Anyone due to start their chemo July 2014

[sugar8]

Karen... Thinking about you and your dad. Hope his medication is keeping him pain free

[sugar8]

Wow Wow

So everyone off travelling. Good news and we are keeping up with the old cliche. re life goes on. Yippee!

Had to put my trip to Malta off because it clashed wth my reconstruction op but as soon as I can I will be travelling. A friend asked me to go to Miami in April and if I am mobile I shall definitely be going.  I am  Still doing lots of ladies lunches to keep me occupied and walking the dog to keep my weight down. Continue to work one day weekly and enjoying it.

Have fun ladies and thank you for your good wishes for today x x

Slyolddog... love yor sense of humour. 

Cath you certainly have a brain.. you've been the brains behind this thread...and kept it going. Thank you. 

love

Clare

[WP23]

Good luck today Claire

Hope all goes well x

Im off to Australia and New Zealand ladies, very excited :):):)

Wendy

[CathC]

Clare - Sending big hugs for the 11th. Feels like we spent half our life waiting, either for appointments or results.

I'm with you re keeping upbeat. I'm an optimistic person - I'd rather laugh my way through life than sit in doom and gloom. And you're right, it does help me get through the days.

Slyolddog - had to laugh at your Hubble telescope joke. I, too, will be happy if they even find a brain when they do the scan. lol No word on a date for it yet, but hey ho, I'm going to forget about it until  then.

Florida sounds lovely. I hope you have a fab time.

I'm actually going away too. Hubs booked a 12-day Italy/Spain cruise for my 50th - we go on the 16th March. I can't wait!

My insurance wasn't as bad as I thought either. We paid the usual £70 for the trip. And by usual I mean what most people would pay before going into medical details. Adding on my AS and the cancer, plus hubby’s asthma cost another £69.60 (£52.80 for me and £16.80 for hubs) So £139.60.

It does annoy me, though, that I'm penalised for having had cancer, even though I'm not having any more treatment. Ghrrr.

Anyway, small price to pay to get away for a few days. roll on March.

Hugs

Cath

[Slyolddog]

Cath - it goes without saying but keep us all posted with your brain scan. They'd need the Hubble telescope to find mine!

Wendy - I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I know I'm not the only one who always had that fear at the back of their mind. I don't think people who haven't had cancer really understand it. Have a great time on your trip, I wish I was back in Oz. 😕

I just bought my insurance today for my trip to Florida in may. I was expecting it to be nearly £500 as that was what Saga quoted me back in November but since they they've reviewed their policy on some cancers so I've got a years cover for about £250. Not as cheap as it used to be but I think it's a bargain. Finally something improves.

Have a great weekend ladies. 😛

[sugar8]

Hi Wendy -So sorry to hear about your friend metastasis......It must be extra worrying for you as it's so close to home. I can understand how you feel. A neighbour of mine died from leukemia recently and that really jogged my reality and made me feel more vulnerable. Although I feel fine there is always the background worrying no matter how much I try to ignore and move on. Enjoy your holiday . 

On the 11th I am having a mole removed to send off for histology ... as taking no chances. Like Cath said oh for ths pre cancer days. I used to feel really ageless and suddenly I feel old and I am not liking it 

Karen - My thoughts and prayers are always with you and your dad. Enjoy every moment with him. 

Cath- Hope your Brain scan goes well. Try to keep upbeat. It's hard but it helps me to get thro the days. 

Love

Clare

[CathC]

Karen - still keeping your dad and your family in my prayers. I hope you've managed to get him home.

Wendy - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's odd how once person can respond well to treatment and another not. 😞

Hopefully, your holiday will take your mind off things. Enjoy every minute. I would love to see Australia and New Zealand - they're supposed to be beautiful. Do you have family there?

I was at an ENT specialist a couple of weeks back to check on my lack of smell. He gave me steroid drops for my nose, but he's also booked me in for a brain scan! I know the odds of this being brain cancer are slim, but I have to admit I'm a bit worried. 😞

I hate how cancer, or rather the fear of cancer can take over your life. Would be lovely to go back to a pre-cancer time. *sigh*

Hugs to all the July ladies.

