Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[lilac55]

Hi everyone,completed radiotherapy yesterday.Wanted to feel excited,relieved but didn't .Friends and family seemed to.Managed to have few glasses of champagne though.

Now it's time to try and find my new normal and prepare for return to work over next few weeks.

HOPE everyone is doing ok both physically and emotionally.Seems some are back at work,lots hair growth going on as well.can hardly see mine.Will be weeks before hats off.

Take care of yourselves July ladies. Hugs Gill

[sugar8]

Hi ladies. Hope you are well. Karen good luck with recommencing work. Like hbunny I never completely stopped.

Hi Wendy Hope you brains kickstarts into gear soon. Time will improve things as it's always hard to get into the swing of work after a break. 🙂

Karen My cold cap did not save all my hair in fact on hindsight, it was a waste of time and Wendy good and brave of you unveiling before your hair grew back longer. I wish I had your strength. I just hate to be center of attention or answer awkward questions. LOL

Cath take care and I bet you look swell. I saw a lady at my hosp appt this week whose hair had grown back quite nicely after 3 months but she's younger than me so that's probably the key 🙂

I'm really not too bothered, just impatient LOL. Wish we could post photos to compare LOL

love to all
Clare

[WP23]

Hi hbunny

I have been using products from the Dr Organic range (also available at Holland & Barratt) there is a shampoo and conditioner available as well as face creams, deodorant, shower gels etc..
I suppose it is your chance to raise any concerns you may have at your appointment with oncologist on Wednesday. Maybe ask for advice on what they think you should or should not be doing going forward..... it is difficult really isn't it??? It is so easy to be ushered in and out all too quickly from these appointments.

Hope all goes well.

Hope everyone is feeling well today x

[hbunny]

Hi lovely July ladies. Great to see everyone doing well and worrying over normal Things like hair.  I've just booked my first cut for the end of March, so will be wearing my trusty wig until then at least, longer at work probably but it will be lovely to have a decent choice.  Thanks for the tips re dye from Holland and Barratt, any suggestions re paraban and sulphate free shampoos etc?

Work sounds like it's hard work for many, I don't envy you the 1-5 hours commute Karen, half an hour is enough for me, however having worked throughout I can't really comment on getting going again, but can imagine how tough it is trying to pick up new processes after a long break and memory gaps.  I only cope by doing every day and writing continual lists. 

Next oncology appt Wednesday, any suggestions as to what to ask at this stage?

Look after yourselves, love and hugs, hbunny

[Karen2609]

Hi Wendy
Hope you enjoyed the second day of your course and that the travelling wasn't too tiring. Sounds like you made the right decision working 3 day week until April, I'm lucky in that I only do 3 days anyway and I am on a phased return. My Gp put on my certificate to work 10 - 2.30 but this honestly does me no favours at all so luckily work will let me get in at normal time and just leave a bit early. I think the travelling will be most tiring as I have an hour and half each way commute.
I am hoping to go back for couple of days then use up some of my leave before going back properly. Don't want to learn all the new practices just to forget them again.
Back to hospital next week to see Radiotherapist and then bone density scan in a couple of weeks. Also got 3 blood tests lined up over next few weeks, thought I'd seen the back of them for a while.

Hope everyone is keeping well
Love Karen x

[WP23]

Hi July ladies

Hope everyone is doing well and keeping warm in this cold weather.

Karen - I too went back to work when there had been restructures and a complete change of working practices. It wasn't easy - my team were getting to grips with it and I was having to ask for help continuously!! it just didn't feel right. I was on phased return and was up to my full 4 day contract by Christmas, but after having 5 weeks off over the festive season I spoke to my manager and agreed to go back down to 3 days until April. I found it took a long time for me to understand the new processes - I guess we don't use our brains the same way when we are off ill, and it takes some time to get back to some normality especially if you have a job that requires a lot of juggling and multi tasking.
Are you going back phased return? my advice would be to take it very slowly indeed and don't beet yourself up if everything doesn't fall into place quickly 🙂 good luck x

Claire - I haven't wore my wig since 22nd December, it was getting too uncomfortable. it was very hard at first as I jut felt like everyone was staring at me, (that was probably untrue). I think work was worse aswell, I hid in my office for days before venturing out around the building 🙂
I also got a dye from Holland & Barrett, they are very good and natural, I have gone dark for a change, been blond (out of a bottle) for 5 or 6 years, but I didn't think the blond looked right on very very short hair. Just have the problem of the grey roots to contend with now - oh the joys........ 🙂

