General Chat

Yes, it is, Dee, thank you.

Jean - great to see you here.

Gentle (( hugs )) for both of you.

Hi Dee
Much luv anyway!!.

That shingles/herpes virus is a bummer,lays dormant once you have had it.rears its UGLY head when the immune system is under threat.
I know we both have problems with the cold sores breaking out just when we could do without them.

Hope you are OK now .

Shirley

Hi Shirley,

Hope you had a nice break xx

Thankfully I don't have any young children, as you know, but I sympathise with your daughter, cos it must be a worry with school-age kiddies and what germs they may bring home!

Shingles is a bit different though. If you have had chickenpox, the virus never dies, it just lays dormant. Then if your immune system is laid low for any reason (including by chemo), it reactivates as shingles!

You can't pass shingles on to anyone else, but you could give them chickenpox if they'd never had it.

So you can only actually get shingles if you have had chickenpox yourself.

That's what the doctor told me anyway!

Dee
xxx

Hi Dee
Been away for a week and just got home this evening.
Sorry to see you have shingles . I know daughter was warned she would be open to any viruses whilst she was having chemo last year and she was worried cos the 6 year old could have bought anything home from school.
Hope you are feeling a bit better now and all is under control;

Much luv

Shirley

I have no doubt you made Bexleyheath Posh Dee! Its a lovely area but I wouldnt swap my views of feilds of Green back.

I do miss Danson Park though and the Great Craft faires they used to do everysummer and the Wimpy!!!!

We dont have any sit down Wimpys here.

Anyway, I will let you know if I need to go down and finalise the completion and will buy you a coffee if you are well enough. In the meantime you concentrate on getting better x

Joy, is that the sister who is facing a difficult anniversary tomorrow...? Sending a hug from me.

Maddie Moo...I just checked my GR message box and the other lady is Mad Moo...! I am easily confused you know!!
Yes, you must let me know if you are in Bexleyheath and come round or meet up for coffee.

It only got posh when I moved here by the way. LOL. I wish!!!

Jean my lovely....it's great to see you back!! Hope all is going well?? Big kisses for being a brave gal...XXXX

Dee
x

Darling Dee...so sorry to hear how you have been suffering. Shingles can be so painful.

Hope you continue to improve sweetie.

Thinking of you constantly.

Jean x..

Hi Dee It wasnt me you gave your mobile number too - theres another Maddie on here who is very nice and we are often mixed up as we are both mad cows :)

Co-incedently I may be in Welling at some stage soon - I am near finalising the completion of the sale of my place down south - I had been renting it out the last few years but have decided its too far away and will buy a place to rent out up in here in the west country.

If your feeling well enough ill buy you a cup of coffee in Bexleyheath - if I still recognise it - I hear its gone all posh.

Glad you are feeling a wee bit better xx
Maddie

Oh, Dee, I was just about to leave the site when I saw this - my computer had been out of action so hadn't seen this a few days ago. I am so sorry to read about this and want to send you a very gentle (( hug )).

I shall remember that on the 20th as it's my sister's birthday.

Hi all,

Just an update to let you know that the Shingles is improving, and I think I am beginning to feel a little better. (Fingers crossed). Been wiped out for quite a while though!

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and advice..oh and for Dawn's nagging, lol!

Sharon I don't know if we can get that medication here...it must be made of chilli peppers with a name like that! No flippin wonder it burns!

Pat (Harper), I did get leaflets from the chemo unit so I knew that the side effects of Taxotere might be horrid...I just didn't realise HOW horrid! Grrrrrr!!! I will be seeing Oncologist prior to my next dose later this month, and will ask for a lower dose!

Maddy Moo, I was just thinking that I gave you my mobile number so that you could call me last month when you were in the area and we were going to meet up for coffee...but my phone was stolen along with my handbag!!! Maybe next time eh??

Love and thanks to all for being here in my hour of need.

Next chemo 20 September so stand by with the sympathy please....pretty please?

Dee
xxx

Hi Dee,
Hope you feel a bit better soon. Adding to what the others say, you could ask for a home visit to prevent you getting an infection.

Take care

love
Sue
xx

Hi Dee

Hope your feeling a bit better now, at least you know what it is - although it wont take away the fact you feel like cr*p!!

Your a strong and brave woman and have faced far worse - you will get through this and we are all here to listen to you when your feeling up or down.

I Now lived hundreds or miles away in the West Country but if I didnt i'd be down with a wet trout to cheer you up!

Linda - I used to always shop in that Asda - he used to go in on a Sunday Morning sans Rhinestone gear for a cup of tea and slice of cake do you remember - I used to get a fry up as I am of the thought if your not hungry when you shop you spend less. Then they knocked the cafe down didnt they?

You may have served me once - and my brother worked there one Christms too.

Hello Dee
from an Aussie stranger (or is that Strange Aussie?)

Either way...I recently had my first dose of Shingles and it was a (censored). Just thought I'd mention a cream my doctor recommended which was a blessing in disguise. Don't know if you'll be able to get it in ?England but if you can it should ease your shingles symptoms enormously. Check with your chemist/doctor first though to make sure it wont interact adversely with your other drugs.

In Oz the cream is called Zostrix - topical analgesic cream. The main ingredient is capsicin.
It burns like a cow for a couple of minutes, but then gives you some relief for hours which helps with sleeping or just resting peacefully.

Best wishes to you, sounds like your one of those special people we need more of in this world
Yours
LG

Dee
Just seen this.
Whatever medication you are given ask the chemo nurse or better still the Pharmacist what side effects there are with the medication. I used to make up the chemo (reconstitution) in a hospital and patient information leaflets are available. At least you would know what reaction (if any) to expect. Don't be afraid to ask. Good luck and hope you soon feel better.
Pat

Hi Dee,

Sorry to hear about the rash - the good news is the dr knows what it is and has given you medication for it.

Chin up girl - you've got a fantastic attitude and you have every right to say when you're not feeling too bright.

Gentle hugs of support coming your way.

Warm regards

Jay

I hope you soon feel alot better, shingles on it's own is very painful.

Thinking of you (hugs)

Tina x

Only just seen this thread do hope you feel stronger soon.

Love Linda x

Well I am still alive. Thank you all for your messages and good wishes - you lovely lot!

My husband took me to see my GP this morning. I'd phoned in advance and was let straight through without waiting. Just as well, cos I am as weak as the proverbial kitten right now!

I do have shingles, and I have to take special antiviral tablets 5 a day for a week to prevent it getting any worse. Apparently it's all down to this chemo whacking out my immune system.

Hopefully my oncologist will reduce the chemo dose for me next time, otherwise I'm not sure I will get through the next three I still have to have!

Hugs to you all, and thanks for your support!

Dee
x

PS I think the Memphis is under new ownership now, so our local Elvis may have retired!! Loved the stories though xx

hi dolly
just read your thread, hope your feeling a little better today.
sending you a big hug
((((((((((((((((((huge hug)))))))))))))))))))))))
dawnxxxxxx

Hi Dee,
Have just read the thread this morning i hope that you are feeling a little better today and that the doctor visits you rather than the other way round.

love and best wishes julia xx