I had my WLE (grade 1, 15mm, can’t recall anything else!) and sentinal node thingy last Thrusday and am feeling fine and dandy! No chance I will ever make page 3 now, not with a deflated airbag for a breast, but who cares!
I don’t have results yet, I see the Prof 2nd Feb to find that out, plus what poisons are coming my way, but…during my many hours of daytime TV, you know when your mind wanders…I was thinking, if I do have chemo and lose my hair, does it get very cold ‘on top’ during the night? If so, can anyone recommend suitable headwear?
Off for my first physio session tomorrow, they don’t hang about here in Chelmsford, Essex!
A big hug to everyone and keep smiling…Daisy xxxxxxxxxx
Hi Daisy, I had WLE in nov for grade 1, 20mm also had sentinal node which they initially said were clear, when full results came through 1 node showed traces of cancer so had to go back for full removal of nodes. Started chemo on 5th Jan, but if it hadn’t gone to nodes would only have had radiotherapy. Have used the cold cap but hair is thinning rapidly, as of yet not feeling too cold. 2nd chemo tomorrow so will let you know if all my hair goes, have already bought a buff and bandana to wear also been and got a wig but finding it fiddly to keep in place when you brush it .
Good luck with results.
Alison
I wore little fleecy hats in pastel colours for sleeping in when it was cold (OH used to say I looked like a fondant fancy in them lol); I also had bandanas which had a piece of polar fleece inside the crown. Unfortunately, the little company I got them from closed as the lady who had the firm died due to a blood cancer.
Hi Alison, I had near full removal of nodes but no traces of cancer found but still been told I require chemotherapy?? Also have heard the cold cap is painful - is this true?
I think all consultants have different reasons for treatment, so many variants, percentages etc etc, I’m 49, had hystroectomey last year but ovaries left, therfore haven’t gone through menopause yet. Some people who have smaller tumours have had full mast as I say depends on so many factors.
Cold cap wasn’t painful temp went down to -6, might feel worse tomorrow with there being less hair, might not bother using it if it looks like all hair will go anyway. Will let you know tomorrow.
Nite all.
Alison
Hi
I just started chemo yesterday and the hair should be out in about 3 or 4 weeks. I just bought a couple of wee stretchy, cotton turban things, really plain. I reckoned cotton would be good for breathability. They’re a nice warm cotton. My only problem was deciding what colour I wanted to wake up to. It’s bad enough looking in the mirror first thing!
does anyone know about charges for wigs?? I have an exemption from prescription charges due to a thyroid problem, and the wig lady initially told me it would be free, as i’m covered for it under this certificate.However, today I received a letter from the physio department of the hospital, telling me i WOULD have to pay £55 for it, unless I was an inpatient, etc!! I am quite cross about this really…I don’t understand why it has to be paid for, but am I classed as an inpatient when i have my chemo???
You (usually) have chemo as an outpatient, as it’s a procedure done during the day - in otherwords you aren’t occupying a hospital bed overnight.
I’m almost sure the NHS wig I was given when I lost my hair dur to the chemo was free. I don’t remember paying for it and in fact wouldn’t have - it was blooming awful!
thanks caz…i have decided that if i have to pay for it, they can have it back, as it just adds insult to injury! I didn’t want one in the first place and was pressganged into it by hubby, who doesn’t want to go out anywhere with me bald, or in scarves/hats etc.I don’t particularly like it, so if it costs even one brass farthing, back it goes, as I haven’t worn it, or even taken the horrid thing out of its package yet
Sorry for not replying, I posted my message and then couldn’t find it on the new site!
Am loving the fondant fancy look! I was thinking of getting my m-in-law to knit me a thin Benny style hat. The turbans do look good don’t they, might have one of them also.
I am recovering well, breast pain free, and the underarm cut has gone from being agony to bearable.
Am hoping and praying the snow isn’t too heavy Monday as thats when I am back to get my results. If not, I will insist on a telephone consultation!
Have a lovely weekend folk… Sharon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I hope your first treatment went well. It’s a long journey but it will come to an end.
During my treatments my Oncologist was able to tell me that I was going to loose my hair. It happens with certain drugs. I also shaved my hair really short so that it wouldn’t be so dramatic. Be prepared it is a really hard thing to accept. But the good news is that it does grow again. I have a little bit of hair now. I go out sometimes with it but I gel it back. It’s not perfect but it’s a start.
I was not prepared for the “Cold Head” but yes it does get cold. At my treatment center we had volunteers who donated knitted hats for the patients. See if your facility does the same. I was also able to get some hats from the Hair Salon that I purchased my wig.
Cheers Kim. Sadly chemo seems a million miles away! I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and yesterday had the results. Clear margins, but 1 of 6 nodes had a few cancer cells in, so back to hospital this Thursday for the rest to be removed! DAMN!!
So off I go again on the ‘healing’ journey!
Thanks for the advice and I hope you are feeling fine.
I have posted this for new user, Sharon
Jo, Facilitator
Hi Daisy,
First time i have been on here!!I was diagnosed on 16th of Jan and had WLE on 20th took away 5 sentinal nodes. Was 8mm and grade 2. Still in shock was all out of the blue but suppose thats the same for everyone. Got results last week and thank god lymph nodes were clear so need 15 sessions of radiotherapy and tamoxifen. When i read some of the posts i have been very very lucky. Got appt to see oncologist on friday then probably start the treatment 3 weeks after that when wound healed properly. Last few weeks have been a life changer and certainly makes you prioritise. Have had moments when sat crying but your right you have to keep smiling. I have a six year old daughter that needs her mammy. There are some amazing women on here i think your all fab!!!
xxx sharon
Hi Sharon - phew…you were a lucky bunny, what fabby news! I am sooooooooooooo pleased for you.
I was in shock yesterday but I now just think ‘bring it on’. No point in going into total mental meltdown. Daytime TV has done enough damage to the few brain cells I have left. I am developing an unhealthy interest in Jeremy Kyle, so I know I am ill. (plus wine now tastes vile which is a sure sign!!)
Keep well honey and don’t over do it with your arm. My arm has virtually healed as I have been a good girl and rested and done my exercises, sods law I am going to be back to square one again! No rest for the wicked.
Take care Daisy (my name is actually Sharon too, but there are so many of us it’s easier to stick to the nickname!) xxxxxxxxx
Daisy
sorry to hear you need more surgery and just wanted to wish you luck for Thursday. Knowing you, you will be bouncing around before you know it. Once you are better come along and meet everyone. Good luck this week. I did not go to my appointment because my notes got lost in the snow so they couldn’t see me! I have to wait a month to see him again now.
Love
Lily x
Oh Lily, what a pain. Mind you, walking to the clinic was really scary, slip sliding all over the show. Did you get my PM? Are you who I think you are? (sounds like the Guess Who game) ha ha.
Taking it easy today, resting and basically doing bugger all. Packed and ready to be in by 7.30 again. I am first on the list which is good, no hanging about. The forecast is for more snow, just what I don’t need.
Hi Daisy,
I sent a pm straight back, didn’t you get it? Yes it is me and I am really sorry that you have this c…p too. Lots of luck tomorrow and try to be better for half term, so we can have a good catch up.
Take care
Lily x