Must dash - on 2 day training course 50 miles away from home 😞

Keep well everyone xx

[Karen2609]

Hi All

Cath, I'm definitely not looking forward to going back to work now that the time has come. I've been there a long time and was very comfortable there but there have been major changes whilst I've been off. Going back to new teams, new boss and different work practices so to say I'm apprehensive is putting it mildly! Hope you are doing ok?
Hi Clare, I cold capped so only wore my wig a couple of times so can't really help. One thing I have noticed though, I had my hair cut very short at the end of November and one side is definitely growing faster than the other. I've used a Holland & Barrett colour on it which made it feel much more 'me'. Good luck for when you do decide to go wigless.
Love Karen x

[CathC]

Hiya Clare,

I never started wearing my wig. Instead, I've used coloured hijab caps and scarves.

Like you, I've become used to them and it will feel really odd not to wear them.

I figure I have another month or so before my hair is long enough to go without a head covering. Oh, and until I get a good dye I ain't taking them off. LOL

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi Guys
I'm getting ready mentally to take off my wig so I've now bought a short cut wig for the next stage. I am really attached to my wigs and hope I don't become such a wig fan that I will not be able to make that jump when the time comes. LOL

what about you ladies and your wigs. i see that some are fed up of wearing one and I do get fed up at times but I won't leave home without it.

[sugar8]

Thanks Karen and Cath
Hugs
Clare

[CathC]

Karen, I too had a 'yucky' mouth for a good while after chemo finished. It became very dry, especially at night. In fact, it's only in the last few weeks that it's stopped waking me.

Are you looking forward to going back to work?

Clare, and everyone else awaiting reconstruction, sending you all massive hugs.

I'm 'lucky' in that I have no more surgery/treatment to face. I guess that's one of the perks of TNBC.

Hugs

Cath

[Karen2609]

Hi Clare

You're right different trusts do seem to have completely different procedures. To be honest, if I hadn't been reading this forum I would probably have been content with my treatment. I do feel that everyone else seems to have been part of a decision making process whereas I don't feel like I had a say. Never mind, what's done is done, I do envy you your cleavage though 😊
Love Karen x

[sugar8]

hi Karen I suppose different surgeons and health Trusts have varying policies. It also depends on the stage your cancer was at. My surgeon was very good and discussed all the options before my mastectomy. I felt that we jointly made the decision re implant. I wanted to opt for simple bilateral MX then diep as I was going to have rads that could damage the reconstruction. To my dismay when I spoke to onc they said I did not need rads. You can imagine my frustration!!

Anyway It's only cosmetic and I am pleased that I kept my cleavage during this healing journey.
You are right when you say it's early days. The months go by so quickly with all these hosp appts and treatment so 6 months will fly by soon 🙂

I understand how you are feeling deformed because even with my implant I feel abnormal and won't be flashing my boobs ever again. 🙂

Love
Clare

[Karen2609]

Hi Clare

I think I am due to have diep reconstruction although my surgeon has said he will not even discuss it for another 6 - 12 months, so by time that happens then get referred to Plastic surgeon and put onto waiting list looks like it could be couple of years away.
Like you I do find the constant reminder hard to deal with, I feel deformed and cannot even contemplate a summer holiday until after surgery. I have noticed on this forum that a lot of ladies who were unable to have immediate reconstruction like me have had temp expanders and wonder why I was never given this option. Don't get me wrong I'm grateful to the surgeon for saving my life but am a bit unhappy that when I was diagnosed he told me mastectomy followed by reconstruction 6 months after rads and now won't even discuss it and it appears 6 months was totally unrealistic.
Hope you are feeling a bit better today and that your implant settles down soon. As you say it's a permanent reminder but I suppose it is still early days considering this time last year most of us didn't even realise we had anything wrong.
Take care, love Karen x

[sugar8]

Good morning Cath, Karen, Gill, Flossie, hbunny, Horseslave and Slyolddog. Good to see some activity from us July ladies. Glad that we are all getting on with life as best as we can.

Cath unfortunately I cannot help as other than eating less food. my food tasted right about a week after I finished my chemo.

