Thanks @greenpea ... I know you wanted me to start that horrid little white pill, as do a number of other people. I also know its because you care ... as do others. So I thank you very much for caring. Yes I think of you every day too Pea, and want you to stay strong too. I'm trying, but some days its really really hard to do. I hope the start to 2021 has treated you well.
Ha ha @Anastasia ... Yes I have no doubt I smelled a whole lot better after my lovely long shower on Wednesday. 🌸
Thank you for saying that it was a brave choice to give those little white pills a trial. I dont see it as brave really, merely fulfiling an agreement with the medical experts. After being on them for ummm ... 10 days now ... yes there are some definite side effects coming through. Some after only a couple of days (diarrhoea, nausea, joint and muscle pain, headaches, cough) others starting after about a week (hair coming out in fistfulls, lack of energy, fatigue and tiredness). I guess this is to be expected, because after all it is an oral form of chemotherapy. I have to keep telling myself its worthwhile ... its killing any cancer cells still lurking throughout my body, and may prevent growth of any new cancer cells. Otherwise I would not even contemplate taking it. Love you my friend.
@WIP ... thank you beautiful. See above response to Myboy re the new oral chemo tabs. Yes you're right that I am not someone who is into taking medications. I have been on ADs and AAs in the past, but not currently on anything. Although if one of the likely side effects of depression and anxiety come through, then I guess I may have to add that into the treatment regime. I'm not sure, but there may be an increase in depressive thoughts since starting on it. Although I havent added it in my list of definite side effects above, because I dont know if its attributable to the tabs or not. But I have been feeling quite depressed of late and highly anxious .. however it could equally be from having to take the medications in the first place, knowing my radiation therapy is fast approaching and not being able to see my psych until who knows when. So I dont know at this stage if its the meds or just life in general. So although I am persevering for now, I do have it clearly in mind that I can stop at any time. And that may well happen. Ha ha, its okay ... I did not overdo the cleaning and washing the other day.
@eth ... I feel very privileged to receive a visit from you. Thank you so much. Hope you had a nice NYE.
@Zoe7 ... yes its just easier to wait until its easier, re the washing up etc. And I had been feeling very unmotivated. anyway which did not help. As for the oral chemo pills ... studies show a 70% reduction in recurrence of cancer for people who take this medication for 5+ years, as opposed to people who do not. So I guess its worthwhile in regards to helping to prevent further cancer growth. But my mind is still weighing up the quality of life issues involved in taking the tablets, compared to running the gammet and risking a cancer recurrence and/or further growth of existing cancer cells within my body. Its a tough decision, and one I am yet to get a solid handle on. Yes of course it is my choice, or should be. But I feel pressured by those around me (medical and other) to take this medication. So I get the feeling that perhaps it isnt entirely my decision?
@Former-Member ... I miss you so much too Izzy, Kimmy, etc. But I know you're around when you can be, and thats enough for now. So hope that 2021 is a better year for you sweetheart. And in fact for all of us.
@Former-Member ... Ha ha ... love the pics, thank you. Yes the oral chemo meds are having an effect on me, all bad of course. See above for side effects and how they are affecting me. Some of the side effects may settle a bit after the body adjusts to the meds (eg headache, nausea, diarrhoea). But the rest of the side effects are only likely to get worse unfortunately (eg joint and muscle pain, hair loss, fatigue, anxiety and depression). And after time you have the additional side effects - increased blood pressure, increased cholesteral, bone density loss and fractures, greater risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack - all kicking in. 😔 So although I am coping with current side effects, its the long term ones that worry me the most. Sigh. Thanks for taking the trouble to find my thread and post.
@Eve7 ... That was a truly lovely post from you and I thank you ever so much. I greatly value your friendship, your advice, support and the comfort you provide. I too hope for wellness for us both, and all our other lovely friends here. I know our friendships will endure. And I thank you so much for all that you contribute towards these forums to make them the wonderful place that they are. Love you too.
@NatureLover tagging you to keep you in the loop.
Enough for now, I had more news but another time will have to do. Need to get dinner happening now. Thanks everyone for listening and for caring.
Emelia 😊💞
