Sorry the link isn’t working but to order a copy of the Resource Pack, go to the home page of this site, click on ‘Information’, then on the left of the page you will see ‘Publications’, scroll down to ‘quick order list’, then ‘A diagnosis of breast cancer’ (on the right of the page) the link to the Resource pack is at the bottom of this list. Sorry it’s a long way round but you should be able to order the copy this way. If you’re still having problems then please do let us know.
Just want to say hello to you and let you know that you WILL get through this, i was diagnosed in Jan 07, surgery, chemo and rads, i can’t believe how quickly it all went, i just wish i had came on here throughout my treatment as i would have found it a great help.
Hi Marge
Thanks, might take a look. by the time i get a chance to go to the salon now, I will have started to lose my hair, depending on how quick it goes, so may be a bit embarrassed to go out. didnt think about looking on line.
Debbie
Debs - doesn’t the hospital offer a wig service?
Did you know that anything you buy connected with your treatment you can claim tax back on. Think you have to fillin a form to do this - not sure how… anyone else know?? - I’ve just ordered 2 bras @£28 each… (Royce silver style 736 - have anti MRSA properties!) and wigs cost a bit… but then, not much else in the way of hair care for us in the next 6 months is there!
Like you debs,mostly ok, but some fear andhysteria on occasion. I try to keep it to myself though. i only trust my husband to cope with my trauma…
Hi Td
was told the hospital offer wig service. Bit confused as to which path to take at the moment. Went to see doctor friday and she had BC couple of years ago. She said the first thing she done on diagnosis, was sort out a wig! She went to a hairdressers not to far away which sorts all this out and deals a lot with chemo patients. She recommended I see them, as she said I would get a wig quicker than through the hospital. I have to go to hospital on Tuesday for pre chemo chats etc. so will ask how long it will take and think I may well take that route. Would like a headscarf to, but have had shoulder replacements and cannot lift my left arm, so would be unable to tie it up at the back. As the lump is in my left breast, the Oncologist said we will have fun and games trying to lift my arm for the radiotherapy!!! I certainly don’t do things by half!
Didn’t know that about claiming tax back. I will look into it and let you all know, if I find anything. I have already been thinking about the money i will save on hair products and haircuts!
Having good day today and feeling more positive. Next door just brought flowers round, have loads now. running out of vases! Husband cooking dinner and I am just making the most of being fussed over. We managed to get my daughter her first car yesterday, she passed her test in December, so this will make life a lot easier for us now. I even have an appetite.
I don’t believe I have mentioned too much about myself. I was 42 years old in January, have 18 year old twins, boy and girl, and wonderful husband and the most lovely labrador retriever you could ask for. He is 4 and suffers with elbow displacia (think I spelt this wrong!) so has hydrotherapy every two weeks. He costs more than the kids! Kids just about to start A levels and need to do well to get their first choice university places, so I am praying we can get through the next few months with as little upset as possible.
Anyway, dont wish to bore you all any more, so off for dinner now!
catch up soon
take care
deb x
Hi debs I chatted to you on lIve chat last thursday this site is awesome Iam post op and have had recon in jan this year got diagnosed last august mastectomy oct its amazing how we cope it just becomes another part of our life that we deal with ,i have a son and a daughter too rather older that yours I am 52 GIRL 35 BOY 27
2 Huskies aged 4 they keep me going even when I was nt strong enuff to hold the leads and just tagged along on their walks .Good to hear that you are feeling a bit stronger as time passes you will get stronger and stronger and just want rid of the “Squatter” as I call the BC when I am being polite I didnt invite it in to my body so wanted it out ASAP !!! got an MRI 07 May bit nervous but nothing I cant handle ,We are all here for you on this site we have all been through diffrent journeys but we all help each other lots of hugs to you and let us know how you get on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Maz
I was hoping someone from the chat would realise it was me and come on! I only managed about 15 mins as had problems registering, but what a difference that time made. I must admit, I had reservations about joining as was scared I would read or hear things I didn’t want to, but its the best decision I could have made. You made me feel so welcome and I am looking forward to the next chat. As I am starting chemo Wednesday, I dont know if I will feel up to it on Thursday, but if not, will be back next week. This site has given me an escape, where I can talk to people in the same boat who are not emotionally attached, if you know what I mean. I look forward to coming on here, even if its to browse or play games. Like the idea of the name ‘squatter’!! good one. Hope the MRI goes ok. Come back and keep us updated.
‘speak’ soon
Deb xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Td and anyone else that may be interest.
just been browsing the internet and found a site which may help regarding claiming back tax on wigs etc. On the website www.cancerlink.org and look under ‘get support’. or as instructed, go to www.hmrc.gov.uk and it gives information and a phone number.
hope this helps.
debbie x
Very impressed with the speed that you researched that debs… I find it impossible to get any computer time until late at night as son (15) hogs it all day. I really really must get around to that link. I’m so bad at getting anything back!
We are now talking on 2 threads - yours & mine -I’m getting more organised and am bookmarking now so as not to loose people! td x
Hi deb glad good to hear from you good luck with the chemo cant imagine it as I was lucky enough to escape it .
Come back to the chat when you can thinking of you and kick the little b******* a****
PS what part of uk are u ?
Td - I get a lot of time to go on pc as dont work! kids have own laptops so get ours all to myself to browse and chat! How do you bookmark? I am not that good on pc yet!!
Maz - I am in Kent. What about you? Anyone else out there from down this way?
Deb x
Goood luck with the chemo on Wednesday we will be thinking about you!!
I also have a 4cm tumour which was dx in March and I started chemo on April 1st. to downsize.
Try to take just one day at a time, I have personally found that everything so so far has been not one half as bad as I thought it was going to be.
In fact I sort of put my life on hold at first but now find I am doing more than I did before!! I try to eat really sensibly and think that is adding to my energy levels, plus no alcohol( I loved my wine before) my body doesn`t know whats hit it!!
The hair thing although terrifying at first has great advantages. My N.H.S. wig is far better than my own hair! I have also ordered 3 more wigs from The Wig Salon in the States, they are a fraction of the cost of wigs in the U.K. and only charge £8 postage also got some pretty hats from Headcovers.
My closest friend has rhumatoid arthritis and also had B.C.(she is completely clear now) and I think she would say the rhumatoid is far worse to live with, although she has it under control now and looks a million dollars!!
Good Luck, Take care,
Love Janx
Hi Maz - I love Scouser land! lucky you
Jan - lovely to hear from you. Your comments have made me feel much better. Because of medication I am on, I dont drink, have never smoked, my only vice is that I have a sweet tooth! Am I not alone in thinking, Why Me!!? Havent I been through enough already? I have started to eat more healthily now tho and try to take dog out whenever I can! (not that I didn’t eat healthily before). I didn’t think the hair issue would bother me at first, but must admit it does. Hope this wig turns out better that I am expecting it to. Have been saying for years about changing hair style, so now I have the chance! I have always moaned about the amount of operations I have had to have regarding the rheumatoid, but after all this, I don’t think I ever will again. They were a walkover. glad your friend is ok. gives me hope.
tinfish - you didn’t leave your name other than this! - I live in Sittingbourne, near to the medway towns and Maidstone. Do you know of it? Are you anywhere nearby?
keep in touch everyone. you dont realise what this site and your messages mean to me.
ttfn
deb x
we have both got a big day on wed so we will get through it together …let us know how you get on will be thinking of you while I am trying to keep still in that damn machine lol:) ha ha ,x Maz