My silicone mastectomy implant unfortunately reminds me daily about my diagnosis and I do get tightening sometimes esp after taking my bra off and if I use the arm to pull myself up to a comfortable position. I then have to sit and massage the breast for a while. Annoying I know and like you it makes me wonder if I will ever be 100% normal or will stay at 95%. 😞 . It's normal to have down days still Cath after all we've been through. ((hugs))
Has anyone had or is going to have a diep reconstruction? Can you let me know how you are progressing?

Clare x

[sugar8]

Hi Slyolddog I saw that video. it was soooooo funny 

[Karen2609]

Hi all,
Cath, I'm on Letrozole but unfortunately this hasn't affected my appetite. My mouth feels permanently dry and 'yuck' not matter how much I drink but I'm not sure if this is down to Letrozole or a lingering Se from chemo.
I have managed to cut down on the amount I'm eating and lost a bit of weight, also managed to get on the treadmill for 5 days in a row so feeling pleased with myself. However I'm back to work week after next so will be more of an effort then.
Horseslave, good luck with the driving lessons I started driving late in life and will never learn to love it but has made such a difference to my life that I now don't know how I coped beforehand.
Lilac, glad to hear you are nearly finished with the rads.
Loving reading all the recent posts about puppies and holidays, it seems like we are all starting to get our lives back.
Hope everyone who has snow is wrapped up warm and cosy, nothing down here in Essex but I'm thankful no more cold capping in this weather!!
Take care, Karen x

[CathC]

Flossie - a trip to Hawaii is my dream holiday. Sooo jealous. Hope you enjoy every minute.

Good luck for your Oncologist appointment on the 25th.

Clare, my hubby is the same re travelling, especially abroad. I suppose we can't blame them for worrying.

Thanks for the article link, very interesting.

Slyolddog - I've heard Eurotunnel is good for travel insurance. I think there was a post on it here somewhere.

hbunny - how is the puppy doing now? Has he settled in any?

Horseslave, great news on getting the all clear from the doc. You have any dates for your surgery?

Good luck with the driving lessons.

Gill - Congrats on getting half-way through your rads. Won't be long now before you're finished.

Had no idea you could get gym sessions on prescription. Hope they help.

I see a lot of you ladies have mentioned not being able to eat, and are putting it down to letrozole.

I'm not on letrozole, but my appetite has definitely changed. I'm not as hungry as I used to be, things still don't taste right, and my stomach always feels heavy. Any one else feel the same way?

I'm also finding my op site sore. I need to massage it morning and night as it seems to have tightened a lot. I guess I'm feeling a little down as I thought I'd bounce back to where I was before quicker than this. 😞

Hope all you other lovely July ladies are doing well.

Hugs

Cath

[lilac55]

Good luck with learning to drive Horseslave.It will give you lots of freedom.

I am half way through rads.7 more to go. What a breeze compared with chemo!!

Have started going to the gym this week.My GP wrote a referral for me so get 20 sessions with trainer and programme on prescription. I pay reduced rate.Trying to get some strength in legs and reduce aching.

HOPE everyone else is well .hugs Gill

[Horseslave]

Hello my lovlies! Not forgotten any of you but been busy trying to get back into work! i'm on a phased return...
Got sort of all clear so far last week by doc , just a bit of plastic surgery to do. After chemo, pah! What a doddle!
Started learning to drive! Automatic car as I'm brainless and wouldn't cope with thise gear things....x

[hbunny]

Hi Slyoldog. Just a quick post. Yes you are right cancer cells are anaerobic, so an oxygenated environment is hostile and helps them to destroy themselves. Sounds good to me
Afraid the little fella cried for a couple of hours last night and was awake at 6.30am, but he seems to have made himself at home today and is currently snoring happily. Will seek out the Facebook video! Hugs hbunny

[Slyolddog]