Cath

[WP23]

Hi Karen

I am so sorry to hear of your dads illness, I hope you can get him home where he will be more comfortable in familiar surroundings.

I haven't been on the forum for a while as I have became disillusioned by cancer and its aftermath. A good friend diagnosed at the same time as me with same cancer HER2 has had an awful time and the cancer is now in her lungs and bones, it is just so sad.

I hope everyone is doing ok and moving on, Cath I hope you are enjoying that little grandchild 🙂

We are off to Australia and New Zealand for 3 weeks next week 🙂 cant wait, so excited, really looking forward to getting away.

It will be 2 years since I found my lump the weekend we get back, in some ways I don't know where time has gone, in others it feels just like yesterday.

Take care all

Wendy x

[Karen2609]

Thank you all for your kind wishes and prayers for my Dad, they are much appreciated.
Hope you are all doing well
Hugs
Karen x

[sugar8]

Karen

So sorry to hear the news about your dad. Hope you can get him home quickly so he's surrounded by his family. BIG hugs

Clare

[CathC]

---

@hbunny wrote:

Hope everyone else is doing well - still fighting for internet here, another 2 weeks to go, fingers crossed.

Love to all. Xx hbunny

---

hbunny - keeping my fingers crossed for your internet. Can't imagine life without it.

[JuSt]

Karen, sorry to hear about your dad.  Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie

x

[hbunny]

Karen, what more can I say that hasn't already been said.  I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad's illness, I do hope you can have him home and have a peaceful time in your own home.  Please look after yourself as well as everyone e else around you - lean on whoever you can. Hugs aren't enough but sending them anyway.

Hope everyone else is doing well - still fighting for internet here, another 2 weeks to go, fingers crossed.

Love to all. Xx hbunny

[lilac55]

Hi Karen, so sorry to hear the sad news about your dad. I hope you are able to get him home quickly so he can be resting peacefully with you there.Have you other family nearby? Sending you love and hugs Gill x

[Karen2609]

Thank you, Slyolddog much appreciated xx

[Slyolddog]

Karen I'm so sorry to hear your news about your dad. Like Cath says it's good that you are able to bring him home to be surrounded by family. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. You take care. Xx

[Karen2609]

Thanks Cath x

[CathC]

Oh, Karen! I'm so very sorry to hear that.

I hope you're able to get him home. I know it was a comfort to my dad that he got to spend his final days at home with us.

Sending you (and your family) massive hugs.

Cath.

[Karen2609]

Bad news I'm afraid, Cath. The cancer has also spread to his liver and lungs. All they can do is try and make him comfortable so we are trying to arrange for him to come home and have palliative care there.
Thanks to you and Clare for your good wishes and prayers, much appreciated. Hope all is well with you

Xxx

[CathC]

Karen - just checking in to see if there's any more word on your dad.

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi Karen and Cath

Good morning. 

Karen.... So sorry to hear about your dad's scan results. So stressful and worrying for all the family . Big Hugs. Hope you get to move him to a more appropriate hospital soon. 

Cath ... Have a great day x x

talk again soon

Clare

[CathC]

Clare - Baxter sounds just like my dog, Dex - he loves to get onto our bed, too. lol

Congrats on getting your date. Will be thinking of you on the 25th.

And YAY for you son, runing the London for Cancer Research marathon. Wishing him all the luck in the world.

Karen - I'm so sorry to hear your dad's results weren't good. Such a scary time for you all as a family.

Have they mentioned what type of treatment he'll have?

I hope you manage to get him moved to another hospital. You're right, he needs his sleep and to be where he can get the best help.

Sending lots of hugs your way.

