Hi,
I’ve been reading all the posts for the last few weeks and I am overwhelmed by thhe positive attitude and support everyone offers each other. I was recently diagnosed a 22mm, grade 2 ductal cancer which is ER+. The lymph nodes were clear and my BC said it was treatable and to stay positive but i ‘m finding it difficult. I’m still waiting for the HER report so I don’t know what the treatment plan is yet. My GP has put me on antidepressants because I just wasn’t coping. My children who are grown up and live a long way away keep saying that I must stay positive but I don’t know how. I live on my own in a rural part of Cumbria and don’t often see people. I have just retired from teaching and I’ve so much time on my hands that crazy doom laden thoughts are racing round my head all day and then I feel guilty because there are so many of you coping with young children and work and yet you all manage to say positive things. I want to start having some sort of life and join the real world. I keep thinking if I’m like this now how will I cope with all the treatments. Sorry this is pessimistic.
Also, is there anyone who is being treated at the Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle who can tel me what to expect. I know I’ll need radiotherapy and hormone treatment but don’ know about chemo yet.
Trish.
Hi Trish,
Sorry you’ve had to join us here. Life can be a bu**er, can’t it? For the next few months you will find it is like being on a rollercoaster - terrifying, you can’t get off, and full of ups & downs. We all feel like this, it is only natural. In many ways the worst bit is at the start when you first find out, it is such a big blow. I think you will find it easier once you start treatment, as you are in limbo at the moment. It is easier to feel positive when you are doing something about it. Even during chemo, my good days always out-numbered the bad.
Do you have anyone to support you? It is easier if friends & family rally round. If not, have you tried ringing the support line? They can put you in touch with someone who has had a similar diagnosis to you, for telephone support.
Let me tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I was dx last February, have had a mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and am now on tamoxifen & herceptin. Other than the lack of hair (it’s growing back) and trips to the hospital for herceptin, my life is pretty much back to what it was before, but with more treats. You will get through the next few months and it won’t be as bad as you fear. You will find lots of support on this site.
Best wishes
Take care
Hi Trish,
I was 1.8cm ductal invasive tumour ostrogen and progesterone positive and grade 2. I had a WLE with sentinal node biopsy last week and got my results yesterday the same as you all clear so just waiting for the results for HER2 and possible chemo. I feel a bit wierd to be honest, the lump was very close to my nipple so they were looking at removing it completely but a last minute change of surgeon meant they took a chance and tried to save it so yesterday when I got my results everyone was really pleased as its all worked out and they have done a really good job reattaching the nipple so the news I am now esentially cancer free kind of got lost in the joy the nipple surviving. Everyone is really pleased for me and believe me I am chuffed to bits but I feel like I’m just waiting for the treatment programme. Its a wierd one I wasnt actually ill before treatment started and its the treatment that is going to make me feel lousy. I thinkit can be classed as Irony!!!
I’m not sure if you have posted on any other of the topics put just pop in and have a read some of the threads ofconversation. You will find inspiration, tips and ideas. I actually read the Kates blog on the home page of this website on Sunday and it really prepared me for what to expect both good and bad. I read it while I was feeling a bit low and I like to be prepared for everything. Its basically from April to December in her life almost day by day, she has surgery, chemo and radiotherapy so talks about it in quite some detail.
There is always someone in here who will answer a question.
Love and Luck to you. Shonagh xx
Hi Trish
The hardest part is when people tell you to stay positive and you don’t feel it! I’m constantly being told that I’m a strong, independent & positive person but I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had the urge to yell back, ‘Well I don’t feel positive or strong or brave right now’!!! My diagnosis is similiar to yours. Grade 2 multifocal cancer, nothing in nodes so had mastectomy in December and now on Tamoxifen. I’m currently on sick leave. As a Headteacher I know how hard it must be to suddenly lose the contact & business of working in a school! My pace of life has slowed down so much since being off work. I try to think of one thing I want to achieve before I get up even if it is just a walk, or clearing out a cupboard or contacting a friend.
Is there a local support group you can join? Could you bear the thought of doing a little voluntary work in a nearby school (hearing the children read for example) or does that thought make it worse?!!
Sorry I’m nowhere near Cumberland (I live in Norwich). My two kids are both at Uni so I have the days to myself before my OH comes home from work. I feel guilty when I’m down as my prognosis is so good and I read the harrowing tales on here and feel awful. I have to keep reminding myself that although I’ve lost a breast and think that I look dreadful, at least I am alive.
