I’m 37 and I live in Watford. DX August 12th. Being treated at Mount Vernon. I’ve just started chemo 6 x FEC on 28th Aug, my second is on the 22nd Sept with maste or lumpetcomy after. Finding chemo after effects copeable so far but am sure it will get worse, especially when the hair goes. Was sick and tired (literally and mentally) for about a week, now just the tiredness. I have a big cyst surrounding the tumour which causes me a lot of discomfort but painkillers help with that.
I moved to London from Devon 6 years ago and although I have made a few friends up here, my best buds are so far away. However to be honest I could really do with meeting up / talking to anyone who is in a similar predicament to me with BC so I don’t feel I have to put on a brave and cheery face all the time.
Emma hi sweetie I am in Croxley I was also treated at Mount Vernon under Dr Ashford, been 5 years since chemo for me now I was 31 at diagnosis but made it to 36 if you feel like a chat or a coffee please reply and ill give you my number
Have you thought about going on the Younger Women’s forum in Reading? It’s not too far away for you. See the ‘Sticky’ posts at the beginning of the discussions section.
Dear Emma
I’m not that far away from you - I live in Borehamwood. I had some of my treatment at Mount Vernon so can picture exactly how things are for you. I was diagnosed a year ago and had 3 x FEC and 3 x Taxotere, then an operation and then a mastectomy followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy and also having 18 lots of Herceptin which I should finish in November. I have gone back to work now so am not around during the days except on days when I have hospital appointments. If you would like to meet for coffee, I’d be very happy to do so. I finish work around 4pm so could meet early evening. In fact this Friday I’m having Herceptin so could meet you after that which would be sometime in the earlier part of the afternoon.
Ruby, I’d love to meet for a coffee… but this Friday I am waiting for the plumber to call for a shower fitting quote! Trying to get our flat sorted out before I more sick.
Nikki, would also love to meet or chat on phone - it makes me feel more positive when you say you’ve made it to 36, obviously the thought of not getting through this keeps cropping up and scares the bejesus out of me.
I’ve had a bad day today… woke up to find cyst has ruptured and yellow puss oozing from nipple, OH is away today so sat in bed alone hyperventilating til I composed myself enough to ring mount vernon. They did say its nothing to be concerned about but have got me an emer appt at St Albans tomorrow with my consultant. However despite what they say I cannot get the thought out of my head that cyst has burst and is leaking cancerous cells into my body. I just can’t stop crying today, even down loading a happy song for my ipod made me bawl. I’ve not had a day like this before. I can’t get anyone round or go out cos my immune system is at its lowest point today and I don’t want to get any unecessary infection. Sorry for this woe is me entry… I’m not normally like this.
I’m not surprised you feel bad, the cyst sounds as if it must hurt a lot if it’s all pussey (not sure how you spell that!) and if you are on your own things seem a lot worse. You need food, wine and comedy therapy in my opinion. A few CDs of fawlty towers or some friends might help.
Hi Emma
I live in Amersham. I was diagnosed in Jan of this year I’m 39 (just). Have just finished chemo and will be having 4th Herceptin tomorrow. I can relate to your mood. Have just spent most of the summer holidays in tears and also have a leaky boob (not a cyst but issues from my recon). However had a great chat to myBCN last week and am feeling really strong and positive again now. She emphasised how normal it was to feel just like you described. If you likw you can private message me and we can swap numbers and e-mails. Am due back at work any day but no contract yet so could meet you for coffee anytime whilst the littlies are at school.
Hope you feel better soon
XX
I’ve just had a look at the Reading forum and have emailed the contact for details to see if it something I might be interested in. Anything that includes the word ‘pampering’ sounds good to me! Its also the weekend before my 3rd chemo so I should be feeling pretty much ok on those dates (hopefully).
I’d love to meet up, I think its good chatting to people with similar experiences.
How long have you been dx and which treatment are you having?
I’m in London, Greenwich, must admit that geography is not too hot. I also moved to london 6 years ago, except I moved from the other side of the world. I was dx last dec age 35 - have had mx, chemo and just finshied rads - I am going to the Reading forum. I am always willing to meet new people and make new friends. Can give you a number if you want.
Oh, it sounds like a few of us are going to be in Reading … that’s just what we all need by the sound of it!
Emma - I was diagnosed with grade 3 / stage 3 IBC in Feb08, had FEC & Tax, then mast & just finished Rads. Having Herceptin & Zoladex at the moment too.
There a sticky about Reading too whith Guardianangel & a few others are chatting on.
Well I was meant to be on 6 x FEC, but unfortunately it hasn’t worked at all, bc has grown! OMG. Very upset to hear that news yesterday, scared as its obviously near heart and lungs and am concerned it may chomp onto something new? Was given Tax yesterday, have been fine today (thank to antisick and steriod pills) but understand the side effects kick in after a few days? At least I didn’t have my head in a bucket all day today which is what I was expecting.
Sent off my applic for reading today. looks good.
I haven 't been given a full disgnosis… the size is unknown because of the cyst, but inc cyst is around 8cm. Yes 8cm. Very scary. But they fancied chemo first to shrink it and mast + rads afterwards, although from look on oncs face yesterday thought he was going to send me for emer surgery, but he said he wants to give more chemo a go first. Guess he knows best. I understnad that I’m not responsive to Herception or hormones.
Hi Emma
So sorry to hear your having a cr*p time. I had 3 FEC and 3 TAX and at least with the TAX there is no nausea!. The side effects did kick in about 4 days after but just keep taking all the meds they give you!. Hope you feel better soon hon, call me anytime you like and also we can meet up again too. sending you a cyber hug ((((( )))))
P xx
Its also the weekend before my 3rd chemo so I should be feeling pretty much ok on those dates (hopefully).