Monday 11 January 2010

The New Look

I Have Had my chemotherapy and have come home very tired. It has been a long day.
Have to let it take its course now and see if it will be any better.
No snow so far.
My spiked stick has been delivered already. No sign of the ice grippers, but I think I will be lying low for a while, anyway.

My son arrived back in Bristol very late on Saturday night and called round to see me on Sunday afternoon. It was great to see him and the girls again after their absence over Christmas while they were in Japan.
As promised, he brought his electric clippers and proceeded to clip off my hair. It felt really good to be rid of the dead stuff. There is about a quarter of an inch left and that is falling out very fast.



Today I went to Oncology to have my pre-assessment ....... blood tests etc and I seem to be in fine fettle.
The doctor was over the moon when he examined me and said he could find no sign of the tumour in the groin. He thinks he has struck gold with the right treatment. He has booked me down for a CT scan in February to see what is happening with the other two behind the stomach. He said he has high hopes that they will be gone too.
So it is Chemo Two tomorrow at 8.15 am.
However, there are to be some changes.
I will not be given steroids to bring back home, as they think that is what caused the hallucinations on day 5 & 6.
It will be necessary to have a dose of steroids before the treatment otherwise my body would not cope with the poison. They also will put in a strong anti histamine and an anti sickness solution intravenously before they connect the chemo to help my body to cope with the shock.
They will give me stronger anti sickness pills and I have got better pain relief for my joint pain. So I feel more confident that I will not suffer as greatly as I did last time. And if I do....... then I know that it will pass after the sixth day.
That is a relief to know.
All I want now is for the roads to keep clear of snow.
I don't care what it does later on. I just need to get started on round two!





47 comments:

Beryl Ament said...

The "haircut" looks pretty cool in the photo. Keep your chin up.

Anonymous said...

hey good news Maggie , you are wining xxx

Jackie said...

Maggie...what great news about the tumor (lack of) in your groin. Your doctor may have struck gold...but we have struck a harmonious chord with our Lord. Thank you to both physicians..yours and the Great Physician.
I love short hair. Your son did a great job with the electric clippers. I know that it felt soo good to have the dead hair cut off. You look maaaawwwvelous, my dear...and you sound like you feel the same way. We sing praises! Yes we do!!!
Love,
Jackie

Thumbelina said...

Glad to hear some positive news now. Keep your spirits up. Thinking of you as you go into round 2...

Very fetching hairdo!

Working Mum said...

That does sound like positive news and great that they are able to tailor your treatment a bit better now that they know how you react to it. And I think that haircut looks very modern - you never know, you might go for a change after all this is over!

Fingers crossed for you in the second round.

WM x

Jinksy said...

It's good to hear they'll be doing their best to mix a better cocktail for you this time! Good luck!

cheshire wife said...

The hair cut looks fine. Good news about the tumour shrinking. I hope that all goes well tomorrow.

CWxxx

Suldog said...

The doctor found no sign of the tumour? GREAT news! Prayers were said, of course, and will continue.

RNSANE said...

What glorious news, Maggie May. It is so wonderful that the chemo is working and that your doctors are planning treatment to try and alleviate the side effects as much as possible. I think the hair do isn't bad at all - and I know it must feel one heck of a lot better to have the damaged tresses gone.

Your son's visit, with your lovely granddaughters, must have really lifted your spirits.

Prayers for smooth sailing with the next bout of chemo and ice of the darn roads and only in your freezer.

Jo said...

Wow! That's great news. I have a sneaking suspicion the other two will be gone too. Best of luck tomorrow...!

Suburbia said...

That is such fantastic news Maggie, so pleased for you and your family all.

Love your new style too.I think it is elegant.

I am also praying there will be no snow.

Sx

Chic Mama said...

I hope you get there okay tomorrow. It sounds as though the doctor is very caring swapping and changing the treatment around. I hope you don't suffer as much this round.
I think, just from the back view that you will look great hair or not. Bet you are one that it suits.
Brilliant news about the tumour.
take lots of care. x

Dimple said...

I'm so glad to hear the treatment is having a strong effect, even though you were so sick, and I'm praying that the adjustments in your meds will help with the side effects of round 2. Blessings!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Dearest Maggie,
You already know how I feel about all of this news!!!! But just stopped by here at the blog to say I'm doing a dance...and then,getting back on my knees!!!! Love you so much! Janine XO

P.S. I should have had your son clip mine when it was falling out...he has a gift!!! Your hair looks so very, very chic!!! Love, J.

Bernie said...

Hi Maggie, it is such wonderful news to hear the groin tumor is no longer visible and more than likely forever gone.....am so happy for you.
You hair looks really good Maggie, son did a great job.
Good Luck tomorrow sweetie, will keep you in my heart and prayers as always....(I just sent you an e-mail).......:-) Hugs

Mimi said...

Maggie, that's wonderful! Yippee! I will pray for no snow for you tomorrow (send it this way, please!)and that all goes well. I've a good feeling too about this.
P.S. You look so young with the haircut I've never seen your face, but I'd put you at c30 from the back.
Make sure you take it easy now, and keep warm- you'll feel the cold without the hair.
(((((((Maggie)))))))

San said...

You look kind of hip, Maggie. And the news from the doctor is SO promising. Keep on keepin' on...

Celia said...

Lovely neck, looks great, and lovely news.

Expat mum said...