Good luck to you -enjoy your retirement.
Love Gill xx
Hi Trish
Can only echo what everyone else has said - the initial diagnosis I think is the worst part of it - because it’s like you know the problem but you have no idea what the solution is !
I was diagnosed in Nov 07 with grade 3 invasive ductal tumour, 5 out of 11 nodes affected, her2+. Had mastectomy on 13th Nov, started 4 x chemo on 28th Nov, one more to go, then radiotherapy, then 4 more chemos then a year of herceptin. I have hubby and my youngest daughter (9) still at home, and their support has helped tremendously - but it’s not like coming on here and ‘speaking’ to people who really do understand what you’re going through. You will get a tremendous amount of support on here - no matter what the question, someone is always there with an answer.
Based on my own experience - and you will see the same from others on here on the various threads - I think once you have a clear idea of your treatment regime, you will find a strength you didn’t know you had that enables you to cope. All of the treatment is do-able - you will have good days and bad days, but the bad days will hopefully be far out numbered by the good ones.
I’m relatively close to you - in the borders area in Dumfries - but don’t have experiece of Cumberland Infirmary.
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.
take care
Margaret x
Thank you all for your comments. After I posted I decided that it was up to me to get going. Got in the shower, washed my hair and decided my roots needed doing rang the hairdresser then thought this might be a waste of money if I need chemo, then thought what the hell it might be few weeks before chemo and at least I can start ‘looking’good’.
The sun is shining, I’ve been out for a short walk and chatted to a neighbour who said to pop in anytime for a cup of coffee.
Shonagh, Ilike you I read Kelly’s blog which was scary and uplifting at the same time.
I want to know what I’m facing but have to do it in small stages.
Roadrunner, It’s lovely to hear thers’light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve written that on a postcard on the mantlepiece.
Gill, I had 6 weeks part time SATS booster class work lined up for Feb-Mar but thats been hit on the head. Colleagues are supportive but as you know they are coping with a hectic workload.
I’m off to my GP this afternoon cos before BC I had chest infection and ear infection which hasn’t cleared up. I’ve been back twice but he seems to think I’m paranoid and its all in my head. But when you know your own body its frustrating. I’m going to ask for some antibiotics cos I want to go into treatment fighting fit rather than run down.
I’ve never posted anything on a web site before and not sure if I,m writing too much
Take care much love Trishxxx
Hi Trish
Firstly, welcome to the Breast Cancer Care forums, I can see that you have already received lots of valuable support and information from your fellow forum users.
I thought I would follow up with a little more information from RoadRunner’s suggestion about Breast Cancer Care’s peer support service , the telephone service aims to quickly put you in touch with one of our trained peer supporters, who has had a personal experience of breast cancer. Our peer supporters are from diverse backgrounds and ages and have experienced different types of breast cancer and treatments. They are ready to listen, offer skilled emotional support and share their experiences and understanding. For more information about this and other support available to you telephone our helpline on 0808 800 6000 or email <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%69%6e%66%6f%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>.
Best wishes
Katie
Hi Trish,
Lots of good advice - and don’t worry about writing too much, natter away. that’s what we’re all doing here!
I have a similar “what to do with myself” problem - I’m 59 and was made redundant at the end of October and I’d given myself till after Christmas to start job hunting - then I was diagnosed in the middle of December. So the job hunting is out of the window for now, and I’m trying not to spend my time second-guessing what next. I’m waiting for treatment decisions as well - just had mastectomy for a 4cm lobular cancer - but one advantage?? is that I’ve had breast cancer before - in 1991 - and I don’t get the panics this time round. I know that it’s a bit of a slog but that I can do it, I will come out the other side, and sometime in the future there will be days when cancer isn’t the biggest thing on the horizon. Getting your roots done is spot on - go for it! (I still find it just as difficult to deal with the “gosh aren’t you strong” comments and the “keep positive” comments, though, and the only thing I’ve learned there is to grit my teeth.)
Someone suggested finding if there’s a local support group and it’s a good idea. They’re not for everyone, but I thought last time it wasn’t for me and didn’t try till I’d finished treatment - and it gave me a lot of help, and people to talk to who didn’t tell me to be positive.
Take care,
Lyn
Hi Trish,
Glad you’re feeling better…its all part of the rollercoaster of emotions which go with breast cancer (or the diagnosis of any life threatening serious condition I reckon.)
