Still no date Fiona 
It will start next 14 days hey ho !!!
Will write a longer one tomorrow…bit bushed tonight…but ok
Oh Im HER2 negative.
Sleep tight girls
xxxx
Hi All
Not long home from hospital – chemo went ok, although they had to use my right (lymph) arm as they couldn’t get a vein in my left hand; didn’t help that the nurse in the treatment room yesterday insisted on trying to get blood from my hand, even though I said I didn’t think it was a good idea, so it was still quite bruised and sore, plus they wanted to avoid the lumpy vein. Apparently the rule about not having anything done in your lymph arm doesn’t apply to the chemo ward!
Got my lump checked, I can’t believe how nervous I was. The consultant didn’t think it was anything but got an ultrasound done anyway and everything looked OK, doctor thinks its just a fatty lump. When she said she couldn’t see anything suspicious and everything looked OK, I couldn’t stop the tears of relief! BC is just such a scary diagnosis and the fear of the unknown is just so hard to deal with.
Fiona – are you managing to keep the sickness under control?
Carol – how did your appointment go today?
Maggie - good news your Her2 status is negative
One other thing – I didn’t see the oncologist today as there was only one covering the clinic so I saw the senior oncology pharmacist – anyway we discussed the side effects of the g-csf injections and apparently you shouldn’t take ibrufen when you are having chemo – oops! didn’t know that. It should definitely be avoided in the 2 – 3 days before and after chemo as it can prevent the kidneys filtering out the chemo, causing it to linger there to long resulting in possible kidney damage!
I hope everyone else has had a good day.
Helen
xxx
hi all, not long back from Wishaw. Lump in my neck is defo a lympth node but he doesnt think its anything to do with my cancer, they are going to keep an eye on it!!! not getting chemo all margins clear and lymph nodes clear, starting radiotherapy end of august beginning of sept for 4 weeks, waiting on planning appt from Beatson.
my scar is ready to burst open again, so the breast nurse gave me some dressings, she did threaten to burst it with a needle!!! no thanks.
feel as though I am getting there now, need to stop eating so much rubbish though
hope you are all getting on ok this week
Carol xx
Hi girls - what a nice afternoon it’s been - sitting in garden for a while. I’m off tomorrow to my sisters in Melrose. Daughter Fiona and grandaughter Jessica (10 months) are coming too. Staying for weekend. Hope weather stays nice. Hair coming in well and can even wear mascara again. Nails seem to be getting worse.
Fiona - hope chemo went OK and you have managed to get help with sickness. Don’t know how much of a break I’ll get - hopefully 3 or 4 months.
Helen - hope you’re OK after chemo and your veins are holding up. Why can’t you get line in. Didn’t know that about Ibrufen - why don’t we get told things like that instead of finding out by chance.
Carol - you must be pleased that you’re not having to endure months of chemo.
Annie - enjoy your trip away. Let me know when you’re at Hairmyres as would love to meet for a coffee. I’m only 5 mins away from hospital. Do you have my mobile n0. I’m sure you’ll be ok on Tax. I’ve had it lots and once you know SE’s you can cope.
Maggie - how did you get on with Carol at Maggies.
Sharon - how’s Rads doing. Travelling every day to Beatson must be tiring.
Yvonne good to hear from you - have good time with your visitors.
Love to everyone else
sheila
Hi all,
Alot people seem to be going away, I’d love to get away from it all but will have to wait, 16 more sessions to go.
Groundhog day has well and truely kicked in!!!
Skin burning, new boob, armpit and arm all stiff and sore but I keep doing the exercises and plastering on the aqueous cream.
Drinking loads fluids but still feel thirsty!
It’s long hard slog but a walk in the park compared to chemo.
Got another assessment on Frid for ESA, why won’t they leave me alone, I’m so stressed out by it all but have to do it.
At least sun still shining
Love and hugs to all
Sharon
xxxxx
helen sorry to hear your having such nasty vein problems… i know what you mean about the no needles in the affected side… my worst (1st) affected side is a right bugger with major pain and bruising so next chemo in other more recent affected side now starting to develop pain at various points.
im waiting to hear from oncologist about getting a central line in. cos this is so debilitating… seeing lymphoedema physio next week too for some advice.
so glad they did the USS and that lump isnt anything to worry about… its amazing how the slightest little thing has alarm bells going off in your head all the time.
fiona sorry your feeling crap again… hopefully will get that sickness sorted out soon.
sheila have a lovely time in the borders… its been a bit driech here in the east but hope it brightens up for your weekend away… make the most of you chemo-free time.
