HI. I have joined this group as it is more pertaining to myself, and I can also view the main website which is extremely useful.
I was diagnosed with the above some 5 years ago - I was on the watch and wait system, as apparently, they do not want to treat unless it is absolutely necessary. I was 69 last November and in August felt unwell, and moving on and I am this month on my 5th cycle of chemotherapy (two drugs) one which is the cause of hair loss. Some people might just find it thinning I believe. All I can say, is, that I have known for sometime about this condition, but because I was told all the time my bloods were good, and so forth, I never had any more scans. Then I suppose COVID stopped the regular "Physical Check- up". I have also been told that after chemo I will be on a two year maintenance of chemo I am not sure yet what that entails, but soon will. I believe it is six times a year.
For anyone facing chemo for the first time, it is hard to know what to expect and it is true that everyone is totally different. There are of course side effects, but, in my opinion, manageable and your cancer team will see you through it. Mine have been brilliant and I am being treated at my local hospital. I have recently had friends who, with different cancers, had to be seen in London Hospitals, and they have come through it, out the other end and enjoying life. I am aiming to be just like them!
My questions are more like - can I mix freely in the two years I will be having treatment - or is it a err on the side of caution again. I have this time, during treatment, kept pretty much to ourselves - and very few visitors, even for a cuppa they wore masks, as this winter, with re-emergence of COVID and flu - thought it would be best, but having said that. I still have to go the hospital appts, mix with the people and staff there, walk to car parks etc., so it getting a healthy mental balance between it all. Would very much like to hear if anyone on here is going through maintenance at the moment and can give me some positive pointers.
Take care
Hi Glann great news and thank you so much for coming back to tell us.
As the Nelson Mandela quote at the bottom says “It always seems impossible until its done”
You have still some way to go to complete your maintenance so we are always here to help you navigate this part of the journey.
Spring indeed is just round the corner, although just down the road we still have snow in the hills and the skiers are having a great time.
Muscle aches in your legs could also be down to the lack of exercise, the more you do initially the pains still stay with you then start to clear up the more you do.
Keep us up to date on how you are doing.
Hi Glann all sounds very positive and very encouraging.
The thought that walking can overcome fatigue is totally counterintuitive….. but it works.
Good to hear you are also getting some normality back in day to day activities….. this is all part of the healing and recuperation.
Don’t over think going to the restaurant, just try and choose a seat that is not very close to strangers in the area.
End of April is a long way away, I would be calling to see if there is an appointment sooner.
Rugby for me 