‘Think positive’ is I think an incredible tyranny, and the words should be banished from the vocabulary of having cancer. They are meaningless words generally uttered by other people who are so fearful that they can’t think of anything helpful to say. And then people who get breast cancer feel they ‘ought’ to be thinking positive and pretend they are, cause its what everyone wants to hear…and so the tyranny persists.
The reality is more complicated…hearing you have cancer is for most people a terrible shock…and then there’s a whole new learning curve about breast cancer…coming to understand that its not just one disease but many, and that sometimes there’s every hope for long survival…and sometimes sadly not. Having cancer is frightening and lonely, especially at first untill you get used to your new status. Knowing what your treatment is going to be helps too…and talking to other people who have been through it (but always remember we are all different.)
I was diagnosed in 2003…and now have a cancer recurrence (since last year). Its been a long long 4 plus years but today I’m well. And I’m happy and I’m grateful for that. I’ve had terrible hard days these past years, and hilarious happy ones. There’l be more of both to come. I wish I didn’t have cancer…oh how I wish it…but I have and the relaity is somehow never quite as bad as the fear. (well not on a good day!)
Try not to feel guilty, try not to compare yourself with others (though we all probably do). I too am retired from teaching (took it early after diagnosis and living with cancer was certainly not what I planned to do in retirement…but the lump sum can be hugely consoling at times!
There are lots of places to find support…forums like this one, the BCC and other charity helplines. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to tell people what you want from them. The most surprising people can come up trumps.
No one is ‘positive’ all the time…and that glass half full, glass half empty analogy is very dull.
I hope your treatment plan goes well and this is for you a blip in a long retirement. No lymph nodes, er+ and grade 2 are all good prognostic indicators.
best wishes
Jane
Hi everyone,
once again thank you for you lovely replies. My GP was lovely yesterday, gave me a thorough examination and assured me the dregs of the ear and chest infection will clear up and I am worrying unduly. I know I’m a worrier but when its ‘your life in their hands’ its difficult not to do so.
I rang my BC nurse this morning and was told the HER test was negative so I won’t benefit from herceptin. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Also she said that I won’t get a treatment plan for at least 6 weeks because of the sheer workload of cases going through. I just wondered if this is a normal time span or is it just my health authority.
I know the outlook for my cancer is reasonably good but waiting yet another 6 weeks in limbo sounds daunting keep thinking what if they’ve missed a stray cell that is multiplying while I’m waiting. Also there seems to be so much conflicting advice about diet. I love broccoli but yesterday I found I couldn’t eat it as I found out it was high in phyto-oestrogens. This bl**dy disease doesn’t half screw your head up. On a better note at least I’m forcing myself to get going again. Hoping to go to a music festival in Glasgow next week with some friends and meet up with my son and his partner.
much love to all
Trishxxx
Hello all,
Well what a difference a couple of days can make. I was trying to get to sleep normally and it just wasnt working so the last two nights I thought “sod it you have been prescibed them,use them” and its made a huge difference. I have rigged up a very light dressing to stop the scars rubbing and slept in a bra. Last week I couldnt imagine feeling like going back to work between surgery and my treatment programme but I am going to have a word with my breast nurse on monday when she rings me about my treatments and may go back in on part time or reduced hours at least. I have got a 40th birthday party to go to on the 25th and am determined to go. Only problem is wardrobe malfunction related. Its only when I put a bra on I have realised just how much breast has been removed I now have one Dcup and one C cup. Ah well at least there is always cotton wool and chicken fillets for when I am a little less tender!!!LOL and if odd boobs is the most I need to worry about thats just fine by me.
Trish: Hope you are feeling up to the music festival and enjoy your visit with your son and his partner. I have tried to look up info on ER+ goods foods and am really struggling with the conflicting info so am hoping we have access to a nutritionalist as some point. My tumour was ER+ 100% and PR+ 80% so the hormone treatment is a definate along with radiotherapy but the jury is still out on Herceptin and chemo. All the recomendations say chemo is highly effective for pre menopausal women but at my last meeting they seemed to be talking just hormones and radiotherapy and now my mind is going mad as I was soooo!!! ready for chemo and really got used the idea of feeling rubbish and losing my hair but found the thought of zapping everything quite positive, now the thought of not having it is scaring me just in case somthing snuck out and is hiding in my big toe!!!
