January 2016 Chemo starters

[Kim555pink]

I’ve been on Anastrozole for 4 1/2 years now Claire - I found the Accord manufacturer best for me, there was one that really made my bones ache (possible a bit down too / but that might have been lockdown!) and my oncologist said it can happen with different manufacturers.  On it for a few more years yet, and I’m happy with it 🙂

[Cs66]

Spoiler

Hi Everyone, I haven’t been on the forum for a long time but had a look today and saw the 2 Jan 2016 thread had become active again. I’m glad to hear everyone is doing ok. It’s a milestone to have reached 5 years post diagnosis. I’ve just been switched from tamoxifen to anastrozole, I’ve heard a lot about the side effects but so far so good! I Certainly very grateful to be here and healthy and happy. It’s been a strange year for sure and I feel lucky not to be going through treatment in the midst of  Covid.

I’m still teaching four days a week and spend my free time riding. It’s the best therapy! 

wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and let’s hope in 2021 we return to some sort of normality!

Much love

Claire xx

[Ellieb]

So good to hear positive news. I was shielding in the first lock down following my lung cancer but have made it through.  I decided to take early retirement and am doing well. Had more investigations this year due to tummy pain and bloating but it turns out it’s not more cancer - I have become lactose intolerant! 

I am well and grateful for being here. 

happy Christmas everyone! X

[Kim555pink]

Lovely to hear from you, and so good to hear you a feeling completely well at last!  
Hope everyone else is keeping well, it’s certainly been a tough year - but then we know about tough years, don’t we!  Think it actually helped me with this one.

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas xxx

[Pop78]

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas Fiona and to keep well in 2021 . Good to hear your hip replacement surgery went well, I had a full right knee replacement surgery and awaiting for the left knee consultation. 
It’s been a difficult year for us all , in particular for those who have lost a family member. 
Where has 5 years gone !!,Ive just had my fifth negative mammogram and now discharged. 
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas , with best wishes from Mechele x x 

[Fif66]

Just popping in to say happy Christmas to anyone who still checks in here.  This is the first Christmas since breast cancer that I am feeling completely well - I have had successful hip replacement surgery which has fully treated my painful arthritis and am feeling fine again at last.  I did not think I would make it this far when I was first diagnosed.  Life is now better than ever, despite COVID and lock down.  Lots of love to everyone.  X

[Fif66]

Hi everyone, how are you?  I am very well, just had a clear mammogram, and in December it will have been 5 years since that fateful day when I found my lump.  Very grateful to still be here, and much gratitude to all on this forum who were so lovely and supportive through it all.  I am sending love and light to you all.

[Fif66]

Great to hear from everyone despite all the ups and downs.  I also can hardly believe it has been 4 years, and agree this thread was such a lifeline through it all.  Keep well!  X

[Kim555pink]

I’m seeing my Gp next Friday to get my supply of standby antibiotics, so I’ll ask him about that - thanks!

xx

[Elizabeth.p]

Happy New Year to you all.    It’s good to catch up with you all.

Ellie, so sorry to hear about your lung, but glad they caught it early.  Maybe it was lucky that you were still being monitored.  I hope you keep getting better and manage to avoid colds over the winter.  Fiona, I hope your hip op goes OK, you’ve put up with the pain for a long time.

Kim, I have lymphoedema in my arm too.  It’s never got any better and I hate wearing my sleeve.  I had my first bout of cellulitis in September this year.  I couldn’t get antibiotics and ended up being hospitalised for 5 days.  I understand that once you’ve had it once you are more susceptible.  The specialist has put me on a low dose of antibiotics twice a day for a year.  Apparently it’s a new treatment to stop it coming back.  It might be worth you looking into.

Best wishes for 2020.  Elizabeth xx

[Kim555pink]

That’s great Claire!  I never got round to doing the course as there wasn’t one close enough for me to easily get to. 
I feel very lucky that we had each other for support during our chemo days 🙂

xx

[Pop78]

Hi Kim , is dear- no alcohol! - one glass of white wine and I’m done , never really enjoyed as previously to Chemo. Boot camp , wow, clever you - bet that was dirty to say the least , but great fun I could imagine. Sending best wishes, Mechele 

[Ellieb]

Good for you Claire! It really helped me too! 

