Good evening Jewels! Hope everyone has managed to enjoy some sun today. Martha, hope to get an update from you later tonight to let us know how you are as am concerned that the side effects have started to hit you badly. Good luck to Cassie1 and Nicjnorth starting chemo tomorrow, let us know how you get on. Maxie I was told by my ONC that scans are only done if 4 or more nodes are positive, this seems to vary by hospital though? Need to sort out a wig this week and sort out the various meds, biscuits etc as am sure that it will soon come round to my first chemo on 13th. Have a restful evening Jewels and sleep well. Xxx
welcome Beckyjoan hope you have a speedy recovery from your op this ‘c’ business really gets in the way doesnt it…At least the sun is shinning which means that we can spend our recovery in the garden with a good book 
Thanks for advice re scans girls. Joan thanks for the reassurance xx my Onco appt is 11th June. Just want some to know that no spread, may ask BCN tomorrow if poss to ask for scans, hope Im not wasting her time asking stupid questions.
TaylorJ think I heard that about 4 nodes or more have to be positive but that was at the hospital where I had my op, am going to a different one for the chemo so guess its worth asking.
Blimey Vicki …Zumba!!!..you go girl!! 
…Ill be sitting on the couch thinking of you & eating a doughnut!!! …I think I’ve done well taking the dog for a walk!..good luck going back to work too but don’t overdo it
Marion you seem to be doing really well, you’re sense of humour is very like mine (I lived in Wales up to last October -now down South!) have been trying to imagine what an embarrassed strawberry looks like!!!
Good luck to Cassie & NicJ for tomorrow, we’ll all be thinking of you! xx
xxx
Thanks Chelleb and Marionblue, I think your right, I have will probably take a few days of and then see how it goes…nite nite Jewels, i will update you all tomorrow after my first session xx
Hi everyone
I’m feeling sheepish with all this talk of going back to work. My GP signed me off for 2 months after MX, then I had node clearance and signed off for a further 8 weeks. Once this sick note expires, I’ll be 2 weeks into my first chemo, so then - who knows?? My GP, BCN, oncologist and employer’s occupational therapist have all advised against working during chemo. I work full-time in a busy office where it would not be suitable to have few days in, few days off etc. Also, all the medical professionals express much concern about catching bugs and infections, rife in an office. My employers have been very understanding and supportive so far. I really do crave the normality of being back at work, but could be off for months through chemo.
Vicki - I went to Zumba today, it was great - felt normal and just lost myself in the shimmying and great music.
Cress - glad you feeling bit better after downer yesterday. Take it easy.
Really concerned about Martha - hope we hear from her soon.
Have relaxing evening Jewels,
Fiona
xx
Hello Jewels,
Cassie, I think you would be doing very well to work directly after your first session. I was wiped out when I got home from the stress. Friday I had a fair bit of energy, the steriods made me very anxious and agitated. But Sat was awful and today I lasted about 4 hours.
I took the final steriod today at 1pm, can anyone tell me what tomorrow will bring please. I am going to carry on with the extra sick pills.
No foal, she is going to go bang !
Fiona - you should only go with how YOU feel, I went back to work, but nothing like as full on as I would have been and it’s really because my year 8’s are sitting their senior school entrance exams next week and I really wanted to see all of them before as they don’t have lessons afterwards. That said, it was a tough week, physically and emotionally and I’m sure was why I ended up helping myself to the tissues on my doc’s desk!. What’s difficult is that although I’m back - I just can’t do all of my duties and I’m not sure how much my colleagues really understand that… just writing on the board for a couple of lessons wore me out!!!
Really struggling with the thought of not being able to work while on chemo - schools aparently are not the best place to be when you have a non-existent immune system but the start of the academic year is so important for both staff and pupils - but obviously my health is the most important thing… and round and round I go…LOL x
Ann - Still no foal!! it’ll be tonight for sure! Sounds like you’re doing really well so far - well done you xxx
Good luck to all starting tomorrow - thinking of you and will be sending positive vibes.
early night for me - I’m shattered! Hugs to you all xxxx
Evening June Jewels
I’ve been reading the posts and would love to join your group. I found my lump on 27th March, a date firmly fixed in my memory. The last couple of months seem to have been a whirl wind but things have certinly moved forward very quickly.
