Surgery May 2018

Hi 

Michelle pleased it’s your last one tomorrow and things are going well. Climbing a mountain, however small, is good.

Had a good walk last night. Today we did more driving than walking but it was good to be out for the day.

Kip…  you’ll be halfway after next Monday? Sounds as though your se’s are manageable. Is  your cording still ok since you whacked it? I’m still trying to do a bit of hooping. Hope you’re managing to get out for those walks. Supposed to be out on the old bike sometime but it’s still lounging in the shed. 

Xx

 

The article sounds interesting however at this point I’m not interested in implants but as we all know things change! SO I will keep it in mind if things change. Thanks Jean, very thoughtful to put it up. X

Thanks Jean.
You do seem to have bra problems, but I am taking not of all of the different suggestions of bra shops so it’s been helpful to me! Seriously I hope you find one you like, most shops always seem to make things in sizes slightly different even if they say the same size so hopefully you can get a comfy one soon. Sorry you are feeling low, hopefully a walk will lift your mood. When is your op? Can’t be long now.
Hope you can enjoy the weekend. X

Oh dear Feenix, bra shopping is proving to be difficult for you isn’t it.  Post op I quite often just wore a vest top which has a sort of support part in the top (got them from Primark only about 2 pounds each, they were quite comfy too and I now use them to sleep in as pj tops.  I’m looking forward to getting to half way stage on Monday for the chemo, but just hoping the bloods are ok this time around, hopefully shoudl be as having the injections now too. I have to go in tomorrow for the blood test, I’m taking my daughter so she can see the chemo unit too. Hope you perk up a bit today, Im sure the pre-op nerves won’t help, that was a hard time for me, all the what ifs, I was actually glad when I finally got into the operating theatre and it was out of my hands, the relief was immense.

 

Michelle - hope the last chemo goes well… hurray for that part to be over one more thing to tick off the list isn’t it.   I haved 64 days left I think… :smileyfrustrated:

 

Its stlll so hot here, the wig has been throw off again… back to baldiness and loving the cooler head!

 

Enjoy the day ladies…

64 days is great Kip and it will come around sooner than you think!
So true about ticking things off!

Have a good weekend x

Hi all

Had a good few days but overdone it and feeling very tired this evening. My eyes are sore so using eye drops and my nose seems to be running more than usual!

Finding a bra sounds so frustrating Jean. I used to really struggle before my op to find anything that fitted so I understand why you’re feeling fed up.
I’m still in my post op bras from Amoena. I think their sizing is strange but after trying on a few I found one that is comfortable. I really do need to get some different ones now so all the suggestions are helpful.

Thanks for posting the article. I have decided I do not want an implant. I have been seriously considering going for a double mx with immediate tummy flap recon. mainly because I met a couple of acquaintances in the last couple of days who have friends that have had this surgery. They’re both delighted. One even said she had the body she always wanted with a tummy tuck and breast size she likes!. I’m hoping that now my surgeon and I know I have an allergy to certain dressings and the pre surgery cleaning solution chloro-prep I would have fewer problems with wound healing this time around. She’s planning on doing a number of pre-op allergy tests to check that there’s nothing else that might cause issues. I know it’s a one shot operation and accept that if it doesn’t work it doesn’t work. Still I’ve got plenty of time to decide.

Hugs to everyone xxx

Hi Cdc, I’ve had a runny nose throughout chemo, common SE of chemo and Herceptin, so I get a double whammy. As chemo has gone I have developed little cuts in one nostril. On cycle 5 they didn’t heal so have got a little tube of antibiotic cream from the oncologist and it’s healed in days. Just something to bear in mind, hopefully it won’t be as bad for you but thought I would mention my experience.
A double mx is a brave decision, do the NHS do thatbif you ask? A tummy tuck thrown in does sound ideal! How long is the recovery from that op and presumably the op itself takes a long time. Sorry for all of the questions don’t feel you have to answer x

Hi everyone, thanks for tips on nostrils and kind of reassuring you have the same CDC.  I’ll see what chemo unit say today and report back.  It seems you have got a good plan going forward cdc and glad you found the flat friends site interesting.  If out ofnthis nightmare you get both breast as you want and a great tummy then got to be a plus hey!  

Now got to get up and prepare for trip to the old hospital again… ground hog day!

Have a good day all Kip 

Putting a swipe of vaseliine up the nose helps catch pollen and makes it less runny. Also stops it getting sore from blowing.

I’ve had runny nose ( though my nose runs at anything, hot drinks, cold drinks, when I eat, hayfever) so just a bit more than normal. Not had the runny eyes though.

Hi Feenix thankfully worry gremlins not so bad today I think it’s the thought of chemo that’s makes it worse, at least half way now and just riding out the SEs now.  Do u have a date for surgery, i keep forgetting everyone’s status but I know it’s coming soon?  It’s so hot here in Suffolk and getting hotter as week progresses I think we had 33 degrees yesterday!  No sun for me though 

Fennix Hope your OK. Can’t really say anything that will take all the worry away but you are a strong and positive lady you will beat this I do think the Letrozole makes you feel very emotional as well. I’m on holiday at our place in Spain at the moment with the grandkids OH and daughter in law. We came away before I start Rads next week to celebrate my, 60 th but I have been so down and tearful I feel like I am spoiling everyone’s holiday. Doesn’t help that my daughter in law and I have had words. Oh well onwards and upwards as they say. Take care fingers crossed all goes well with the op best wishes Chris xx

Its all understandable Feenix, it’s a big deal you are allowed those meltdowns… but you’ll do it and come out the other side relieved , it’s been a long and hard wait for you hadn’t it.

