Thanks Lynn. Good luck next week xx
Evening Angels
Mel - Baring any major mishaps OH and I will be wanting to join in for the meal and 7.30 sounds great.
Amber - Fab to hear from you. Thank goodness you didn’t get on the plane an then found it couldn’t land but it sounds like youve had a really good time.
Ive been to hospital again as my implant started to rise up to my collar bone. Seriously I could rest my chin on it. The head surgeon had a look and wasn’t too worried as he had seen swelling before due to radiotherapy which in turn has temporarily contracted the implant upwards and it should settle back down. He also explained that he came in and actually consulted during my surgery and that because I had opted for expander implant he had recomended that I had the most expensive one put in which would stand up to the rads, (he did tell me the name but I can’t remember). The upside to this is that I only have to have minor surgery just to remove the port from the expander which will make it permanent. Im really chuffed as I love how I look already and the scarring is already starting to fade a little. I’m also worried about surgery after getting a hematoma the last time.
Ive been given a book by my husbands son in law. Bless him. He ordered it of the internet for me and it’s called “My Mummy Wears a Wig - Does Yours” and is the true story of Michelle Williams - Huw, a cancer survivor, and her journey through BC. Im rivetted to it at the moment but as soon as ive finished it I will pass it on to you.
Got to go. Log fire and an organge is calling. Lol. Take it easy angels. Lv n Hugs Sandy. xxx
Thanks ladies. I’ve made a reservation at the Red Hot World Buffet for 16 at 7:30pm on 05/04/14. If the numbers change nearer the time just let me know. Sandy I’ll bring my hubby to the evening meal too if he’s up to it. xx
Yaay…Thanks Mel. My OH is usually not too concerned about being in an all female environment…lol, however, this is a little different to what any of us are used to but I can’t wait. Not long now…xxxx
Hi everyone,
I had my check with the surgeon today. I was a bit worried about my left breast feeling tender and thought I couldd feel small lumps in it. Apparently my mastectomy wasn’t due until Feb, a year after op but they did it today instead, with an ultrasound to check everything was ok. Fortunately everything was fine so I can breathe a sigh of relief. She said evening primrose oil might help with the hot flushes at night.I’m going to be seen next by the oncologist around June time apparently. Back to work today again too. Life is slowly getting back to normal 
I hope everything goes well on Wednesday Amber xx
Great news Philomena and Mel.
I was diagnosed 23rd Jan had 1st surgery 12th february and second 26th February, my follow up appointment was made the day I got my 2nd result my appointment with breast surgeon is 20th March 2014. One of the girls I met in hospital had 2 surgeries chemo then mastectomy in August her follow up is not til August 2014. As Someone said it varies from hospital to hospital. My onc said she would not see me again after I had my appt with her after radiotherapy. That’s suits me I don’t want to see a cancer doc again. Lynn x
Diggy it is hard returning to work and I really feel for you. I’ve been persuading myself to look for another job as I feel like I won’t ever be up to the standard that I’m used to and my employers are used to. I’m slowly beginning to realise that it is probably my own perspective that is out of whack so I have decided to give it time and allow myself time to get better before making any rash decisions. If we look back at what we have been through we owe it to ourselves to be kind to ourselves, whether others fully understand or not.
Fecinora it’s good to hear from you. I’m sorry you’ve got more turmoil to face. I still don’t fancy the idea of reconstruction as I can’t face more surgery, I don’t want the risk of more complications and I have heard that you can still get bc in a reconstructed breast. Certainly for now I’d rather avoid all risks. The falsey isn’t so bad now I’ve got used to it. With 2 you could pick your size and shape according to your mood 
Seriously though, the decision has got to be based on what is best for you. How you feel about yourself can affect your health as much as any gene. Good luck with whatever you decide. xx
Diggy wiggy, fecinora feel for you both still going through the trauma of all this, big hugs to all of you still suffering.