Cath

[Karen2609]

Thanks Slyolddog and Clare for the good wishes for my Dad. Unfortunately the scan results weren't good. It appears he didn't have a stroke but has multiple secondary brain lesions. They don't know at the moment if these are from his prostate cancer or, more likely, melanoma on his ear. My dad was diagnosed with his original cancer in the same week I had my BC diagnosis and had seemed to be doing so well, all his check ups came back fine.
We are hoping to get him moved to another hospital next week, preferably where he was treated for his cancer as he has been stuck in a geriatric ward with 2 dementia patients who shout and scream all the time. He needs to sleep and has a lot of pain in his head so needs to be somewhere quieter.
Clare, so glad you have a date for your Diep. Must be very exciting. My dog is being a bit of a rascal at the moment too. He's not supposed to be allowed upstairs but keeps sneaking up.
Take care all
Karen x

[sugar8]

Hi July ladies on a cold Snowy  Sunday.
 
Brrrrr..... I still have to go walk the dog later. Baxter has now taken to jumping into our bed at night and that's means me getting up earlier when I wake up with a hot flush between a hot snoring husband and a hotter dog making contented sounds like he's in heaven  The joys.     
 
I am fine today Kind of looking forward to my bilateral diep reconstruction. (Removal of let silicone implant and risk reducing R mastectomy.) Hopefully i can put the whole thing behind me after recovery. Although I know it's not 100% risk free. I will have smaller boobs although I managed to put on 5KG. Walking the dog for an hour 6 days a week helped to balance my health I hope. THE DATE is 25th Feb. It will give me time to attend my nephew's wedding on the 13th Feb. so I'm happy. I was pushed back 2 weeks for someone who has active CA. That really brought back memories. I still have regrets about not doing the bilateral Diep straight away but I always try to follow advice so I take onus for that. 
 
Hi Cath Glad you're enjoying the grand daughter, hair growing and keeping well as.
 
Hi Gill good to see you getting on and that your life isn't dictated my CA. I haven't visited my GP at all. I can never get to see the one I'm comfortable with. So I just plod on also. 
 
Slyolddog Love the mumsy comment
 
Karen So sorry to hear about your dad. I wish him a speedy recovery from his strokes. Hope the scan results are positive.
 
Guess what! I have encouraged my Son to run the London for cancer research. He's already got in automatically for his age a marathorn times.  I am so pleased that at last he's running for a worthwhile cause. 
 
Fund raising is going slow though. I suppose because of post Xmas spending.
Thanks 
 
Clare
 
 

[Slyolddog]

Karen, so sorry to hear your dad's not well. I hope his scan results are positive. Sending you a hug from Hampshire. Xx

[Karen2609]

Thanks Cath, he should have had them yesterday but they were too busy so should be this morning and hopefully we will find out a bit more then x

[CathC]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Karen. When is he due to have his scans? Keeping him (and you all) in my thoughts.

I know it's the last thing on your mind, but I'm so glad everything went well at your surgeon visit.

Sending huge hugs.

Cath

[Karen2609]

Hi all, glad to hear everyone is doing well, aches and pains aside, and getting on with life. I had check up with surgeon on Tuesday, treated like a VIP called in straight away in front of loads of ladies who looked like they'd been waiting a while. Everything was ok so I was out in 10 minutes with another appointment for 6 months time.
Unfortunately not having a great start to 2016, my Dad has had 2 strokes and is currently in hospital awaiting further scans.
Keep well Ladies x

[CathC]

Slyolddog - had to laugh at your comment about being 'mumsy' It's odd how much our hair (either lack of or curl) can date us.

I've found mine is growing out lovely and come back much thicker than before. Guess I'm one of the lucy ones.

Gill - Yes, such sad news about Bowie - a favourite of mine.

My aches and pains haven't subsided - the AS part has kicked in big time, but my rheumy has been great, giving me steroid injections as and when I need them.

How long do you reckon your aches and pains will last?

Youngest doesn't return to college until the 24th of this month. (He was back for a few days last week for tests.) and yes, seeing lots of my granddaughter. Can't believe how much she's grown in just 5 weeks!

Turning very cold here today. Hope the other July ladies are wrapped up and keeping warm.

Hugs

Cath

[lilac55]

Trouble with my post again. So just a quick Hi to all July ladies . Hug Gill

[lilac55]

Morning July Ladies,

It's great that everyone is moving on with their lives .Just listening to the news to sadly hear David Bowie has died following battle with cancer.Embrace life ladies.

