Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[Candyflossie]

Great to see this thread is still active, life surely goes on I hope for all of us.

We have now aquired a puppy (Rhodesian Ridgeback female) her name is Nala and it is a different type of life having a dog. I am sure a lot of you can relate.

But good to see some of the veterans o this thread.

Not long left to our 5 year anniversary, which for triple negative means a fantastic prognosis, so it would be fab to get there unscaved  

Take care everyone

Flossie

[lilac55]

 Cath mine was the chemo. I am like you with triple negative so no meds.

Sylvie like the idea blood flow to head would help..I tried expensive shampoo,conditioner but no difference.

When I had my retirement party wanted pink hair .spent over 3 hours at hairdressers she dyed it twice but didn't take  and just washed out ..

HOPE your grows back once meds have stopped xx

[Slyolddog]

And got not git!!

[Slyolddog]

‘don’. D’oh!

[Slyolddog]

Thanks Cath. I don’t want to sound like a whinge bucket but I do feel the hair loss is very noticeable but friends say my hair looks good. I guess we’re all hard on ourselves. I had my hair cut today and the hairdresser put so much product in it it’s so thick. Perhaps I need to get the hang of hair products, which I dislike. 😩 Gill, funny enough when I was walking to the hairdresser I thought about shaving it all off, how weird is that!

Clare, one if the reasons I decided to try running was to increase blood flow to my head to help my hair. I thought maybe if I got more active that would make a difference. If nothing else it will help my general health so it’s a win win. I’m not ready to din wigs again, I really hated that. 🙁

Lovely warm day here, started wet, git warm and sunny now the clouds are rolling back in. Oh well. Off out to watch a bit of am dram. Xx

[CathC]

Gill and Slyvia - so sorry to hear your hair hasn't grown back properly. Is that a side effect of the medication you're both taking?

Losing your hair is one of the most personally devastating things about cancer - even when you know your life is on the line, going bald is tough. It growing back is how we feel 'normal' again. For you both it must be a constant reminder.

Huge hugs to you both.

Cath

[lilac55]

Sylvia I feel it's so visible but friends and family keep saying WOW it's growng,it's looking thicker. Am thinking of head shave again .not sure it encourages growth though. .Feel for you .xx

[sugar8]

Hi Sylvie glad to see you starting exercising. B4 you know it you'll be feeing fitter. Just take it slow and alwsys listen to your body.

Sorry about your wispy hair Gill and Sylvie. Have you thought about using wigs? There are lovely natural looking ones available.

BTW Hairdresser always told me that exercising makes your hair grow. Maybe she is right?? Maybe not evidenced based.

Well all my love
Clare

[Slyolddog]

Baby hair, me too. 👶 I do appreciate that I made it through where others haven’t, if it was a fact that your hair recovers when you stop the medication I’d just put up with it, but I know that it might not. Some loss I can take but I don’t want to end up looking like my dad!! 👴🏻👴🏻 Xx

[lilac55]

I can fully understand about your hair. Sadly ( for me ) my thick hair has never grown back .I have this whispy baby hair with my scalp peering through.I hate it but tell myself I am alive which I should be grateful for.

I never realised during chemo It was a possibility. I try not to dwell on it xx

[Slyolddog]

Hi ladies

Glad to see people doing well, retiring running, drinking and eating. Just started doing couch to 5k, very early days (week 2) but I’ll stick with it. I’m not aiming for marathons, frankly if I can run for 10 minutes without needing a paramedic that will be an achievement.

All is well except for my hair. 4 years of Anastrozole are taking their toll, I have an appointment with the hospital for a chat. I feel a bit vain but hair is important to me. I want to stop the meds but the BC nurse was encouraging me to stick with it for at least the whole 5 years, possibly 10. Really not keen on extending.

Cath, I would find it very reassuring to be kept on by the hospital for longer than expected.

Autumns here, the weather is unseasonably warm, the trees are stunning and I’m off work tomorrow. Have a lovely weekend all. Xx

[sugar8]

Hi Cath and Gill. Good morning and what a lovely morning it is!!
I am in the park enjoying the weather with 2 dogs. What a positive difference cancer makes to my life. ##Enjoylife##.
Take care
Love
Clare

[CathC]

Clare - great news on the being picked for the London marathon. And your Dexa scan. 🙂

Gill - I didn't realise that my mammograms would move to 3 yearly! Yikes! Wouldn't really be happy with that considering they've put me the high-risk category. I thought they were just changing me to my local hospital. Doubly glad now they're keeping me on.

Enjoy your walking group - I love walking in the rain, there's never too many people about - for obvious reasons.

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[lilac55]

Wow Clare . London marathon,congratulations.so many people apply each year so well done for selection.

Exercise is so good for physical and mental wellbeing.

Good news your bones are ok.xxx

Cath. Pleased that you are staying with same consultant and having yearly mammogram till 60.

I feel that skip from yearly to routine 3 yearly is a big step for anyone who has had breast cancer.