I really feel for you having to wait for 6 weeksfor your plan but I did read on the cancer research website (very useful for % survival rates, treatment details etc) that if you have had surgery and all margins and nodes were clear as the cancer is now gone any treatment is to prevent it coming back so delays dont make much difference apart from being incredibly fustrating.(I think that is the understatement of the year)
Well I am off to prepare for a trip to the village for some thank you cards to send to everyone for all the lovely flowers cards etc. Fresh air.Bliss!!! at leasrits stopped raining and blowing a gail.
Lots of love and luck to all. Shonagh xxx
Hi to everyone,
Shonagh,
Glad you got a good nights sleep, I’m taking everything they can throw at me to help cope. I’ve gone from never ailing anything (last visit to GP was 1992) to having appointment cards on mantlepiece like it was a birthday. I know what you mean about not knowing exactly what is going to happen. I,m syked up for Rads and hormone therapy but don’t know about chemo. I read a previous thread by Gill who had the same size tumour as me and she said the nice recommendations were that anything over 2cm should be treated with chemo but I just don’t know. I guess I’ll just have to have all my questions ready.
Like you I find the whole diet thing a minefield.All I’ve been told when I asked was eat a normal healthy diet, everything in moderation. But when I surfed the net there seems to be a lot of advice to give up dairy but not go soya if ER positive. Because its fairly remote where I live there aren’t many health food shops to find alternatives like oat milk or rice milk. I’m going to see if I can find a website where I can order online, expensive I guess but its worth a try.If anyone knows of any good ones I love to hear about them.
I think I’m becoming addicted to this site cos I log on each day to see whats new and I think I’ve read about every post there is.Last night when I couldn’t sleep I read the whole of the secondary breast cancer section, those ladies on there are soooooo inspirational, my heart really goes out to them. I wished I could pick them all up and
hug it all away for them. Apart from the waiting the other frustrating thing is I’m finding that friends and family think that now the surgery is over and the prognosis is reasonable that thats it and life can return to normal. I’ve given up trying to explain how this bl***dy disease makes you feel cos they keep coming back, ‘oh you’ll be fine stay positive’ URGH I hate that word at the moment.
Off to the shower, then food shopping, then another boring night in front of telly. Can’t wait for next week and some good music and laughter. Keep in touch and let me know how you get on . I’ve a feeling that this site will become a lifeline for me in the coming months. Enjoy your birthday party Lots of love Trishxxx
Hi all,
Trish: I now exactly what you mean, I read Gills posting too (if its the same one I think she actually fought for chemo as she was borderline) I tried to look up NICE guidelines but it always say each case is individual. I had actualy got myself ready for chemo. Got it all planned, start in Feb be finished by June will be bald for my 40th(in June BUGGER!!!) start rads in July and be finished for Sept with a short crop of hair for my trip to Italy.(how organised am I!!!) but they keep saying they are only expecting rads and hormone (ER+ 100% PR+ 80%) in one breath and then that people my age get the most mileage out of chemo, in the next so now I am thoroughly confused. I am expecting to hear tomorrow. Its a double edged sword really I cant help thinking if no chemo will I constantly worry about it coming back. So to take my mind off it I am too on the eat myself healthy. I am 2 stone overweight (was 3 and a half but have dropped 1 and a half since July 10lbs of it due to worry…see every cloud) so have taken this as a wakeup call. Thanks for the tip on rice milk, I’m glad soya is out, it doesnt mix with hot drinks anyway and kind of curdles on the top. I have avoided books so far but I feel a trip to Borders is on the cards for advice and am going t have a word with my BC nurse about a possible visit with a dietician or nutritionalist about this ER+ minefield.
I know what you mean about the “keep positive” thing and now we have had the surgery it is a bit wierd that we are essentially cancer clear now but the rest of the treatment is going to make us feel worse. I was trying to explain this to my Mum the other day who heard “margins and lymph nodes clear” and nothing else. As far as she is concerned now I think its back to normal and just get on with it. I looked up the cancer research website the other day to look up % of survival. I’mvnot sure to be encouraged or not?? but as today is a good day I am being positive although I found the brocolli thing a bit upsetting. I love brocolli!!!
I will probably post again tomorrow as my BC nurses are ringing (I live about 30 miles from the hospital so they dont think its worth be coming in until my oncologist appointment on the 28th) with the outcome of the multidisiplinary meeting for my treatment programme so I will let you know.
Well I must go now off to have a bath to feel more human and then deliver some wedding stationery (a little side line) and visit mum!!..wish me luck!!.