Hbunny ,hope you are settling into new house and your internet is working soon.I use mine all the time especially with my new ( second hand) iPhone.

Clare glad to hear your aches and pains have subsided.Think mine are here to stay. Am having dry January and no chocolate hoping to lose some weight which may help.

Cath , are you seeing lots of your new granddaughter ? Must be time for your son to return to uni

Slyolddog. Pleased your lump was only a Sedona. Thought they happened earlier post surgery ? I think everyone we developed a new symptom cancer will always be in our mind . I could become a hyperchrondriate but hate visiting GP so that stops me.

 o Claire l

[Slyolddog]

Hi Cath - no mention of anything needed for the seroma, I believe the body absorbs them eventually.

Clare - 'the old faithful', makes me feel like I should be laying in a round bed with a squeaky toy!! As Cath says, it's nice to know this is here even if we don't look in every day.

Had someone compare someone on TV to me as 'mumsy' this week. That will be the hair, it's amazing how it makes me feel older. Still, not forever, and there are worse things to be called. After all I am a mum. 😉

[CathC]

Clare - yup, the thread has dwindled to the 'old faithful' lol

I still like catching up with the other July ladies, even if it's not every day. I know others just want to put it all behind them and move on. For me, this thread is doing just that.

I hope that any newbie reading through the posts will see and understand that there is life after a diagnosis - as we all prove. lol

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[sugar8]

hi Cath, Slyolddog and and hhunny. Good to see that the thread is still going on even if it has dwindled to the faithful few 

Just popping in to catch up on your posts

Sly good to hear that the lump was OK and nothing sinister

hbunny...I  would be so bored without internet. You are lucky to have such good neighbours

yes... I too trimmed my hair so it's not so curly and wish I hadn't .... LOL. Never satisfied

Love

Clare

[CathC]

Clare, great news that the aches and pains are starting to ease. I guess we're all starting to get back to 'normal' - whatever that is for all of us.

hbunny - no internet till the end of Jan? How will you survive? lol

Glad the move went well and that your neighbours are nice.

Also great news that you're finally finding some relief with the trigger thumb and finger. Here's hoping they'll soon be in the past too.

Slyolddog, yup, it was me who was referred for an ultrasound because my lump wasn't 'quite right.'

I know how stressful a time that can be so I'm glad you didn't have to wait too long (although I know 10 days can seem like forever.)

Is there anything they can do for the seroma?

Great to hear that everyone is doing so well and nothing more serious to report than a few aches and pains and moans about curly hair. lol

The curl is all but gone out of my hair now. I have to say, I kinda miss it. I know, we're never happy, are we? lol

Hope everyone is staying dry and not in any risk of flooding from this terrible rain.

Hugs

Cath

[Slyolddog]

Hi Ladies

Good to see you all had a good Christmas and a very happy New Year to you and your families. I haven't been on for a while, Christmas/New Year was manic with travelling and hosting and before that work was hectic. I had my appointment with my surgeon in December and he referred me for an ultrasound as my surgery lump is quite large. That was 10 days of high tension, only slightly relieved by the fact that someone, was it you Cath, has been through the same thing and it turned out ok. Turned out the problem is thick skin from the radiotherapy, scar tissue and a seroma underneath. I was told there and then that all was OK and I got a letter at the weekend confirming. Mind you hubby's just rung me at work to let me know there's a letter from the hospital so I don't know what that will be for.

Flossie, I'm kind of with you re the hair. I'd love to get the curly bit cut at least an inch as the curls make it look shorter than it is but everyone tells me not to cut them off! I'll tolerate them a bit longer then I'll be going for a trim.

Gill - so thankful that there are people like you who are happy to work over Christmas. My mum was a nurse and always had to work a shift. I would have hated it when I was younger but now I'm proper old I wouldn't mind at all but luckily I don't have to.

I hope everyon's feeling OK and just generally living life. It's funny how quickly we forget things, my son said he looked back at a picture of his eldest daughter taken a year ago and told me her hair was now twice as long as it was then. I said 'I wish mine was'. How stupid, my hair's unrecognisable from a year ago! 