[Cs66]

Hi all,

Good to hear everyone is doing ok and Ellie you are on the mend. How scary for you.

i can’t believe it’s 4 years since we started our chemo journey together. I couldn’t have done it without all the support from you all. 
all is good with me- I’m enjoying life and I’m still very appreciative to be living a normal life again. I volunteer now for Breast Cancer Now on the moving forward course as I found it really helped me. Meeting others who are just at the end of treatment makes me realise how far I have come since those dark days!!!

Happy New Year to you all!

lots of love

Claire xxxx

[Kim555pink]

Oh Ellie, no cancer is good, but such a relief it was a new cancer, not a secondary!  Pleased you’re doing well Xxx

I’ve had a good year, usual appointments, various symptoms that my GP has jumped on, sent me for scans & blood tests which have all come back clear.  She’s very good like that, even if it means a couple of weeks of anxiety after I've just mentioned something to her that’s been niggling at me.  My biggest annoyance is my lymphoedema in my arm.  I’m used to wearing my compression sleeve every day & it’s under control, but I’ve had cellulitis 3 times this year - latest on Christmas Eve... 10 day course of antibiotics - no alcohol!!  
On the positive side, I’m exercising more than I’ve ever done and enjoying it!  Yoga, running & outdoor Bootcamp!  I never imagined myself as a Bootcamper in the mud & rain, flipping tyres!  
Hope 2020 brings you all good health & happiness!

lots of love, Kim xxx

[Ellieb]

Sorry to hear about more operations needed. 

I am doing really well thank you. I was so relieved that my lung cancer was a new cancer and not secondary that I think I coped well with it! After 2 operations I am now well on the road to recovery and teaching my reduced lung to work well! It's been a long haul - about 9 months - but so glad they caught it early! 

I tried to use a site like this for the lung cancer but it was rubbish - this site is SO GOOD! What a difference it made to us all as we went through the chemo. 

[Pop78]

Happy New Year to you too, and everyone else if course. Sorry to hear about you awaiting hip replacement surgery, sure it will go well and a good outcome, at least you’ll be free from the pain. In September I had to have a total knee replacement surgery, the post op key being exercise, exercise and exercise!! Sending best wishes to you x x 

[Fif66]

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope everyone is well and enjoying the festive season.  Ellie I hope all is good with you.  Let us know how you are doing.  I hardly check in here any more and only just saw your post from the summer.  I am also going to have surgery - a hip replacement for me!  It makes me feel ancient (I’m 53) and I think chemo exacerbated my arthritis.  Love and luck to us all!  XX

[Pop78]

Good to hear all going well with everyone- how time quickly by . I too doing ok , just the yearly mammogram in November, always with fingers crossed!! 

Unfortunately have just had to cancel our September holiday, but did get away in June for two weeks ( 4 out of last 5 yrs had to cancel one ) Going into the Barlborough hospital on 20/9 for full knee replacement surgery, not looking forward to being back in hospital, however, it will hopefully make me pain free - the joys of getting older ha ha . Sending love and best wishes to all of you 

Mechele x 

[Pop78]

Thinking of you Ellie , do hope all goes well with your appointment- hopefully good news 

[Kim555pink]

Good to hear from you all!

All’s good here, still having yearly appointments with mammogram (Nov) Breast surgeon (Jan) & oncologist (July) so I’m regularly prodded at, which always causes anxiety followed by relief (fortunately!) 

Will be thinking of you Ellie, hope it all goes well and nothing worrying is found xxx

[Cs66]

Hi,

All good with me- It’s 4 years next week since I first went to my GP with a dent in my boob and the horrible story started to unfold! I had a small lipoflll op on one of my reconstructions in July, purely cosmetic but did not like being back in hospital! I still find it v traumatic doing anything medical!

ive got my annual check up with breast surgeon in September so fingers crossed all is well!

I hope all goes well for you Ellie it’s always such a worry after what we’ve all been through! and good to hear from you Fi.

its nice to touch base every now and again!

i hope everyone is well and happy!

Love

Claire xxx

[Ellieb]

So pleased for you! 

