Mel well done for finishing your rads. Don’t worry about work until you have to. My skin is very sore now and turning very dark. I wasn’t given any dressings, just told to avoid putting cream on and let the air get to it if it breaks down.
I’m hoping to go back to work after half term. In some ways I want to go back now to see my friends and have some normality, however I am a bit nervous about going back to a stressful job and finding it too much.
Well done Christmas shoppers and decorators 
Mel - Well done for finishing rads and only 1 cycle left after tomorrow and we are all waiting for you here on the platform sweetie. That lady was unfortunate and from what ive read it is quiet rare. You are bound to feel low too with us all talking about work, decorating, diets etc, but you are still on chemo and i just couldnt think about doing any of it whilst I was on that dreadful stuff and neither should you. Rest much, with munchies, and look forward to us all meeting in April. All the best for tomorrow.
Judy and Moira - Forgot to mention you too last time hope your good. Sandy. xxxx
Hi everyone
Pauline - I like the sound of the orange accents, I’m also thinking of adding more colour to my neutral Lounge. We have started stripping our bedroom walls and have bought line green and duck egg blue curtains to inject some colour. It looks like a few of use are injecti g a bit of colour into our lives
Mel - my skin has broken down on the underside of my breast, the skin is all black and looks to have died , the blisters are now spreadi ng along the side of my breast towards my armpit. I was given some dressings at the hospital which have been really good, had to go to the GP for replacement dressings yesterday , I explained that the 6 x 6 dressings were a little small so he gave me a prescription for 10 x 10 dressings…when I collected them from the chemist he had prescribed 10 cm x 10 cm dressings, when I was expecting 10" x 10" dressings ! Luckily the pharmacist rang the surgery and sorted out some larger dressings. …apparently the newly qualified doctor has never heard of inches lol. I’m going to wedding tomorrow so have had to get a camisole with bra support as I’ m unable to wear a bra at the moment.
I’m also looking at returning to work on a phased return at the end of October if my skin has healed. I don’t think i could manage full time straight away .
Kim x
Hello Angels,
You all seem to be posting like man at the moment. Apologies in advance if I miiss anyone. I haven’t yet worked out how to look at our posts whilst writing a post myself.
Well, the bedroom decorating is coming on a treat. I managed to make a decent job of wallpapering the wall behind the bed - Laura Ashley grey/beige flowers with curtains to match and OH is doing the painting. New carpet coming soon and nice high hotel-style headboard. Now considering getting sofas recovered but as expected having hard time deciding on fabric and colours. Bc has certainly galvanised alot of us into action!
Amber, Christmas shopping!!! Though I do agree wholeheartedly when you tell the kids to get on buying and doing what they want right now. You never know what’s around the corner. Think you’ve made the right decision workwise too. Much better to look after the grandchildren.
Pauline, I’m more a green sort of person. The colour of the moment is chartreuse. Fabulous for accents, darling!
Kim sorry to hear the boob is playing up. Keep on with the dressings and enjoy the wedding and remember a few glasses will help numb the pain.
Mel, you’re allowed to feel a bit sorry for yourself at the moment and don’t worry too much about the black nipple. I’ve got one too and it seems to be on permanent alert - if you know what I mean. I’m now 9 days post rads and things are starting to settle down painwise although the colour underneath where my scar is is still horrible.
Kate, your rads sessions sound quite like mine - a pain to get there then never knowing how long you’re going to be waiting around. Soon be over.
Lynn, hope all goes well for your mum. Are you going with her every day?
Caz, don’t worry too much about your energy coming back I’m sure you’ve got a head start on most of us. I’m still managing a half hour walk each day and feeling quite proud.
Sandie, al this work with the horses must be building your stamina and making you feel like life is getting back to normal - if our lives can ever be normal again!
Angie, Judy and Lori, let us know how you’re doing.
All the ither Angels, keep plugging away!
Moira xxx
Back to hospital yesterday to sign paperwork, blood test, and measure for the expander. I also had to have an xray. I think it was so the surgeon could see where the marker is. The radiologist came to find me to see if i was wearing any jewerly during the xray. I told him about the marker they’d put in pre chemo. He’d never come accross one before. (Should I be worried)?
