Here we go. Treatment due to start.

I wish I had known in the early days that I would still be helping out here over six years later and that I would be well. 

Hi yes like Dani if I knew that I too would be alive and well plus helping others and spreading the word about our cancers . I thought our world  has we knew it had ended. But I’m sat here in our apartment in Murcia on a 9 week trip we’ve been over at least 20 times in the last 7 years not bad for a lady diagnosed at 61. 
one life just live if. 
Tell your team any problems he’s having before tge manifest. Plus always make sure you’ve sufficient medication on a Friday as the weekends a long time to be in pain 

Hazel x

at the first signs that you are struggling to eat see about a pump for overnight feeds.. don't wait until you hit a wall, which usually happens at a weekend.. be prepared... It was mentioned to me at the start of week 4 after a dodgy weekend, but I toughed it out, only to spend 17 days in hospital at the start of week 5.. I sometimes think back and wonder 'what if.. ' ..   it's all done and dusted now, but maybe it might help others be aware of how quickly things can change. 

..

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming treatment.

You've already ticked my biggest "I wish I'd known" box, by finding these forums. I didn't know about them until late into my journey and really wish I'd known about them beforehand because the level of advice and support on here is truly incredible.

One thing I did learn is to never 'suffer in silence'. There is no question too daft or too small to ask if things don't feel right as your journey progresses. I always thought the staff would be thinking "oh no here's Dave with another bloody question" but nothing could have been further from the truth. 

As has been pointed out on these forums a lot, we're all different and will respond to the treatment differently. I tried to kid myself on that I'd be one of the lucky ones and not suffer any significant side effects, and up until some point in Week 3 I was convinced I was going to be right, and then just like that went off a cliff !

The one thing to keep in mind though is that, as brutal as it can be, the treatment for 'our' cancer is very effective and lots of us on here are proof of that.

Today is exactly one year to the date that I first visited the dentist (thinking all I had was an abscess). They thought it was a mouth infection. Been a very tough - though also very quick - year but living a life as close to normal as possible and eternally thankful for all the help I had.

The blog is a great idea and I've bookmarked the address to keep up with your journey. Good luck

Wishing you all the best for your treatment. 

The journey ahead might be tricky but each day will take you closer to recovery. Believe in your team :talk to them about any worries / questions you may have,  you do not need to be "brave"...take any painkillers that are recommended.  Take each day at a time and try not to compare your journey to others' as we are all different and there is no one rule fits all. The side effects impact us in various ways. However we all can relate to what you might go through therefore we are all here to help you and support you. This forum is amazing, people here are not only caring and helpful, they are also non judgemental and truly beautiful people. One last thing: believe in tomorrow. Of course we all had dark moments and felt scared but there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Your treatment is the beginning of the end of your cancer. 

Sending you loads of positive vibes. 

Fab1

Lots of good advice already.  Maybe not "I wish I'd known" but more "I wish I had paid attention"!

Don't be stubborn when you are told (clinically, by friends & family or from your body) you need extra help please take it.  We are not superheros and anything to make this journey easier is good.

Tell your RT team the good and the bad on a daily basis.  They are your link to help.

Advocate for yourself throughout your treatment and recovery.

Almost nobody gets all the side effects and most see different side effects to others going through the same treatment.  You are unique, but feel free to shout out for help and guidance on here as someone will almost certainly have experienced what you are concerned about.

The next 6 weeks will fly past.  The remainder of the year will be a trial as you recovery, but hold onto the fact that a year out of your life is the trade off for many more years of good quality living.

I hope it all goes well for you.

That's a great one. Thank you.

Thank you Hazel!

Brilliant. Great advice, thank you.