My breast is also clear but by chance they found a lump in my lung. Seeing the thoracic surgeon today and having it removed shortly so they can see what it is. Thoughts and prayers welcome!

[Fif66]

It’s now been 3 years since I finished treatment and all clear.  Hope everyone is still doing well and enjoying life.  This forum was such a support during that time.  Thank you.

[Kim555pink]

Happy New Year from me too!
I can’t say I don’t think about what we’ve been through on a fairly regular basis because I still see the surgeon each year, then there’s the annual mammogram and then the annual trip to see the oncologist as well as the tablets!! But I’m getting on with life and probably fitter and healthier than I have been for years! Yoga, running and going to Bootcamp weekly are things I probably wouldn’t have done beforehand, or if I did then I’d be forever making excuses not to go!
Great to hear from you both 🙂
Loads of love to you all xxx

[Cs66]

Hi Fi and anyone else who still dips in here now and again! Happy New Year to you too. It’s three years next week since my chemo started. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in others it’s a distant memory!
It’s lovely to be living life again and I am making the most of my good health as I will never take it for granted again!
My aim for this year is to get out and about competing on my horse again. It’s been a long long time since I did anything like that but I feel ready for the challenge now!!!
Love and hugs to all and for anyone reading this going through treatment, it does end and life gets better again.
Claire xxxx

[Fif66]

Happy New Year everyone.  It’s coming up for three years since diagnosis for me.  Time has flown, and I’m happy to say that I rarely think about cancer these days.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Lots of Love to all.  Fif x

[CassyB]

Hello everybody! Glad to hear everyone is well and enjoying life. 

Love Cassy x

[Fif66]

Lovely to hear that everyone is doing so well and living life.  I can hardly believe it’s been two years since that horrible time.  Long may NED continue for us all, with many holidays, parties and family occasions to enjoy!  X

[Pop78]

How lovely to hear everyone doing ok and able to move on . Two years ago I had just finished active treatment and constantly thought about that horrible ‘journey’- rarely think about it these days. Prior to our recent holiday, we celebrated our Ruby Wedding- our youngest son having it at his house ( lots more space’ and caterers who did a fabulous meal - our 5 children, 13 grandchildren, hubbys brother and sister and their spouses etc . All in all such a wonderful day . Sending best wishes to all and hope everyone keeps well , love Mechele x x

[Ellieb]

BRILLIANT NEWS! Let's hope we get lots more of those! 

[Jobey68]

Lovely to hear from you ladies and that you are all doing so well Xx 

[Kim555pink]

So good to hear Claire 🙂
Xxx

[Cs66]

Great  news! I hope everyone else is well and happy too. I'll never forget the support and comfort I got from everyone in this group as we all went through hell together!

All good with me. My reconstruction has given me back my self confidence and I'm making the most of it by living life to the full! I've had two beach holidays this year which is something I would not have contemplated pre surgery and I enjoyed every second! 

Otherwise im working four days a week and spending my free time riding my horse and appreciating everything I have!! 

love to all

Claire xxxx

[Kim555pink]

Ah great news 🙂
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the sunshine ☀️
Xxx

[Fif66]

Just got result of my 2 year mammogram - all clear! X

[Kim555pink]

There hasn’t been any moving on courses near enough to me and being back at work I guess makes it just that bit more difficult. Everyone I’ve heard who have been in them say how good they are. I have to admit although I feel I have moved on, the worry of a reoccurrence is never too far away from my mind even if the memories of chemotherapy are definitely firmly in the past and I sometimes think ‘did I really go through all of that?!’ I am quite happy and positive tho, and really enjoying my new found exercise routine of yoga and running - do t think I’ve ever been so fit!!
Aches and stiffness are a feature of every day life for me too. Side effects of Anastrozole for me tho, and although I get them checked out from time to time incase I’m ignoring something more serious, I can usually put up with it fortunately. I can understand you not wanting another operation Fifi! But if it’s going to improve your quality of life then it’s worth doing.
Lots of love to you all 🙂 xx

[Fif66]

