Oh Sally!
Shame You can’t unsee some things. This week in the chemo unit having Herceptin and had to contend with a sweet old gentleman who unfortunately had BO that could strip wallpaper! Glad it was just a quick visit. It’s sad really as he clearly needs a carer.
Jacq x
Done and out. Fairly quick this week even with the cold cap. I slept through a lathe portion of it. I ddint even wake up when the taxol finished and the flush was put on
Hi ladies. Sorry for quick post but still in shock at the moment. Today is not a good day ? my uncle has passed away and I have had my genetics result back. I have the BRCA 1 gene ?. Has anyone else had the test and tested positive? Xx
Hi cdc thank you very much. No, I have not been offered any counseling nor a clear view on how to proceed. They said the was going to refer me to gynecologist for consultation and back to breast clinic but still got 2 chemo left and radiation so that won’t be till the new year. my treatment was to end at Christmas but now there are various other factors to consider xx
Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear you have received this news. It must be overwhelming to contemplate, all the more so with the passing of your uncle. My heart goes out to you.
In thinking about what lies ahead, I cannot recall what surgery you have already undergone. If you had breast-conserving surgery or surgery on only one breast, there may be some prophylactic surgical options to consider with your team. I mention this as I spoke to a high-profile breast surgeon in the US shortly after I was diagnosed, and she urged me to seriously consider a double mastectomy regardless of my genetic test results, as I am pre menopause but have thrown up 3 types of identified breast cancer (per biopsy alone) across both breasts–mucinous IDC, IDC of no special type plus extensive DCIS, and some LCIS. As it happens, I learned this week that I tested negative for BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 mutations, but this surgeon and my sister’s genetic counselor in the States both suggested there may be some other, not-yet-identifed genetic risk in play, given the specifics of my case.
My understanding is that the NHS, no matter what surgery you have had, will implement very close, regular monitoring for you going forward.
Your breast cancer nurse should be able to answer some questions sooner than your scheduled consultations. Some decisions will necessarily need to wait until after you finish chemo and rads, but talking through them now sooner woyld provide more time to choose the option that feels bestvto you.
As I am sure you know, there is also a dedicated forum on here for those who test positive for a mutation, and in-person support groups for those under 45 with a diagnosis (some of whom will have had positive genetic test results). BCC also has a helpline staffed to guide people to resources–if someone doesn’t pop into the forum with contact info it will be on the site. Through the Someone Like Me service, they could also put you in direct touch with a volunteer who has also tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation to chat about her experience and yours. I’ve also seen a counsellor at my local Helen Rollason Center every time I’ve faced big news aling the way, and after my run of free sessions complete, I was told there were options for continuing therapy, including by referral in the NHS. I was planning to take advantage of all these options for support if my call this week had been the same as yours. I thought it would help me process the whirligig of emotions–but we’re all different, so I understand if any or all of these don’t feel right or comfortable for you.
All my love to you, Lisa.
Sending love to you Lisa. So sorry to hear your news, I can’t inagine how you must be feeling.
I hope you get some good advice on how to proceed and what can be done.
Hope your family is with you this weekend and you feel loved and supported,
Sending love,
Em
Xxxx
So sorry to hear this Lisa
Sending condolences and hugs.
Jacq X
So sorry to hear your news Lisa. Lots of love to you and your family Kxx
So sorry to hear your news Lisa, condolences about your uncle. I dont know much about the gene testing but can imagine its a lot to take in. Sending you big hugs xxxxxxx Kip xx
Lisa Marie, very sorry to hear about your uncle ??and it’s a shock for you my darling finding out about brca gene, 2 of my cousins had the brca gene and they took option of preventative surgery on breasts and ovaries and are both doing very well thank you, one is past 10 year mark and the other is past 8 years. Reddi has given you good advice about ringing bccf and using the someone like me service and also the thread. Remember too that you are in control even if you don’t feel like you are, knowing that you have brca puts you in control 
??
