Round 1

[frintonite]

Www.frintonite.blogspot.co.uk

[colin parry]

Keep up with the positivity Ray. You can beat it.
Regards
Colin

[Kenmo1]

Yesterday, I was feeling down in the dumps about something very unimportant and trivial and now I have just read your blog and I am absolutely ashamed of myself for being so shallow - I wish I had your positive spirit.

You made me realise that I have a lot to be thankful for. Thank you for giving me a well deserved kick up the backside.

Best wishes,

Maureen x

[ITWA Travel Writer]

Hi Ray and Sue,

Your blog looks like it was copied out of my diary for my first set of chemo cycles. That was FCR. I also live in a small village, eight miles from the nearest town and eighty miles from my cancer hospital. My Maureen has a connective tissue disorder so she can't drive very far, so like you I am dependent on family and friends for our 160 mile round trips. You are indeed brave to publish your blog and I'm sure that many who are just starting out on this journey will much appreciate it.

I am just out of Aberdeen ARI after a week of more scans, lump biopsies, marrow biopsies, cystoscopies etc., etc. However, the good news is that my clinical oncologist has now completed his work for the time being, radio therapy to zap a couple of awkward tumours and has now signed me off and referred me back to haematology. I see them this coming Thursday when the decision will be taken as to restart chemo or accept that I am back into remission meaning that I will go back into watch and wait for the next area to develop.

At present I am feeling well so if I do have to restart chemo I will insist that it is in the new year. No matter what they say we have booked flights in December out to Verona so that we can shut up the house in Malcesine for the winter. Then we are flying down to Malta for a few days. So as I have said December is out as far as treatment is concerned. I have a cousin who is a retired haematologist who says that sometimes leaving SLL/CLL alone can get the same results as some treatments. This he says has been shown in clinical trials. It is really all to do with the quality of life.

Best wishes and we are thinking of you both.

[Manoverboard]

Keep posting Ray,

There can be side effects with chemo of course, some are harsh yet others ( albeit in retrospect ) are vaguely amusing ... either way the worst excesses don't last forever so be positive and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

My tip for chemo, where suitable and appropriate, is to opt for the ' Hickman Line ' procedure. It drip feeds so the impact is gradual and kinder than can be the case when injected with the larger doses.

Hair loss is a strange one .... mine thinned on top but I also lost ALL the others, just like a new born baby.

[oldbluefox]

Hair loss is an interesting one. My brother lost his hair and was told it would not grow back where he had had his radio treatment. However it has all grown back. Our next door neighbour also lost her hair and bought a very expensive wig. Her hair has also grown back with a flourish and not a grey hair in sight. Do you want me to put a good word in for you Mob. I feel sure she would let you have it at a favourable price!!!

Seriously Ray I wish you and John every success in your fight with the dreaded C and commend your bravery in being able to share it with us. Chemo is not the most pleasant of treatments but it is an effective treatment. I think my brother felt some sense of security whilst he was undergoing treatment as he has felt quite insecure now that they don't want to see him for a while. Good luck to the pair of you.

[Whynd1]

My hair grew back with the chemo curl and it went quite a dark colour. Strange and its still darker than it was before the chemo. We will all have our own stories but you do get through it with help and support.
Lindsey

[oldbluefox]

It must be encouraging to hear from those who have been through the mill and come out on the other side.