Hi all,
Well Francine I’m praying you. I’m glad to have done both but my only recommendation is a reclining chair to get up and down after surgery. They even need this in the hospital! Still sleeping in the chair at home. Expanders are in still so I’m too uncomfortable on my sides…not possible. And my back position for sleeping is good for like four hours. They thought they saw something for me on my right side so I was glad to have both removed. One stop shopping. It was not until the day of surgery I was rethinking what we were doing and the risk. All in all the waiting is the killer! I feel for you!!! Make sure you give yourself everything and all the pampering you need!!! And we are all here pulling for you.
Sharon as for me and Radiology they keep calling on me to do a follow up exit interview but honestly there isn’t a damn thing that jerk Dr could say to me that will be earth shattering so I just keep deleting the calls. I’m never going back until maybe someone says I need more radiation. He was more of a sales man cycling cancer patients through than he was a Dr. Can you tell how impressed I was? He even made me cry over a phone appointment and the final day of radiation I expected to see him…yep, No where to be found…crickets chirping. Forget him! Of course I am quite connected to oncology because I go every three weeks for herceptin infusions.
Well as for our connection here I love it and only wish it had Like Buttons and we could post pictues…oh wait that would be Facebook. Lol. But I would like that!
Love to all,
Sue
Hi ladies. Some good news, the BRCA test was negative. The genetics consultant rang me today and gave me the news personally, which was kind of him. He had asked the lab to push it through as urgent, bless him. Just waiting for the results of the endoscopy biopsies now before the surgeon decides on surgery or not. I might still go for another WLE but have noticed something rather strange on the nipple on the affected boob, which is a bit concerning. Think I’ll ask for another appt so he can check it out. We’re off to Harrogate tomorrow to look at a car for me, rather a nice red Golf. I’ve decided that I want my own car so I can go out and about when I feel like it. I feel I deserve it after all the c****p I’ve been through and my soon to be given old age pension can go towards it! There’s something rather ironic about using an old age pension to help pay for a sporty little number. I’m definitely growing old disgracefully, lol. Hope you all have a good weekend. Francine xx
Yay Francine, some good news for you at last, just delighted for you and hope there is plenty more to come very soon from the medical bods. Totally agree that you deserve the car, how are you meant to continue to be fabulous if you don’t have the right lifestyle accessories to do it with :womanwink: Not so much a luxury as a necessity I’d say. Enjoy Harrogate (tea at Betty’s perhaps?) and do keep us up-to-date on what’s happening for you, want to be able to support you as much as possible just as you supported me through the grim bits. Agree with Cheryl though, please do get your nipple checked (sorry for the nag also!)
SueBee you’ve made me laugh with your Radiotherapy bod comments, it is one of those areas where I think the UK has a much better deal than the US as ours are nowhere close to being sales people, in fact, a milder, less pushy breed of professional I’ve yet to meet! Still, the ones I’ve come across all seem extraordinarily kind and decent and that goes a very long way to offset the annoying admin problems that are rife in our health service.