My op has now been changed to Oct 17th which is time critical for my hols with the family on Nov 4th. Angels how long does it take for the wounds to heal. Do you think I will be well enough to go. The surgeon said that it is possible but I mustnt do anything but rest and heal. He also said I may not feel like leaving home and everyones different. I’m absolutely gutted as I had ordered a mastectomy swimsuit, cap and prothesis. Also depending on what they find I still may have to have rads along with the 3 weekly infusions of herceptin with a day in hospital for a loading dose. So for me i feel I’m starting yet another uphill climb. Oh whoa is me again. Going to order new bathroom suite. LOL. Happy decorating angels. Lv n Hugs. Sandy xxxx
Amber- Have a lovely weekend with OH. Ideal Home Exhibition sounds just what most of us need at the moment.
Everyone else have a lovely weekend and for those up norf a lovely holiday. xxxx
Sandy
I was told I couldn’t drive/work/lift/carry for at least 2 weeks after mx with expander. My wound healed sufficiently for them to take the dressing off 1 week after surgery but I’m not sure i would have felt up to going on holiday 2 weeks after surgery. If they have pushed it back to mid oct is there any problem with pushing it back to after your hols rather than trying to fit it in before? I struggled to get insured 7 weeks after surgery so assume you have checked that out if travelling abroad only 18 days after surgery. Good luck and hope you can work something out that fits with your hols.
Amber, have a lovely time with your OH and at the ideal home exhibition. How long is he home for this time, long enough to do all the interior design work you will be planning after today!?
Off for my 10th rads today, SOooooooo looking forward to this being over as the travelling and waiting around is beginning to get me frustrated now, the hospital seem so blasé about the delays.
Angie was on the live chat last night and is doing good, she is back at work.
Have a good day angels
Kate
X
Hi angels
Thank you all sooo much for all your positive comments. You are all truly wonderful and I’m feeling better now. Got back to my what will be will be attitude. You all just gave me the lift I needed.
Moira I know EXACTLY what you mean about the black nipple. You made me laugh!
OH is off today. Sun is out and we are going for breakfast and a walk before chemo this afternoon.Decided Making the most of every day is the only way for me to cope.
Debra-have you finished now, is last cmf today? Good luck if it is.
Sandy- we’re all here to cheer you on however long it takes. Great that you’ve helped educate a Radiographer!
Lynn- have a great time with OH at ideal home.
Pauline- like green and orange but would go for orange- nice and warm for winter. If you keep it just in the accessories you can change them to green when you’ve had enough!
Love to you all
Melxxxxx
Whoops! AMBER have great weekend at ideal home. LYNN hope OH makes it out of bed for holiday weekend!
Hey Judy glad to hear from you missed your humour great news about your scan results sorry you can’t make Manchester you would have kept us all laughing just what we need too. You will be sadly missed. My hubby made lunch today with help of lem sip cold and flu 10 down 9 to go have a good weekend angels Lynn x
Our holiday is at centre parcs, only two hours away from home. So weve decided to give it a go after reading your posts on scar healing so a big thank you Judy, Moira, Kate and Mel and anyone else ive missed . However, my visions of happily bombing down the rapids, tree treking, and segway, have all been well and truly quashed. (Quiet rightly so. What was I thinking). There are around 14 of us family going too with kids so I just couldn’t cancel and let them down.
So I give in. Who can blame me if my only option is to look forward to food, food, a humugus fire work display on the tuesday night, and more food followed by a choice glass of vino or two. Oh and copious amounts of foot massages. (Sorry, reflexology if your posh).
Damage limitation will have to be review after as I did have the sense to buy the swimsuit one size larger complete with that stuff that tightens at the tummy. (Just think tummy tuck, one inflated boob, prothesis popped on the other side to level. Whats not to like? LOL) Seriously though, any problems and I’m hoping we can head back and get whatever sorted and rejoin. That’s the plan anyway.
Judy - Great news about the all clear. Sorry you can’t make Manchester like Pauline say’s mabe the year after eh?
Kate - Im glad Angie is well and back at work. Hope your rads are over soon. Our hospital is 3 quarters of an hour away and I got there on friday to that all the car parks were full and people were just driving in and out. I parked on yellow lines and couldn’t wait to get a ticket just so I could let rip for this week. Lol. I’m beginning to enjoy speaking my mind now. Didn’t get one though.
Moira - Gripe water?? Really??? Te He…Haven’t used the quick reply yet. I do the “View Discussion Popup” thing. Will have a go next time.
Philomena - I can’t think of a better nurse I would love to meet in our chemo suite. Fill out those forms hunny. I made Roship Syrup last year for my mums arthritus. Ive always picked wild rosehips found in long established hedgerows. Lovely on pancakes or semolena. Yum.
