Cycle 1 completed and Cycle 2 started

with minimum side effects reported fantastic.  My bloods have not quite recovered but they are no worse then in 2009 however I am going to start taking Vitamin C after reading an interesting blog last week Mums not having chemo.  Forgot to get some yesterday and really can't be bothered to get dressed today!

I have had a very exciting week with last minute arrangements to go to the NTA's at the O2 in London.  Thanks Kathryn for inviting me this time and I'm glad you enjoyed it as much I did.  Sadly I broke my camera and we were just having such a great time we only took a few photo's.  I showed how committed I am to my lifestyle changes, as being invited to the post awards party :-) with a FREE BAR I only had 2 glasses of champagne and drank water inbetween!! I have been laughing at the thought of Colin and David turning in their graves at that one!

I am having a relaxing weekend at home after the weeks excitement, yesterday I met up with Lesley P who I have met through the the BCC forums and we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Zizzi's.  Today I am not even going to get dressed!

Before I go off and cook some dinner Congratulations to Sarah and Laurence on the safe arrival of a baby girl who as yet has no name she looks gorgeous !

Another fantastic result!

As my scan last week was to have a benchmark before starting chemo, I was not due to discuss the outcome with my Oncologist, however with my fantastic blood test results, which I put down to no drugs, Dandelion tea, Milk Thistle, Apricot kernels, Flaxseed and Blueberry punch, I couldn't resist asking for a copy to see if there was a similar trend and ...

"In the abdomen there has been no increase in size of the liver metastatic deposits and no new lesions are seen."

It is an understatement to say I am feeling ecstatically pleased with this result.  Why am I on chemo again? Realistically I will continue with the 6 cycles I am booked for and reassess when I have my next scan in 3 months time as with the chemo and lifestyle changes I have made and others in the pipeline, I feel extremely positive about the potential outcomes.  

Talking about chemo so far so good with no side effects being noted!!

Chemo Cycle 1 Day 4 so far so good

I don''t feel any different whoo hoo!  Even managed a small celebration in the Plough after work on Friday.  The Xelda Queen and Princesses who blog in the Breast Cancer Care forums have proved to be such a valuable and inspirational resource my anxiety diminished after keeping down the first 2 doses. 

One of the tips I picked up on Tuesday was to use Coconut oil to moisturise your skin (no toxins or additives).  I am already using that on my lips instead of Vaseline and it is doing the job. I will look into using it on the rest of my face next.  It makes you feel better know you are using a natural product.

I have a weekend to potter about and I am having a cooking session and a clear out. Have a good one everyone xx 

Busy couple of days and have started Chemo

I had my CT scan yesterday, no issue putting the cannula in.   Took the girls to Bournemouth and they had a fab time.  I was fortunate to arrange a consultation with Barbara Cox who runs Nutrichef at the last minute whilst I was in the area.  This was extremely educational and I will share what I have learnt from her when I have put my plan together.

This morning I went to have my bloods taken. Three people and 4 attempts later I was feeling queasy. All I could think of was I could really do with a packet of Tooty fruities.  As I hadn't got my purse on me I remembered I had brought in the left over Christmas cake to share at work and that hit the spot.

I went back this afternoon to meet with the Pharmacist and I was there for an hour going through the medication and the possible side effects and we discussed the ways to manage them.  I am taking 2100mg of Capecitabine twice a day shortly after food.  1 cycle is 2 weeks of the daily dosage then 1 week off and I am on 6 cycles initially.

Wasn't a brilliant day with one thing and another and when I got home it got worse with Holly just being a typical teenager which I didn't ignore. All calm now, first dose taken and they have stayed down.  I was told to take my first dose in the evening rather then the morning as for some reason this minimises the side effects.

I feel prepared but still anxious.  The great news about today was that my blood test results were brilliant with only 1 area of concern instead of 4 in my liver functions.   Can't wait to see my scan report.

Well off to bed now will keep you posted ... 
PS Wend that was the first album I ever bought!

Seasons Greetings

and hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas.  Our plans for both weekends all changed at the last minute.  Never a dull moment!