Lovely to hear from you Cheryl and hope everyone else is doing well
xx
Sharon
Thank you all so much ladies for your good wishes. Celebrated the good news by having cottage pie followed by apple and blackberry pie with custard! We Rutlanders know how to party? Stomach just reminding me that it was the biggest meal I’d eaten in 2 months. Definitely going to Bettys in Harrogate tomorrow, looks lovely. Booked a stay overnight in a hotel about 5 mins from there but have just noticed that the Trip Advisor reviews are not very good!! Probably end up in a box room overlooking the car park and above the disco, lol. Still only for one night and you have to take some of those reviews with a pinch of salt, famous last words. I will definitely get the nipple checked out and will ring the BCN on Monday. Can’t wait for another chance to flash my boobs of course ?? night all xx
Hi all. Guess what, never got to Harrogate! The A1 was closed at Newark northbound with 20 mile tailbacks so we turned round and came home. Fortunately the hotel didn’t charge us a cancellation fee since they knew the situation. We’re trying again tomorrow via the M1! I’m determined to see this car, lol, better be worth it is all I can say. Story of my life! Maria, where do live then? I wasn’t very impressed by my onc at LRI, she was very offhand with me and the OH and didn’t like us asking questions - tough! However, genetics there lovely and Glenfield marvellous. Expect I’ll be having my mx there in a month or so. With any luck I might escape the rads, pain of a journey from Uppingham to LRI everyday for 3 weeks and don’t even mention the parking! Hugs to all. Francine xx
Hi all, the car is mine! ??? finally got to Harrogate yestetday but M1 full of roadworks, nothing new there, so long haul. Me and OH are feeling pooped today and nearly got divorced twice en route! The satnav seemed to take us on a very convoluted route so I got the map out. Now I have many talents but map reading isn’t one of them it seems! Anyway, managed to get tea at Betty’s which was an experience and very pleasant. Won’t be picking the car up for a couple of weeks as we want some bits fitted and will be glad to go up by train! Beryl, little Pippin, lovely to hear she’s settling in and will have a wonderful life with you with much love. Makes me so sad to think of animals who have been mistreated in the past. We took a rescue cat in that spent the first three months hiding under the bed because she was scared to be near people, been badly treated. Eventually we managed to get her to trust us and she was with us for 17 very happy years. Off to do my VAT return, such joy giving the HMRC a chunk of my hard rarned money ? x Francine
Hi girls, been missing you all but so much going on as moving in a couple of weeks! Great idea Sharon to move us here as I would hate to lose touch with everyone. So, been catching up on your threads and hope all going ok. I have been discharged also Sharon from my Oncologist, saw them last week and all ok other than boob still lumpy on scar, but apparently willvtake some while for pain free! I have my next appointment with my surgeon, feb 26th, which I received ages back and will be called for routine mamo for December and then see him Feb. So, now waiting for invitation to Moving On, think Sharon did that one, and need to get some exercising going. Been told the best is walking, for body and mind so that is what I need to start. Anastrozole seems to be ok but I think I have put on a little weight, although Onc said it wasn’t probably too much chocolate and crisps! Don’t like chocolate so it must be the 1 packet of crisps I allow my self. Must be honest though, since this has all happened, I virtually stopped all my exercices cause I was so fed up and also not good when you have pain. Anyway, good you have had your appointment Sharon, but sounds typical mix up. We can all remind one another when we are due for mamos. Always something to discuss. So my special ladies, thinking of you all wish you were here and you could help me pack! Lol xxxxxxxx
Hallo Pandorra, wondered how you were and all sounds really good with you, great stuff. I’ve been on the Anastrazole for a couple of months now and have noticed the hot flushes at nigjht (just what you want in the hot weather!) also had a bone scan to check the density, so they can check if they need to prescribe calcium with it. Still having the odd snivel now and then, lol. XxFrancine
Morning ladies 
Glad you’re OK Pandorra, hope your house move goes OK too and good news about being discharged from one lot of Oncologists at least!
How are you doing Francine? Any news on the medical front or still waiting? Seems to be taking an age so must be torture for you. Still happy with your new car?
I’m a huge tennis fan so this is my favourite time of year. Match with Brown & Nadal yesterday was gripping wasn’t it, even for people who don’t normally watch the tennis apparently (I’m a Nadal fan so phone was going like crazy last night as friends and family phoned to commiserate with his (my) loss :womanlol:). This is the first time in years that I haven’t actually gone to Wimbledon but they usually involve very long days and I almost always come back with a sunburn however careful I am with the sun protection so thought it was wise to give it a miss just this once. Been doing more house maintenance things (well, decorating old watering cans actually :)) and more ‘meet & greets’ with my agencies and have a couple of interviews to prepare for although can’t say I’m keen on either of the two jobs as they both involve a lot of travel and I would much prefer to come home every night. But life is still good and every day I feel grateful to be here and am enjoying the small pleasures on offer.