carol good to hear your lymph nodes are neg and that they arent too worried about neck lump… hope your wound doesnt cause too many problems… is it a seroma? maybe it needs drained we have a specialist seroma nurse in edinburgh not sure if you have one in your neck of the woods.
maggie good to hear you are HER neg.
sharon sorry to hear your boob is feeling burnt with the rads… i agree with aqueous cream just keep slathering it on… dunno if it actually improves things but it feel better… try keeping it in the fridge… it feels great.
not much else happening in lululand.
love and hugs ladies xxxxxxxx
Hi Girls
Hows everyone. Just having a quiet time, taking it easy after chemo. Forgot to take Follinic acid yesterday, remembered about 3 hours late – oops, then set the alarm for 4:20 this morning was awake and knew I had to take it, but fell back asleep. I think I’ll have to get them to give me a big lecture on the importance of taking it on time when I’m back next Tuesday.
I’ve got myself booked on the Young Persons Forum in March so it’ll be great to see everyone – got the confirmation back his morning.
Fiona – How are you feeling? I’m guessing you must be really sick otherwise you’d have been posting. I hope you’ve got someone to look after you. Just think – Last lot of chemo, that’s fantastic, I’m so jealous, especially as I started mine before you and I’ve still got 5 lots to go.
Sheila – I hope you have a lovely few days away with your daughter and baby Jessica.
Sharon – Sorry to hear you’ve getting a bit burnt with the rads.
Lulu – Sorry to hear you’re having problem with your arms / vein too – I think the EPI is really hard on our veins. I’m hoping to avoid getting a line in now, as I’ve only got 5 CMF’s left. I was thinking of you on Tuesday when I got my scan and I was so terrified that they were going to find something else. I can imagine how devastated that you must have felt when you got the news of the re-occurrence. Sending you a big cyber hug for being so brave.
I hope everyone else is OK
Helen
xxxx
Helen, I got my confirmation in today for the young womans forum, think it should be good.
Fiona, hope you are ok and not too sick this week
Sharon, cant believe what you have been through and need to go for another ESA assessment, it must be really stressful especially as you are undergoing radiotherapy as well just now!!
hope everyone else is ok, my boob scar is threatening to burst but have been assured its not a seroma!!!
Carol xx
Hi All,
Still here, under the covers mind you!! Been sick but not as much as last time. Brought injections home with me and the nurse came out as soon as I needed her. Suppin Ginger tea and wearing sea bands, nausea is yuk!! Arm is killing me, can only straighten it to 45deg. Heat packs and ibu gel!!! Hope it helps.
So pleased I’m finished, be even more happier in a few days when I feel better!! I start herceptin in 3 weeks so not finished with the chemo suite yet.
Got confirmation of forum in march yesterday. Looking forward to it.
Right, back under covers! Speak to you all soon xxx
hugs
Fiona xxxx
Hi Fiona
Sorry to hear you’ve been really sick this time too. You make me feel guilty that my SE’s apart from the tireness have been so mild! -fingers crossed they’ll stay away!.
I’m a bit concerned about my blood count as it took a massive drop this time even with the injections, so I’m going to mention my concerns when I’m back in on Tuesday.
Well, I’ve just realised one of the benefits of Epiribicin (sp?)- hairless legs! I’ve just had to epilate my legs for the second time in 2 weeks - what a drag!
Anyway, where has our summer disappeared to?
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Take Care All.
Helen
Afternoon girls, finally made it into the Maggie’s, met Annie and she gave me something for my bowels (No No No…not toilet paper)
Some Movicol and lovely dates. How nice was that? thanks Annie xx
Fiona how are you keeping? Hope you are feeling better, I start my chemo on the 12th August, it’s F.E.C. Im getting 6 sessions up until 25th of November. Maybe you could give me some pointers?
Would love to come to the ‘young woman’s meeting’ but unfortuately Im too old… just my luck ha ha!!!
Lulu…hello doll, how are things? Feeling any better?
Hello to all the girls, Sheila, Sharon, Helen, Carol sorry…not got to grips with everyone’s names yet…but Im sure I will get the hang of this in time.
It’s a blinking miserable day down here in Ayrshire…going off to watch ‘Murder she wrote’.
Oh…wait till you hear this…Ive been offered a job…can’t believe it. Dunno what to do. Its a long story, but it’s a graphic design job, Ive been a designer for 26 years and then retrained as a french polisher (another long story ha ha), but during the next few months I think I could sit in front of a computer…or will I be too sick???
What do you think girls?