Love and luck to all. Shonaghxx
Hi All,
SORRY, I;m having a fed up feeling sorry for myself day. At first I couldn’t take anything in, remember tearing my scarf to shreds whilst waiting for biopsy results, the shell shock, then surgery, then more waiting for path results. Everything went so quickly and I felt really supported and cared for by professionals. But since results I feel that I’m not a priority case anymore . When i rang my BC nurse last week to double check what was going to happen next she sounded narked(maybe she was having a bad day) and said ‘I told you, you won’t hear anything for the next 6 weeks’. When I asked why she said it was due to the workload of cases they had and that my outlook wasn’t that bad( who for? her, me or the onc) and that I had only been referred last week. They,ve known since Dec 6th it was cancer. I since read more about this disease to hopefully try and take some control of my life and guidelines are that ragiotherapy should start about a month after surgery. If my calculations are correct I will have waited at least 2 months maybe more. I know its preventative treatment but the waiting is doing my head in and I’m not sure I have a lot of faith in the Trust I’m under. (another story for another time.).
I usually feel ‘down’ at this time of year. You would think living near the Lake District I’d get used to the weather, but I dont do grey, wet, wind , cold. I do hot , sun, and red wine and bl***dy antidepressents say NO ALCOHOL.I think I’d be better with a bottle of chianti than prozac.
Shonagh, if you get any good advice on diet can you let me know.same bc nurse told me too many cranky diets out there just eat in moderation.
Any way i know from these forums to expect up and down days and hopefully tomorrow will be an up day. Certainly going to have a ‘wee dram or two’ when in Glasgow.
Also I just want share my good news, my daughter Jane is having first baby in July so will be a grandma for the first time and am so looking forward to it.
lots of love to all Trishxxx
Hi all, it’s soooo good to know I’m not the only one who is having a hard time with this “be positive” thing. I feel like asking them why the h**l I should.
The other thing that’s getting on my nerves is “it puts everything else into perspective, doesn’t it?”. Well, hey, no it doesn’t actually. “Everything else” is still as awful as it was, and you’re less able to cope with it than you were before.
And while I’m being “not positive”, could I just say a couple of things about pyjamas? I haven’t worn pyjamas since I was 10, apart from a brief skirmish with them immediately after childbirth. They are horrible. I have been out shopping for them all afternoon (as instructed by the leaflets). Why are they all pink? I don’t want pink ones. Is there some law that says that pyjamas have to be pink?
I have also bought a v shaped pillow, some new knickers, (as presumably there is a chance that my grubby old ones would otherwise be on display), a hose thing to put on the taps and some baby wipes. None of which I want. Oh and some new bras - also as recommended by the leaflets. Last thing you want to shop for. Still, on the plus side, I have to say the bra fitting lady in M+S was really, really lovely.
There, I feel better for that! Thank you for listening.
Congrats on the forthcoming grandchild, Trish.
Gill, the “do one thing a day” tip is excellent - I’ll try that.
hugs to everyone xx
Hi Trish.
Lovely news about your first grandchild. That’s something wonderful to look forward to.
I’ve just come across this thread and I’m really sorry you’re having such a bad day. It’s definitely the waiting that’s making you feel the way you do! I’m at a different point from you in my ‘breast cancer journey’ but I clearly remember the periods of limbo following my diagnosis last autumn.
Waiting for a breast clinic appointment. Waiting for biopsy results. Results inconclusive so a second biopsy then another fortnight waiting for the new results. Waiting for surgery date to come through. Waiting for post-op results. Waiting for oncologist appointment… It’s hell, isn’t it? Your six week wait sounds very long to me - I never had to wait that long for anything - but I know things work differently in different areas. That’s not very helpful though.
I tried to ‘manage’ the periods of waiting by giving myself one target for each day. (I think someone else suggested this.) As an ex-teacher you will hate the word ‘target’ - sorry!! - but hope you know what I mean. Maybe a ‘focus’ for the day would be a better term than ‘target’. This helped to give the days and weeks some kind of shape. A lot of my targets involved cleaning out cupboards and de-cluttering which I found really therapeutic - this only works if you’ve got a lot of clutter of course!
I spent a couple of afternoons browsing my CD collection and listening to things I hadn’t heard for ages. And I mean really listening, not just having it on in the background while doing something else. I’m now having chemo and music really helps me when things get grim.