Love to all
xx
Sharon
Hi Sharon
Still no results from the endoscopy biopsies and my GP no help in chasing the up. Will have to get the BC surgeon’s secretary on it again. At least the BRCA test was negative, great relief. Soo fed up with it all. I’m a big Wimbledon fan too, used to go there every day after school when I was a teenager. In those days you could stand outside centre or no 1 court and people going home would give you their tickets. We watched some amazing doubles matches in the evenings, Nastase and Tiriac playing Pascarel and Gonzalez comes to mind. Last set went to 46/48 I think and it was virtually dark by the end! No tie breakers then either so lots of long sets in between. Poor old Rafa! Got to fancy Djokovic this year although I hope not! I last went a couple of years ago and it rained the whole day, the year before it was boiling all day and people were falling like flies! Going to enter the ballot for tickets this year so if I get any, you’re coming with me! Sure we’re not sisters separated at birth!!? ? so glad you are enjoying life after all the nasty stuff. Do you mind if I counsel you too think very hard about taking a job with lots of travelling! Do you really want that sort of stress in your life after everything? The roads are a nightmare these days as well, trying to use any of the motorways is awful, roadworks everywhere. We’re going back to Harrogate today to pick up the car, exciting! Using the train, which will take 3 hours or so but will be less stressful than the M1 again, awful last time. Staying overnight and even a short break will be nice. Xx Francine
Hi Francine,
Horrible for you as I guess they can’t move ahead with the breast surgery plans until the endoscopy results are through?
I used to queue for Wimbledon tickets too back in the day. Being in the queue was part of the fun wasn’t it as everyone chatted to each other and the sellers came round with all their bits and bobs and nice cold drinks. I’ve been very lucky with the ballot though and had tickets every year, I even got to see that epic Federer vs Nadal final in 2008. Was hoarse by the time I eventually got home at close to midnight!
You’re right about the job thing, I would definitely prefer something without the travel. I’ve realised over the last few weeks how wonderful it is not to feel tired the whole time, hence having enough energy to decorate and be out and about. Not sure I’d realised just how tired I was as it just becomes normal after years and years of it and I’m keen to hang on to this new found energy level.
Have a lovely time in Harrogate, should be beautiful in this gorgeous weather
xx
Sharon
Cheryl you are a superstar, only wish I could be there to cheer you along. I wish you every success with it and hope you get to enjoy it too. Blubbing a bit now because of your kindness.
Go Cheryl!
xx
Sharon
Cheryl, you are a real inspiration. I so wanted to do the walk myself but unfortunately my health issues prevented me. I’m hoping to do a walk in August for Coping With Cancer Leicestershire who provide free counselling and alternative therapies. Have a great time with all the amazing people doing the walk. I’m walking with you in spirit ???
Hi Maria. I live in Uppingham, in little Rutland and only moved here in Aug last year. I do agree that the staff at Glenfield are lovely and I’ve been treated with great kindness there on two occasions now. Will be having another stay for a mx in the next few months. I didn’t find the onc experience at the Royal very good unfortunately. My consultant was very abrupt, didn’t like me asking questions and I felt very rushed. I’m sure she knew her stuff but could do with a lesson in empathy! Apparently Leics has got one of the best reputations in the country for treating breast cancer and my consultant, a polish chap, is lovely. I’m very grateful for all the services and just wish that some of the other ladies who haven’t had such a good experience in some parts of the country had had the same. What stage are you at now with your treatment? Francine x
Hi ladies, I logged myself out, didn’t mean to, and couldn’t get back in! It was awful. Just like in the Bond films, the moderator came to my rescue and I was so grateful. So, hope everyone ok, Francine any news? Well done to those on the walks, phenomenal. I had to go back to using a support bra as so much pain around the scar again. It feels like thousands of pieces of glass and then I get a few days better. But I ws told it takes a long time to heal. Gets you down though doesn’t it. Hope you are getting there Sharon, how’s the decorating are you finished. Hoping to have a london day soon as my girlfriend is over from Dubai, love just wandering and people watching. Sending love and xxxxxxxxx to all xxxx
Evening all
Hope you enjoyed the Pink Ribbon Walk Cheryl and your feet aren’t complaining too much. You should be incredibly proud of yourself… I’m proud of you and I’ve never even met you!