I finally went on a “moving forward after cancer” course. I really got a lot out of it, it’s great to chat to other people who have been through the same thing. It also made me realise what a long way I’ve come, and how good I’m feeling now. My only issue is a really stiff and painful left hip due to arthritis. I’m grumpy about it as apparently the only treatment is surgery and it’s quite a major operation. But I think it’s probably worth it as I’m taking painkillers every day and it still hurts! Hope everyone is doing well and feeling happy and hopeful! XX

[Cs66]

Happy New Year to you Fiona and all the other jan 2016 ladies. I’m in France skiing at the moment- couldn’t have imagined that two years ago!
I agree let’s hope this is the year we put bc behind us for once and for all!
Love to all
Claire xxxx

[Kim555pink]

Happy New Year to you all too 😊🎉 xx

[Fif66]

Happy New Year everyone.  I’m wishing for a fantastic fun-filled fabulously healthy one for all of us.  Let this be the year we can forget cancer ever happened to us.  I’m feeling full of hope.  Love to you all!  X

[CassyB]

Hi everyone, just thought I would check in, usually there is very little on this thread whenever I have a look. Well after catching up with everyone’s posts, I have to send a big hug to Mechele for going through all that worry and a big sigh of relief that the news is good. Wishing you all the very best this Christmas.
Love from Cassy xxx

[Fif66]

Hi Mechele and everyone.  I thought I would check in today as it must be coming up for 2 years for all of us.  Michele I was so happy to read that your biopsy wasn’t needed after all.  I read that bit first then I went back through the earlier posts.  Sounded awful as what a relief to get the good news.  Isn’t it annoying that we immediately start thinking doom and gloom these days whenever we have to see the doctors.  I’m trying to keep positive and to assume that everything will be fine, but it is hard.  One day at a time!

Mechele when you said you felt guilty for putting your husband through the worry I know what you mean.  I always feel the same, but I do think we have to put ourselves first while we are still recovering.  And I definitely don’t think I’m over it yet.  I’m hoping that I’ll feel differently next spring, I still have quite low energy.

Can’t wait for Christmas - sending lots of love to you all.  Fif  x

[Elizabeth.p]

Hi Mechele

Excellent news What a massive relief!  

Everyone, keep well and enjoy the Christmas period. 

Elizabeth. Xxxx

[Ellieb]

BRILLIANT NEWS! I sobbed my heart out the other night when I read about your recall. I really couldn't be happier for you! Ellie. x

[Kim555pink]

Ah that is good news and a huge relief!
Our poor brains do go into overdrive at the hint of possible bad news....
So pleased for you 😊
Xxx

[Cs66]

Wonderful news Mechele. I have been thinking about you a lot. Relax and enjoy Christmasceorh your family.
Claire xxxxxxx

[Pop78]

Hi everyone , I did write a message yesterday and have no idea why it wasn't posted !!!, so will start again.

Such amazing news and outcome yesterday - the Dr doing the scan said it clearly was just scar tissue/ radiation and nothing to worry about at all- therefore no biopsies required , phew ! Appt for 5th therefore cancelled and just couldn't be happier and so relieved. Didn't sleep well Tuesday , as you can imagine my brain was going through every scenario . I have an appt for hair today - cut/ restyle , dye plus highlights - during Tuesday night thinking , is there much point when it could be dropping out beginning of January !! Also joking the Jan18 chemo starters etc etc - oh my, why does our brain torture us so much.

Anyway, all good and thankyou for your lovely supportive messages - for that I could not thank you enough.Wishing you all good health and have a fabulous Xmas .

With love and best wishes,

Mechele X X X 

[Ellieb]

Mechelle I am distraught for you. We all desperately want good news for each other. You've got through so much - wishing you strength to get through the next few days and very much wishing for good news on 5th. x

[Pop78]

Thank you Kim - it really does help having contact with such a wonderful and caring group who understand , having 'been there, done that" etc . My hubby is so worried and very supportive, but I feel guilty after having all the problems with chemo etc, then being so unwell for those months leading up to the Neprectomy. Hopefully the 5th will be good news , but can't help worrying at times in case it's not . 

Hope your mammogram goes well, no reason for it not to and will be fine . I don't have any follow ups with the oncologist - only the breast surgeon. She is lovely and very thorough and have 100% confidence in her. Sending love and best wishes X X