I feel I don’t know all the acronyms being posted and may have to ask about a few as I go along. I had a lumpectomy on 7th May and 2 nodes removed. I was given the wonderful news that the cancer hadn’t spread and they are confident that all has been removed from my breast. I have grade 3 genetic cancer and will be having 3 x FEC and 3 x Docetaxel followed by 6 weeks of Radiotherapy. I saw the Oncologist last Friday, just waiting for an appointment to go to the ward to see the team before being given my first date. Anyone else being treated at the Churchill (Oxford) - long shot but worth asking.
I would love to hear from anyone who has had the cold cap - this is a route I want to take. My hair is much longer than my photo (almost down to my bra strap on my back) but am taking the plunge this week to have it all cut off to a pixy cut so I ensure I give it every chance. I’ve had very short hair before so this part doesn’t worry me.
Any advise would be welcome as although I’ve had the wonderful support of my family and friends, I have yet to talk to anyone else going through this or used any of the support groups / organisations.
I look forward to reading more posts and hearing from you.
Emma xxx
Good luck to all those having ‘cocktails’ today, hope you get good service and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Will be thinking about you all xx
Cassie and NicJ - all the best for today, thinking of you both.
Cress - thanks for the reply re going back to work. You’re right regarding us putting ourselves first and our health being the most important thing. My BCN said “2013 will be a s**t year - look forward to getting your life back in 2014”. My oncologist said " How about just looking after you?“. Family and friends all say " forget work, it’ll still be there when your treatment is finished” . I agree with all that, BUT not being at work just underlines the fact that having BC just takes over your life. Not being at work is sapping my confidence, self- esteem and as for my memory loss, not knowing what day it is, repeating myself - I feel a bit pathetic. BUT, on the other hand, don’t think I could do my job properly with the BC at the front of my mind all day, every day. My last day at work was 22nd Feb. If all goes to schedule, my final chemo will be 19th Sep, then radiotherapy after that - goodness knows when I’ll be back, it’s so daunting.
Anyway, you are a dedicated teacher, taking yourself to work for the beneift of your pupils when it’s exhausting you so much. Hope you got a decent sleep and this week will be better. Your chemo starts 21st (is that right?) - assume you’ll take time off then until the end of term?
Love to everyone, have a good day - I’m off out shopping with the “chemo list”.That weird combo that includes pinespple pieces, ginger nuts, anit-sickness bands and an eyebrow pencil.
Fiona
xx
Cassie and Nicj, thinking of you today. The staff will be lovely, mine were certainly golden, but it will be a tough emotional day for you.
Day 5 for me today and I have woken up, after sleeping very very heavily, feeling a little brighter, the bowl of porridge went down really well today. I am also beginning to realise that it is ok to just think of myself and not worry about what needs doing.
I am missing my husband like crazy but there is also a degree of peace in the house which I am enjoying in a strange way, that will change as the days tick by though, when loneliness will kick in.
Morning Jewels.
Well Ive arrived without major crisis. Wound still intact and arm normal size. Annnnnnd relax!
Cassie and NicJ wishing you all the best for today. It’ll be great if you get to meet and chat across the chemo suite. Keep us updated x Nic how did the birthday celebrations go? And has the ‘Go’ cake gone?!
Ann surely your poor horse has foaled by now?! We need some happy news. Don’t forget we’re hear to keep you company whilst hubby’s away. He’ll be back before you know it and you’re doing great xx
Fiona I’m now 7 weeks post op and only been back to work for 2 days and although it was nice to go in, it was hard work and like Cress I was exhausted. I don’t think it helped my healing either so I think you are doing the right thing. All I can say is ‘Roll on Christmas’ 
Nicola poor you having to tackle nits! Ironic really don’t you think?! Hope you’ve sorted the little blighters if not they’ll get a shock when you blast them with Chemo!!
Jane, Have you heard anything yet?
