Thanks ladies for the fit note advice. I think I’ll phone my boss first to discuss and then phone GP. My original letter from oncologist was for my original plan 4xEC and 4x paclitaxol due to finish 13 August. OMG if only!!!
But after genetic test came back positive it all changed. I’m not seeing the oncologist again until after surgery so guess it will have to be the GP.
Ive been fine working from home clearing my backlog but don’t now have enough work for full time. My job involves visiting companies across London every week; an hours commute plus tubes etc and only a couple of days in the office. Mentally and physically there’s no way I could it at the moment. I didn’t enjoy it before all this so I’m kind of hoping I can talk my way into a more desk based job when I go back.
Mai7, also having both reconstructed at the same time you can get a better match!! Trying 2 make one look like the existing is more difficult sometimes resulting in some minor surgery on the other side (reduction etc) and peace of mind is a massive benefit. At least you’ll have some time if you have the year wait to make any final decissiins. Sometime I think the treatments we are going through makes us think irrational??!!! The surgeon said if I really don’t like the tissue expander I can have it taken out at any time but having it put in will keep all types of reconstruction options open.
Another milestone reached. Filgrastim complete all 42 of them and they have done the job.
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Hopefully now the lower back pain will go too. One day to go Treehouse…
Kala sorry to hear your news, but there is a lot of interest and research into the BRCA genes at the moment. I am BRCA 1 and am taking part in a research project which Cancer Research are funding. I was quite pleased to find out as I’ve had more targeted treatment as a result.
Fortunately I havent passed the gene on to my daughter but my sister has passed it to her daughter. She is 27 and having preventative treatment. She has seen what I have been through with chemo and is pleased she can avoid that herself.
Im having bilateral mastectomies and oncologist advised delayed reconstruction in case I need rads as although no lymph node involvement shows on ultrasound they won’t be sure until after op. I am keen to get both breasts removed as you don’t need mammograms any more so gets rid of that “scanxiety”
My sister got a second primary lump within 6 months of chemo finishing and then another in the other breast 6 months after that, she is obvs BRCA 1 as well.
I’m hoping I have enough tissue for a tummy tuck to create my new boobs but am meeting surgeon next week so will find out more then.
Mai7, my oncologist said priority is getting rid of the cancer so same as you full lymph node clearance and mastectomy on cancer side which is my right. She said recovery will be easier having just the one side done especially because of the lymph nodes. Also I think reconstruction is easier and more ideal at the same time so having the other side done along with reconstruction of this side will help them look the same and will avoid having another tissue expander. I wanted both done at the same time so I wouldn’t need another operation but once I realised I needed the radiotherapy and I’d need a second operation for the reconstruction anyway I didn’t mind waiting. Although at first I struggled with waiting the year incase I ended up with a second cancer but she reassured me saying that I’d be having follow up appointments and be on the hormone blockers so unlikely.
So basically it was decided that I’ll have the good side removed separately and not at the same time after it was discovered in my lymph nodes becauE that then confirmed radiotherapy and the need for second surgery (reconstruction) she felt recovery of the two reconstructions on both sides would be easier later on than now as the lymph nodes this time will add to some discomfort and will be healed b4 being operated both sides. !!!
In the end I just said to her you know best and I’ll trust that your suggesting what you feel is the best thing to do.
42 injection ? Wow. That’s a lot I only had them on the 'T’part and only 5 each time so 15 in total and that was bad enough!!!
It’s true though we are all getting there now all heading towards our final chemos now - ???
I’m also hoping I will only need 2 do the blood thinnng injections for another 5 or 6 weeks??
Ok Trish what’s your secret? How did you avoid the aches? SERIOUSLY would love to know that.
Step kids arriving any minute. Really looking forward to having some quality time with the kids. I’ve been in my chemo bubble but now ready to rejoin the rest of the world. (Just slowly)
???
Well done on the end of injections Treehouse and Trisha.
You shouldn’t need injections after surgery. ?
Hot flush update. I unscientifically started the sage tablets and magnet at the same time. I therefore don’t know which one is working. But the sweats have gone. ?
I still ached last night but I’d forgotten to take the Claritin.
Mai7, I don’t think the expander thing goes behind the muscle (I’m not 100%) I believe it sits against the chest wall somehow keeping a nice shape for the reconstruction??? I won’t lie I think for some people it can feel a bit uncomfortable I think you are always aware that it is there. Most people get used 2 it and say it’s fine but some struggle with it??? I’m hoping I have another app soon 2 discuss further because I don’t fully understand and I still have many unanswered questions. My pre-op is Tuesday and then surgery end of the following week so really I’m running out of time???
MKJ - good news the flushes are under control. I’m going 2 start the sage get used 2 the taste and on pay day will buy the magenet so I feel safe knowing it’s there waiting. I’ll probably start using the magenet once on the tamoxafen and the flushes have kicked in.
Mai, my sister is having double mastectomy the day after my op. The plan is reconstruction at the same time. However, they said small chance she may wake up and they have had 2 use the tissue expander if the skin wasn’t working as it should. I believe the expanders are more for the skin. If having recon right away the shape in the chest wall and muscle etc is still in tact.
Mai I was told there are 2 ways to put in the implant. 1 under the muscle.
2 over the muscle in a mesh.
No 2 is a newer method and is not available in all hospitals. I was offered both but decided to go with method 1 as that is what my surgeon is used to. If I opted for method 2 it would be with someone I have not met in a hospital 30 miles away and she has only done it once or twice.
I trust my surgeon and don’t want to be practice for someone I don’t know.
( sorry if that sounds bad)
I think quicker recovery time and less chance of implant moving due to your movements. Also supposed to look more natural. But I am not sure how well tested the mesh is ( it is made from material derived from cow or pig skin and becomes part of your body)as I know mesh used for pelvic surgery has had bad reviews recently .
There were advantages but I decided to stick with what has been tried and tested.
Treehouse, that sounds wonderful, have a lovely time! My oh said today that he’s planning to take me to a posh hotel for a lazy weekend as soon as I’m in a place to enjoy it. So do let us know if your hotel is nice!
I rang my bell again at 330 last injection
Now spending the eve with a girlfriend. Local carnival procession on. Cava and woodsmoked Pizza on the menu!x
