New here

Hello Welly and welcome to our group.

So sorry you are facing this cancer again..I presume you’re going on the chemo cocktail this time? I know lots of ladies who’ve done very well on this, but it’s definitely not nice to be facing losing your hair. Amazing you’re considering working through it. Our stories are very similar-if you click on my profile name you can read mine. It’s such a hammer blow having to go through this cancer again, but your positivity shines through. And it really helps.

I was “lucky” enough to have a total pelvic exenteration, so haven’t had to go through chemo again, but it was still a rough ride. I too did my best to keep positive and try and avoid negative thoughts, but it can be hard to be upbeat all the time. 

Really glad to have you with us-we have a lovely group of ladies here, and I hope you’ll find it helpful to have somewhere to come and talk about everything and anything. It’s lovely to have supportive family, but often helps to talk to others who can understand. xx

Hi Sarah

Thanks for the lovely welcome!  Gosh we do have similar stories although you have certainly been through the mill! 

I'm having the same cocktail of paclitaxel and carboplatin that I had last time (and caused the hair loss). I also had cisplatin last time around for the final 5 weeks when I was having daily radiotherapy.

The cancer appears to have returned in two lymph nodes and not in the original position. Haven't had PET scan yet as oncologist was keen to start chemo and not be delayed waiting for this so keeping fingers crossed that's the only place.  Unfortunately on both occasions surgery hasn't been an option because of the position of the tumours. 

I'm off to pack my bag with things to keep me entertained tomorrow!

W

Hi Welly

So you’ve had experience of the cocktail...I only ever did Cisplatin so never even lost my hair once. It’s good they’ve got you going quickly with it though. I was offered the Interlace trial at diagnosis but said no as I just wanted to get going, but on reflection it might have helped!

Definitely will be keeping everything crossed the pet doesn’t show anything else untoward..and that the cocktail does its job this time for you. One of my friends did particularly well on it and is ing great-NED on maintenance chemo now for the last 5 years. Hope your first session goes smoothly tomorrow. xx

Hi Welly.  I am on my fourth week of the Chemoradiotherapy but am desperately sorry to hear of your recurrence. You sound very positive and I am sure this will get you through.  It is just so damn relentless isn't it.  Just wanted to show some support and welcome you to the group.  Sarah is a wealth of good advice and knowledge and she has helped us all so much.  Good luck! xxx

Hi snowbird, how are you feeling on week 4? I hope your side effects are minimal.  Are you having weekly chemo and daily radiotherapy? Last time round I had 6 weeks of chemo alone then 5 weeks of weekly chemo and daily radiotherapy then 2 brachytherapy to finish it off.  I always found dealing with each bit as I came to it easier than thinking ahead to what was coming next! 

W

Hi Welly, yes weekly chemo and daily radiotherapy for 5 weeks but start brachy on Tuesday - shudder at the thought!!

I have one brachy a week for three weeks.  Apetite is dwindling just now and chemo causes bowel explosions but other than that, I'm fine..And yes I agree, take each bit at a time.  Too overwhelming otherwise.  Hope alll your scans come out well, I have my MRI today for brachy on Tuesday.  Not sure I even want to know what it shows! Good luck and you have loads of support from the ladies on here.  We're all in this together! xxx

Hi snowbird

Just wanted to say I hope your first brachy goes okay on Tuesday. I seem to remember the thought of it was worse than the reality. Although it's not a day at the spa, it's bearable!

I had my first new round of chemo on Thursday and have spent the last couple of days mainly on the sofa. Feeling a bit weak and tired already. Finding constipation is more my jam and mouth tastes/feels horrible so not got much appetite either. Hoping it will get easier as I go along. 

W

Hi Welly and thanks for your good wishes.  I hope you recover quickly from your Chemo.  I also get quite constipated after Chemo for two days.  I've had a bit of a rough weekend as well what with the radio runs and nausea kicking in so you're in good company!!  Thanks also for the reassurance regarding the brachy.  I'm hoping it's just the fear of the unknown that's making me so anxious.  I hope next week is much better for you xxx

Hi Snobird

Just wanted to wish you all the best for your brachy today. I’m hoping the thought is much worse than the reality for you-it usually is! Our minds conjure up all sorts when we go into something new, but really hoping you don’t find it too bad today. xxx

Hi snowbird, hope you got on okay yesterday?