Cancer and the Coronavirus

Hello members, I thought I would check in to see how everyone is doing. How are you holding up? I believe we're forecasted to have more lovely weather this weekend before the rains return, hopefully you all will be able to enjoy it a little bit. 

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Take care,

Courtney

Hi I have lung cancer witch.  I am on afatinib chemotherapy tablets and have been for about a year.  I am lucky because the hospital have arranged to deliver them to the house and have had a telephone appointment with them.  Due to have a scan in may but dont know if that will happen now. And no blood tests.  Doing a bit of gardening but it is hard work and I get tired.   So the housework will get forgotten about for now😁 I also have Spina bifida but all things considered I am doing ok.

@Courtney_J 

Hi Courtney 

Having stage 3 Bowel Cancer, secondary lymph nodes cancer and a benign brain tumour. I am post surgery, still a little bit of Cancer  in the rectum, that they couldn’t remove on the operating theatre. My Cancer did spread, and receiving chemotherapy. 

I am post 6 month surgery. And getting on well with my colomosty bag. 

I am half way through chemotherapy 7/12 sessions, and I go every other week for bloods, chemotherapy and mobile chemotherapy.  I can’t take chemo drugs they make me so very poorly. That’s why I have a picc line, for chemotherapy and mobile chemotherapy. ( A bottle, with a balloon in with my chemo ) I have it for 2 days at home. Then  Dis attached  from it. 

I am very fortunate my Oncologist Dr Good, decided to let me carry on with my chemotherapy , something that I am very grateful for. 

I am on Gov U.K., and NHS England lockdown for 3 months, though it has now been extended until my chemotherapy ends, which due to chest infection, and having my picc line out in my arm, because it was making my arm swell, go red, and they thought I had a blood clot too. ( Thankfully I didn’t ) Now will end July 13th. In total 115 days in lockdown. 

I have to stay indoors, and only allowed out into the front garden and back garden. I go to hospital in a NHS private ambulance, there and back. I see going on  an ambulance ride, and having chemotherapy on the Oncology ward, as a big social day out. I go three times a week, and love mixing with the lovely kind and supportive chemotherapy nurses/ health care assistants, reception staff and the cleaner too. I also love chatting to the Chemotherapy patients too, and have made new friends. 

The non chemotherapy week, I stay indoors. Or stay out in the back garden. Every Thursday I stand on my front door step and with my neighbours, we clap,  applaud  and cheer on  the NHS staff and our key workers. People let off fire workers in their back gardens. A great atmosphere, as the neighbourhood come together to say a very big thank you to the NHS staff and key  workers. 

I am not allowed to go to the shops, on public transport,  or in taxis. It’s very frustrating, but I have to keep myself safe. Having Cancer and a history of bad chest infections, getting Cov - Vid 19 would be very dangerous for me. It could be in on a ventilator, and possibly kill me. 

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Hi Courtney. 

Having Cancer, and having chemotherapy 7/ 12 sessions, and half way through chemotherapy.

I am on Gov U.K. / NHS England lockdown for 3 months. Which has been extended until 13 th July. It will be a total of 115 lockdown days. 

My advice to members  struggling with lockdown, would be.

1) Always look after  your appearance, have a bath, smell nice, and pamper, pamper, pamper yourself. Every do your hair nicely and experiment with hair styles, make up, and nail / toe varnishes. 

2) Make plans of things to do, and cross them off when done.

3) Be creative, in what every form. I love cooking, and writing poetry, 

4) Watch loads of comedy programmes / comedians on tv.  Nothing like a good laugh. 

5) Keep up with friends on social media/ and by email, text, and phone calls. Skype and Zoom, are brilliant for catch up’s. 

Hope this helps.

@Hidden username‍ Hello Barbara, thank you for commenting! I'm glad that you're doing well and staying busy through this difficult period. That's wonderful to hear the hospital is being so accommodating with your treatment! Enjoy your garden! 

@Croaleestat9438‍ Hello KazzieBazzie, thank you for sharing what you're going through, it's wonderful to hear that you are doing well despite what must be a stressful situation! And thank you also for the wonderful advice, I think your ideas can definitely help us all 

Please send us a message here from time to time sharing how you are doing, it is so great to hear from everyone! 

@Courtney_J I'm doing well through all this. It is rather frustrating staying at home, but it's for the better good for all! I've been in remission for a number of years now but I'm wondering how long the effects of cancer treatment (radiotherapy in my case, but I'm also curious about chemo, etc) last on the immune system. 

Hope you all are well!

Hi Courtney.

How are you ? I am ok coming towards the end of my chemo therapy, what a journey that has been. One I care not to repeat soon.

 For myself and other Carenity members, could you please explain something to me. I am confused.com doesn’t take much lately, with having chemotherapy and being on Gov U.K. and NHS England lockdown, hardly know what day it is lol...........

In my notifications box, it says I have earned a Bronze Award, Explorer. What is this ? And how do you get to silver, and gold standard.  I  do love a Certificate I put it in my achievements folder, do we get a certificate printed out too. 

Thanks in advance.

Kind Regards

Karen 

@Croaleestat9438 Hello Karen, I'm glad to hear you've almost completed your chemotherapy! Stay strong, you're almost finished! I hope you'll keep us updated with how you're doing. 

Congrats on your Bronze Explorer award! That means you have subscribed to 5 discussions on Carenity! You can find your other awards by going to "My Profile" and clicking on awards underneath your name (there should a little star next to it). If you hover your mouse over the little circles while on a computer (I'm not sure this function works on our mobile app yet), you can see what actions you need to do to achieve the next level. Unfortunately there's not certificate for these awards, but that's an excellent idea!

Take care,

Courtney

Hi Courtney 

I will look at other things that you mentioned. I like things like that. 

I think regarding receiving certificates, we are just little kids at heart, we all love a bit of paper and recognition from time to time. To show our family and friends how well we are doing during our difficult times. Puts a smile on our faces and encourages us to plod on,  learning more about our medical conditions and the new post Cov- Vid 19 society we are now  accepting / adjusting to live in.

Online I know lots of Certificate samples can work from, and make your own. Maybe something you may consider in the future. I am happy to work with you on this project, if you wish me too. 

Have a good weekend 

Kind Regards 

Karen 

@Courtney_J Hi Courtney. My  initial Radio Therapy Treatment had been from April 1, but due to the virus, postponed, however, we re-commence tomorrow. 26-5.