Also, during this process I have lost a good friend and half lost a daughter. This really brings out the best and worst in people but I have found new friends both within work (who have been tremendous) and of course on here.

Sorry to rattle on for so long as it sounds as if I won’t come on where anymore, I can assure you I will for a long time yet. I want to also be a person who can help and reassure other people.

So thank you for all the assurances, support, laughs, pictures, beautiful creation (on the Crafts thread), cries and so much more, a pat on the back for all of you as you are ALL very, very special people.

So, on a lighter note I am off to the Crafts thread in a little while to post some pics. This has not had much activity lately, what are you all doing??? Nothing?? No I don’t believe that, lets get posting ladies.

For all of you………….

So sorry to hear your news toxophilite 

I couldn’t visit my poorly friend today as she was moved to our local hospice this morning at the last minute .hopefully I can get down there tomorrow.at least I know she’s in a wonderful place as my f-in-law was looked after there for a few weeks before he left us and we still talk about the brilliant people who work there

So sorry Toxophilite xxx

So sorry to hear your sad news Karen - hope you've had that real hug by now, but if not, have another virtual one for now...

Taralou - Edwina that is such a lovely message and you are right we all seem to find the strength to get through this awful bc poop and support each other throughout which as you say without everyone on here would have made the journey a great deal harder for us all! Not long to go now before you get to the end of the chemo journey woop! Even though im 2 weeks post T chemo ive still had fantastic support and advice over the last few days which has proved invaluable and helped put my mind at ease! I shall have a look at the craft thread too although i cant say im the best at crafts my daughter loves making things so il pay you a visit! Big hugs Deb xx

Taralou - yes, we are all getting there.  Thanks for your lovely message.

I've finished my FEC, last Perjeta yesterday along with Herceptin and Paclitaxel.  I have one more Paclitaxel (possibly two) and that will be the chemo side of it done!  I am on Herceptin until around April next year.  Will find out when lumpectomy and lymph node removal op will take place but I suspect middle of June then onto final 4 weeks of radiotherapy.  I will be ringing Big Ben by then    To be honest, the Paclitaxel has been fine.  Bloody nose and very spotty face but all manageable.  Not really feeling tired at all.  Due another mammogram and ultrasound next Tuesday so hopefully the little bligher is getting killed off - as it deserves.

I am the same, don't post much but everyone's words still give me strength to get through this.

New lady in the hospital yesterday crying as her hair is starting to fall out.  Wanted to go and give her a hug and say, this is my wig - don't worry.  Felt so sorry for her.  I've still got people asking me when my hair will fall out!  It's actually starting to grow back in.  It's so fair though and still couldn't go out without wiggy on.  Will stick with the wig for around 3 months and see how it is then.

Everyone here is an inspiration and we are so lucky to have this forum to air our good news, bad news and fears and of course, wind problems!  It's made me laugh and made me cry but all in a good way.

Mavi (Dot) xxxxx

Condolences toxophilite  xhugx

Karen, sorry to hear your sad news.

So sorry toxophilite sending lots of love to you and you're mum. Xxx