Hi Flossie

My fingernails are awful too but I think I'm past caring. My toenails look ok though, either that or they're so far away I can't see them properly! Like you I'm also fed up with wearing a wig but I've just bought another in the same style but a slightly different colour, I'm not ready to do the 'grand reveal' yet, not at work anyway. I went to Hawaii for a week last February and I think you'll love it. The people are really friendly, the weather's fantastic and the beaches are wonderful. We stayed at the Disney accommodation on the west of Oahu as we have a disney timeshare. What would I recommend? Obviously number one is Pearl Harbour, if you're hiring a car I would suggest doing this under your own steam as you'll have more time to look around the exhibits. I would also suggest you take a drive up the east coast as this is where the surfers go and it's stunning. Honolulu is a high rise place with a coast, basically shopping in the sun. There are an awful lot of homeless people, apparently they come from other US states looking for work etc then don't go home when they can't find it. Can't think why!? You'll love Hawaii. Where are you flying via? We went via San Francisco but made the mistake of staying for one night on the way out, we should have just caught a connecting flight and slept on the plane. Our body clocks were all over the place.

Foodwise I'm also finding it a struggle to eat but I've put that down to the Anastrozole. Not that I mind, I've shed 5 pounds without even using the treadmill, which I really should get back using. I'm hoping to lose another 7 pounds before I go on holiday at the end of February. On that subject has anyone else tried getting travel insurance? I finally went with Saga as they quoted me £150.00 for a single trip which includes any treatment I might need in connection with my problem and cancellation costs if I need them. Considering we used to pay about £60 for both of us for an annual insurance its a bit of a hike but its worth paying (she said grudgingly!).

Hbunny - I'm going to look into the benefits of taking sulphur. Just one question, when you say it increases the oxygen levels which is no good for cancer cells do you mean they like it or they don't. I'm being a bit thick I know, I just want to be clear. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't take it if cancer cells liked it, I just need to be absolutely clear! Have you had much sleep with your new puppy??  I don't know if you do Facebook but there's a video doing the rounds of a mad dog running and jumping into ball pits while a schnauzer looks on quite confused.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the milder weather (well it is in the south).

[sugar8]

Hi July ladies found this interesting article for numb fingers and toes http://www.dana-farber.org/Health-Library/Alleviating-Peripheral-Neuropathy-Symptoms.aspx

Clare

[sugar8]

Hi Flossie
Glad to see you getting back to normal. Hawaii sounds like fun. Can't help with tips as I haven't been to that neck of the woods. Hols seem to be on hold for my hubby although I would like to travel soon but can't convince him to go. I think he's worried something might go wrong when we go abroad. We shall see. 😞

Like you my strength has come back ( about 95%) and I'm raring to go. My dog Baxter helps me to cope with it all. He's such fun.

My appetite is less now but that's because of the letrozole I am taking but I'm not complaining as my weight has decreased. I am aiming to get to 76kg. (my optimum BMI.

Hope your oncology appt in March goes well.

Love
Clare

[Candyflossie]

Thought I'll put a little post to say I do get to see your posts and I'm glad that everyone is trying to get back to normal or even doing things that they've put off before the diagnosis/treatment.

We too are doing the same, we went to the boat show in London last week although not having a boat or boating, but you never know...

Holiday was booked months ago, this year we are going to Hawaii for a fortnight, can't wait  if anyone has been, what tips do you have for me?

Not getting a puppy yet, my husband is a huge doglover but I freak out thinking about the mess they must leave behind and not ready to give in just yet.

Fingernails are looking horid, but kind of learnt to live with and eventually they'll grow properly. The hair isn't too bad, I've decided not to wear my wigs anymore, apart from work, but only for another week or two as I am totally fed up with the wigs by now.

I've started going to the gym and can see some of you did too, as my fitness levels were so low, gradually I seem to be getting my energy back, the only thing is heart rate is going up to 170 on quite a moderate exercise level.

Foodwise, the taste is fine, but don't seem to be in love with food as much as I used to be and hate it, I am eating as I feel hungry or need to make sure I keep onto my meals. Anyone else feels the same?

My oncologist appointment is on 25th March, not sure when my mamogram etc will be.

Take care and lots of hugs xxx

Flossie

[sugar8]

Cathy. I agree that last year was a bit of a blur especially during them chemo days. Glad that's all over.

hbunny, I bet Chaley has taken over the household already 🙂 Have fun.

[hbunny]

Hi ladies.  I can certainly tell when I don't take sulfur, though be careful not to take it with water with Corinne or fluoride as that will prevent absorption. It also increases the oxygen levels which is not good for cancer cells. Anyway Chaley has arrived and  taken over already, what  a joy.  Happy times.  Love hbunny

[CathC]

Hi Heather - so glad to hear the CT scan was clear. Hopefully, the occasional nausea will ease in time.