I went back to work for the first time today just 4 hours, feeling good tonight, did not get much done today though as I was deleted from it systems will take 48 hrs to get me back on. My big toenail fell off last night, not a lot to complain about really, feeling guilty when you are suffering. Think it helped me not going back to work right after treatment finished, got my head sorted and back on full pay yeh!! Lynn x
Hey Fecinora,
Im am sorry to hear you have the BRCA2 gene but there are many inspiring stories and technology is moving on so rapidly and it looks like your team are taking control and removing anything which could cause a risk. I decided on recon because i went overboard on the Mastectomy and Rads. Neo-Adjuvent chemo shrunk the tumor so much that they recomended lumpectomy and said it was my choice to have MX or Rads. I went for both and the immediate recon but I am worried that I can’t feel whats going on now.
Diggy I agree with Mel that we shouldn’t be pushed or feel guilty about having to work. I know now that people do look at us as cancer survivors and we should be estatic and eagerly return to work with a new zest for life.
Instead I constantly worry about it returning, not spending time with my family and working like i used to. I also still have peeling toe nails and my back aches, my hair is between short furry stuck up tufts and I don’t feel like I can cope with things how I used to. So i’m NOT going back to WORK. Not until i’m good and ready. This thing is not going to come back and get me when i’m down. No sirreeee.
So I aslo agree with Mel when she says how you feel can effect your health. Stay strong angels. We know more than anyone how each other is feeling. Love and hugs Sandy. xxxxx
Lynn - Forgot to ask how long after treatment did you feel like starting work? xxx
Hi all
not managing to post much but trying to keep up with you all.
Feccinora- so sorry about your news and that you are facing more surgery. We’ll all be there to support you sending hugs xxx
Diggywiggy- you’re certainly not alone in not feeling better- It seems like a long haul doesn’t it? Glad you’re seeing a counsellor. I’m finding mine really useful. In fact I’m taking all help offered from anywhere! one day at a time seems to be helping me at the moment. I surprised myself yesterday by having an ok day- didn’t last though, crap today!
Angie- I’m seeing my onc in feb which is about 1 year on but I don’t know if that’s mammogram time or just a chat. I’m sure they’ve told me I just haven’t absorbed it. I worry all the time about the lumps and bumps in boob( scar tissue) and the pain i’ve now developed under arm and down inti chest. I decided to bother the bcn about this and they’ve referred me for physio.
Philomena- great news on your retirement. this is your time now!
I’m really looking forward to meeting up on 4th and 5th. Is there anything I should be doing like paying?
If partners are coming I may bring mine to the meal too. He’s thinking of driving me up and staying with student son if there is space on his floor, so he can watch him play hockey.
I spoke to my boss on the phone this week but can’t honestly see me going back yet for a while. I’m working on not obssessing about worries which are completely out of my control; getting through the day without crying; seeing people lots and trying to do some simple activities like walking.
I feel as if the unexpected arrival of cancer in my life has so shattered my sense of security that any catastrophe seems likely now - illness and death of loved ones,accidents, social breakdown, war, global warming, every bad news story seems to be something that could just as easily happen to me and mine. Because after all if cancer happened then why not the rest? I’ve lost my expectation that everything will be alright. Hoping these feelings fade in time! using cbt with psychologist to try to change my thinkingand of course all the drugs!!! hope this doesn’t sound too depressing because despite everything i think i’m slowly improving. oh and i signed up for a ukelele for beginners class, because why not?
love to all you amazing angels wherever you are in your journey. xxxxx
Angie - I had the same stabbing pains and hot flushes when the implant was getting squashed by the swelling after rads. They were worried about infections too but my temperature stayed within limits, and you’ve had a blood test. Did they take your temperature? I don’t know the symptoms of Lymphoedema maybe Rozz could rule that one out as I know that causes swellings in arm. Also thrombosis can cause swellings of the joints too. Are your ankles ok? Some tablets used for post cancer prevention can bring on some forms of bone deficiency too, or even Arthritis.