Shi xx
Hello Ladies, Hope everyone bearing up! Just wanted to let everyone know who is having the dreaded T… that cycle 2 has been sooo much better than 1… day 15 today and feel pretty good, tongue back to normal, taste buds back and only side effect really is the painful nails and numb thumb (oh and the tiredness but that seems par for the course for all of us)… so if you are starting T or in the middle of it… hopefully you’ll feel better too! One more week and then I have my last one…
Embolorry - good luck with your last one tomorrow… ring that bell!!! :smileyvery-happy:
Kip
xx
I am on day 5 of T2 and, fingers crossed ?, it seems to be going ok. I have been sooo tired but able to sleep so that is good. No taste atm but no other nasties either. A bit of bone ache this time but I am able to keep on top of it. Hope you are all doing well too Kxx
Day 6 here and a distinct improvement on last time! I’ve been tired and achy the last couple of days, but no pain like I had last time and I haven’t taken any pain relief. Taste buds are all ok and no runny nose yet.
We we can do this ladies xxx
LJ
Can’t stop eating too, even though I can’t taste anything. I lost weight after surgery and FEC but have put it all back on. Partly lack of exercise as much as eating junk. Particularly fond of expensive ice cream ?. Xx
Morning all,
It’s crazy o clock in the morning and I can’t sleep (steroids), but in good news I am scheduled to have my last chemo (T) tomorrow!! Bit worried about my bloods as I have felt exhausted for the past 5-6 days, so am concerned that my blood results might be off?!?!?
Anyway I will keep you posted.
Sending hugs to all,
Em
Xxxx
Good luck Em!!
Seems we are all eating for England! I can’t stop eating junk too. Some how an apple just doesn’t cut it, although I am back on the old hula hoop, and back to 10 minutes a day… and walking the dog too. Although the tiredness is still there. Is anyone suffering with really watery eyes? Im not sure if this is a SE or the fact I have no eyelashes, they just pour all the time. Its really strange this week as its the first time since I began chemo that I haver NO tablets to take, nothing from Monday until Sunday when steroids start again. I keep checking my meds to make sure I’m not missing anything but nothing. The first T I ended up in hospital so had extra antibiotics to take which took me right through til next chemo plus the stuff for the sore mouth and this time my antibiotics finished Sunday, steroids finished last Friday and mouth stuff finished Saturday so nothing to take. I’m sure I’m missing something?
Good luck with the last chemo EM, I can remember reading your post before you started the first one and was really scared… how time flies when you are having fun hey :smileywink:
Kip
xx
Hi cdc oh the lard mouth is horrible isnt it. Glad you are still enjoying chocolate tho and relatively tablet free too, its .good feeling isnt it. My eyebrows and lashes have only just gone on cycle 2 but you may be lucky and hang on to them. I think j will lose my thumb nails as removed nail varnish today and have strange semi circles on them and they hurt too. Oh dear not lookjng forward to that.
Its good to hear everyone is doing relatively ok and ticking off the cycles. I shoukd find out more about my next op tomorrow so will know the next step… Bit scared even though ive had surgery already so shouldnt be.
Heres to a good nights sleep for everyone, i coukd use one
Kip
Runny nose has started this evening, blooming nuisance! I’ve got sore patches inside my nose too, but my sense of smell is enhanced - I refer to it as my new superpower! Nails seems ok, slightly tender, but had that last time and it went away. Need to clip and repaint them tomorrow, I’m keeping them really short, thought that would give them the best chance. Still have eyelashes and eyebrows, though my brows are paler and thinner.
Bizarrely I’ve had two fillings fall out over the last week. Anyone know how soon after chemo we can brace the dentist?
LJ
Lj, please speak to your unit about your fillings dropping out and what they recommend you do darling, keep yourself safe on this chemo journey, you have to keep safe and bother your unit, they don’t mind if you call over anything:heart:For you Lisa Marie, ???we are here for you always ??Shi xx