And nothing wrong with getting a little tipsy once in a while. I guess our bodies need to get used to alcohol again.

hbunny - thanks for the tip on the sulphur (MSM) hadn't heard about it before. Do you find it really helps the aches and pains? Must check it out.

Night sweats can be the worst. Mine have come back a bit since chemo, but nothing like they were when I first went through the menopause - or maybe I'm just used to them.

Did you get your new puppy today? Wish we could see a picture of him/her. Have you pickeda name yet?

Sugar, so glad to hear your heart scans are all fine. I agree that the more exercise you do the less our muscles ache. I'm trying to build up my time on the treadmill (still have my lazyitis days. lol) and once I'm on I feel so much better.

Good luck with the rest of your Herceptin injections.

Hard to believe we’re almost through the month of January – how time has flown. Let’s hope 2015 slows down a little so we can enjoy it. Don’t know about any of you, but last year was a bit of a blur.

Hugs

Cathy

[sugar8]

Shoes
Good to hear that your CT scan was clear and I do hope that your sickness and nausea resolves soon.
I get what you mean about getting back to normal. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will but I try not to wallow :-).

Well July ladies 2015 seems to be panning out better for us. Thanks for all the support last year.

Clare

[sugar8]

Hi hbunny
Wow. So pleased about your new baby. He must be coming home to you soon. What are you going to call him? What colour is he. Our's in salt and pepper. I am tempted to get another one but will wait till my treatments are over and my muscles are 100%.

He will be a joy and a lifeline. Definitely makes you focus on something else other than the big C. Keep me posted re pup's progress.

Interesting info re MSM. I must look into it as that might help the back pain I get due to arthritis. 

[sugar8]

Hi Cath
Hope you are well. I have 8 more Herceptin injections left

[sugar8]

Hi Wendy
I have to have 18 Herceptin injections. Had no 10 on the 14th Jan so last one on the 1st July. my heart scans are fine also (3 so far)

At first I had no side effects but now I've noticed that my muscles ache and I am very stiff when I wake up in the mornings but OK after about half an hour. I also notice that the more I exercise the less my muscles ache. Baxter's been a lifeline :-). My sciatica is still intermittently troublesome but less painful so that's a positive

[hbunny]

Hi everyone.  Heather so pleased your scans were clear, that must have been a huge relief and im sure the more space you put between you and treatment the better you will feel.

Slyoldog and Cath, have the same carpet look hair at present, longer at the sides but probably another couple of months until the top will be good enough for a cut, it's also looking grayer now it's a little longer.  Eyelashes however are still sparse,I'm jealous!  In relation to ongoing issues no tender boob but maybe that's because it was small to start (ha)  or it could have something to do with the sulfur, have to hunt for the scars now! Have to say the chemo arm is still painful at times waking me up with pins and needles, but I did have tennis elbow before so maybe it's just aggregated the nerve, however that doesn't bother me during the day funnily enough as long as I take the sulfur, might be worth a try for those suffering arthritis etc as a natural anti-inflammatory (might be better known as MSM) but much purer.  Hot flashes are my main problem mainly at night and especially if a glass of wine is involved.  Not back to mammogram visit until July and then onc visit 6 months after that.  Finally persuaded gp to do vit D test and full blood count next week which will be interesting to see the results.  Oh almost forgot the nails, now all and some toe nails coming away from the nail beds, but don't think I will loose them just feel weired and look horrid taking time to grow out.  

Hope everyone is feeling well.  2 sleeps to new puppy. Xxx hbunny

[shoes220]

Hi Everyone

sorry sorry that i have not been on for a while maybe that is good news  showing that i dont need the support so much that you all gave me over the last 6 months i could not have got through it with out your help i am sure.

Anyway update is that the CT scan on my brain lungs and pelvis was clear but i still have the occasional sickness and nausea. But i am sure it will get better.  All treatment is finished as with Tiple Neg there is nothing left to take. Seeing onc next month.  Trying to get back to normal but its a bit of a struggle but i am sure you all understand what i mean. Went to visit freinds the other week and had a drink opps a bit to much got tippsy [thats not normal for me ] lol.