What a pity about the no alcohol rule!! I agree with you - give me Chianti any day rather than Prozac- but preferably shared with friends, not on your own. The things that have kept me going through all this foul weather have been food and wine shared with friends in front of roaring fires. You need to plan as many treats for yourself as you can!
On the herceptin thing… From my understanding it’s a very good thing that your HER test was negative and you won’t need herceptin. I’ve been told again and again that my ER+ cancer is ‘bog-standard’ and very, very treatable.
I do hope you have a better day tomorrow - and a fantastic time in Glasgow.
Lots of love,
Caroline x
For Cryst
Yes pyjamas are truly hideous…as are most dressing gowns in the shops right now.
When I had my mastectomy I bought some incredibly expensive almost tasteful pyjamas from a catologue called Bonsoir…its bad enuf being in hopsital without having to wear pink…
but why have you got those thing to put on the taps??
best wishes
Jane
Thanks Jane - I’ll try googling for Bonsoir and other pyjama outlets - it’ll keep me busy for a bit if nothing else. I suppose I could always try dying the pink ones black or something! I’m going to burn them when I get out of this.
I read somewhere that I’ll have trouble washing my hair without the hose thing. Perhaps I should just stop reading. Oh dear, that rather assumes that I’ll have any hair. (Oh sh*t.)
xx
Cryst
HI everyoone,
Have just found out that the reason for long wait to see oncologist for a treatment plan is that they are short staffed due to one of the oncologists being on long term sick leave. GP isn’t sure obviously, but guesses that as my prognosis is fairly good, more urgent cases will be seen first.I don’t mind giving up a place if someone needs more urgent treatment but I am annoyed that the Trust hasn’t found a replacement. Is there a shortage of oncologists/ragiographers or is this a way to save money? Cynical of me I know but the seeds are being sown that I may not be in the best area for the best treatment.
Enough of the negative.
Caroline, yes I am sooooo looking forward to being a gran. This will be the first in the family. My daughter lives a long way away and I just want to be well to support her and cuddle newborn. I know childcare will be problematic for her and want to be able to get treatment over and give all the help I can.
Cryst, I agree about jim jams. I went shopping for button down the front nighties but the only ones I could find were grannyish (Whoops no! seeing as I’m going to be one. Lets say great grannyish.) I threw them out when I came out of hospital. What really hit me was that my mother died a year ago and I had to buy same nighties for her as she was so frail. Never thought a year down the line I’d be shopping for me. Ho hum… you never know whats round the corner.
What kind of op are you having? I had WLE with some node clearance and was able to wash hair 2 days later. A bit stiff but no real probs.
Good news is that GP sees no problem with me having the occasional glass of wine with a meal so thats another step forward to getting my life back.
Am off to tidy garden, its nice and calm and mild today(for a change)
Sending lots of positive vibes down the line
Lots of love Trishxxx
Hey all,
Got a call from my BC nurse today, the HER2 status is negative Woo Hoo!! and I know some people are crying out for it but but it was a relief its at least one treatment programme less to have so now I just have to wait for next Monday to see if its chemo too and even with chemo it means hopefully chemo and rads will be over with by June and I can have my 40th without too much fuss and Italy in September here I come. DOUBLE WOO HOO!!!
Caroline:I am doing the find something positive in every day so as I got the HER2 status info and it was what I wanted to hear thats is todays and I must try to be more patient. considering I only found the lump that turned out to be a cyst on the 10th Dec I should be grateful its out of me now. I think its years of working towards targets and month end that makes me think the rest of the world works that way too. Watched pots and all that.
Trish CONGRATULATIONS on the gran news I can just imagine how big your smile is. Its a pain the thing with your oncologist but from that you have said I think you may be right about not being priority. I feel really bad for rantting on about delays and waiting especialy as I seem to be moving along at quite a pace .
Cryst: Pyjamas…Oh my goodness dont get me started. I went out to find some made out of thin cotton (its always roasting in hospitals) three quarter legs (just personal choice) button up the front (easy doctor access for what appears to be a regular fondling!!!) I ended with two pairs from M&S exactly what I wanted (a bit naff patterns, one was blue and white checks the other peach and cream polka dots) only to stay in hospital one night and spend the whole time in a gown. I actually have found wearing strappy very stretchy vests I already has(again from M&S I think they are about £3 each) I found I could step into them and pull them up because they are so stretchy and pull down very easily for inspection too. I hope this is of some use. M&S also have really firm support none underwired bras (not pretty but £6 or less and cotton too)
Lots of love and luck as always. Shonagh xx