Christmas because Holly caught a bug so we were banned from going to Worcester. Gutted as we all were,  we know it was the right decision.  Then I had no one to go to the pub with to toast Colin on his anniversary on the Friday.  Holly was adamant she didn't want to come, which I am sure will change in a few years time, so I kidnapped Donna for an hour.  It was a really odd feeling I had at one point as I didn't think I would get  there.  It only cleared up when we ordered our mulled cider.  Thanks Donna  and I am pleased you enjoyed your first mulled cider x

Thankfully the bug cleared up and I didn't catch it so Holly and I still went to Devon and had a wonderful time.   Big Thank you to  Karen Chloe and Teri xxxx

New Year has changed as the ferry's to Jersey have been cancelled due to the weather conditions so we are staying in a lovely cottage in Bude instead.  Bonus - Indoor heated swimming pool and Karen is popping over for the day :-)

Tuesday, after my CT scan at 8:30, I'm taking Holly, Mel and 2 other of Holly's friends, Chloe and Eloise to Bournemouth for a One Direction concert.  Excited doesn't cover it for Holly.  I keep imagining how excited I would have been if I was their age and going to see Donny Osmond, however I am considering using headphones :-).

 Happy New Year everyone and here's to a gripping January  xxx

Some funnies that have made me smile!

I am always laughing and smiling at one thing or another and thought I would share some with you.

Halloween I was running late getting home as Sarah S was calling in for tea on the way home.  We had our pumpkin out and Holly was off out with Mel scaring people.  I answered the door to a corpse bride and a very scary Alice.  Their accompanying adult went on to say they were expecting me to get dressed up like I had 2 years ago as I had made them cry and they had been seeking revenge since.  We all laughed at the memory and I explained I was a week out of hospital and had little hair. Tracie had done my make up so I was the scariest one opening the door.  I do  remember making the younger ones step back and go to their parents and these girls had been waiting to seek revenge since.  Been on a hunt but did find the photo. I'm the one on the right.

                   

When I was at the Beacon Centre next I got chatting to a lady in the second waiting room who has just started chemo and she was discussing the operation she was due to have when this finished and she wanted to know amongst other things what it felt like afterwards.  I mentioned my blog as a resource for her and she asked me if I knew one of her friends that was a nurse.  I didn't and we carried on talking and another lady that had arrived joined in.  It came up that I worked for the Trust and she asked me if I had a young daughter and it then transpired that this friend had mentioned me and my blog to her as I had met the friend when I was having treatment in 2009.  She wanted to know if I was still using my wonderful sense of humour to keep me going through all this rubbish.  We all laughed and I thought what a lovely way to be remembered.

Finally my lovely daughter sprung a birthday surprise inspired by initially thinking I was going to be 50. I was so nervous coming home to find the house empty with a note on the door telling me to get ready, hair and make up as taxi was picking me up at 6:45 I had no idea what was going on. Thanks to those who helped her and turned up it was lovely.  I have said I will help her next year so she can hire a hall and I have suggested we turn it into a fundraiser so watch this space....

I did have another planned joint birthday celebration the following weekend in Worcester and love the next picture cos it's not a bad one of me.

I am enjoying the preparations for Christmas as we are going to be in North Devon with Karen, Chloe, Teri, Rachel, Laura and Holly.  Not sure if Karen is allowed to go sledging down sand dunes after last year when her knee found the rock but we might still have a go.

Well I'm off to finish my cards and make another list.  Have a good weekend everyone xxx

Date for Chemo set

for the 4th January 2012.  The hormone tablets are not working and my liver fuctions have got worse.   2 weeks ago I was saying I would be gutted if there is no improvement in my liver functions with the change in my diet, however reflecting over this last weekend I realised that what I am doing is never going to shrink the tumours but the fact I feel so much better I will continue regardless. 

My Oncologist advised further to the Macmillon fact sheet given to me at my last appointment, that the worst sideffects they see are the skin drying on the hands and feet and the taste in the mouth being very unpleasant and Diarrhoea. Since the last meeting I have been finding the forums in the Breast Cancer Care extremely resourceful so I asked about the Udder cream and mouth wash and they hold stock at the hospital.  Being prepared is half the battle.