It's walking group this morning ( in the pouring rain!!)so need to get sorted. 

Hugs Gill

[sugar8]

Hi Gill. I am fine. Busy training to maintain my running and health. Berlin Marathon when ok. Completed in 5hrs 52mins. I was aiming for 5hrs.
I have been so lucky to be picked out of the ballot for the London Marathon . So happy.
I had a Dexa scan in Sept which was normal so the letrozole isn't affecting my bones. Good news.

Hello Cath great to know you are in good hands with the hospital

Take care
Love
Clare

[CathC]

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@lilac55 wrote:

Hi everyone. 

It's been very quiet on here so just wanted to check in and make sure everyone ok ? 

Life in Cornwall is busy. Getting use to Dave being home everyday . There is a freedom with both of us not working. Have just returned from Bristol and Oxford spending time with family drinking and eating too much !! 

Love to you all Gill xx

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Hi Gill,

Hoping quiet means everyone is okay. 

Retirement seems to be suiting you and Dave. I like the idea of spending time with family - and eating and drinking too much - my fav pastimes. 🙂

Alls well here, settling into autumn, although it's still warmish here. Received a letter from my surgeon that rather than stopping my yearly mammos (and putting me back to my local hospital) they're going to continue reviewing me until I'm 60. Relieved at that. I'd much rather stay where I am, where they know me - and my boobs. 🙂

Sending huge hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[lilac55]

Hi everyone. 

It's been very quiet on here so just wanted to check in and make sure everyone ok ? 

Life in Cornwall is busy. Getting use to Dave being home everyday . There is a freedom with both of us not working. Have just returned from Bristol and Oxford spending time with family drinking and eating too much !! 

Love to you all Gill xx

[Karen2609]

Hi Gill, Cath, Clare and Sylvia

Thank you all for your supportive comments and advice. I will email my consultant, Gill, why did I not think of that!!
Sylvia, I think I am probably the only person who doesn’t want to come off Letrozole or similar, I have been lucky to not really have any side effects and was told by my previous onc he would keep me on it for life if he could. Seems like I’m lucky to still have onc appointments though.

Thanks again, reading your comments has made me feel better
Hugs
Karen

[Slyolddog]

Hi Karen, I’ve just read your comments about letrozole. Funny enough I’ve been looking at another forum about stopping anastrozole early. I’m due to stop next year but would love to stop sooner. I believe the two drugs have the same purpose. There has been a recent post in that thread about the percentages involved depending on how long it’s taken. I have to admit I haven’t read it yet, it’s a long post.

Most women on that thread seem to want to stop taking the medication but are worried what will happen when they do. I know I’m in that camp. My biggest worry is that my body will start ramping up hormones again with the potential threat that can bring. I think it’s a great idea to email your onc. Down here they sign you off after 3 years so I don’t get to see one routinely any more, I’m sure I could get an appointment though if I asked. I hope you find the answers you’re looking for soon, if it works for you and it eases your mind it’s definitely worth pursuing.

[sugar8]

Karen sorry your appt was disappointing. Personally I was never happy with my oncologist and I always came away from them feeling low so I asked to be referred back to my GP. I only see the breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon.

Gill is right about emailing your consultant for clarification. Hope your next appt is more positive.
Love
Clare

[lilac55]

Karen. It sounds like you are left with unanswered questions.Contact the consultant by email and ask .explain how you feel. Phone hospital ask to speak to his secretary for his email.People do this all the time.

It is always after appointment that I think why didn't I ask this.?

Hugs Gill xx

[CathC]

Karen, I'm so sorry you had such a disappointing visit this time. I do understand how you feel like Letrozole is your crutch, so it must be a blow to know you won't be on it for as long as you hoped.

Here's hoping you get a nicer consultant next time.

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

I can’t believe it will be our 5 year anniversary next year, that time has gone so quickly!
I had latest oncologist visit in the week, unfortunately my consultant has changed and I will now only be on Letrozole for a total of 5 years whereas my previous consultant who I loved had told me it would be at least 10 years. I know not everyone gets on with Letrozole but it has been my crutch and I don’t feel ready to lose it anytime soon.
The oncologist also told me I’m at ‘moderate risk’ I was still trying to take in what he told me previously that I didn’t ask what of ...recurrence? spread?. I suppose nothing has really changed but I’m used to coming away feeling reassured. Fingers crossed I will have a different consultant next time!!

[CathC]

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@sugar8 wrote:
BTW the Carnival went well. If you Google it you might see me on the truck. The W.I with twists curls

Clare

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Clare - I googled the carnival, and although I'm not sure I saw your truck, the pics are amazing! What a crowd. Looks like a fun event.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

BTW the Carnival went well. If you Google it you might see me on the truck. The W.I with twists curls

Clare

[sugar8]

Great to see that positive friendships was made from such a negative disease. You all look so happy lovewine.
Yes Gill can't wait to meet. the July 14 ladies.
Cath. Sometimes it takes time for news to sink in. Both good and bad.
Love to all x x
Clare

[CathC]

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@lilac55 wrote:

 That will be US next year ladies. Xx

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Whoo hoo! Getting close now. 🙂

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[lilac55]

 That will be US next year ladies. Xx

[CathC]

Don't you all look so happy!

