Session 1, week 2 Feeling OK

Me and one of my dogs, Wilbur wearing my pink bandana. I did this photo because I needed to upload one onto the Facebook group I started called "The Bandana Brigade". The photos on the group are fab, especially the ones of the dogs! It is great having the support of online friends, some of whom I have never met in person but who are great friends none the less. I log onto the Weight Watchers NCU site regularly and am kept entertained by all the regulars: SpookyAnne, BryBry, JediBinx, MissLaura to name but a few.

This week has seen me "overdoing" it big style. Me... the fitness freak who walks the kids back and to school, swims, runs, clips dogs and walks my own dogs all in a normal day, reduced to being worn out by a run and a dog walk in a day! Demoralising, but I keep telling myself that it is only for a short space of time and I will be back to normal soon.

I had to cancel my plans to meet with one of my friends and customers yesterday because I was so tired, and I was disappointed because I was looking forward to the get together. After a mornings rest I came down refreshed and decided to clip the dogs outside as the weather was so nice. Both dogs plus friends dog are looking very posh now and ready for the summer! However, it whacked me out AGAIN and I spent the rest of the day in bed.

I was supposed to go to the PTA Pamper Evening but decided to visit briefly then return home. It would have been a lovely evening at the Grosvenor Hotel with some nice stalls and luxury treatments on offer. However, just chatting to people tires me out these days so I picked up some business cards and made a mental note to hold a bra party sometime soon. There was also a local chocalateer who impressed me, links to both are listed below.

www.reallynicechocolate.co.uk

www.fitubra.co.uk

My digestive system is almost back to normal so that is something positive this week. I went looking for an outfit to wear to my friends daughters naming ceremony at the weekend and decided that I looked fat and awful in every dress I fancied. However, I treated myself to a gorgeous sky blue mac from Bravissimo, which I will wear with linen black trousers and a loose fitting white shoes.

My son Harry made me laugh yesterday. My husband took the boys around Broughton Park shopping centre and H spotted a maniquin in a shop window which was dressed but had no hair. He said that the maniquin was how I would look when and if I lose my hair.

So back to hair loss...... I picked up my NHS wig on Wednesday and what a laught that has proved to be. So far everyone has worn it including the dog and it is AWFUL! I will not be wearing the wig unless I desperately need to but it may start to appear on memorable statues around the vicinity.... watch this space!

So, my first session of Chemo and week 2. Not as bad as week one but still so tired. I will get through this though and come out of it a better person.

Chemo Session 1 Day 6

At last, I got a bit of sleep last night! I swear it was the Glenn Harold CD that did it!

Had lots of fun on face book and loads of giggles with pictures of the Bandana Brigade, loved the dogs the best! Memo to self: Must, Must, Must get a photo posted of me in my bandana.

My 7 year old asked me if I was going to be bald, did I want to be bald, did the doctor want me to be bald. I explained to him that I didnt want to be but that is what the medicine may do to me. He accepted that and went back to playing with his lego.

I went to my support group "Talk 4 Talk" today for the first time since my surgery and it was wonderful to see everyone again and touch base. Lots of new faces as there always is there but lots of my old faithful friends too! I was able to report on good progress made with my boys in spite of my health worries - very productive! I did find the session quite tiring and my "Chemo Brain" made me feel silly and foolish but everyone understands there.

Managed to make it onto the school yard to pick up the kids today as well, nearly got blown away in the process mind you!

Health wise I am ok, still tired, still bloated and now I have a sore gum with a swelling starting just underneath. I will have to keep an eye on that and make sure it doesnt get worse.

Session 1 Day 4

Well, yet another sleepless night with my "chemo brain" buzzing, funny dreams, drifting in and out..... At one point I was going to get up and make a cup of tea but my bed was so warm, soft and comfortable and my body felt whacked so I decided to stay.

Still got a dicky tummy, 3 senokot have not relieved the situation so more drastic actions will have to be taken this evening! I am drinking herbal teas, hot lemon water like they are going out of fashion!
Cazza and my other friends on Weight Watchers New Community Users (WW NCU's for those in the know) had me in tucks of laughter yesterday evening. Cazza rallied the troops to don their bandanas and unite with me, they are going to upload their photos onto facebook so I am going to try and do that today as well. I suggested starting a new group on face book called "The Bandana Girls" should be fun!

My best friend Jan called this morning, she is amazed at my progress but with friends like her and so much love and support around me then how can I NOT be making good progress.

This CANCER AIN'T GONNA BEAT ME it is making me a stronger and more confident person and has restored my faith in man-kind. The friendships that has come in so many different ways is amazing.

Jade Goody died yesterday, her strength and will helped it to make it to Mothers Day, a day that will always be symbolic for her sons. I have always liked Jade; funny, down to earth, the ordinary chick that "made it". She has opened the way for cancer sufferers like me, to deal with the treatment and the disease with strength, hope and dignity.