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Hi Amelie and Jean I was just thinking how hard it must be worrying about someone you care about but I thought it might help to hear the other side, the patients side It is a tricky one but I would not want Jeff to be hovering over me all the time .I already feel pretty useless because of all the things I can no longer do so I would feel even more useless if I didnt have some control as in knowing when I need to go to hospital Yes there are times when I put it off as long as possible because I cant face a stay in hospital but I always get there in the end when its really necessary As patients so much is taken out of our control by cancer so I value the ability to make my own decisions So although its hard try and trust John and Frank to make the right choices about treatment etc , when it comes down to it we all have a strong sense of self preservation The other thing that makes me feel worse is knowing how much my mum worries about me and when she gets over fussy with me this just adds to it Not sure if this makes any sensebut I hope it helps a little although I realise we are all different too love to you both Bridget x

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Hi Helen and Sue thankyou for asking. I am still struggling with the tiredness which I assume is Thalidomide Sometimes its scary , the other night I dozed off on the sofa woke and went to get a drink in the kitchen when I looked at the clock I realised I had fallen asleep standing up for an hour in the middle of the kitchen!! Friday and Saturday are lost days as I usually start to feel rough on the way home and I then have to sleep through Friday night and Saturday , cant eat or drink it is so annoying So all in all its not the worst treatment I have had but not a lot of fun either I am hoping it will settle soon I will put up with it as long as it is working as there arent too many options at the moment so fingers crossed Hope you are both ok How is Michael this week Sue? love Bridget aka Dopey Dora xx

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Hi Tom he is sooooo gorgeous!! a real cutie and I like the idea of grandads cuddling chair love Bridget x

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Hi Carol thats wonderful news!! No wonder you are walking around with a big grin and how nice of your consultant to phone you with good news Your sons question about Dex day really made me smile, it just shows how much impact Dex has on our families as well I am crossing fingers and toes that next weeks results will be more good news for you love Bridget x

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Hi Debs if I remember right there were a few occasions when I felt achey on Rev, this was early in treatment and didnt last.As for colds I didnt have constant colds but I was constantly full of snot !! Classy! It actually drove me nutsand as there was nothing to be done about it I just got used to it Hope your aches dont last long love Bridget x

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Hi Vicki be prepared for your dads appetite being changeable as most people find their taste buds are affected. So lots of little snacks that are easy to eat , individual pots of jelly , small portions of cheese small tins of fruit with a ring pull Your dad will be able to tell you what he fancies! Also some soothing wipes to use instead of toilet paper in case he has diarrhoea ( most people do ) , moisturiser as your skin can get very dry. Perhaps a radio or mp3 player so he can listen to a play whe tv just gets too boring! Sorry cant think of anything else just yet but I will keep thinking ! I cant help about the numbers as I am not sure what they refer to love Bridget x

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Dear Gina I am so sorry to hear your mum has passed away but you must be relieved to know she wasnt in pain Your mum must have felt so loved surrounded by her lovely family , there is no greater gift Take care of yourselves and hold on to all the wonderful memories you have love Bridget x

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Eve have you thought of attacking Slims eyebrows when he is asleep ? That would be soooo funny , but a bit cruel I suppose! Having lost my hair 3 times now I can honestly say it doesnt bother me anymore Mind you my eyelashes and eyebrows always stay which helps, but being a baldy is quite liberating Sinead has gone back to her shaved head now too and still looks good if only I could look like her!! love Bridget x

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Hi Jean I am glad you posted this because although I love Christmas I just havent got started this year, maybe I will get moving now ! Your family Christmas sounds wonderful, you will have a great time even if it is exhausting. Sarah I am so glad your family are all going to be with you too it will help I am sure My mother-in-law has invited everyone of our very large familt for boxing day , which is a bit of a tradition, the kids were really pleased she wanted to carry on this year even though grandad isnt here Your whacky presents made me smile too ! Jeff is a last minute before the shops close xmas eve type of shopper , so my present depends on which shop is open latest! Heres to a happy christmas for all of us Any minute now and I will start singing When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney Haha — too early for that yet !! love Bridget x

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Hi Helen last year I was so grey it was like looking at a stranger in the mirror till I had it dyed !! What a differencee instantly felt brighter and more lively so boo to growing old gracefully !! You should wait 3 months after chemo before dying , I booked my appointment for 3 months and 1 day !! Happy hair days love Bridget x

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Hi Suru sorru I have only just seen your post. You have had an awful time you must be exhausted After any major surgery it takes time for you body to recover.Just try eating little and often whatever you feel like eating , your appetite will come back Do you take fortified drinks , Ensure is one we have over here. perhaps you could ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician too. At the moment I see my doctors every month because I am having treament, it sounds as if they are just keeping an eye on your myeloma so if there is any change they will start treatment Do you have family to help? It must be difficult when you have a young daughter so I hope you do have family and friends to help you Keep going Suru things will get better for you it just takes time to heal Please keep posting and let us know how you are, your english is terrific Stay strong love Bridget

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Dear Jo what wonderful news I am so happy for you! I bet you were dancing a jig last night!! Was it the lovely Dean who rang you? Now you can foget about myeloma for a while and have a great christmas lots of love Bridget x

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Hi Roisin welcome I hope we can be some help to you .There is nothing worse than watching someone you love suffer If the chemo is palliative is it easing his symptoms?Just wondering why they are giving it to him as it is a tough regime . Recently I had a similiar problem with my 85 year old mum who had a stroke last year.I try and help as much as I can and my daughter does her shoppingbut it was obviously not enough It was only when the district nurse visited and spoke to her about carers coming in that she agreed to try it even if she was telling me she didnt want them!!This week they started coming in and so far so good , they have helped her with washing which she struggled with and would prepare meals for her (if she let them ) They come 3 or 4 times a day ans she has said she likes them coming in the evening to make her a drink and fill her hot water bottle soo I am hopeful it will work out It makes me feel less guilty knowing she is being looked after and she is definitely more cheerful Perhaps you could have a chat with him and explain you are finding it a struggle , maybe you could suggest a carer to help you both If he has a macmillan nurse have a chat withem as well , they could do a referral for youor the district nurses Dont feel too guilty about the children I am sure they understand their grandad needs your help Ihope he will accept some help though for both of you , please let us know how yu get on Best wishes to both of you Bridget

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Hi Mari I know what you mean about not feeling old! In my head I am much younger than in reality so I have to avoid all mirrors!! Happy birthday for tomorrow I hope you have a lovely day and are spoiled rotten love from one teenager to another Bridget x

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Hi everyone I too was born in 1955, a very good year Tom!! I live in Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, a few miles from Luton airport My hospital is University College Hospital in London The haemotogoly team is led by Dr Kwee Yong who is well known in myeloma circles , they are brilliant I had to retire when I was diagnosed but I used to work for social sevices in child protection ( not always very popular so you need to be able to run!!) Bridget

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