Deedee I haven’t wig shopped yet either. I’m going to give the bcn a call about a voucher so I can go shopping. Some scarves I ordered from AnnaBandana arrived before I left. I tried them on and walked into the dining room, where boys were busy playing a computer game. They both looked up, my 12yo said ‘Mum you’re just weird!’ The older one laughed and they both carried on. I stood there wondering where it all went wrong!!
When I went to the headstrong session I did try a Max Wall type hairpiece (sorry if youre to young to remember him!) which you then put a hat or scarf over. After my mate had finished laughing she said she had an image of me walking into a shop, casually taking my hat off forgetting I had only half a head of hair and wondering why I was getting funny looks. Well she thought it was funny! Needless to say I didn’t order one those!
Cress I hope you made the most of the weekend to rest. Glad youve got a physio appointment. I sympathise with you about the cording and admire your commitment to your students. I know it would have been hard carrying on as ‘normal’ as it is really painful and restrictive. I’m still suffering and am keeping up the exercises and stretches especially the ‘wine just out of reach’ one
Lins good to hear from you. I hope you had a great holiday X
And Maxie I’m with you on the sofa (well sun lounger) with the donut! Just watching Zumba would exhaust me right now. You go girls!! Shimmy and shake those booties I’m with you in spirit xxx
Finally BeckyJoan. You certainly look fab at 40. Welcome to the Jewels
Remember keep shining girls xx
Very best wishes to Cassie and NicJ for today thinking of you xxxx
Welcome to Peachey Pal, I too am learning and start my Chemo on the 19th, I am in Essex and so far had wonderful treatment at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, I am sure it will continue. I have been on this journey since December, so as another BCN said goodbye 2013 look forward to 2014. The help, support and advice you get from this site is invaluable, we are all here to help each other.
Melrose- hope you enjoyed your break.
Where is Martha? Hope you are ok…
Xxxxxxx
So girls, how it going?. Im on my lunch break and have braved using the work internet so if i suddenly stop mid sentnence then dont worry ive not fallen off my chair lol
Good luck those who are starting the cocktails today, its good to have some of you starting as it will give us later ones a bit of a confidence boost to know it is do-able.
Ann, is your mare just trying to keep us all on tenterhooks…will she be given a pet name as well as a “proper” name…youllhave to keep us udated anyway. Hope you enjoy the peace & quiet with no man around. I like having my own space too, although i expect i will find it hard once chemo starts…my boyfriend lives 40 miles away so we only get together at w/es, but he is being pretty good.
Fiona, dont beat yourself up re work. I dont have a commute plus my job is admin so not too taxing, and if i feel i cant manage i can work from home-with a bit of organising.
As for Zumba, i was/am very fit and exercised 3+ times a week, so have bounced back from the op pretty quickly. Hoping to get back to the body combat/kick boxing next week
Oh well, thats my lunch over, will have a right good catch up of the posts later tonight. Going to get a hair cut later too following the wig fest on sat…kinda liked shorter hair…
Have a good day everyone
xx
FEC x 6, Cycle 1 Day 6
I’M ALIVE 
Hello ladies - I am so sorry for the sponsored silence. Blimey, there has been so much going on. I last read page 12 and now since Friday, we’re onto page 15 lol
Vicki - Re the lollies. When the E part of the FEC is going in (The red stuff), sometimes it can make your mouth feel funny, so if you have an ice lolly, it helps keep any bad tastes and sensations away so yes, eat the ice lolly when the rd drung is being administered.
Wecolme to the new Nicolas
Ann - I am so happy that you’ve go over your sickness and you are back on track. I went riding with my daughter on Sunday and it was a lovely day. We had a great time. I wasn’t sure about going back riding this weekend but after what your nurses said, I think I might just go lol.
With regards to my SE’s, I had really bad acid relufx on Friday and thanks to Lola, I got a prescription and the acid went away. Like you Ann, I actually started to think that nothing was wrong with me, seriously, I’ve only had a little bit of nausea and that was on day 2 because I was late taking my anti-sickness. The constipation was an issue - I say was, because today I can’t seem to get off the bloody loo lol.
My scalp has started to feel a little twitchy, perhaps the chemo has reached my head because I’m starting to break out in spots (going back to my youth lol).