That being said, it’s the dizzy thing, blood pressure, and chest pains that suggests you should hassle the doctors about Angie. If you get them again I would go to straight to A&E. We’ve all had one hell of a ride and nobody could blame us if we are worried. We have no idea what side effects of our treatment may have prematurely bought on. Stay vigilant sweetie and demand the service that we have all paid into at some time or another. Let us know how you get on and take it easy. x
Mel - I too am beginning to overwhelmed by the length of time of our treatment. They are going to try to canula IV herceptin again on Tuesday but I’m petrified. I have to stay in hospital all day starting with the dreaded hunt for a vein blood test first thing and they are not to take it from the IV vein which has to be saved for the herceptin.
I called the chemo to ask if they could put the canula in, then go to pathology to get the blood from it, and then back to chemo for the herceptin. The answer was a resounding No. I can’t sleep and I keep crying just from the thought of it. Anyway if they dig around this time for over half an hour they’ll definatly know about it the way i’m feeling.
Lynn - Thanks for that. I do have a much better Idea of a timeline and it looks like phasing the work hours is a must to make sure we don’t overdo things. I won’t be able to phase as I will be looking for a new job but the excersing to build up to part time work looks like a plan.
Love & Hugs ladies. xxxx
Hi all
Angiepops- hope you’re feeling better today. I’m with sandy. we’ve been through so much physically,and the wierd effects seem to carry on and on. What did your dr say to do now it’s not ablood clot? If you feel unwell, go to a&e, don’t wait for the macmillan nurse. You could phone the helpline for advice? take care lovely xxx
Good afternoon Angels,
Angie - hope you got to speak with your BCN about the pains and she has either got you seen by someone or put your mind at rest about it.
Fecinora, hope you are okay and getting some support around the next surgery, it can’t be easy to get your head around the big step you are now taking.
Lynn, hope your return to work is going okay. I am officially full time but I’m using holidays carried forward from last year to keep to 4 days per week still. I really can’t imagine that I would see any of the weekends if I was doing 5 full days so my life wouldn’t be balanced at all so I’m going to ask that from February I go part-time and do 4 days per week officially without having to use holidays to do it, I’m not sure what the response is going to be but I really don’t want to work and sleep and do nothing else.
Amber - sorry to hear your mammogram wasn’t a good experience, I have the same view as Judy, I’ve only got to go through the pain for one boob in future - assuming they don’t do a mammogram on a reconstructed boob!?
I have hit a major milestone today…went for a haircut! Well it wasn’t really a haircut, it was a few straggly hairs trimmed and the rest left to grow but it feels lots better! The hairdresser didn’t charge me for it as she said it was only a few bits…didn’t feel like it to me!
I think I missed responding to the meal on our meet up - yes please I’d like to go to the world buffet with everyone else! I checked the trains today and the cheap fares to Manchester have been released but not the return so I haven’t booked yet but hopefully at the weekend I will get that booked.
I have an appointment with the ONC on Thursday so I’m hoping to get a date for my 1 year mammogram and answers to a few questions…
Hope everyone else is doing okay and not suffering too much.
Kate
x
Hi angels
Angie- hope you’ve spoken to macmillan nurse today and everything is ok.
Philomena- so sorry about you’re arms. I started having problems on surgery side after radiotherapy too- it really messes up the tissue apparently. I know just what you mean about last years calendar- it really brought home how LONG the whole thing is and how life just revolves around appointments!
Judy- finger in socket- lol- mine was just short and flat but has now started sticking out all over the place, especially on top. wondering if this is a sign it’s going curly?
Katebil- part time sounds good, hope they say yes.This all makes you realize working all the time just isn’t important doesn’t it?
I’ve had plastic surgeon appt through for next week. I’ll go and see what my options are but I don’t honestly think I can face being messed around with just now. We must all be having anniversary of diagnosis about now- mine’s on 21st, I know diggywiggy had hers. can’t believe it’s nearly. a year and I’m still not well
love to everyone xxx
Hi Angie
so glad you’re feeling reassured and sorted. sounds like you have a really good nurse there! take care xxx
Hi everyone,
Angie I’m glad your bcn has put your mind at rest and you are getting sorted out.