Well catch up with you all again soon.

Take care Heather oh i am sharing my name now. xxxx

[CathC]

So lovely to hear from some of the July ladies. I've missed chatting with you all.

Slyolddog - great news that you're able to do site visits and get away from your desk for a while.

Like you, my eyelashes have grown back lush and thick, but also like you, my hair feels rather coarse and fuzzy, nothing like the soft curls I've heard others have produced.

I'm due to see my oncologist in March, but don’t' have a date yet. Not sure if the mammogram will be done then or later. I'm dreading it because my boob is also tender, especially around the WLE site. I need to massage it twice a day to stop what I think is cording and I'm back to practising my exercises as it pulls a lot if I try to lift my arm.

My BC nurse told me it can take anything up to a year for it to heal properly. 😞

Wendy - your April trip sounds like fun. I can think of nothing nicer than seeing old faces and new places. As for your rail trip in October...you got room for a little one in your suitcase? LOL

I think you made the right decision cutting your days down until you feel completely ready.

Wishing you good luck with your arthritis tests - it's no fun, but hopefully they'll get you on good tablets that will help with the pain.

Now that I've been off my AS medication for a while my aches and pains are starting to return with a vengeance. Had a meeting with my rheumatologist and because of my BC I won't be allowed to go back on my medication. *Sigh*

I don't intend to let that stop me and am really looking forward to the couple of night's away I've booked for Feb.

I hope all the other July ladies are doing well and staying healthy.

Hugs

Cath

[WP23]

Hi everyone

Time is marching by and we will all be coming up to that 1 year anniversary of finding lumps (mine 7th March), diagnosis (mine 2nd April), WLE (mine 14th April) and so it goes on .............. Personally I don't mind all of the check ups and appointments with oncologists etc it makes me feel like I am still in the system, hovering on the horizon scan of someone who will act if there is anything untoward.
The rest of the time, life goes on. Working my 4 day contract was proving a little too much so I have been back to OH and have reduced down to 3 days until end of April, when we will review again. I just find it really hard to get my brain to cope with a stressful demanding job now.
Syvia - I guess the one year mammogram will be in March/April for me, and yes my boob is still very tender, some days more than others, and my "good" boob likes to join in!!! an is also very tender on and off, I am putting this own to premature menopause from chemo.
I have been having trouble with hot flushes so my GP prescribed venlafaxine (an anti depressant to help with hot flushes) but they didn't agree with me at all so only took 3 of them, I couldn't keep my eyes open they made me so drowsy. I am also having tests for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as my joints are really bad.
As for YOLO 🙂 we have just had a great weekend in Chester, what a gorgeous place and full of lovely people, will certainly be going back. We are also going on a roadtrip around the UK for 2 weeks in April, stopping off at lots of lovely places and calling in on friends and family on the way, cant wait as we have lots of things planned, visiting national trust properties, taking in shows, boat trips etc...... :). Then we are hoping to go on a rail trip through France and Italy in October, starting with a champagne reception at St Pancras in London.

Hope everyone is feeling very well, and life is returning to some normality.

Wendy x

[Slyolddog]

Evening everyone, I hope everyone's well, not too cold and not too much snow.

I haven't posted for a while as nothing much is doing at the moment, which is probably good news. Working 16 hours at work this week over 3 days which is OK. The OH doctor has now allowed me away from my desk and as such I'm able to do site visits, which is great, I'm not keen on sitting at a desk all day.

The cording in my arm appears to have gone, it's just in my armpit now which is weird but not too bad. Hair is thickening but not particularly long, it feels very coarse and lays in a mat, a bit like fuzzy felt! Eyelashes are fabulous, better than they've been in years, I guess because they've all grown in at the same time which makes them quite thick. The down side of this is all the other body and face hair is also sprouting so I can play the lead in the remake of Carry on Screaming!!

I see some of you are having significant birthdays this year, that gives you something to look forward to. The YOLO attitude appears to be affecting us all, and why not. Whatever you're planning make it exactly how you want it so you don't have regrets. And how many new puppies are out there, that's something I'm jealous of for sure. How are they all settling in? It's a shame you can't post photos on here, it would be nice to see pictures.

Is anyone due to see their oncologist soon, or have their one year mammogram? I'm dreading it personally, apart form the possibility of what might be found my boob is still a bit tender in the location of the op/lump. Anyone else had a WLE and still sore? How long is normal for recovery??