Lynn - Have a great weekend with your OH and look forward to that holiday when the rads are over.
Mel A - Hope your not too sore. How many more rads to go?
Wishing you all a good weekend angels.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Good evening everyone
Judy - absolutely great news about the scan sorry that you won’t be able to make it in April.
Sandy - the trip to Centre Parcs sounds fab.
Philomena - I loved Delrosa as a child,
I have been taking it easy today after having a wonderful time at the wedding yesterday. I ate and drank far too much and even had a boogie…it was great I felt quite normal again
Hope you all have a great weekend
Kim x
Hello Angels!
Apologies for my absence but been having trouble posting from phone. It’s like being relegated to the sidelines of a football game…watching you all (reading) but unable to play!!!
Pauline your proposal for meeting place sounds lovely who wouldn’t be temted by a spa day and meeting the women who have played s huge part in how we all feel and where we are
today.
Judy so so happy to hear about your scan happy dancing for you!
Hope the s/e of rads and those still on chemo not getting the better of you girls, I look forward to you all getting to the end so you can start to get over this crap and stop just plougjing thru it!
I’ve been finished chemo now since July 10th with no rads but for some reason emotionally I have been feling up and down like a blooming yo-yo. Had a bit of a melt down one day when having my Herceptin so have for the ladt few weeks been talking to a psycologist…thankfully she has told me I’m not depressed just very anxious and my feelings are not unusual in any way so that is encouraging. I have also been signed iff work for an additionsl 3 months so I guess I’ll take this time to pull myelf together and recuperate, getting my strength back physically and emitionally.
Lots of love to you all, Lori xx
Ha brilliant this time it worked…nice to be back!
Angie - well done for getting back to work so soon after rads. You must be shattered. I bet it feels good to have some normality again though. Take care not to overdo it. I’ll look out for that book.
Sandy, with regard to the drains I didn’t have one at all after my mx, but I’m an A cup so not much there anyway :-).
Moira I’m like you with the walking. After 2 previous failed attempts I’m looking forward to getting around the trafford centre. Keep slapping on the cream. I found that it helped ease my skin when it started to feel tight.
Philomena I forgot to say before that you would make a wonderful chemo nurse with a good understanding of what it’s like. Go for it! The only thing I would say is I hope you’re a good shot with a cannula 
We’ve just been out for a meal in town and really enjoyed it. It was one of those last minute ideas to get us out of the house for a bit. I feel very full now.
Hi everyone,
I’m loving the energy in the group as we’re reacjing the end of treatment and doing more. This week is the first week in months where I’ve not had loads of aches and pains and I’ve had enough energy to take my dog for a decent walk in a nature area after dropping my daughter off at school. Up until this week we’ve been walking around the block and playing fetch on a nearby field.
My rads area is a lot less sore now, but peeling like crazy. I’ve been able to wear my genie bra and comfy today for the first time in a while. I’ve been going braless and monoboob for over a week, with big baggy tops. The advantage of an A cup
Amber it sounds like you’ve got some lovely treats in store. A concert and a holiday -fab! Have a great time.
Judy massages can also help with the cording. I had tingly pains and nerve pain for a little while after my op. It felt like my arm pit was chapped. I was told it was all the nerves etc settling down.
Kate that was a good turn around for a clear out. I wonder if my daughter will go for that as a motivation to actually get rid of some of her toys.
Lynn your energy will start to come back after rads. The appointments themselves are very tiring. Rest while you can.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon ladies. xx
Angie your post made me laugh. I started some yoga on the wii fit last week. I found the leg exercises much easier than the arm ones. I joined a class too but had to delay it due to the soreness with rads. I’m going back next week and really want to keep it going. The stretches and relaxation will do me good and just about everything I’ve read about returning to health and relaxation mentions yoga or tai chi.
I’ve been enjoying a longer walk with the dog each morning - about an hour - but my legs are starting to feel it. They’re like jelly in the afternoons. I really need to build my muscles up The annoying thing is despite more walking and less ‘enjoyable’ food the scales told me today that I’ve put weight on in the last fortnight. I dread to think what the wii fit will say to me when I next get on it
Angie and Mel - Both of your posts had me in stitches and have inspired me to drag out the Wi- fit to charge up for tomorrow. (I too snore, so going to any kind of classes with post chemo fatigue is out for me now). Maybe we can encourage each other with our virtual decreasing Wi - Fit ages. Will let you know mine tomorrow. (Honest).