Have a bloomin’ great Weekend…lota luv
Maggie and the dug xxxxx
hi everyone, got my radiotherapy dates in, 14th September to 9th October, 16 normal and 4 boosters, seems ages away but it will give my wound time to heal.
my mum got rushed into hospital during the night, she has been unwell since last October so hopefully they will get to the bottom of it soon, another worry to the list!!!
Maggie, you should take the job if you feel up to it, Im a mortgage consultant and have been signed off to the end of the year but hoping to get back sooner as work is “normal” dont know how wee Jack would feel though
Fiona, thanks for letting us know how you were, hope you start to feel better soon
Sharon, hope you got on ok yesterday
everyone else, have a nice weekend
Carol xx
Carol…is your mum ok…please let us know, seem like a long waiting time for you honey.
Myself…Ive been feeling a bit upbeat just recently, but found out tonight a friend from the internet who has just started chemo (thurs) is feeling very low. very low indeed.
All of a sudden Im really quite frightened. Didn’t expect it from her.
I really need to talk to someone…but being alone…with just the dog, is starting to take it’s toll.
Im sorry girls…I know it’s horrible for all of us, Im not being selfish…just…all of a sudden a wee bitty scared.
Ocht…maybe just have a sleeping pill and try and sleep.
Hope you are all feeling good tonight my angels.
Maggie and the dug xxxx
hi eveyone
Hope you are all having a good weekend ! I am on a break from treatment just now waiting to start my rads on the 11th Aug, been for my CT simmulator thing which was ok. I had an appointment last week with my chemo nurse vicky, I have to start my tamoxifen on the 10th Aug, they dont give much of a break though felt quite down after it, all these side effect that they have to tell and I need to take them for 5 Yrs also I have to get zoldex injections every month. Seems like this awful thing is never going to leave me its like living in a nightmare… which goes on for ever…
Take Care lol jo xxxxxxxxxxx
hi jo
i was on tamoxifen for 3 years and didnt really get many side effects… sometimes it just takes your body a wee while to get used to something new… every drug has a long list of side effects, not sure why we are so obsessed by tamoxifen compared to other meds LOL.
anyway hope you are recovering from your chemo and wont have too many problems with your tamoxifen, zoladex and rads.
carol how is your mum doing now? hope she is ok
maggie i think we all have up days and down days and anything can set us off… but i think more so when other people are feeling down… if your still feeling low why not speak to your gp and maybe there are groups that you can attend for people in the same boat… like a younger womens group at maggies etc…
anyway hope you perk back up again soon… haver you decided what your doing about the job too?
fee i hope your recovering from your last chemo… must have been great to achieve that milestone of the last one.
helen im still waiting for all my leg hairs to fall out… why are they the last to go and the first to come back… bloody typical hey? LOL
hope all you ladies are well
Hi Girls,
Been having the wobblies so bear with me!! This is the worst I’ve felt since this whole fiasco started and I think with me it’s a combination of physical and mental exhaustion… Deep down I’m soooo pleased to be finished with chemo, but I’ve hit the inevitable feeling of “when am I gonna get my bloody life Back!!” I am soo fed up with it all now!! I want to scream and shout and stamp my feet!! maybe I should have done this way back in the beginning? Mrs positive and optimistic has naffed off for her holidays and left behind a wobbly wuman!!!
Apologies to everyone!! I know this will pass! It had so better!!!
The boys are back tomorrow and maybe even as much as I’ve needed the rest, they keep me grounded and are what I need to help me shove all this S**T to the back of my mind…
17th May next year is my last date for Herceptin…feels like a lifetime away… ;-(
Ok I’m off to lie down… Hope you are all well. Thinking of you all.
Fiona xxxx
Hi All
Well, I hope everyone has had a good weekend.
The weather has been rotten so we haven’t been up to much. Jon took the boys to football yesterday so me and Seren went to visit a friend, who we’re not seen her for ages; I’m pretty crap at keeping in touch with friends at the moment and don’t tend to plan things as I’m not sure how I’ll feel and somedays just can’t be bothered. Anyway, she was a bit upset that I’d not been in touch for ages (wanted to know if she’d done something to upset me?) as I was meeting up with other friends regularly! So, had to explain that the friends I’m seeing regulary are those who phone me and ask if I want to do something that day or ask if they can help with the kids, or suggest visits around chemo / good days – what a nightmare! I felt like saying ‘I should be the one who’s upset as where have you been, when I’ve needed my friends!’. I guess you really discover the friends you can rely on at a time like this. Well, I guess that’s my moan over!