I am dissapppointed with this news and I have to give it a try.
There are other drugs if the Capecitabine doesn't work.  I will have to take tablets for 2 weeks then a week off.  The success of this chemo will be measured by blood tests and I will have another CT scan before I start. There are women who have been on this chemo for 8 years and enjoy a good quality of life!

The good news in all of this is that I will be drug free for 4 whole weeks whoo hoo!

I did sneak into the League of Friends shop on the way back and bought a small pack of tooty friuties, mini cheddars and a small bar of dairy milk. Sshh don't tell Holly.  xxx

What a difference a few days makes. Everything seems brighter

after browsing forums on the Breast Cancer Care website and a bit of retail therapy!

In the Breast Cancer Care community, the ladies who are on Xeloda (the short name of the drug that my health care team want me to start), provide a valuable resource.  I am reading how they manange the side effects and the different treatments being used. Reassuringly there is a lady who has been on this drug for 8 years and whilst I know everyone reacts differently, that turned it around for me!

I have had my appointments through, Oncology 6th Dec and 20th Dec for my referral to have the sigmoid skin tag removed.

Since I got back from the Penny Brohn centre, I drink loads of fruit tea and hot water with lemon.  I am now also drinking Dandelion tea and taking a RDA of Milk Thistle.  This will help my liver functions that are being impacted by toxins from drugs, food and drink. 

In my second week of detox I have lost 2lb in weight and I am feeling quite bright and positive all things considered and long may it continue! Birthday binges and Christmas coming up oh well it's all about getting the right balance :-)

Have a good weekend everyone xxx

Not a great report from my CT scan

for my liver it states "They appear slightly larger then on the previous CT.   The largest lesion is in segment 5/8 and measures 26mm (previously 19)mm.  New lesions in segment 6 are also noted."  My liver functions are not great either.  The good news is there is no free fluid roaming around my belly!

My oncoligist's answer to this is to place me on chemo -  Capecitabine to be taken orally.  I get the  "lets try this whilst your relatively healthy" however  I made it clear that at there is no way I am taking Chemo until my skin tag guarding my bowel entrance has been removed.  I remember from the last time the impact of chemo on my bowels very well!  I had some questions which the Dr didn't know the answer to and he said if I could wait I could see my usual oncologist which of course I did and threw more questions at him.  The FireFox trial (combination of radiotherpy and chemo for advanced bowel cancer in liver) I had already emailed to him, would not be appropiate for me as my cancer is like seeds scattered throughout my liver.  He wasn't enthused over my suggestion about me having Oxygen therapy.  I said that due to the side effects of  Arimidex (generic tablets Nastrosa) could I try another Aromatase inhibitor such as Exomestane.  I mentioned being unable to loose weight and yeah thats my problem to sort and so I will!

So the plan is to use Exomestane straight away then have my liver functions checked in a months time.  Meanwile back to the GP to get my sigmoid skin tag removed. I'm going to formulate a plan to loose weight and be healthier all round and do some more research on oxygen therapy using the Penny Brohn centre for further advise and support on all the above ...
On telling Holly, her only concern at this time is if the chemo results in me loosing my hair! ummm...

My stay at the Penny Brohn Cancer Centre

in Bristol has been an amazing experience where I attended their Approach residential course which follows on from their Living Well course I attended back in July.  It continues with their meditation techniques using imagery and sound, nutrition and health advice and some healing techniques.  Their restaurant produced tasty freshly cooked foods following their own ethos of using organic and healthier options.  There was no coffee or alcohol and only fruit teas, water and other organic options to drink.  Fresh Smoothies, fruit and nuts for snacks.  I never went hungry.  Again I have met some wonderful people on this course and after one to one consultations with Dr's and nutritionists I feel I have more options to explore. 

One of the highlights of this retreat (as I now call it) was meeting Pat Pilkington one of the co founders of this centre.  Being a vibrant, energetic 83 year old, her story was inspirational.  