Mcnlucc, sounds like a lovely break albeit punctuated with tears and bad words, i think we are allowed to be grumpy it’s a tough time don’t feel bad, just because you are on hols doesn’t stop the worries does it.  At least rads start soon and that’s another step off of the rollercoaster… big hugs xxxxx

Jean so sorry to hear you’ve been feeling emotional, it is so difficult having to deal with all of this and impossible to stay upbeat all of the time. In a couple of days you will be coming out the other side, a bit closer to being able to move on. All the best for the surgery xx

I am with you on the fear of the unknown Jean. I’m sure I will be the same when my surgery gets closer. A few cuts and grazes but all ok after my drain accident. I was most worried about infection.
This cycle has knocked me for 6, although I have still managed my walks aside from that I seem to have spent 3 days and nights asleep! Coming out of it now though so hopefully can start to feel ‘normal’ again soon. X

Thinking  of you feenix  xxx 

Hi Jean
I was just thinking of you and like Kip, wondering when you’ll have the next surgery. Totally understandable to feel emotional. Got everything crossed that surgery goes well and you get the best possible outcome. I managed to get away with my Mum overnight to a little town called Godalming, in Surrey. It’s so pretty and we had a great Italian meal at a family run restaurant. It’s great to have an appetite. Got a sore mouth again and I’m a little fatigued but apart from that I’m feeling pretty good. Desperately trying to keep those pesky worry gremlins at bay. Don’t want to spoil a good week thinking about chemo next Tuesday!! I’m going to say I don’t want to take any steroids at all because of the terrible psychological effect coming off them has on me. I’ve had depression in the past and there is NO WAY I’m going back there again!! I do know it means I’ll probably feel more nauseous and will start vomiting again but hoping the oncologist has some different medication up her sleeve that might help and I know these particuoarcSEs wear off by the following week.

On a positive note I managed to find a sort of crop top bra at M&Co. it’s not perfect, underneath seems to roll up a little because there’s no wire but at least I’ve got an alternative to the post-surgery bras. Will keep hinting for the perfect one tho’… Don’t want to spend too much as I’ll only need something else after my mastectomy later this year. I’m finding having BC expensive at times (travelling to hospital, scarves, appropriate underwear!!) but I’m not eligible for any benefits or charity help unfortunately.

I am thinking of you and sending hugs to you and all the other wonderful ladies I’ve met on here. Take care and all my very best wishes for your surgery and recovery. Xxx

Hi Cdc glad you are well apart from sore mouth.  Its weird I thought k would be feeling chipper as half way through chemo but actually don’t, was quite stressed pre chemo and a biit emotional still, having my period probably adding to hormonal feeling.  Having trouble getting my positivity back but going back to work tomorrow so hoping normality helps.  Seems like a good plan to try to lose the steroids if u can, i believe Emend is the anti sickness to ask for it u don’t have it already.  You get so many more steroids on Taxol regime, mine are glaring at me every time j open my bedside drawer … 8 a day for 3 days pre and post chemo then 4 a day for 3 days then none so a big a lump after that lot.  My nurse did say if I don’t feel too sick and have a big downer they will adjust them next time so I come off them slower… worth considering.  I can’t remember if you are having T next?  But worth sorting if you are.  

Take care ladies and if you are forum surfing Feenix sending big hugs for tomorrow xxx Kip 

Feenix sounds like you had a good appointment with oncologist today ?, great news low oncotype and low risk of needing rads - all good. Postponing op until next week sounds a good plan - keep us posted what you decide. Hope you are feeling a little less stressed today.
Today not at all what I expected - chemo yesterday, after 3 Fec it was 1st docetaxel- the side effects are a little more brutal. But today has surprised me?no swimmy head, no bone pain?managed 2 walks to foreshore to see the sea?- tomorrow may be different by today good?. Finished the dreaded large dose of steroids so fingers crossed no horrid down time.
Take care, big hugs Jem ??

Jean I am pleased you had such a good conversation with your surgeon, she sounds as though she really wants what is best for you which is great to hear. I hope my surgeon is as good. X
CDC and Kip I’ve been following your steroids conversation with interest. I’ve had my last chemo now but yes I’ve struggled with the steroids on T. I don’t have as many as you Kip, I take 8 a day for 3 days and that’s it, but that’s more than enough! I spent last night crying into my pillow because my OH was 15 mins late home! Of course it turned into I just want this all to be over crying. I’m expecting to be low today too, we’ll see. I know with FEC steroids are given as anti sickness but I’m sure my ONC said they are given for a different reason in T but Having the memory of a goldfish I can’t remember what.
The steroids also irritate my oseophagus causing reflux and making it very uncomfortable to swallow,
Sorry not a very positive post but thought I would just tell you about my experience, I hope you both cope ok xx

Thanks Kip, feeling low and still teary, I am just hoping I will feel more like myself again tomorrow. Its so horrible feeling this emotional.
I’m not sure I have felt the relief of finishing chemo yet. I’m worried that by saying I’m done it’s going to make me get an infection. As my daughter would say I don’t want to jinx it. I think once a get to day 14 I will relax a bit more although then it is on to surgery. I want it all to be over and done with but I don’t want to go through it all. I suppose we all think that though. Have you just had your first T? I hope it goes ok for you x