 Kerry - I can only echo Cath's advice, its the unknown about chemo which is the main worry, the reality is not so bad and it's definitely doable. Obviously its different for everyone, some get more side effects than others, but they do subside in time. Just roll with it, rest up when you need to, eat whatever tastes good to you and make sure you enjoy your good weeks.

Have a good week everyone,

Sylvia   

[CathC]

---

@kessel wrote:
Hi I've just been diagnosed with er+ her+ and start chemo on 22nd you seem to have put a number of postings on and wondered if you have any advice for me?
Thanks
Kerry

---

Hi, Kerry

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

I see you're starting chemo next week and I know what a scary time that can be. There are lots of threads about chemo - helpful lists of what may help you through. There should also be a January thread for anyone starting chemo in January, where you'll meet people going through the same thing as you are now.

The best advice I have, although it's not easy to take, is try not to panic. Chemo is doable. It may not be nice but it doesn't last forever. I know it's mostly the fear of the unknown so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. We're all here to help one another.

Good luck for the 22nd.

Hugs

Cath

[CathC]

Karen, glad to know I'm not alone, re taste, although I'm sorry you're suffering the same SE.

Your posh night for your 50th sounds lovely, especially the fancy car. Hope you enjoy.

Gill, wishing you a very happy birthday for the 15th. Enjoy the champers and family visit.

Sorry to hear you're having problems with your fingers and toes. Did you go to the gym to see if it helped?

hbunny - congrats on the new pup. Bet you can't wait to pick him up.

Hope all the other July ladies are doing well.

Hugs

Cath

[hbunny]

Hi sugar.  Just had to post to let you know I just couldn't wait any longer and we  bought ourselves a beautiful schnauzer pup today (see what you did!) Will be picking him up in 2 weeks as he's only 6 weeks, so excited.  Just decided YOLO and what's the point putting it off.  How's Baxter?  Hbunny

[kessel]

Hi I've just been diagnosed with er+ her+ and start chemo on 22nd you seem to have put a number of postings on and wondered if you have any advice for me?
Thanks
Kerry

[lilac55]

Hi everyone, I celebrate my 60 th on 15th Feb.I will be drinking champagne with friends and family on the Sat 14th evening then family lunch on the Sunday.I have 3 older brothers who are all coming for weekend,one lives in Spain !! .It's also end of active treatment for me as rads finish on the 6th.In March 14 girl friends are staying in beautiful manor house for 3 nights.YOLO.

On the down side I am still having side effects from tax,leg pains which stop me doing things, also numb fingers and toes..Trying to stay positive but concerned they may not resolve.had couple of down days.,Saw GP and having referral to gym to see if can get some strength back in legs and arms.you get reduced rate and personnel trainer.

 Time to get out of my bed before husband returns from walking our boisterous lab retriever Poppy

HOPE everyone has good week.hugs Gill

[Karen2609]

Cath, my taste isn't completely back yet either. It seems like my mouth is going to be the last thing to get back to normal, it feels permanently dry but at the same time I apoear to keep dribbling from the corners of my mouth!!
Thanks for the tip about hair colour, Wendy. After reading your post I brought some from Holland & Barrett and am actually doing the sensitivity test for the first time!
Sounds like there's a few of us hitting the big 50 this year, we've booked a posh night away in lovely hotel in March. Hubby wants to hire a fancy car to get there and as my daughter and a couple of you have said YOLO. We are going to Stratford on Avon so I really want to visit Warwick Castle ( reading too much Phillipa Gregory) but he's not too keen.
Hope everyone is doing well, I have been making a conscious effort recently to step away from the forum. I will still keep an eye on our thread and want to know how everyone is getting on but feel that now active treatment has finished I need to stop using it so much as a crutch. I will always be grateful to this forum and all the ladies who have posted for getting me through chemo, I sm due to work next month and don't want to be defined as a cancer patient. I want my old life back but will always appreciate the friends I have made of this forum.
I do hope everyone continues to post, however infrequently just so we know we are all ok.
Much love, Karen x

[CathC]

---

@WP23 wrote:
Hi Cath
My echo went fine thanks, only slight changes so carrying on with the Herceptin. The hair dye from Holland & Barret is Naturtint and is very good, covered well and 100% of my new hair was grey and white.
hope everyone is well.
Wendy x

---

Hi Wendy, glad to hear the echo went okay, and thanks for the name of the dye. I have some black showing through but it's liberally spaced with white now. On the plus side...my eyelashes are back! They seemed to have grown overnight. Went to put on mascara today and couldn't believe it. Lol.