I also kept thinking how Colin and Sandra would have benefited from this kind of support to help with the stress associated with what they went through and lo and behold Colin popped into my dream whilst I was there.  He had shrunk and yes I was taller then him and he was trying to climb up something.  I asked him what had happened and he said his back was getting smaller.  I mentioned this the following day to one of the therapists including my interpretation was that he was letting me know what I have to look forward to, (typical as that I am vertically challenged anyway) and she mentioned another interpretation being that he is telling me he is still supporting me.  Something to do with the back being mentioned in the dream. 

I intend to continue using this centre and look forward to a 3 day retreat next year.  I can also have 15 minute phone consultations with the Drs and Nutritionists there which I think it is always good to have a 2nd opinion.

I'm feeling anxious about Tuesday when I get the results of last weeks scan and hoping the tablets are still working and the dietry changes I have made are enough.  Fingers crossed...

Long time no blog...

Have spent some time changing the design of it tho and just have some tweaking left to do when I can figure it out.

I have been quite busy the last 3 months. In summary, work, super market, home. Breaks by the sea include 5 days in Dorset with Gail Jennifer and Lennon, a week in North Devon with Rachel and Laura.  First time ever a bank holiday weekend in ND and not camping as was house, dog, cat and hot tub sitting for Karen. A lovely weekend in Tenby with friends. Enjoyed that part of my life's journey !!! (you had to be there to get that one).  Blue bell (car) broke, laptop broke, both now fixed.  A couple of nights out in the town, both Worcs and Taunton.  Went to see Dirty Dancing at the Bristol Hippodrome with what now seems to be, the obligatory exciting train journey home! Holly started year 9 at school, Careers fairs, having sleepovers here, trips to cinema and Gem and Rock show all normal stuff.  Even got into watching and enjoying the Rugby World Cup! (Holly not into it yet).

In getting my affairs in order a huge piece of work has now been completed in Worcester.  Many thanks to everyone that helped and won't single any one out.  I am just extremely grateful knowing I couldn't had done it on my own and feel so relieved that it is all sorted.  That just leaves my pensions to sort out now.  I didn't realise I had so many, making decisions difficult.

I have provided feedback to North Bristol Trust and Taunton & Somerset Foundation Trust over my patient experience with them this year.  Bristol have responded with apologies for the lost referral and delayed histopatholgy results and confirmed the changes and actions that have been set to ensure this doesn't happen to another patient.  That made me feel that it was worth the effort of writing to them and inspired me to finish off the report for Taunton and sent that off and as yet have not heard of any outcomes.

Had my CT scan last Tuesday, and cannula was inserted on the 2nd attempt. I really dislike needles and my vein's keep trying to hide from them as well!  I will have the results reported back to me at my Oncology appointment Tuesday 1st November. I have made suttle changes in my diet but have not incurred any weight loss which I know will help even more.  I am at the Penny Brohn Cancer centre next week for 3 days so I hope to come back all inspired and ready to do battle before the birthday and Christmas binging sessions arrive. 

Overall  I am doing good.  My sleeping pattern has improved, breaths huge sigh of relief.  I have let my hair grow a bit and it feels much stronger. Time for a change and get a cut now.  I need to improve my level of fitness still.  I suppose I should get the dust off my swimsuit and make the effort....

The Penny Brohn Cancer Centre

based in Bristol came to Taunton to hold their 3 day course called Living Well Beyond and with Cancer.  This was in the Education Academy at St Margaret's Hospice and I was lucky enough to get a place on it.  Some of  the topics covered were, Healthy Eating, with cookery demonstrations, Exercise, Spiritual Health, Finance Welfare, Mindfulness, Selfhelp techniques for relaxation, meditation and Imagery. I found the course extremely beneficial and I managed to put on my pause button and think about what matters to me, what do I want to do about and where do I want to be.  We were encouraged to use the SMART technique , Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely when setting some personal goals to enhance our lives.  I have made 3 very realistic personal goals with exercise, eating, and meditation and I will keep you posted :-)
If you want to find out more about what this centre can do here's the link to their website.  http://www.pennybrohncancercare.org/. 

I met amazing people on this course, and through sharing our experiences, I felt emotionally drained,  however it did me also make realise how lucky I am.  I did chuckle though when told how atheltic I must have been when I used to go swimming and got up to 50 lengths.  Me atheltic :-)

Pressing my play button and back to reality, Holly came home with a fantastic report with room for targets and goals next year.  Proud parent mode boosted for another week!!

