Hi Isabelle It's great that you try to think positively. I think it really helps you to feel better. Try not to let others drag you down, just because they are miserable doesn't mean you have to join them. It's good that you're trying alternate therapies. I think juicing is good, I did it when I was first diagnosed but haven't for a while, but I think I'll start up again. It's good to talk to you each fortnight, talk again soon. Julia xx ... View more

I've had two types of chemo, AC when I was first diagnosed in November 09 and then Xeloda when the cancer spread in August 2011. The AC was difficult to tolerate, in fact the first dose gave me neutropenia and I was in hospital for 12 days. Each subsequent dose required an extra week for my white cell count to raise enough. Each of these made me quite unwell and exhausted for the first week of each three week cycle before I got back near normal but still tired. Of course I lost my hair two weeks after the first dose. The Xeloda is much easier to take. It takes the form of tablets which are taken twice a day for two weeks and then one week off. The side effects are quite minor, although I find myself exhausted. This is something which I will be taking indefinitely until my circumstances change again which of course I hope won't be happening for a very long time. I was unfortunate enough to get hand and foot syndrome for a couple of months but this was eventually cleared up with antibiotics. Apart from that I've had swollen feet which has settled down, and pigment all over my face which hasn't settled. My appetite is very low and I find it hard to eat as much as I should.. Of course I know that my experience will be different to others who may have a greater or lesser tolerance to the chemotherapy drugs that thay're given, but hopefully this will give others an idea of what may happen. Julia ... View more

Glad you seem to be doing better now. Let me know how you go with your next lot of treatment Julia xx ... View more

I'm surprised they're taking out his rib. My breast cancer has metastasized to many bones throughout my torso including all of my spine and most of my ribs as well as pelvis, shoulders, etc. my understanding is that it simply is treated as a chronic condition for which pain medications are prescribed and which is not life threatening. I'm sorry for everything your husband is going though and wish him good luck ... View more

Hi Pam Just one quick question, where abouts do you get your injection? The nurse told me stomach, but the information says shoulder, stomach or thigh. I could do without getting joint pain again. Thought I was past that when I stopped the tamoxifen Julia ... View more

Pam, did you see the information about the ongoing group, it might suit you as well as Bella ... View more

Hi Bella I was diagnosed with bone metastases and then with breast cancer. I was put on chemo straight away to try to stop it from spreading, then I went onto tamoxifen. Currently I am on Xeloda as I had various new sites last August. I am also on Bonefos, previously Zometa and soon to be xgeva for bone strengthening. I've had radiotherapy for pain in my hip and also for a fracture that I got in my pelvis 18 months ago. There are several other women in the same situation as us on this site. You can join the group Ongoing, it is for people with advanced cancers, plus they have an email support group every couple of weeks where you go into a chat room and talk to others who are going through the same things we are. P_jones, this would suit you too I am happy to be your friend and talk to you more about what you're going through Take care of yourself Julia xx ... View more

Try Movicol. Dissolves in water, I use two sachets a day or twice a day if backed up ... View more

It is so scary starting chemo. Make sure you take someone to keep you distracted and keep you company. Also make sure you take all the anti nausea medicine they give you even if you feel ok. You didn't mention what type of chemo? I had AC which is pretty strong. I found that the days after the medicine was finished was when I felt most nauseous but I just took my maxolon and I was fine. I was knackered the first week, then the next two were ok and I would work in those weeks. Your hair may start to fall out after about two weeks, it's a good idea to cut it short before this happens and to shave it all off once it starts in earnest. Go to the Look Good, Feel Better classes they run which will help with makeup, scarves and wigs, plus you get to meet lots of others in your situation. Good luck with everything, we're all here for you Julia xx ... View more