Oh dear. I am not terribly religious, but I'll say a prayer and keep my fingers, toes and eyes crossed that you do really well and get an all clear after treatment. Massive hugs. ((((((()))))))

So sorry to read this Irish - ((((hugs))))

Anytime you need to talk and you know we're here for you xx

So sorry to hear this Irish, I really hope you make a speedy recovery. Thinking of you xx

Thanks guys.Your good wishes means a lot.x

Oh bloody bloody hell. A huge shock for you S. Have just emailed you, but will send another one now. Keep that chin up girl, there are so many fantastic and effective treatments now xxxx

An update on Di. She had a combination of three drugs for her first three rounds of chemo, and a couple of weeks ago was switched to a different drug for the last three rounds. She did so well with the first ones, but unfortunately the new ones don't agree with her digestive system.

She's just come home after a few days in hospital, which were mainly to ensure she stayed hydrated, and she feels heaps better. The only thing really bothering her now is the red, itchy rash on the backs of her hands, which has been there since fairly early. Remedies like phenergen and ice gloves only work for about 20 minutes.

Her oncologist said her two choices are to remain on the current drugs and struggle through for the next 6 weeks, or switch to another drug which, while just as effective, needs to be administered weekly instead of once every three weeks. She took the latter option so the hospital will be seeing a bit more of us both.

Getting there!!

Hope you are both holding up - the new drugs help

Yep, same here ladies. Good luck. X

Good luck with the rest of the treatment for your sister SOS - at least she is getting towards the end of it.

Thanks for the update SOS, have been wondering how she is doing. Hope she feels more comfortable and can see light at the end of the tunnel now x

Sorry to read your news Irish...wishing you all the best during your treatment, take care.

Thank you.I feel fine for now.x

Hope Di continues to get stronger and better as each day comes along.Thank God she has you to help her along her journey.

Thanks everyone

Irish, this is the time to lean as heavily as you need to on people who love you. It can be a really hard thing to do, especially if you're as independent as I suspect you are. But with all the physical and mental energy you'll be using to kick the cancer's arse, it's really important to let people who offer support do that.

Strange as it may sound, doing something for you, no matter how big or small will be a blessed relief to the people who care about you. Family members and close friends often feel so helpless and it's actually an act of kindness on your part to let them help.

Di's doing great on her new chemo regime, it's every week for 6 weeks but the harsh side effects of the abandoned drugs have disappeared. Her oncologist said that if she hadn't had previous bowel surgery, she probably wouldn't have been nearly as badly affected. So all progressing well.

Scouse and I picked her up and took her to our family Chrissy do - she downed 5 glasses of Moet in quick succession and then stood up and requested silence (actually, it was something like 'shut up you bastards!') Once we were all as quiet as a huge gathering of my clan can be, she announced that she was hot so was taking off her hat. Counselling for those affected by the sight of her baldy head was offered at reduced rates (she's a clinical psychologist). At which point we all threw assorted crackers and corks at her, and opened a few more bottles. I love my family so much

Irish - I'm thinking of you xx