All great news Maggie. (Well apart from having to do the chemo, but as you say, you know what's coming.)
I love the look - chic! You need large, glamorous ear-rings to wow everyone with.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Wonderful news Maggie as I said on the phone. After just one chemo and all the prayers the reult is fantastic.
Hope it goes well tomorrow - we are here for you ~ Love Eddie x

softinthehead said...

Great news Maggie, I will keep my fingers crossed for more good results. I think the hair looks pretty cool.

Saz said...

'tres mignon'...as my folks would say....you have a perfect head shape and delicate neck...l do so hope that your next session isnt as bad...

sounds like you have a great oncologist and its shrinking fast!!

saz x

MARY G said...

Good for you, brave lady. And I love the idea about the shirt sleeves for ice traction.

You are so 'you' even in the midst of this medical madness. Sending hugs and best wishes for round two.

Hilary said...

That is so wonderful to hear, Maggie. What a thrill. I'm continuing to send best thoughts that this round will be much easier on you but every bit as effective.

Hugs

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Will be thinking of you today Maggie and wishing you well. Great news that your doctor was so pleased with you, it bodes well for round 2.

Your haircut looks lovely, very chic.

Ayak said...

Great news Maggie...you are winning this battle. A fighting attitude is so important.

You have the perfect shaped head for very short hair..it looks good.

Lots of Love xxx

Anonymous said...

Your hair looks good from where I'm sitting. Pretty colour.

Formerly known as Frau said...

Your hair looks awesome!! Hugs and continued prayers for your recovery.

Mickle in NZ said...

Wonderful news, dear Maggie. The new hairdo looks great - you have a very beautiful, elegant neck.

I'm relieved the medications are being tailored to suit you better. Zebby is sitting right behind me, purring for you and pawing at my back to check I'm sending it on,

Much love and loud purrrrrumbles, Michelle and Zebbycat

Monalisa said...

Very good to hear something positive, things can only get better now.
The haircut is brilliant.

Anonymous said...

I too am dancing, Maggie, though very carefully. What fantastic news, just the thing to boost you in time for the next round.

Love [and prayer] sure are powerful. XXXXX

Rose said...

Maggie, this is such wonderful news! I'm happy, too, that the doctor is changing your prescriptions this time to make this round of chemo more comfortable for you. Besides knowing that any discomfort is only temporary, the best thing to get you through this is knowing that the tumors are shrinking. You are beating this!

The new haircut actually looks quite stylish on you; Sam did a great job.

Unknown said...

I'm so happy and so relieved about the good news!!! And your hair is great. You are beautiful and hair always grows back, right?

Keep staying strong!

Anonymous said...

I love the earrings with that hair cut! Sounds like things are definitely looking up for you. I am so very pleased.

CJ xx

Elaine Denning said...

Good Luck Maggie. Stay strong, positive and feisty....it's obviously working! x

Akelamalu said...

I'm glad to hear you've had some positive news m'dear. Fingers crosed that the weather is kind to you tomorrow so you can get your treatment. xx

Marguerite said...

Glad to hear the great news about the tumor being gone! Also, that they have tailored your treatment plan, for less side effects. Your hairdo looks good, too. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go in for round two. Blessings, Marguerite

Debbie Drews said...

Been thinking of you today with you having the chemo.I think Sam's haircut suits you! Makes you look much younger!
Was amazing to hear how the snow didn't start until you had safely got back from the Oncology dept. I know you were dreading the early start & negotiating slippery pavements & roads. God is on your side.Thank you for everyone's prayers. What great news that the tumour can't be felt by the doctor, too.
All my love to you, Mum, Debs xxx

SandyCarlson said...

I hope you get your clear roads and every other wish you have. I hope you get it all. And that you are happy with your family around you.

Unspoken said...

(((((((((((((Maggie))))))))))). Your hair still darling to me. The hug is for this session of chemo.

xxAmy

Irene said...

You keep hanging in there, Maggie, you've got the right attitude so far. And your hair looks great. Good luck with round 2. You can do it. I have faith in you.

Hugs!

Deb said...

Dear Maggie ~ I was almost teary when I read your good news. So relieved that the tumor in your groin is gone, that your doctors seem to have a handle on the right combo of medicines/chemo and that your son is back safely. Sending prayers over the big puddle !

aims said...

You know how I feel about your haircut. I love it!

Fingers crossed for you this time around my friend.

Imagine such great success after just one treatment. That's wonderful!

A Mother's Place is in the Wrong said...

Dear Maggie, I'm so sorry that I have been absent from your Blog for so long - you have obviously been going through so much. I'm glad to hear that you are surviving this difficult time with such strength and good humour. You are wonderful. And I do hope that you continue to improve. It's good to hear that you have such strong support from family and friends. Love M xx

Anonymous said...

That really is good news from the doctor! I was so happy to read those words, I had tears in my eyes.
I hope the second round goes smoother and it seems quicker.

I think you look beautiful, your hair looks very stylish.

Keeping you close in heart and prayers.

XXXXXXX
Cheryl

Rosaria Williams said...

Maggie you are a courageously strong person; this too shall pass. And the roads? They better be clear as you make your way to the doctor.

Reasons said...

You have one of those shaped heads that look glam with no hair - no kidding! Keep going with those dangly earrings too - fab. Best of luck dear Maggie, must be such a struggle but you do sound strong.