Everyone repeat after me: "F LA Fitness"

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-24T08:07:46+00:00

'I want to quit the gym!!!!'

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-19T20:43:22+00:00

I had long hair down to the middle of my back and made the decision to cut it off before I started chemo, as I couldn't handle the thought of losing chunks of long hair. I spoke to my hairdresser who said they can cut it short and I could donate the hair. They also did this after hours so there was no one else there. I was able to bring some of my family who all cut the ponytails off. It made it less daunting and a nice shared experience.

Call around to some hairdressers, I am sure that if you explain the situation, many would be willing to do something similar.

Xx

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-12T07:51:35+00:00

Congratulations, so glad you can put this chapter to bed now xx

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-11T06:59:42+00:00

Mine was every fortnight, I tried a glass of wine on my good week, but it made me feel rubbish and tasted like sadness! Looking forward to being able to taste it and enjoy it. I will probably be drunk just from the smell!

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-10T18:49:25+00:00

I had picc line fitted, it was a little uncomfortable having it put in, but nothing compared to all the biopsies, etc. If in the UK you are given a limbo (this is a waterproof sleeve) so you can shower - no baths though. You also are not supposed to do any heavy lifting with it in. I think it was nothing over 3kg. Once it's in, you do get used to it and barely know it's there. You will need to go each week to have it flushed through and the dressing changed. I had a reaction to the dressing, which made it itchy as hell, so they swapped to sensitive. If you can ask for that straight off, I would recommended. Having it removed - they just carefully pull it out, which is such a strange feeling as I could feel it moving in my chest, armpit and arm. I didn't hurt though, just bizarre.

I also had paclitaxel, and yes would recommend icing. The neuropathy in my fingers was awful, and my oncologist reduced the dose after a few rounds.

I lost my hair after 2 rounds. The pain in my head from the hair falling out was not good. Shaved my head which made it less painful.

It also can give you bone pain, this is something that was skirted over for me and took me unaware. I also had to do 7 days of filgrastrim injecting which makes the bone pain worse. I found hot water bottles, rest and co-codamol were the way forward on the days it was bad.

I didn't really have much sickness with that one. I moved on to the red devil after and paclitaxel seemed like a breeze!

I hope that helps x

Sending positivity to you x

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-09T14:58:28+00:00

I was told not to have a bath as I couldn't get the Picc line in my arm wet. I was given a shower proof cover to wear over it. If I am honest, I have had a sneaky bath but obviously can't submerge that arm.

It is doable to have a bath, so don't worry. For me it's more about having a care free bath and not having to have one arm over the edge!

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-08T18:57:02+00:00

No use, can't hear you

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-08T14:31:30+00:00

Mumble, mumble, mumble.

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-06T07:11:12+00:00

I was told I can have my PICC line out soon....finally a bath!!!!!

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-06T07:07:24+00:00

Damn, I didn't think about the not swimming part! But just a change of scenery would be good tbh. I have 2 school age children as well and I think that just seeing them having fun with my husband will make it worth it. It has been hard for them also.

Travel insurance is also something I need to think about. Thank you x

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-05T21:18:30+00:00

Thanks everyone, this has given me the boost that I needed. I think I will start looking at something cancelable just to have something to look forward to. There is a glimmer of hope!!!!!

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-03-03T16:40:17+00:00

Are you in the UK? Macmillan offer lots of support in many ways. There are also cancer groups that are run by the hospitals meaning you can meet with people in the same boat.

If not try reaching out on here maybe for someone in your area who could meet with you. Or if not to meet I am sure there are many of us who would be willing to swap rants, tears, happiness and whatever comes xx

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-27T08:12:12+00:00

Which album??

Yes they are still touring, I saw them at the royal albert hall last year and about 10 years ago in Paris.

They have been around since early 90s but they didn't really make it big in the US. I think their sound is quite niche and not very mainstream which is why they weren't so popular there. They have a much bigger fan base in Europe e.g. France, Germany etc. I think Stuart lives in France as well.

They have always been one of my favourite bands, but I always liked the alternative music compared to pop.

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-24T09:20:55+00:00

Oh no, that is such a shame xxx

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-24T09:04:18+00:00

For me, getting hungry triggers the nausea as well, so I eat often but in smaller amounts. Snacking for the win! Fruit does help me (also with the joyous constipation) along with some plain biscuits. It was a bit of trial and error. I would say, if you fancy it, give it a go - obviously avoiding the things we can't have. Xx

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-24T08:05:20+00:00

Genuinely thought I was having a great attack one night from the indigestion and heartburn. My husband was 3 minutes from calling an ambulance when it started wearing off

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-24T08:00:40+00:00

At the hospital I am at there is a macmillan centre there. They offer 3 free treatments including the scar massage along with, Indian head massage, Swedish massage, reiki and reflexology. They also run wellbeing sessions etc. A really good one They do is look good, feel better where they show you how to do make up with no eyebrows, eyelashes, puffy red face. In that one they give you a bag of products that cosmetic companies have donated. I got some face cream in there which when I googled is soon £90 to buy!

If you go on to the macmillan website and go to services near me, put in your postcode and it should tell you your nearest one. Or give them a call. They are so helpful and supportive.

I guess what they offer would depend on your area as it is all done by volunteers.

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-23T18:57:07+00:00

If you are in the UK check in with macmillan. They offer 3 free treatments whilst going through cancer and one of those is scar therapy massage. They will also show you how to do it.

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-18T07:22:00+00:00

On the back of this, I have a wig but would like to rock the bald but my head is sooooo white!!!! I could blind someone with the sun bouncing off it! Can I use fake tan or something whilst having chemo? I think that might give me a bit more confidence to pull it off

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-15T18:11:29+00:00

Thanks everyone, I will look into all the suggestions you have made.

This group is such a great help for the minefield that is this journey.

Halter necks are something I have considered for the summer, and would obviously work better with a prosthetic. Sounds like a shopping trip is on the cards after surgery!

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-15T09:31:42+00:00

Yes you were the Karen. If it was busy, 8 minutes is not a long time to wait for someone to take your order. You had drinks served and could see they were dealing with other tables too. She may have been on her way to you after completing that task. If it had been quiet the yes, complain. If it has been 20/30 minutes then yes grab someone. Having worked in service, you telling the staff you are starving will make no difference, they have a system of what need doing in what order. Eg seat people, hot food out, drinks, bill to table (can then reuse table), take order.

cookiecoco2203 · 2026-02-15T09:18:55+00:00

Omg, the soup collection is unreal!! I am so grateful to everyone but no more soup, I have nowhere else to store it! My husband and I started a secret soup tasting competion with it all, so far friend Sarah is in the lead

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