Have a great year everyone, here's to us! XX

[hbunny]

 Hello everyone.  Sorry I have been absent for so long.  Having finally moved on 21st, found no reception or internet connection! OMG am I lost without it, wont get connected until the end of Jan, so I might go quiet again.

So pleased to hear everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year, ours was quiet unpacking etc, but oh so relaxed.  Neighbours are a delight and loving the barn life.  

Havi g only a kindle I can't read back on the posts, but so pleased to hear positive health reports all round.  I'm still getting aches and pains, but the trigger thumb and finger are improving - finally got the onc to acknowledge there is a link between chemo and ligament problems and she went surprised by the triggering issue!

Well must get back to work.  Take care everyone and here's to a happy, healthy 2016.  Hbunny xx

[sugar8]

Hi Cath and July ladies .......Happy New Year 2016.

Was thinkinig that's it 2 years 2 days I was officially diagnosed and what a difference in emotions time allows. I slept on the settee through the midnight .....how boring have I become eh? Me the party animal  

Anyway just thankful that my morning aches and pains have improved immensely and my descent downstairs is much quicker, much to Baxter's delight .

Cath hope you daughter's  Birthday party went well and that you had a great time.

Flossie, Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Wishing you and all the July ladies all the best for the coming year.

love

Clare 

[CathC]

YAY! on the bone scan coming back clear. That must have been a relief.

And double YAY to the demise of your temporary menopause. lol

---

@Candyflossie wrote:

Enjoy the New Year with your loved ones and let's hope it will be another year that we can smile and get on with living live with the understanding of how precious it is.

---

What a lovely sentiment, Flossie.

Wishing you and yours - and all the July ladies - a very Happy & Peaceful New Year.

Hugs

Cath

[Candyflossie]

Merry Christmas to all of you lovely ladies. I hope you all had a fantastic time as did I and family. Hubby and I celebrated 10years of being together with a special dinner at the Shard in London, what a treat...

Luckily bone scan was clear yippee!!!

In answer to your questions about weight/exercise I have been exercising since last January starting very very small, with only able to do a minute of low level cross trainer and although only going to the gym a few times a week, I have improved my stamina greatly despite the aches and pains; doing mostly cross trainer, planking and weight machines for toning legs and arms.

Weight is towards my highest, but not as high as during chemo thank heaven... Still in the healthy BMI bracket...

And the greatest news, my temporary menopause is finally over 

I am reluctantly not cutting my hair and apart from a very slight trim I had in July, I am going to bear with it till I can at least straighten it up into a bob then let it grow as I love long hair or long-ish...It does have a wave still and I keep on dying it although I have no greys. For the work Xmas do, I had been pulling back the sides with bobby pins and teasing the top so it looked like it was all the same length and styled. No need for hairdresser 

Enjoy the New Year with your loved ones and let's hope it will be another year that we can smile and get on with living live with the understanding of how precious it is.

Love and hugs,

Flossie

xxx

[CathC]

Karen, did you manage to stop hubs from turning off the Christmas music off?

I have the opposite problem, can't get hubs to STOP playing Christmas music. lol

Gill - so glad you had a good Christmas, even if you were working. My hat is off to all those who work during the holidays.

I'm sure you missed Claire a lot, but great that you managed to speak to her.

Clare - your Christmas sounds lovely - family time, just the way it should be. Good luck with your appointment on the 11th.

I'm now gathering my breath for New Year's Eve/Day. It's my youngests birthday on New Year's Day so another huge meal is planned. After that, I may not cook for weeks! lol

Hugs to all the July ladies

Cath

[sugar8]

Dear Gill, Karen and Cath. Sounds like you enjoyed your Christmas differently of course.
Gill I remember when I used to work full time. I loved working Christmas as long as i was off on New Year's Eve. It was good not to have to cook the Christmas dinner. My husband is a good cook and manages very well in the kitchen 🙂

My Christmas was pleasant with my 2 boys/men and hubby. we playedd monopoly which we haven't done for ages and watched TV . Went to see Star Wars together Good company to have them over Christmas. Going to a house party today.

