preparation

Firstly I'm glad the op went well and was sorted so quickly. Will your chemo and RT be concommitant (both at same time) as that makes a big difference in my experience - my first lot was combined and I felt pretty rotten in comparison with RT alone, when life could go on with not so many difficulties. Your body will take quite a hammering, and you want to make sure that you are eating a healthy and well-balanced diet in the lead up to treatment. It may be that you suffer later from nausea and also have peculiar fads where you can't eat what you know you should because even the thought of it makes you feel sick. The oncology nurse at my Hospital said that alcohol - a glass of wine - was permissable, but an excellent US book I read - "Cancer for Dummies", pointed out that our livers will be struggling enough with the toxicity of the chemo without adding alcohol to it. There's plenty of tips about sorts of food to tempt you, and food to nibble (eg ginger biscuits against nausea), in Cancerbackup's pages. Before I had treatment I read somewhere about some Chinese herbal medicine tablets that were supposed to help effects of RT, but I suggest you forget that sort of stuff - it's expensive and doesn't work. Drink plenty of fluids to keep flushing toxins out of your system. Do you have someone around you who will be able to prepare meals and help with shopping, etc? Try to get plenty of stuff in the freezer now. I found fresh pineapples were great - juicy and full of vitamins, and I had a bowl of pieces by my bed at night.

As to mentally organising yourself, you seem to be very clear-sighted anyway, and just getting on with things. I would just say if you're not sure what's happening, ask the staff to explain (don't feel you are being a nuisance, it's your body, you only get one, and you have right to know). Don't surf the www too much - it's the Devil's fiery pit out there, and you can get very depressed and alarmed pondering things that hadn't occurred to you before, and 99% certainly won't happen to you anyway. You will be having treatment alongside many other people, and you will find that there is a comradeship, and you build up support from those around you: let people know it's your first day, and most will be very kind and welcoming. Anyone that moans and gripes and starts telling you negative things - move away politely but firmly Take something with you to read or do. I researched and wrote a lecture on History of Costume whilst hooked up to chemo - it gave me sense of purpose and occupied my mind. You'll get awfully fed up with the mags in the RT waiting room.

Try to get through to family and friends that you will be extra susceptible to their germs. Don't want them hugging you, then telling you they've had this sore throat for weeks and just can't get rid of it!

Have you got someone to take you for appointments, just in case you feel too unwell to drive yourself? You may however be fine - I met people who drove across a whole county for RT then drove off to walk along the nearest beach - a hundred miles away!

One of the most important things is to remember that there are lots of people on here who care about you, and will be here for moral support. You will soon get lots more replies to any questions. If you are feeling up to it later, there is also the Chat Room, and you will find everyone there very friendly: we can laugh, and we can sympathise, whatever you need. Lastly I just want to wish you the very best of luck. I suspect you have already come through the most frightening part of your struggle. With lots of love xxxx Penny

Thank you so much for your reply, i intend to take it fully on board, this site has already been a wonderful support in coming to terms with what is happening. Luckily i have a wonderful partner who is going to look after me, because my cancer is brain related i am unable to drive, so he is doing that for me too, its not too far to the hospital thankfully.

As for looking on the internet for information i have pretty much limited myself to this site so far, i don't want to be reading horror stories, etc and have found just knowing that there are people who are, or have been through something similar a great support.

I have had a nosey at your profile and can't believe the way you were treated, i have been lucky to meet only kind, sensitive doctors and consultants so far.

Thanks again - your advice and positive attitude are an inspiration

Claire x x x x

I'm so glad you have your partner looking after you - sounds like a 5-star one there! I'm so glad all your staff have been positive and affable - it makes such a huge difference to the mental well-being (and therefore, I believe the recovery rate) to be treated with courtesy and kindness. Sadly I'm not alone on this site in terms of misdiagnosis and mis-treatment - never mind. I hope there will be some medical professionals reading this site, and if it some of them learn from it...

There are lots of really lovely and special people on here, so I hope when you are feeling up to it, you will dip your toe into the Chat Room. You will get a big welcome. Sometimes it's serious discussions or questions, and a lot of the time it's light-hearted and cheering.

Keep going Claire, and keep throwing any queries into the ring for us to have a go at. Good luck with the treatmnet, and let us know how it's going. xxxx Penny

Hi, I like you have recently had a brain tumour removed at first they told me 95% was removed and the remainder was benign and slow growing but they have since descovered the tumour (Astrocytoma )is acting in an aggresive manneer and growing quite quick. I have been put on Chemo (orally).

I would say the worst is the tiredness and nause + Vomiting.( you probably had these symptoms b4 surgery anyway)
I noticed you are unable to drive and have a very special sum 1 taking care of you, i am in the same situation, its a real challenge losing your independance like this isnt it.

Well i really just wanted to wish you all the best and know that my thoughts are with you!

The best advise i can give is surround yourself with supportive people family and friends and stay Positive. (i know somedays this is really hard and no one expects you to be super human) and laugh i make sure i laugh every day!!!!!!!

Allt he Best
Freckles