Best Of

Re: Welcome to our Community!

I'm going to jump on in with an introduction from me.

I'm Karen. An almost fifty year old Mum of two teenage boys. Married to a lovely man, who works abroad in blocks of three months, and we have two gorgeous dogs and some guinea pigs to make up the family unit.

I LOVE this community, and all that it offers. I wish I’d had somewhere like this to go to or someone to talk to so many times over the last few years. Just someone to tell me I wasn’t alone dealing with this menopause "thing", and to reassure me that I wasn’t turning into a complete fruitcake! That what I was feeling, and the symptoms I was experiencing were completely real, and not something I was making up in my head! It’s important to know that I’m not the only one answering the remote control instead of the phone, trying to get out of the car without unclipping the seatbelt, or crying at every programme on the TV for no apparent reason! Pregnancy brain is well documented, but the mind blips that come along with the menopause aren’t quite so well reported and can be frightening! It's time that as women, we lift each other up and support one another to feel better about something that’s entirely natural, if not downright awful to deal with at times! THAT'S what this forum has to offer us all.

I’ve been coping with the menopause since I had an early hysterectomy 15 years ago. I continued to have periods after my hysterectomy (who even knew that was a remote possibility!) and had to deal with that until I could get someone to believe me and help. Like a lot of you, I’ve had a tricky time, and I’ve worked hard to deal with what life has thrown at me. I’m the woman who has read all the articles I could find. HRT wasn’t an option for me due to migraines, so I’ve had to cope pretty much on my own. The internet has been a real friend guiding me towards so many things. Black cohosh and red clover. More supplements than I care to remember! Magnets in my knickers, magnets on my wrists, silk pillow cases, cooling water sprays, gel pillows, breathable fabrics, anti depressants, electric fans blowing a gale through my bedroom. I’ve had a go at a lot of things to bring relief from the worst of the symptoms. Some things worked, and some things didn’t, but the important thing was taking control and being open to finding what worked for me. Being positive despite all the symptoms was hard but really helps.

I think it’s also important to recognise the partners and family members that experience all these symptoms alongside us. The mood swings, the sweats, the ditsy days, the sweats, the brain farts, the sweats.

Throw in the teenager hormones in the house, and we should applaud ourselves for managing to stick together and make it all work! Most days!

I still experience horrible hot flashes, anxiety and the curse of the sleepless nights, so I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone else is dealing with, and what you do to cope with the symptoms.

Mostly I'm excited to hear about other ladies in the forum, and learn from your stories.

Kaz

Kaz

Re: Feeling great

@Oconnorm @Sunshinedaff

Hi Oconnorm Wow that’s really wonderful news! So pleased for you.

Bye, bye Betty!

Have they given you a timeframe?

I will be very interested in your next procedure as I hope to have my reversal later in the year. Please let us know how it goes.

I have had 2nd chemo today. Side effects worse than last time. They said important to keep warm so my husband went and got me an electric blanket. It took immediate effect with soothing cramping thighs legs and feet. Just Wonderful. Thank you dear Norm. Got it just before shop closed!

Have a wonderful evening both. Lv Jackie xx

jacksprat_x1

Re: what is your worst symptom?

Hey , mine is feeling low , suffering from anxiety I get paronoid that no body likes me at work I feel they talk about me behind my back I hate it , I feel like I'm not in control does anybody else feel the same or is it just me ?

Sarah34

Re: Low libido 😒🙄

Not sure I could cope with all the complications of an affair!!! Nor all the leg shaving and breathing tummy in!

DizziLady

Re: Hello and welcome!

Hi I'm Jackie and undergoing chemotherapy for the second time for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I was diagnosed 9 years ago and had my first chemo three years ago, which I was hoping I would get a little bit longer before it returned, but alas here it is again. Last time it felt surreal, I lost my hair, my toe nails were terrible, my feet felt as if I was walking on sponges (and I'm afraid didn't return to normal) but I had all my family and friends around to help me through it. This time I have been told I shouldn't loose my hair and my nails will probably be okay, all because of the Cancer Research being done and I am on a different therapy. My family and friends are terrific they are the people we need in our lives when you are feeling down. I still have 8 chemo's to get and that will take me up to 6th February, but as long as I keep well I will get better. Hopefully at the end of this I maybe be able to get rid of the tumour by having a hysterectomy, please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.

Rupertbear2018

Re: Hello and welcome!

Hi Everyone,
I signed up yesterday, just call me sunshine daff ! why? I love seeing the sunshine,it makes a difference to my day, and I love flowers and gardening.
I have survived breast cancer, but am also the first in my family to survive cancer, I lost my sister, dad and mum to this despicable disease.
My life has changed, but hey, I'm still here, living every day, and thankful for it.
Looking forward to chatting with others.

Sunshinedaff

Re: Hello and welcome!

Hello
My name is Robert
I have an aggressive Prostate cancer which has spread to the nearby tissues. I cannot be cured but I have had radiotherapy and as the cancer feeds on testosterone, I am now receiving androgen deprivation therapy which has removed all of the testosterone from my body. Fortunately, this treatment is holding the cancer at bay so far, though I have to manage physical and emotional issues arising from the absence of testosterone.

Now retired, I use my spare time playing and writing music on my electronic keyboards. No hits yet! i have also been studying Spanish for 4 years now with mixed results. My lovely wife and I also love walking and travelling.

I found the 'Living Better With Cancer' website several months ago and I have been posting on their Facebook site since then. It is a wonderful mutually supportive group and understanding, support and hugs are freely available from the members, many of whom are facing far greater hurdles than I am.
There do not seem to be many men who post, but cancer is cancer and I feel very welcome and supported.and hope that going forward, more men will get involved and enjoy the support of the group.
I think this new Community initiative/expansion is very exciting and look forward to chatting to you all.
Rob

RobertA

Re: Feeling bereft after treatment

Many of us put on a brave face for friends and family and when treatment is finished it’s easy for them as a result of this to think how “strong “ you were fighting this illness. Little do they know how deep inside hidden by our brave exteriors we are traumatised . Well I certainly feel that way. I feel I am being ungrateful for not being happier that I am currently all clear(though I pretend that I am) Many days I can get on with my life. And I certainly do my best to keep busy. But nights are long aren’t they? And follow up scans come round just as you might be getting things on an even keel and are a reminder of how vulnerable we are. But amidst all that, suddenly there will be a beautiful day like today and the daffodils start to come out and the sun shines in a clear blue sky. Or my granddaughters throw their arms round me and say “love you Nannie“ and I try and promise myself I’ll remember these things on the black dog days. I may no longer be able to go mad in the gym or exercise class, but I did do a gentle yoga class yesterday (highly recommended) and I can no longer walk over hill and dale, but I went for a bit of a swim today and did feel a lot better for it. It can take a huge effort on the days when the best place seems to be under the duvet- but we’ve all of us come a long way. We’ve had all sorts of horrible things done to us to get us where we are now. And although some of the treatments seem to be worse than the disease, for the moment, we are at least still here, which is,I guess all that anyone can say really- cancer victim or not. Hang in there buddies

4Gretton

Re: Win a FREE Elvie pelvic floor trainer worth £169.99!

I was having chemo last Valentine's day so wasn't much fun but this year we are off to york for a lovely wk end instead 😁😁

Coldfeet

Re: I had a hysterectomy due to uterine cancer. Starting chemo next Friday. Cancer was removed.

Sorry Melanie - I should have said to check with your oncologist before trying this supplement (or any) because we are all on different chemicals depending on what type of cancer we have.

LEGO2019