Hope the other July ladies had fun over Christmas.

Have a great week
love
Clare

[lilac55]

Hi July ladies, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day.Dave and I both worked.I spent some time at the birth unit then visited women and new babies at home.It was a privilege and lovely to see the children with new toys.Lots of excitement .managed to have Xmas dinner with my grandchildren as on call for the 24 hrs.

It was a different type of Xmas for us but still special.

Spoke to Claire on Wednesday thanks to whatsapp they were in penang but off to coast,camping for Xmas .

Poppy crying ,wanting me to walk her so must finish now.Happy boxing day lol xx

[Karen2609]

Merry Christmas to you too, Cath and to all the other July ladies.
Great news about the recon, Claire roll on February.

Not sure how much peace in this household, every time I leave the room to sort dinner and get ready for guests hubby keeps turning the Christmas music off !!!
Have a wonderful time all 🎄🎄🍾🎊

[CathC]

Taking a quick break from cooking and visitors to wish all the July ladies a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Hugs

Cath

[sugar8]

Hi July ladies. 

Sorry but it's been over a month since I came onto the forum. Didn't mean to keep you guessing but life flew by so quickly. I always seem to have something planned. 

I have another appt to see the plastic surgeon on the 11th Jan and he will give me a date for mid Feb for recon. In the meantime I am trying to gain as much weight as possible  to have bigger boobs.

I have read your posts and so pleased for you Cath. Congrats on your granddaughter. What a lovely Christmas present.

Wendy sounds like you had a good time in Canada. I've been there and it's such a lovely place. Shame about your poor experience with onc. mine was never pleasant so I asked to be discharged c/o GP as soon as. The appts were always delayed and not satisfying.Such a long way to go for nothing!!! 

Julie must be such a relief that your scan was clear.

Gill, Karen and hunnybunny Hope you are all well.

Karen The aspirin trial sounds interesting I must try and research it .

Flossie I had a bone scan when I had aches and pains post chemo. Thankfully I was clear but it was good to be reassured. 

Well everyone. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

love

Clare

[Karen2609]

Wendy, I'm so sorry to hear about your experience with the onc, how insensitive. When I had an ongoing concern 6 months after finishing chemo my onc sent me for a CT scan as although he thought it was nothing serious he said it was the only way to find out for sure. I'm very lucky as he is always as much concerned for my peace of mind as my physical well being. Hopefully you will have more luck with your surgeon.

No news on the aspirin trial despite being told I would hear one way or another whether I was suitable. I will give it until after Christmas then start taking it anyway. No news either on the recon, should be within the next 14 months.
Hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying getting ready for Christmas

Karen x

[CathC]

Hi Julie, how's things going with you? Are you all ready for Christmas?

Oh, Wendy, that's so disappointing! You think doctors would be more aware of our concerns and needs. All he needed to do was to take your worries seriously and spent a few more minutes with you. What would that have hurt?

Sorry, but it makes me so made when I hear people being brushed off like that. Did you get a chance to take to your BC nurse?

Sending you a big hug.

This day last year I had my last rad! In some ways it seems like only yesterday, in others...well, it seems a lifetime ago.

Hugs to all the July ladies.

[WP23]

Hi Julie/Cath

My onc appointment was not very good at all im afraid, i seen a locum who started by asking me what he could do for me today?! he carried on to say that i had right side surgery! no i didnt, it was left side. explained my niggles/worries and was told that there was no way i could have a recurrence only 8 months after finishing hereceptin, he carried out the quickest, least thorough exam i have ever had and sent me on my way.......

Saying you see your surgeon in January, i will make a note on your file saying you can have a CT scan if you are still having the same issues.

This has done little to ease my mind, role on seeing my surgeon in January 😞

Wendy

[JuSt]

Hi Wendy - your trip sounds great!! How wonderful!  Hope your appointment with onc went well and put your mind at rest.  Those niggles do seem to go on & on, don't they?  Hopefully they'll get less and less each year.

Sending a big hug

Julie

x