V glad you’re back Pandorra, thought you might be buried under a pile of moving boxes. Been hearing on the news that a tube strike is planned from tomorrow evening so hope it doesn’t coincide with your pal being here. London is fantastic at this time of year isn’t it, nothing better than plonking yourself in a nice bar or coffee shop and watching the world go by. Sorry to hear you are still suffering and hope it sorts itself out soon.
Well I’ve been brave (or stupid, depending on your point of view :womanlol:) and pulled out of both of the job selection processes that I was involved in as I just can’t face the long hours/travelling again. And hey presto, the very next day one of my agencies contacted me about a job which sounds great, nice easy commute, tiny little charitable organisation in a field I’m interested in). So, interviewing for that the week after next and will ask you all to send some positive vibes my way as, on paper at least, it looks perfect.
Hope you’re all doing OK and life is a bit more settle for those of you who have gone back to work.
love to all
xx
Sharon
Hi Sharon, will send all the vibes I can collect from everywhere! So pleased to hear about the job. It makes such a difference when you have an interest in what you want to do. Let us know the date and we can all hold hands. Oh yes, I just love london now, just meandering along, stopping for the odd drink, and you can really lose yourself. Dont mean that literally, although I can never be in london on my own as I wouldn’t know where I was! Hope to get to St.Catherines dock one evening as we love sitting there. How’s everyone else doing? Anyone had their follow up appointment yet. The months are flying by aren’t they, we have all had so much going on and to deal with and I have just been told it’s 171 Days to Xmas! Sorrrriiii but at least you have been told!
so all my special ladies sending masses of hugs, now back to watch wimbledon and I so love Novak! Brilliant player. Lol xxxxxxxxx
Guess what ladies, STILL waiting for my biopsy results! My GP and BC surgeon are furious and have both written to the hospital to explain the urgency snd kick them up the a****e. I’d like to administer one to someone myself, wish I had a bigger foot, only a size 4! Have another appt with my lovely surgeon on 4 August to have another discussion about what type of mx so hopefully i’ll have my results by then, lol. Some days are hard and I just want to scream but at least the business keeps me busy. Sharon, so glad you decided against the travelling and now you have something else much better in the pipeline. Everyone deserves to enjoy what they do, if they get the opportunity but selling our house and starting a business at 60 was rather radical! Cheryl, how did the walk go? Sore feet?! I’m determined to do it next year so better start training asap. Talking about London, my home town for 40 years, my favourite place is Ally Pally, having a picnic on the grass and looking over London in the process. If you’ve never been there, try it, amazing view. There -are so many green spaces in London that a lot of people don’t know about. Other favourite place, walking along The Embankment very early in the morning or just as it gets dark. Sweet dreams all, not getting much sleep myself, a combination of Anastrazole hot flushes and brain working overtime, but hope you all are. ?? x Francine
Omg francine, that is not acceptable at all, probably not at the forefront of your mind at the moment but I reckon you have good grounds for a complaint
it’s such an important time for you and your family
Sending a big hug
sheena xxxx
Hello all. Matty, glad your GP has given you something for your skin. I’ve noticed my skin has dried up hugely since starting the Anastrazole especially on my face, not to mention some other delicate parts! Even my eyes feel dry but I’m not sure if I’m just imagining it. I’m a great fan of Cuticura talc for sweaty areas! Never without it, very soothing and has allantoin in it, which is a gentle antiseptic. Cheryl, fantastic job raising all that money, you should all be very proud. I’ve had to surrender my pool membership for the time being and do miss a swim, very relaxing. Hoping I will eventually get back to it. Anyway, guess what, apparently my endoscopy biopsy results are in but I have to ring the GP in the morning to get them. Trying not to scream with frustration so have treated myself to fruit pie and ice cream to keep my mouth busy, lol. ??. If nothing else, BC has taught me extreme patience, although I now have no hair or nails left (sorry chemo ladies, don’t mean to be flippant). Have to see the BC surgeon on 6 August to discuss the way forward. More waiting!! Only 7 months since diagnosis now, 2 ops and a 10 day stay in hospital with various bits of my anatomy ‘scoped’ and no dignity left at all! Past caring, anyone wanting to see my boobs and a****e, roll up! ?? he he! Hugs to all. Francine x