Well done Holly, Karen and Teri

Holly for completing her first ever Race for Life in 36 minutes,  followed by Teri at 42 minutes 10 secs then Karen at 42 min 14 seconds.  Also collectively so far they have raised £470.  Considering Holly admits now to having done no training I feel so proud of her and I'm not allowed to call her a couch potatoe any more.

 It was a lovely atmosphere at the site.  I felt really humbled reading the messages on people's back and I felt very lucky and my challenge was not to cry and I achieved it but only just!  Also just a tad inspired so I'll put it on my bucket list for next year and all being well I should be able to walk it.  Holly is inspired to train for next year's attempt and  we're going to cheer the ladies taking part in Taunton's Race for Life on Sunday.

I'm sure we're both going to get a good night sleep tonight.  Yes I found it hard being on my feet all morning!  Big thank you to Teri and Karen as this would not have happened without your enthusiasm and if anyone would still like to sponsor them all their links are in the Race for Life tab at the top of the page. 
Proud parent signing off, night all xx

3 month review is promising

as the CT scan report from last Monday confirms that "No definite new leisons" and  "most of the leisons have shown a slight reduction in size"  They have not reported on my Uterus and my oncologist is going to chase that and re reading the report at home I can see the words "I think" which isn't good enough.  This confirms that the drugs are working but I am disappointed that I have to point out, a week later, inaccuracies in the report.  However I do feel I can celebrate or maybe breath a sigh of relief.  Umm where's the bottle opener?

We had a discussion around my reasons for wanting to have a hysterectomy and I will wait for the full report and do a bit more research.  It has been agreed that this can be emailed to me, albeit begrudgingly.  It has been quite an emotional build up to today's meeting but I will to get used to it.  My next CT Scan will be in 3 months time as an ultra sound scan will only concentrate on my liver whereas the CT scan covers a larger area andcan spot changes in bone density.

Apart from a summer cold I just feel tired.  I am going to start swimming again soon so Anne get the dust off your swimming costume! 

Well I made to the Xray department on time

but am not feeling well so drinking the water required wasn't too good and eventually the inevitable happended.  I threw up. Thankfully I made it to the bathroom and maintained bladder control. I'm not feeling great with acute cold symptoms, got upset as the first thought in my head now was that I would be unable to have my scan. Thankfully they were able to and got a clear image. When done I came home and straight to bed with some honey lemon and paracetamol after phoning work to let them know I wouldn't be in.

I've finally had a letter from the Gynae team.  This included an apology for the misunderstanding that occurred and details I have been waiting for since my op 3 weeks ago.  He is not concerned about my bulky uterus and would not pursue further investigations for what he considers is a very common finding in a lot of women with no subsequent implications. I've yet to be convinced about that.  I will be interested to see if there has been any change in the measurements from today's scan which I will find out next Tuesday.

I have had a busy weekend including meeting up with a fellow blogger Jill who is over from Canada on holiday with her husband Jean.  Thank you both for a lovely afternoon in Bath I felt privileged to be with you both and it felt like we'd known each other for years. My photo's didn't come out as well as yours so I clearly need more practice....

Another long wait for test results

but now they are in I have more questions.  It has been confirmed that my Ovaries and Fallopian tubes contained Lobular Breast Cancer.  My womb has been checked and it is unlikely to be cancerous.  My first question to that is the Gynae Surgeon told me he suspected I had Endometriosis so how can he be sure about my womb.

I have another CT scan booked for the 27th June and the results to be reported back to me on the 5th July.

It has been a horrible week waiting for these results and that on it's own hasn't helped. It could have been worse as if this was Ovarian cancer a whole new treatment plan would have had to be discusssed so there is a plus side.

Looking forward to a weekend out of cancer land and hopefully back to work Monday.  Have a good one everyone. xxx

Recovering nicely

at home, doing as I am told and parked in front of TV or in bed.

My operation went well and having had 4 operations in less then 2 years I was making lots of comparisons between Bristol and Taunton.  I was anxious because of what happened earlier in the year when I couldn't get the help that I needed and I know this was a different department and I was soon put at ease.