Philomena - You have eyebrows and lashes. Really?? How long did you finish chemo, I can’t remember now. Wish Niamh happy birthday from us. Sounds like you all had a great day. Were going to Notts Centre Parcs. Sherwood Forest. Teaming with lots of squirrels, ducks, birds, and wildlife. Our favorite. We went to the one up north Winfell and not nearly as much wildlife there for such a rural location. Surprising.
Amber - Tangoed or not have a lovely time in Spain. Have a sangriare for me. (Or two).
Fecenora - My OH often sticks his big toe up the tap to relieve his athelites foot. May have to stick some super glue up there and call the Fire Brigade. Lol.
Rozz - Drains for 3 weeks. Really??? Oh joy!
Judy - Are the drains painful? How big are they. Sounds like something out of a horror movie.
Lori - It’s lovely to hear from you. Were all so close now. When I was DX I had to have anti- depressants which got me through that tough time. They worked a treat and I stopped taking them 3 weeks later on my own.(Figure I might need the repeat prescription I kept for when I wake up with the drains). Lol.
Pauline - I too have the muscle aches and pains. It must be from the docetaxol as ive had no rads yet and my joints are ok. Do you have eyebrows and lashes yet?
I also have extremely runny eyes. Mostly if I go outside but can happen indoors on occasion. Has anyone been given anything for this? My eyesight is worse too. Never needed glasses for anything (apart from red vino) but now have shop bought low strength reading glasses. I am going to ring specsavers after this post to see if I should wait for an eyetest until the chemo effect is out, and things have had a chance to recover, or if I should have one now. I’ll let you know how I get on.
I also still have the odd indigestion bout but don’t know how long to take the Lansoprozole for. Any of you still on it?
All angels going through or just finishing rads my thoughts are with you and wishing you minimal side effects. Lv n hugs to you all. Sandy. xxxxxx
Hi Ladies,
Great catching up with your posts.
I dont have a wii fit but could relate to your workout Angie, I prob would have finished off the same way…thank god the taste of coffee and chocolate had come back!!
Ive been going to physio and pilates to try and help cording on one srm and hardened veins on the other. My other half is also helping out with massage in between sessions so think its improving.
Going to accupunture sessions too for the hot flashes, its done over 10 weeks, only had one so far and it appears to be working. I only wish there was a quick fix for my numb toes, tingly hands n feet and very achy muscles. This seems to be at its worst trying to get out of bed or out of a chair once up and on the go its not too bad. Apparently weight bearing exercise is best so since ive not shedded any weight yet im bearing my own weight just getting up ha! Think I need to try harder!!
Caught a bug so been feeking rough last two days. Cant believe I got through 6 sessions of chemo without being sick then a bug floors me with swift evacuations at both ends…nice NOT!!!
Just waiting on my In-laws arriving from Ireland for a few days, we have booked a nice little hotel in York from Saturday si hope I’m on the mend for that.
I had a dream about our meeting and we all spent the first few hours crying and hugging…probably a premonition rather than a dream me thinks.
Happy about my hair growth, not so about the grey but I’m letting it get a bit longer before I decide on colour hope youve found the dye ok. I always wrnt dark brown before but I’m thinking of doing a jessie j first off and take it from there!!
Lots of love to you all. Hope you all continue to improve.
If I dont get another post in before the weekend I wish you all a good one. Hope you have a good holiday too Amber, let us know how the spray tan goes I’ve always fancied getting one but too scared!! Lxx
Evening all
I did it - went back to work! Usually do 30 hours but managed 7 hours this week over 2 half days. Feeling really tired now. Simple things were difficult -like what’s my office post code. Took the plunge and left my wig off. Got grey hair but I think we should let people see us as we really are. Especially as it’s breast cancer awareness month.
Lori - I’ve got tingling hands and feet and muscle aches too, finished chemo 2 months ago. Hope you are over your bug. I’ve been taking the anti depressants since DX in Jan. Helps me!
Sandy - I had the runny eyes for months and it’s horrible. Got Drops from the onc but didn’t really work. I wore sunglasses as the light set them off. They are okay now.
Angie - be kind to yourself and don’t let the Wii put you down! You are an awesome angel and you deserve your pies!!!
Sorry folks just don’t have the energy to write more. Wishing you all a se free night . I think I’ll be in bed by 9pm.
diggy wiggy