Since Saturday (day 4), I have also started to take hot flushes through the night. I sear I have a sweat shadow that follows me now
Also feeling a lot more tired. I saw mention of Zumba…What nutter is doing Zumba? hahaha (Only joking), if I had the energy then I would.
Oh, cravings…I’m graving all things junk food. Bacon Rolls, chocolate, crisps…Although I have had some melon and celery today, so I’m not all bad.
Chelle - You are our style icon. Absolutely loving the new eyebrows. I really must get some now lol
I promise I won’t disappear again
Good luck to everyone starting their treatment this week.
Love
Martha xxxx
Yay Martha!!!..soooo glad your alive & kicking (cancers butt!)
We were all getting very concerned about you!.. Don’t do that to us again please!
Well my latest symptom is a swollen collarbone (could seriously have my own forum called Hypochondriacs are us!)
Phoned the lovely BCN’s who are always so lovely & reassuring & she said to mention at my GP appt on Fri, and they will also check it out next Tues at Onc appt. Has anyone else had this after ANC? (It’s swollen & lumpy on same side as ANC)
Vicki I too used to be really into my fitness, used to go to a gruelling step class 3 times a week then took up running last year to get in shape for daughters wedding but since then have gone rapidly downhill it’s a great stress buster & intend to get back to doing something (next year maybe!!)
xxx
Hi everyone,
Just a quickie while I’m eating my sandwich.
Martha - thank goodness you’re ok. If you’ve read the posts, you’ll know we were all worried about you. Glad you had a lovely day horse- riding with your daughter and the SEs not too bad so far.
It was me who went to Zumba yesterday, but that’s 5 weeks post-op and before I start chemo on Thursday. Who knows when will be the next time I’ll be shimmying and shaking my hips to the beat!!
Hope it’s a sunny afternoon for you all - catch up this evening.
Fiona
xx
Martha - You’re back - Know what you mean about the loo. Really bad, then good day, thought it had gone, but no, its back again today. Without being too yuckey, I’ve not got the runs just lots of stuff… Where is it all coming from, where has it all been hiding up? 
. (Sorry)
My scalp is itchy to. A lady in the next bed at my session said hers fell out 2 weeks to the day from her first cycle so I expect to be balding by week-end. BOOO-HOOOO.
Not really had naughty cravings, just seem to want childrens food like fish fingers, plain and simple food. My OH is making Feta and Spinach pie for tea. While I’m allowed some things I fancy, he has been pretty hot in researching what is good and bad in the food world. As I know he is doing his very best for me, it would be churlish to moan. Said feta was ok as it is made from sheep not cows milk. My snack food of choice at the moment is cashews. Love em.
Fiona - Zumba, please, really… I have just been for 20 minute walk and I’m knackered.
Vicki - Hope you love your new hair.
Hope you ladies having first cycle today are all doing well.
Marion
XXX
Maxie - I hope you get your collerbone sorted. I turned into a lumpacondriact. I was at the docs everyday with a new lump (or what I thought was a lump) and it turns out to be muscle and I’m told that I’m stressed - No sh*t I was stressed lol
Fiona - Well done you…Keep at it as much as you can through chemo. I used to do a lot of spin classes, but since dx I’ve done nothing lol.
Marion - My OH made me an amazing feta dish a couple of weeks ago. If you like chillis then you’ll love this…
Heat olive oil in a pan.
Fry diced red, green & yellow chillis (remove seeds if you don’t like them hot)
Add diced spring onion
Fry until all chillis & spring onion are soft
Add a block of feta cheese
Fry gently on low heat until feta is soft. Keep coating feta with oil in pan & chillis
Cut a thick slice of tiger bread (add butter), spoon a big dolop of feta & chillis onto bread, fold & eat
Messy but lush lol
Ok, now I’m hungry again. I’m going to be the size of a house at the end of all this xxxx
Marion - Seriously, I feel like a teenager with the underlying spots that I’ve got and yes, my scalp is really itchty. I asked OH to check for dandruff last night lol. Like you, I think I’ll be loosing it by the weekend