Katie I hope your oncology appointment goes well tomorrow.
Judy have you had your scan yet? It’s good to hear that you are enjoying painting again.
Mel the ukalele sounds fab. George Formby eat your heart out
There definitely is more to life than work. I’m back full time now. I’m doing ok but I do have a modified role and I’m tired when I get home. My attitude to work has changed. Things that used to stress me out, like unrealistic targets, are water off a duck’s back. If I don’t get a pay rise so what? I can onlydo my best in the time I’m willing to give. I’m still looking for a career change and was stupidly considering taking on another course the other day. Probably not the beat idea for a bit.
I’ve been allocated a physiotherapist to support me in my return to work as part of this pilot study I’m doing to see what support would benefit cancer patients returning to work. I’ve not seen her yet but I will keep you posted.
Roz it’s amazing how much that anniversary marker does affect you isn’t it. I’d not really thought of it before but I suppose we do tend to live in bubble until that one thing does happen to us. An altered reality does take a bit of adjusting to. I’m finding the mindfulness is really helping me keep my anxieties in check.
Love the hair Caz. I need a colour - My white is really starting to come through.
Hi to everyone I’ve not mentioned. I hope all is well. Take care angels. Xx
Whooo hoooo, today has been a good day! I saw the ONC this morning, had a discussion about multiple things including a lump on my chest that he decided was a cyst (caused by chemo apparently) which he then burst! After some discussion about hot flushes, contraception and me not having any big issues he then sorted out a mammogram for me which I had and got the results an hour later with the all clear for my remaining breast! I was on a high and hope that you all have similar experiences during your 1 year check.
I’m now sharing a bottle of champers with my OH feeling particularly relieved!
Hope you are all okay
Kate
x
Kate - Thats great news. Keep up the celebrations.:smileyvery-happy:
I had a really bad Monday night. Its seems so long since chemo and to go back to the suite for the loading dose of Herceptin bought it all back. I arrived at 9am an emotional reck and it was the chemo suite who took the blood so that I didnt have to go to pathology. I sat next to this bloke who was a lot like my dad and kept me talking and laughing whilst they were fishing for veins. Absolute diamond at the time.
Blood test done. Yaay. I was in all day as they have to keep you because herceptin can cause serious reactions in some. So I waited for the blood results which came back good. Then I waited… and waited… and waited. The lovely man just didn’t draw breath literally. Did I know that the Panamar Canal is the biggest canal in the world?..how long it took to build…11.30 and the nurse came again to canulate my hand. Another hunt for a vein which was very small and near my little finger and painful. Only just in and the head nurse popped her head round and said, “wait the drugs aren’t ready”. Baring in mind the last two attemps were thwarted because of low bloods, (when they could get it), things for me got a little tense. I just knew that they wanted to postpone because the official six hour wait would take it beyond 5pm.
I think my whole body language showed that there was no way I was returning tomorrow for another go. Even lovely Mr chatty man unplugged himself and took to the toilet. In the end it was the oncologist who hadn’t ordered the drugs so someone personally went to get them and they arrived an hour later. Needless to say I was the last one there and should have gone on to a ward to be watched. Chatty Man was with me the whole time having his treatment too. At around 4pm even he said he would give me a rest and went to the loo again. Honestly I tried everything, reading a book, pretending to text, but he just went on and on and on. In truth? at 5pm? when they gave me my car park pass. I just got in the car and drove home absolutely knackered.
Rozz - Like you I too think that every little ache and pain is something more sinister. I hope your tummy is more settled now and wishing you all the best for your forthcoming appointments.
Mel A - Your post to Caz about her hair made me investigate as I couldn’t see how good it was from the very small profile pics on our posts. I had no idea we could click on each others pickie to see it enlarged or that there are others. I will update mine soon.
Angie - Good to hear your mind has been put at rest a little by the nurse. (Don’t forget us and pop her on speedial for any relevant info LOl).
Hope everyone else is good. Take it easy angels. Sandy. xxxxx