Fiona – So sorry that you’re feeling really crappy still. I think every stage we get to will always be full of mixed emotions; a huge relief to get one lot of treatment over, but then there’s another lot of worries at having to start a new lot of treatment that seems to drag on for ever. I think having the boys home will make a huge difference – you won’t have a chance to feel crap once they’ve unpacked their washing, are demanding to be fed and you’re having to referee the arguments! In a way, I’m actually looking forward to the kids going back to school; not because I want to get rid of them, but the days are far more structured and I get out and about a lot more, even if it is only to the school playground!
Lynda – I totally agree with it not being fair that leg hair is one of the last to go and first to come back! I’ve still peeved that we’re not allowed to go swimming when having chemo, the only time I wouldn’t of needed to do any major hair-removal maintenance work – lol!
Jo – Great to hear from you and fab news that you’ve finished your chemo and you’re moving forward onto rads. I must admit I’m dreading tamoxifan as I really struggle with any hormone imbalances. Is your wee girl ready for school? I can’t believe my 4 yr old is starting this summer; he still seems so young.
Maggie – I agree with Lynda; we all have our ups and downs and it’s not always easy. What have you decided about the job? Is the company aware of your diagnosis and will they be pretty flexible? could you work from home after your chemo days if you feel rough? I have to admit that if I didn’t have the kids to keep me busy I would be back at my work; I work in IT. Some days I get fed-up and am desperate to get back and return to normality, but I know that I don’t have the energy to run round after the kids and work.
Sheila – I hope you’re had a lovely weekend away.
Pauline – How are you doing? Are you managing OK with the rads? Have you got a date for your other surgery yet? It doesn’t seem the same without all your works of advice!
Carol – Hows your mum? I hope she’d doing OK.
Sharon, Annie - I hope you’re both well.
Well, I guess I should be heading for bed, got my bloods in the morning before Tuesdays chemo and also a visit to the hygienist afterwards – very exciting life I lead!
Take care all.
Helen
Morning girls…
Sorry not been on for ages.
Welcome to all the new girls …The girls on this thread are great…!!
Well,I have only eleven more fry-ups to go…woohoo.Radiographers are great…soooo nice but looking forward to not having to get up early - puts a bit of structure in my life though.
Was on the tamoxifen for two months but have been told to come off it last week for four weeks.Reason being docs think I am quite sensitive to it, but have been told to go for a brain scan next monday just as a precaution.Managing fine with the zoladex.
Everyone has so many different experiences with the hormone therapy but I have to say I have found it on the whole not too bad.
I was to go back into hospital at the beg of september to get ovaries removed but at the mo will be postponing this until I feel a bit better.Don’t think I am properly recovered from surgery in may anyhow!!
Exchange surgery…TE to silicone implants normally takes place six months post rads and I would’nt mind if they could fire in more saline to the expanders in the interim.
So thats you all updated with my saga…but hey I am far more interested in all your stories…so keep them coming!!!
Good luck to everyone having treatment this week…hope it all goes ok.Keep your chins up.Life is difficult sometimes but we all have various coping mechanisms to pick ourselves up when the going gets tough.So hang on in there.
Big hugs to all my cyber friends
Pauline
xxx
eventually my lump on my scar has burst!!!, it actually feels better now.
went to see mum in hospital yesterday, she is going through loads of tests as they are not really sure whats wrong with her, she has to get a mri later this week as she is too ill to be moved just now, another worry to my list!!
had really bad night sweats last night, tamoxifen is horrible, cant even enjoy a glass of wine anymore
hubbies birthday today, so need to try and make an effort to make him dinner when he comes in from work, he has been brilliant with me through all this cxxx
Fiona, sorry to hear you are feeling so rubbish, your boys will cheer you up.
Maggie, hope you are feeling a bit better today
everyone else, hope this is a better week for you all
off to see mum in hospital again, really spooky she is in the same ward and bed that I was in for my first operation!!!
love
Carol xxx
Hi girls sorry not been on in ages. Well i finished my rads last Tuesday you should have seen me run out that hospital whey hey. Went out to celebrate with Jim and kids. Skin faired up pretty well just looked as though someone had put an iron on me with the shape of the mark
,my skin didn,t break down just looked like a bit of sunburn and a it itchy. Coping fine on Tamoxifen have been taking it 8 weeks now get a wee bit hot sometimes and the occasional night sweat but overall really pleased so far. Hi to all the newbies hope you all cope ok with your treatment i was one of the lucky ones i didn,t have many side effects with my chemo at all went back to work during chemo and also ran/walked the 10k during treatment and the lovely girls on here all sponsored me. I raised £675 for the maggies center,
Hope you all keep as well as you can and i will keep logging in now and then to catch up it really is a great support and help to everyone on this site take care everyone
love kisses and cuddles Tracy xxxxxx