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 again Glann and all is well up North....actually a beautiful day today.
When your appetite is affected it takes time to recover as it tends to become a mind game as we can convince ourselves we can't eat..... When I was struggling following my second Stem Cell Transplant it took about 4 months to get my full appetite back...... so I was doing the little and often thing.
Apart from the metallic taste I could not taste food so there was no enjoyment...... but my CNS basically reminded me that at this point in time it was all about getting fuel (energy) into my body and nothing about enjoying food.
But well done getting out for your meal and enjoying it....... your appetite will improve..... just don't stress it.
I actually think, and this is my thought..... that on the whole we have moved on from wearing masks. We are seeing covid has become like most of the other infections and bugs that have been around for many years....... and wearing a mask was never a thing. But I think we are more away of being in the company of people who are regularly sneezing,
The only time I now wear a mask is at my GP surgery and at hospital as I am required to do it........ even been on a few flights down to our daughters.
Good that your bloods are good
Our aim should always be to not let the journey define us...... we do all have the capabilities to define a good part of the journey.
If it was not for coming on here and helping folks out I think a high percentage of the journey would be fuzzy memories now and I am pleased to say that over the years I have been helping out on the community there have been many many people navigate the journey....... then move on from the community as they have moved on to live their post treatment life 