I'm still having problems with taste. Is anyone else? Mine hasn't come back completely yet.

Hope all the other July ladies are doing well.

Hugs

Cath

[WP23]

Hi Cath
My echo went fine thanks, only slight changes so carrying on with the Herceptin. The hair dye from Holland & Barret is Naturtint and is very good, covered well and 100% of my new hair was grey and white.
hope everyone is well.
Wendy x

[CathC]

JuSt - your holiday sounds amazing, really different. I hope you enjoy your big day.

I hit the big 5-0 next year and would love to do something similar.

I'm with you re the YOLO and the money. It could get expensive, but then again, there are tons of things I still want to do that don't cost a fortune. (Not as many as do cost a bundle alas. LOL)

Wendy - good luck with your 2nd heart echo today, hope it went well.

I must look out for that natural dye - I doubt I'll be able to wait the 4/6 months they recommend otherwise.

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[WP23]

hi Just

Go you, sounds like a wonderful trip, enjoy your big day, you definitely deserve it.

I am certainly thinking the same way as you and many of us, live for today, enjoy every minute.

My hair is slowly growing and I have put a natural dye on it from Holland & Barret, so starting to feel more human, I didn't lose all of my eyebrows and lashes they just thinned out but eyebrows have started growing in very bushy!!!!! and having to shave legs on a daily basis, there is always something isn't there!?! lol

Hope everyone is well, I have my 2nd heart echo today and 5th Herceptin on 19th Jan 🙂

Take care everyone

Love to all

Wendy x

[JuSt]

Hi Flossie & Cath,

I'm with you on the 'doing more' side of things. Got my big 5-0 coming up next weekend and hubby is whisking me away to the sun a week Thursday - can't wait for some warmth. We've decided to do something different from our norm so have booked to stay on a small boat and hired a convertible car. I think our favourite saying at the moment is YOLO (you only live once, if anyone is not familiar with it) but we might have to reign it in a little as it could get very expensive to keep doing everything because of YOLO! Still, I intend enjoying it for a little while first.

I'm sure my hair is still growing but it's hard to notice a difference now it is slightly longer, unlike going from bald to fluffy-head. Seems very slow.  Definite movement in the eyebrows and lashes department though - although like you, Cath, they didn't seem very even at first. I actually cut a few longer ones off instead of plucking them but not sure that was a good idea!!

Hope everyone is doing well,

Hugs,

JuSt
x

[CathC]

Hi JuSt, glad to hear things are going well with you.

Flossie - Your New Year sounds fab, and I don't think you went overboard at all. I have a feeling all our priorities have changed. It's hard to go through what we have and not change. I know hubby and I intend to do more this year, stop putting things off. I've already book a couple of days away for my birthday in Feb - somewhere I've always wanted to go. I'm feeling quite proud of myself. lol

My hair is growing back too. Still too short on top to do anything with so I'm still wearing my  scarves. Eyebrows and eyelashes are also returning. Eyebrows are a bit bushy in places and non-existent in others, but it seems wrong somehow to pluck them. (That will change pretty quickly, I'm guessing. LOL)

Hugs to all

Cath

[Candyflossie]

Happy New Year to all of you brave ladies !!!

It has been a different year end for our family, went over board this year and spent lots of relaxing time over Christmas, as well as lots of money oops 

For New Year we booked a Hilton in London and went to watch the fireworks and did not have a care in the world, very unusual, as we normally do a low key at home type of thing and fall asleep way too early.

Triple negative has its worries, but let's not let it drag us down, as my hubby says, we'll cross that bridge whe we come to it and pray to God that never will 

On a good note, like some of you, eyelashes and eyebrows are coming back which will help us looking human again and hair is growing slowly, still too fluffy to expose, or it's just me being too vain...

I am fedup with wigs, I have three now, two of which have seen better days, they tend to tangle at the back,  just want some normal hair

Love and hugs,

Flossie