I reckon it’s to keep people grounded. You can’t be too happy for too long. Lorna you should do a Carol Jackson from Eastenders and ride off on a motorbike x
Evening ladies and welcome to the newer members of the club, sorry you had to join us but we’re very nice people, if a little mad, no make that very mad, lol. The ‘just Diagnosed’ tag is a little ironic for me, since I was diagnosed in January. Have had 3 ops and a 10 day stay in hospital along the way but am about to start the final part of my treatment (I hope) 25 sessions of rads. It’s been an incredibly hard 9 months and I’ve had plenty of bad days but heh I’m still here! Had wonderful support from my husband of 40 years (he’s lovely ?) we run a business together and he has kept it going as well as looking after me. Feeling a lot better today since chatting to my very nice GP and had a nice day out, sorting out new hi fi speakers. Spent a happy hour thumbing through all the old vinyl records in the shop, memories! Olivia Newton John, the Tremeloes and Dave Dee Dozy Mick and Titch, ??
Cs66 - Your remark - “I’m not quite sure how I feel about my poor boob being sent in the post to America”, the thought made me chuckle despite my serious attitude to cancer it being such a major serious biz - no offence meant. It’s the michief in me. But yeh, America often seems in advance of us here and it takes a while for GB to catch up. Eg. I’d read about, so was aware of the SNB procedure, just prior to my own experience, 2006, and had the nowse to ask for it, but was told it wasn’t yet available in this country - hadn’t yet been approved. So had to have our standard full ANC, results of which after path exams were all clear in both my masts. It was only because I knew how important lymph nodes are in fighting and prevention of OTHER everyday infections and avoiding lymphoedema etc. that I was keen to hold onto them, you know, the ordinary cuts/grazes from gardening, sunburn, bites - be they mossies or dogs. A good e.g. being - I had to rush myself to a “walk-in” clinic following a dog bite that broke the skin, to get immediate antibiotic cover because the infection could be seen literally “tracking” up my arm- as red streaking up the remaining lymph vessels. Please take note all you people who’ve had to have all your axillary nodes removed - take care and be VIGILANT. Always thoroughly clean and put antiseptic and a plaster on the smallest of cuts/scratches.
On the funny side - I don’t even LIKE dogs much. It had been tethered up by its owner, outside a shop, looking a bit forlorn, so I just bent down to give it a gentle stroke and a bit of love - next thing RRRRRR - Bloomin’ thing bit me. Literally, within a matter of minutes (!! - seriously take heed!!), I came over dizzy and unwell - actually went into shock. Had to be sat down by the shop staff, then transported to “walk in” clinic - no way I could drive myself.
The point to this post? - to any full ANC’ ers ALWAYS TAKE GREAT CARE OF YOUR HANDS AND ARMS - do not take ANY risks. and Do NOT be ever tempted to PET any sad looking dogs!!!
Other than that - I DON’T know WHY we are BEHIND America in our cancer treatments and diagnosis. I can only think that it is probably down to funding !! However and despite which - I am still alive and I’m not really griping. Americans predominantly still have to pay PRIVATELY for their health, thankfully we don’t yet have to. I’m just raising a discussion on our difference in treatment raised simply by Cs66 mention of having boob samples sent over to the U.S.
Lotsa love, Delly xx
Not brave enough for motorbikes Barry…something will come. Yes C can’t take anything for granted. I’m hoping to come out of this all positive, making the most of every day etc but as yet have felt very vunerable like the light has been turned off! You see all these inspiring people running twice around the world on one leg ( well not quite) and I feel ungrateful. I want their energy and zest for life! (Not as miserable as I sound) just pontificating 
…now where’s that kale! Yum x
Not sure the kale is what you need to cheer you up Lorna,bet you will feel better after you have been back to work and back in the "real " world.Cancer makes you feel very vulnerable ,and it will take a while to feel in control again ,that’s normal reaction to all this !!! Oops England are gonnas from the World Cup,will have to support Wales .
Yep, my dog gave up too,gin is also medicinal …
Went into Canterbury today, it was too busy! Had a burger for lunch with a milkshake, it was a bit too much and could only eat the vegetables at dinner!
Delly I am really worried about node clearance. I have had a WLE and sentinel node removed (just one!) and that has a 3mm metastasis. They need to do more surgery as they did not get clear margins and to do node clearance!
I will be seeing my surgeon on Tuesday but I am not keen on risking the possible lifelong side effects…I have looked at various research (America, of course!) I can’t make sense of it all but there does not seem to be that much more risk by not having it done, if only a small tumour and a few nodes affected. I get the distinct feeling it is recommended by NICE because it is cheaper that having additional surgeries to check on a few more nodes!
I will definitely be asking the surgeon if it is really necessary and maybe trying to persuade him to check on another few nodes first, although his hands my be tied by the NHS, over treatment could affect a patient for the rest of their life.
Amanda x
Amanda, a lot of hospitals are taking part in the national trial re how to deal with positive nodes, given choice between surgery ,radiotherapy to underarm and some kind of drug therapy ,may be worth asking about because like you say outcomes not that different from all 3 optionsI looked into it when surgeon said if I had nodes positive I could go in trial, although chemo may still be recommended may be less surgery .
Gosh no you had it 28 years ago?! That’s inspiring…glad you have a good man and are still in love…that’s no mean fete! Lol Lorna x
She found the lump 28yrs after they met Lorna.How are you feeling about work on Monday ?
Only 64 more posts to go to the magic 3,000. No, make that 63.
Sleep well all. x
But anxious but ready to bite the bullet…can’t keep floating about in the smog! Ha.only doing mornings initially. They are leaving it up to me entirely so no pressure …you looking forward to it? X
No lorna only diagnosed this year but on the anniversary of the day we met 28 yrs ago Xx
Yes Delly he is pretty amazing! Your welcome anytime to come and load the dishwasher ?
Good grief Jo ,you’re up early again!!!
Lorna ,I’m not looking forward to work really,but at least I will only be there a few hours the first few weeks,I think the thought of it will be worse than the reality like a lot if things.
Luckily mine is quite lazy at night he is still fast asleep on the bed, but once he is up he never stops all day ( he’s part Collie do has a lot if energy), wish he could take himself for a walk today !!!
Jo that’s so lovely 
how was hawk wind Jill? Hope you are all having a good weekend. I’ve been very good this weekend getting house clean and tidy before chemo number 3 on Thursday halfway mark I also wanted to contribute towards the 3000 replies. Looks like it’s going to be a sunny day. I might have to persuade husband to drive us somewhere nice for lunch when he wakes up! In the meantime j will just keep giving him a kick here and there when he is snoring so much I can’t hear the telly! xxx
Yes ,I have 2 snorers now ,husband and dog!! I didn’t go to Hawkwind Sarah,husband and son went, not sure he was that impressed(son)!! I went out for a meal with a friend ate lots of good food that is prob not on your list!!!On the partner front ,I think you can pretty much guarantee support in the beginning ,but this is a long job and it can put relationships under a lot of pressure and it is not always plain sailing.Just thought I would say that because I don’t want people who partners wobble in their support /commitment to feel they are unusual, I think it is hard for all involved and peoples partners deal with this in different ways.
I said this to someone a few weeks ago “just because you have cancer doesn’t mean your husband won’t behave like a **** from time to time !!”