Michelle

I've sent you a PM, please read asap!! Lots of love!!

Thanks ann4terry for your good wishes!! Blimey there seems to be a lot of us young 'uns getting it doesn't there?

Love sophia xx

I'm really sorry to hear that there's been a bump in your path to Oz. And being worried about your hair is not vain!!!! I found you some info on a cooling cap, which reduces the amount of chemo drugs which go to the scalp, so reducing the chance of hair loss. If u go to this link and scroll down, there's some info. I used to work with woman pictured, and the cap helped her.

http://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/news.asp?ID=62


Best wishes
eli

Yes I had this when I had cancer the first time, it works really well. I only lost about a third of my hair and I hardly ever needed to wear the wig they gave me. Strange thing is, here in Australia, when I asked about it this time, they said they don't recommend it anymore...something about it having a detrimental effect on the chemo drugs....but to be honest that's crap, the drugs are so toxic I can't see how cooling the scalp to prevent your hair falling out would stop the toxicity of the chemo!

love sophiaxx

Hi Michelle ,
Thanks for keeping us all posted and please continue to do so. I was so pleased to hear your news. As others have stated a POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE is so important and you have shown that you certainly have that. As they say in my game "whether you think you can or whether you think you can't......you're probably right!" (Henry Ford I believe!) In other words think positive and positive things will happen. That glass is half full Shell not half empty!! Yes I know them all!!! Stay strong. We are ALL with you. I predict that this thread will be on record as the longest, most replied to in the history of the expats forum!!! We are all on this journey with you. I take heart myself from all the replies that you have had. In this sad violent world that we live in it is sometimes easy to forget that there are also lots of lovely, genuine, caring, helpful people who really do give a damn and would do anything to help you out if they can. So, fellow forum members, keep up the good work and keep sending Michelle your Karma!!! Catch ya later Michelle. Remember...onwards and upwards. Love Tricky Trev xx

here here, well said trev, couldn't have put it better myself.

so glad your news was positive michelle, good luck and keep smiling girl,

best wishes to you and your family

debs x

Thanks Debs!!!! It came from the heart!!!!!!!!!! Trev.

Hi everyone out there.... just wanted to say another big thank you for all your messages and Karma ( Sophia ,sent you an e-mail to your hot mail address last week ..hope you got it !)
Just a quick update really , i got a letter in the post last week telling me that my first chemo appointment is this Friday...and got to admit ,after the initial relief of knowing that it had,nt spread anywhere else,and feeling very positive.... i am absolutely terrified! :scared: Even when i opened the letter and the heading was St Luke's Cancer Hospital...thought bloody hell...Ive got Cancer.
I think it,s the fear of the unknown ...and everybody that i speak to lately know,s someone who,s been through chemo ,and lets me know exactly what i,m going to go through.I think as i feel physically great at the moment ,it just seems worse...knowing for the next eighteen weeks Ive sort of lost my "normal way" of life ,and in order to be free of cancer i have to put my body through this.Even the effect on the rest of my family worries me , my partner who is self employed and will have to take time off work etc.. and my son Jai who,s six.. well it,s just hard to explain to him whats going to happen,he knows my hair will go(thinks thats well funny!!)but as i dont know myself ,abit hard to explain the rest.
I,m enjoying my Friday night tonight ,as bought bottle of wine ,then thought mmmm....probable wont fancy it
One more thing .....Ladies out there .....my cancer is apparently quite a rare one ..Evasive Lobular Breast Cancer. It,s not the kind you find a lump with,but one that you notice a change in your breast.Mine sort of looked liked it changed shape,and the nipple was slightly inverted

Just want to mention this ,as at the time i did,nt think that it was anything in particular to worry about ....in fact thought it was the way i slept at night,on my front and that i squashed it into that shape ... DUH
Michelle x

You must be v. relieved to know it's not spread, but what a frightening time for you, it's not worth much, but karma is on its way, and I hope your first set of chemo is not too harsh.

Michelle

All the very best & will be thinking of you on Friday - & sending heaps of positive vibes & supportive thoughts your way.

Quite agree that the awareness needs to be raised that there are types of breast cancer that don't neccessarily include lumps. There's another one where often the only symptom is an itchy eczema-type rash around the nipple.

The moral is, girls: ANY changes in your titties at all, however innocent-seeming, go see the Doc straight away & get it checked out. OK?

Cheers,
Anya.

Thank you again for posting your updates, you have really made me realise I need to look after myself so much more and keep checking.

B xxx

good luck michelle and thanks for keeping in touch, something which must be difficult for you.

hope all goes very well and you don't feel too crap

best wishes, debbie

Hi Michelle,
Just wanted to say Good Luck for your chemo tomorrow.
I'm sending you ((())) and karma to let you know that I'm thinking of you.
Julie

omg great big gigantic hug from us all good luck with your treatment
dont give up get yourself well then apply again see how you get on
keep your chin up and keep dreaming they can come true

jan & gaz xx

just an update on my sis Michelle ,

She is really touched by everyone who has shown concern for her over the last few weeks, & i think a bit embarrassed by the fact this thread has nothing to do with emigration ( well not for about 3 years + in her case now ! ) , but anyone interested i will just let you know how she is doing after her first chemotherapy treatment. She had her first one last Friday & like me is a bit phobic about being sick! thankfully they must of got her cocktail of drugs right the first time & she felt very tied & a bit spaced out but not sick. On the Sunday my family went up to see her & she even managed a good day & night at their local club with us all ! She is not 100 % yet but feeling a lot better than she, or anyone thought !!

Thank you to everyone that has shown their support,
My family are still hoping to emigrate (still waiting for med requests at the moment ) & even though the plan was to all go together, we will look forward to them coming out for a well deserved holiday next July, & as they have already passed the TRA when she gets her all clear we cant wait for them to join us in 3 years !!!

PS Also I will send all my best wises to Sophia ! she is an inspiration , good luck with everything !


Nicky

Hi Nicky,
Glad Michelle's doing ok.
Please tell her we're thinking of her.
Julie