*** February Chemo Club 2020 ***

Missed the January thread so posting here,hope that’s ok as it’s still technically January

Last chemo today, 31st Jan, bit emotional but now onto phase two...surgery mid March hopefully!

Just wanted to say to Newbies,chemo is not the best, we are all different and will have different side effects butI bet it won’t be as bad as your imagination is telling you! As others have said it’s doable, look on it as a friend who has come to help you! Good luck with it all! Bx

Great news about the last chemo session , on to the next step .I tend to think this journey is like stepping stones back to full health.  Hope you recover well from the last chemo session. Good luck for your surgery in march. 

J x

Hello All, 

Well don't have a chemo date yet but the paperwork is in so pretty sure it will start in Feb. It's reassuring to know you are all here.  

Hi, I was wondering had anyone kept any of their hair on ec without cold cap? I did 1 session but fell out in massive clumps just after second chemo. so cut to an inch what was left . Nearly due 4th chemo and still got quits a bit of hair round sides, and I'm convinced its grown a bit and some has come back on top. Dont want to get my Hope's up but it would be nice not to start from beginning regrowing!

Good luck to everyone starting, continuing, and some of you who will be finishing this month (yay!!!)Here's to minimal side effects, things shrinking, and those who are struggling we are here for support!!

Slightly off topic - but could someone remind me how to 'tag' a person I'm replying to please. I think I did see it somewhere but can;t find it again now. Thanks 

Hi Val  / 

You just type the 'at' symbol used in email addresses - then with no spaces start to type the members name.

Better to type their whole name rather than choose from the drop down list as some names are very similar 

G n' J

Hello all, I've just completed hubbys Attendance Allowance form and noticed with horror that the box was ticked by the Oncologist which said expected to live six months or less.  I'm so devastated, don't know where to turn, can't face watching him deteriorate over the next how ever many months knowing this, I feel so alone and vulnerable.  Don't know how to cope on my own.  I just didn't ever think I would lose him this early in our lives.  I'm in bits, which won't help my recovery, I'm so upset.  We don't have children, so I will be completely on my own, how can I cope?

Take a breath.  Please ring the Macmillan Helpline and talk to someone about your feelings. Do you have a Macmillan Nurse at the hospital you attend you can contact

All statistics are based on large groups of people and what is called the bell curve. A few people do very badly a few people do extremely well and live for years most are somewhere in between with the majority around 6 months perhaps.

No one knows where your husband will fall on this curve ( not even the oncologist). It sounds like he is trying to help your situation by " hurrying up" the process of your husband's allowance and that the possibility is there that time may be shorter than you hoped BUT it is all based on large groups in your husband's  situation, not on his particular case.

I used to be a Macmillan Nurse donkeys years ago and I'm so sorry this wasn't  explained more carefully to you.

I don't know your husband's diagnosis or treatment plan. This must have come as a huge shock to you and my feeling is you should reach out to someone to chat to .If you get on well with your GP this is anotber option. Take care

Giuliella

I just want to say how sorry i am for your devastating and heartbreaking news. It's the worse news possible but to find this out by filling out a form and for the oncologist to not tell you in person, is exceptionally difficult for you. I have no words that will take your pain away. But I do know everyone of this forum will be here for you. Hopefully you have friends near by who can support you through this terrible time. My heart goes out to you and your husband. 

Jx

Hi Giuliella

How very difficult to stumble on this 'information' almost accidentally.  

I'm not sure if this will help you but I have a good friend who was given a very poor prognosis 5 years ago when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She is still here. Admittedly she may be a statistical 'outlier' and atypical BUT - your husband is NOT a statistic and he is NOT average. The so-called experts don't know everything but they, like everyone, live in a world where 'box-ticking' has become the norm when dealing with bureaucracy so they have to put something. Perhaps as previously suggested, your oncologist is just aiming to get you the most possible help in the shortest possible time).  I wish I could do more than write an email.