Having been slightly distracted the weekend I wasn't as organised as I usually was, had no plan B for responsible adult staying over and didn't hand out telephone numbers. Thank you Tracey N for organising everything when it became clear Alice was not well enough to sleep over and Jill N you were so well behaved so you can sleepover again!  And of course to the Bebbs, Nige for getting me there on time and Anne for checking me and Holly were organised and updating my blog xxx

Despite being moved to 2nd on the list I didn't get to taken down till 1pm and was in the ward from about 5pm.  I was still out of it and missed telling Lesley V that I would be later then 6pm coming out.  The nurses were treating me as if I was staying overnight but I was adamant I was going home.  My usual post op vomiting episode was contained and after keeping down biscuits, coffee and a trip to the bathroom I was given the green light.  Have no idea why Anne wouldn't believe me but the Nurse assured her and that she wanted me out! Jill picked me up and was home around 9:30pm.

Each day, despite feeling tired and my belly feeling delicate, I also feel improvement.  I'm also smiling at a memory I hold when I was pregnant all those years ago, out with some friends in pub in Bromsgrove, Andrew D (AKA Plug) saying to me "Your classed as safe Totty now" :-).

My Surgeon said I was a bit of a challenge as my ovaries were quite sticky. Well they have been there a long time! He didn't phone yesterday with the results to confirm his opinion that it was Endometriosis that the CT scan had showed up.  I have called today and his secretary called back to advise the test results are not available but he would call on Monday when he will be back in the office.  (Friday and golf come to mind).

Have  a lovely weekend everyone. Good luck for my lovely niece Laura and the rest of the Worcester peeps who are doing the Race for Life on Sunday.  I will cheer you on from my sofa!  For those who want to sponsor Laura, her link is on my Race for Life 2011 page and thanks in advance xxx

Signing in for Sue

Just a quick note to let you know Nigel dropped Sue off this morning at Musgrove ready for her op. She was there by 7.15am in plenty of time and was originally scheduled for first on the list. However as is often the case, for whatever unknown reasons, she slipped down the list as the morning wore on.

She finally managed to phone me just after 7pm sounding still somewhat groggy and as far as she could tell it had not been decided then whether she should come home the same day or be kept in overnight tonight - I think there may be some interesting discussions between her and the staff :)

Another friend will contact the ward to see if she can collect her, bring her home and stay with her overnight at around 9pm. Holly has been spending the evening with another good friend so everything on the home front is ticking over nicely

I have no real details of today's events at the hospital except to say she has come through the op ok

No doubt there will be more info forthcoming in the morning from the horse's mouth so to speak but I'm sure that she's heartened by everyone's good wishes

Anne (on Sue's behalf)

PS -

Just spoken to Sue again at 8.50pm and after having half a cup of tea, some toast and a toilet visit they have now told her she can come home so Jill is heading off to collect her as I type.

I must admit that as the ward had just asked Jill to ring back at 10.30pm to see if she could leave I did insist on checking with the nurse as I know Sue can be a bit of an escapologist but it is all legit and she's en route having been assured by the medics that they have managed to remove everything they went in for.

Of course the main challenge now begins - convincing her to rest and recuperate!!!

Twas the night before my Oophorectomy and my check list all ticked

Nige B taking me to hospital for 7:30am. OK I will be ready for 7am :-(
Lesley V my friend who works on site is bringing me home.  iPod charged and book chosen.  Alice G staying with Holly and myself Tuesday evening. Chinese order made for tea :-) Up todate with jobs at home.  Have got some TV to catch up on as well as a couple of books I want to read. There is no excuse I will rest.!!

Hola - Back safe and sound

and very tired.  We have both had a wonderful time.  Rather then post over 750 pictures I have selected 68 just to give you a flavour of our holiday.  The highlight for both us was Gibraltar where we went Dolphin watching and they all came out to play. Pat M Gilbraltar is not that far xx
Sue and Holly's Trip May 2011
Dolphin fans 
Dolphin Watching

Thanks once again everyone xx

PS. Email me if you have problems with the links and I can email the pdf's files out.