So nice to put a face to the name, lovewine (and what a great name. lol)

[Lovewine]

Cath, this is us April 2014 ladies , we met up again in Oxford this year, first year was London, then Bristol, last year Oxford too, it is lovely to meet up once a year, we have  become friends . ( I am the second lady on the left!)  Have a nice weekend 😊.

[Lovewine]

[CathC]

Lovewine - how amazing that you've all met up. We have talked about it, hopefully arranging it for our 5-year mark. It would be nice to put faces to names after all this time. 🙂

Thanks again for the good wishes.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

Clare - playing steelpan in a Carnival sounds amazing! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Sylvie, Julie & Karen - I definitely had a big glass of something last night accompanied by lots of chocolate. lol Strangely, though, the relief is only really setting in today. I was so geared up for bad news that the good news has taken me by surprise. 🙂

Gill - you're so right, life is fragile and it's meant to be enjoyed. I intend to enjoy every sec. 🙂

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[lilac55]

Morning Cath. What brilliant news.xxx Now you can get on living  your life to the full..it seems s fragile at times..

Hugs Gill xx

[Lovewine]

Hi Cath , I am one of the ladies from the April 2014 thread , so have followed your July thread at times .
It seems the April and July ladies from that year are still very active on the forum !
We met up for the 4th year last week and it was lovely to see the other ladies again .
Take care and once again it is so nice to hear good news ! X

[JuSt]

Great news Cath!! Whoo hoo indeed! So pleased for you - you should defo celebrate tonight xxx

[Karen2609]

Fantastic news Cath, I’m so pleased for you. Think a very large glass of wine and slice of cake are in order this evening 😜
Have a lovely evening, I imagine you will sleep better than the rest of the week tonight xx

[Slyolddog]

Fantastic news Cath, so pleased for you, you must be so relieved. Have a huge glass of something tonight in celebration! I’m going to have to google the other news, if it shows an increased risk recurrence it’s not good but it is good that it’s been picked up. Keep us posted won’t you.

Have a wonderful weekend. Xx

[sugar8]

Cath I just saw your feedback .couldn't see it b4. A glitch in the system I suppose. I am so pleased that the results were positive and not cancerous.
Feeling happy for you now.
Love
Clare

[sugar8]

Cath How are you today? How r you coping emotionally ? When will you get feedback about your tests?
Just to say I will be in Manchester playing steelpan in the Carnival this weekend. So excited.
Big hug
Clare

[CathC]

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@Lovewine wrote:
Sorry to gatecrash cath , I accidentally read your post last week and have been checking back to see if you had any news - I am so relieved for you , what a worrying couple of weeks to say the least for you , am so pleased the biopsy was clear !

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No need to apologise, Lovewine. Thanks for checking in. All good thoughts are appreciated. 🙂

Are you on the cancer journey?

Hugs

Cath

[Lovewine]

Sorry to gatecrash cath , I accidentally read your post last week and have been checking back to see if you had any news - I am so relieved for you , what a worrying couple of weeks to say the least for you , am so pleased the biopsy was clear !

[CathC]

Hi Ladies,

I'm not long back from the hospital where I got the all clear - the biopsy wasn't cancerous. Whoo hoo! I will have to go back because seemingly I have atypical lobular hyperplasia, which I think just means I'm at a very high risk for reoccurrence. They want to chat to my original consultant and see what he wants to do - both now and for the future. 

Such a relief!

Thanks so much for all the positive thoughts and prayers, ladies. They were very much appreciated. It was nice to know I wasn’t alone while I was waiting.

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[Slyolddog]

Good luck Cath, we’re all thinking of you. 😘😘

[Karen2609]

Good luck today Cath, sending big hugs xx

[CathC]

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@Karen2609 wrote:
We are all here for you if you need us Cath. Good news from Gill about calcifications, nothing beats reassurance from someone who has experience!
Hugs

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Thanks, Karen.

And yes, it was great to hear from Gill that calcifications are quite common.  Trying to put it out of my mind now. Will let you all know what happens on Thursday.

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

We are all here for you if you need us Cath. Good news from Gill about calcifications, nothing beats reassurance from someone who has experience!
Hugs

[CathC]

Clare - thanks for the positive vibes and finger crossing. 

Karen - I intend to fill my weekend with lovely things

Julie - Thanks for the positive vibes and the big, squishy hug.

Silvie - lol on the hoovering, but keep those fingers (legs...eye crossed for me.)

Gill - thanks for letting me know that calcifications aren't always serious. I've been afraid to google because as we all know a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. 

Ladies, I'm so very touched by all your posts. I don't want to tell anyone here about this, but I needed to share my worries with someone and you've all be great. I really appreciate the support while I wait.

Big hugs

Cath