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**OCTOBER CHEMOTHERAPY CHAT 2019**

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello lovely people, and Welcome to the October Chemotherapy Chat! I cant believe how these months are rolling round, I hope October is as easy a month as possible for you all. 

This thread is for all of you soldiers, going through chemotherapy to take a look at, ask questions, answer questions and be there for one another in a way only you guys know how. 

If you want to find this post quickly, you can hit the 'Save In My Favourites' button. 

For all of those of you going through chemotherapy, you are superstars. You are amazing, and you are fighting each and every day, you are my heroes. If you need any extra tips, our Chemo Tips Page is something you may find very helpful, and something that you may find you would like to share with others who are also going through chemo. One top tip, ask about parking at the hospital you are being treated at; for some Cancer patients parking is either free or discounted (big discount!) So it's worth asking about. 

To get a sense of how the thread works, here is a link to Septembers chat  which will be being locked from replies soon, but have a read anyway if you'd like to. 

Remember, you're never alone, you have us! And, just try to focus on what your chemotherapy is doing. Its hopefully kicking your cancers butt. 

I hope you are coping with me doing these! And I hope all of you are doing as well as you can do while going through this tough part of your journies. 

Happy October Everyone, 

Lots of love, hugs, light and healing to each and every one of you. 

Alex xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Blackcat20

    Hi , 

    on the nhs website it does cover us for the flu vaccine it’s no on that you have to fight for these things tho - here’s a cut of the wording - 

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Yorkshire_defector

    Hi Sam and thank you so much for the positive take on the treatment, it really helps me to read that actually! I've had a bit of news this morning and not really good, but it does help me to make a decision about the treatment. I got a call from the hospital (on a Sunday!!!) and my bone marrow biopsy showed abnormal cells, which means I'm actually a stage 4 not a 3b. I kind of had a sneaking suspicion, because my blood counts have been all over the place and there was something weird with the blood film morphology too, plus I've been quite achey in my hips and stuff (but I was blaming that on running around after the girls!). 

    I've now got to go in tomorrow and talk about the way forward, because this changes things in terms of the plan and from what the doctor said this morning, W&W isn't going to be a recommended option any more.

    I'm feeling surprisingly calm. I think it helps that I've had to just spend the last hour and a half trying to sort out plans for tomorrow with my husband. It's always easier when you have something to do, but it might hit me a bit more later on.

    All the best to you all xx

  • I called the surgery on Tuesday and told them I was starting chemotherapy in 2/3 weeks time...she booked me in on Tuesday for a flu jab! I’m not normally entitled to one.

  • Sorry Jess, didn’t see your post there! As you say keeping busy helps! Hope all goes ok tomorrow! x

  • Hi

    Not good news Jess but it does help with decision making . I must admit when second biopsy showed changes in a second area it made my decision for masectomy so much easier . 

    Like you I was then very calm and just needed get on with it. This is when you and others discover how strong you are .

    Most of us on here will tell you the same ..the waiting between appointments and decision making is the worst times . When you have your plan you have something to work with . 

    Get all your questions ready and write them down . 

    Make sure someone is with you to take notes for you most of the conversation I had with my daughter after my meetings started with

    " Did he say ??"  Daughter came as hubby has very poor memory after brain haemorrhage several years ago .

    keep posting we here to support each other 

    I'm. Back at Oncologist tomorrow after they cancelled last weeks chemo due to head cold . Hopefully can get back on track this week .

    Like Sam I've had minimal/ manageable side effects so don't get tied up with projected side effects .You will be told the worst case scenario !

    Margaret x

    One step at a time and ...Breathe !
    xoxox
    Margaret
  • I have now got my dates for the start of chemo, the first one being this coming Tuesday, having a PICC line fitted tomorrow, oh joy.  Am so worried and anxious, I was interested to note how you said you feel better with eating healthy, good friends and going for walks.  I have a supportive hubby, good friends and eat healthily, also do walking most days so I'm hoping that I am as good as you sound on it all, as I dread being sick and laid up in bed for the next five months!

    one question to everyone, do I need to buy Simple cleanser, deodorant, body cream etc. Whilst on chemo?

    Regards, Giuliella.
  • Sorry, I think I've sent this to the wrong person when I sent it to Jess1111 it should have been directed at yourself, doh.  Still trying to get my anaesthetic brain to work, but it seems worse than ever, sorry!  See post before, to Jess1111 please.

    Regards, Giuliella.
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    I read that too  and thought I was covered but when I rang they said as I hadn’t been sent for I probably wasn’t eligible and directed me to patientaccess.com and told me to do the online eligibility check. It was this that said no.

    its my last docetaxel next week anyway so it’s not as if I’m going thru winter with a weak immune system plus I must have a decent immune system as everyone in our house has a nasty cold - except me!! 

    Thanks x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    - congratulations, glad you’re nearly done on treatment, but the flu injection thing sounds a bit like a postcode lottery. 

    Eileen xxx

  • Ruthie2,

    Nearly there with chemo - yay !  As far as the flu jab look on it as the medics must think you are not at any more risk of catching flu any more than someone who hasn’t had treatment. Sounds positive to me !

    Holbox and Blackcat - good you have both reacted well to next part of treatment - very reassuring! 

    I have another EC before my change in treatment. Not been as good this week with more naps required and as last time horrible acid indigestion. However hopefully moving into good half of cycle as now feeling much better. 

    To everyone else old and new all good wishes and hope SEs are minimal.

    Jojodot X