dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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  Nothing from my friend for over 5 days?
I had sent her text messages over these last few days as I normally do and she normally texts me back asap.....
Phew just now she called.
Good news. Her tumor has shrunk and no reply was due to her phone battery had lost its charge and when I phoned her she was out!
My dear friend is feeling loads better this time and after her 2nd chemo treatment but has since decided to get a wig as her hair is falling out thick and fast and making her feel very down with the worry.
Going next Monday with her to help her decide on which wig to get and have a bit of a laugh in the process   
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OzzieKez
member
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 1897
Loc: Queensland, Australia
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Great news Deb! Getting a wig will do wonders for her self esteem.
All the best
Kerrie
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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Yes your a sweetie Ozzie Kerrie and that is what both think and said to one another today 'self esteem'.
Sorry I meant to add to my last post a BIG thank you to you Kerrie and other forum ladies who have been so caring and have PM me recently and who have been asking after my friend.
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LindaH
member
Reged: 10/09/2007
Posts: 254
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I have been there, a few years ago now, but here are a few things that helped me when I had breast cancer.
1. when I went for my chemo it was good to have someone to go with, just to chat about un - cancer related stuff while it was going on.
2. I had chemo in 3 week cycles and for the first week I felt very tired. Friends would drop off casseroles, soup, any thing that meant I didn't have to cook that week and sometimes I put their food in the freezer for 'off' days.
3. Friends would arrange 'spa days' if I felt like it and that was very up lifting and reassuring.
4. Would have loved the 'goody bag' idea. Brilliant.
5. I remember I was given tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show for me and my OH and that was something to aim for. Luckily the show took place during the 3rd week of my chemo cyle when I felt OK and I really enjoyed it.
6. Take your lead from her. She'll soon tell you if she doesn't feel like talking on the phone, but the main thing is, try to imagine what YOU would want if it was you.
Hope this is helpful. xx
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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Thanks Linda it is always helpful to get such advice and from someone who has been there. Yes I agree it is always good to get a helping hand as such and at times like this for my friend. Best wishes to you and for your continuing good health. 
From me Debbie dbverycherry
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carolo
member
Reged: 10/08/2008
Posts: 1
Loc: Hertfordshire
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Debbie, what a lovely friend you are! I have just completed seven months of treatment for breast cancer too and have been very glad of the support my friends and family have given me.
I am pleased your friend had some good news about her tumour. The chemo can be pretty horrible but you soon learn how to cope with the various side effects. (They finally found a way to sort out my sickness on the last session - typical!) My two BFs came with me to help me choose my wig and we were crying with laughter! I got a lovely Raquel Welch one on the NHS but in the end have only worn it a couple of times on "grey" days as I wore the cold cap and only lost some of my hair. I hope your friend finds something she is happy with as, with everything that she will go through, it is so hard as well to look in the mirror every day and see a stranger looking at you.
I have been very lucky as the hospital where I had my treatments (Chemo and radiotherapy) have a Macmillan centre where you can drop in for advice and which also offers complementary therapies and relaxation classes for free. If your friend can take advantage of something similar in her area I would encourage her to pop in and see what is available to her - there is a wealth of help and support for all cancer patients. One thing I really enjoyed was the "Look Good - Feel Better" session where you are given a make up lesson with other ladies and a brilliant bag of cosmetic goodies to keep. It was lovely to be with other people in a similar situation and to be able to let our hair/wigs/hats down! Everyone left feeling glamorous and more confident to face the mirror.
Sorry if I have waffled on - I only looked at the forum for the first time tonight and was touched by your concern for your friend. I am sure she appreciates your support and is glad to know you are there. I hope everything goes well for her.
Take care,
Carol
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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Hello Carolo and welcome to these often helpful, fun, friendly and caring forums of W&H.
Thanks you for taking the time and trouble to post here yesterday. I have only just seen your message as I don't usually go on the forums on a Sunday.
I must say I am a bit nervous going with my friend today to find her a wig so how she must be feeling I can only guess.
It was her suggestion that I go with her and she come and pick me up so I do feel a little easier knowing she wants me around.
The advice about the Macmillan center for help and advice I am sure she has been told but even so I will pass this information on that you gave Carolo as I am sure it will give her a boost and as you say help her. The idea of the 'Look Good - Feel Better' session is very good even in just the heading This is what I hope the wig does for her as well.
Another younger good friend's baby is due today so there is happiness and joy as well for me right now and at least this give me something other than cancer to talk about to my dear friend today. Who knows I might even go and see my heavily pregnant friend at the same hospital today!
Bye for now and thanks to all who have PM and posted here please keep in touch it certainly is of help to me.
Best wishes from me Debbie
P.S Carolo waffle away as much as you like it does one good .I often do on here   some kind person is normally about to listen and help you.
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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Hi there ladies.
An update for those who have followed this post about my friend who has cancer.
I called her today and have been sending her a post card and a text message each week while I was away on holiday these past 3 weeks down south and in Cornwall.
My friend has been wearing her smart wig that I helped her to pick out from the surprisingly good selection avaliable on the NHS. She mentioned today that she even got it trimmed at her local hair dressers so as it would suit her face better.
 Hopefully we will get to the RHS harvest show in London. Her October treatment is the week before so with any luck she will be well enough and feel able to come along with me to see the wonderful prize winning vegetables and flower displays.
RHS Autumn Harvest Show 7 - 8 October 2008 
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dbverycherry
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OzzieKez
member
Reged: 21/06/2008
Posts: 1897
Loc: Queensland, Australia
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Fabulous news Deb. Keep up the good work!
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 3519
Loc: Kent UK
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Good to get all the support, help and advice from you lot. So ladies please keep up with the pms, suggestions and information as it is appreciated.
What happens after her last course of chemo? How long will it be till she can hopefully get the all clear after the opperation?
My friend does get very low and delicate for a few days after each chemo session but the tummor is shrinking. She still has to have the opperation to remove the breast but I guess this is because they wish to remove all possible affected tissue.
So my dear friend isn't out of the woods yet but she is keeping very positive and putting a very brave face on it all. I think she is the one doing the hard work and I am just there to give her a bit of support when she needs it.
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