July 2017

[Carole M]

Hi Kim
Family keeping you busy then. Don’t like the sound of Stavros the consultant. He should try it. My oncologist is very nice but I do feel they lose interest in our side effects and just say “it’s the chemo/rads/letrozole. At least mine suggested a break from letrozole and maybe try tamoxifen. He said side effects shouldn’t be bad enough to
Change your life style. Hahahahahahahaha 🤣🤣🤣. Who’s he trying to kid?

[tatyana]

Kim, lovely to hear from you! My goodness you have been having a hectic time. What a nightmare with your daughter, sounds like she's MUCH better off without him.
It's a shame that you didn't get to discuss your symptoms properly, you have every right to talk things through with the so-called experts. They may know a lot about cancer treatments and drugs, but they sometimes seem to have very little understanding of what goes on in our brains and emotions.
It's great that you are back at work, to have something "normal" to occupy you and no doubt give you all sorts of other things to worry about, because that's what work does. And it's what we do...we worry! Sending you lots of love and hugs, and for your family too.🌷🌷🌷

[Kimi]

Hi Lovely Ladies.

I just thought I’d drop in & say Hi, and give everyone a huge hug & hand hold squeeze.

I know I don’t come on here very often now, but I do think of you all a lot & have a quick read to see how you are all getting on.  I am in awe of how some of you girls are coping with all that you are going through, I know there’s not much choice, but you are bloody amazing, my constant anxiety is hard enough for me, that & like Carole constant pain in my left foot which makes me walk with a limp, by the way Carole, the stand in Consultant from The Marsden (Greek man, couldn’t understand much) I saw a couple of weeks ago said “stop blaming the Letrozole” & basically told me to go & get on with my life!!! Not the reassurance I was looking for & never did get to discuss any symptoms I wanted to, so on I worry! 

I do hope the treatments you girls are getting work wonders, and without too many horrible side effects, I don’t read up on too much information, not good for me, but bits and pieces I have read they do seem to have things in the armoury nowadays for secondaries, so I’ve got everything crossed for you, together with op’s that things improve for you all and soon.

Daughter moved in with boyfriend, never did care much for him, they lasted 5 weeks & now she’s back home, my husband, son & myself had to move her & her furniture out in about 3 hours whilst he was at work, that was a fun day, not! Our son is about to move into his own flat, if it ever exchanges contracts, today apparently, been hearing that for 3 weeks!, something to do with “help to buy” & address confirmation?!?! My house & garage look like Big Yellow Storage, saves doing too much housework though!

I’m back at work 3 days a week now, got to say it does really help to keep me busy & stop the anxiety, don’t give up looking for work, ladies of our age are the hardest working & most reliable, so you never know, you might find something, but of course I know I live in the busy South & there is more work here, but good luck to those of you looking. 

Please look after yourselves, loads of love, luck and hugs, your wonderful attitudes will see you through girls, you are amazing, remember.

Kim xxx

[Mishy18]

Missa just to also add i hope your scans are ok sending you lots of positive vibes and 👭 take care lovely xx

[Mishy18]

Missa hi lovely i love the rebel in you using your chair to sneak in the cans 👍😂😂😂 just to echo the others i hope the rads zap the piece if 💩 and give you some relief i hear they are good at that loving your positive attitude too missa but what a busy week you have had glad you got to your festival
Your husband is a 🌟 he is definitely a keeper 💖
My app has come through with neurosurgeon 2nd October so not to long to wait the pills they have put me on make me feel a bit spaced out but have definitely helped with the pain
The strangest thing about this is that i cant walk in a strange line i feel a little wobbly like if you are drunk and my arms and hands keep going numb 😨 such a weird sensation i had been blaming it on chemo thought it was the neuropathy getting worse!!!
Any enough of my moaning hope you ladies have a good weekend and Missa sending you a big virtual hug for next weeks rads 👭🤗
Carole great to see you are doing ok but sorry about your foot good luck with the recon app xxx July ladies

[tatyana]

Missa, lovely to hear from you. Sorry about your mobility issues, that's a really tough one. I've got plenty of aches and pains and can't walk as far as I used to (definitely not uphill!) but it's nothing serious as yet. I do hope the radiotherapy gives you some of your freedom back, I know it can do this sometimes and you deserve some good luck.
Thanks for a great laugh, I'm picturing you and your mates extracting cans of lovely cold beer from the hidden recesses of your wheelchair. Well, if you've got to use the flipping thing, you might as well put it to good use!

[Carole M]

Oh Missa, I feel for you. I know what you mean about mobility although I’m not in your league at all. I can put up with the joint aches and pains but the foot pain really hinders mobility.
I do hope the rads work quickly and you’re back on your feet soon.

Angela my reflexologist said yesterday that my foot is a bit swollen with fluid where it hurts. She didn’t know why though. Lymph fluid? Inflammation?

[feelthefear]

Hi missa.
Thanks for giving me a laugh this morning. Your wheelchair idea was brilliant. 😂😂🍺🍺🍺

What a week you’ve had. 😳 sending you a million positive vibes that you get some positive news out of these scans etc. Here’s hoping you get the rads asap and they zap these little b******s quick.
I’ve certainly heard of ladies not being able to walk and the rads getting them quickly back on their feet. 👍👍👍💪💪💪
I’ve spoken to my bc nurse and she’s also been brilliant. She’s sorting out my PIP with Macmillan and trying to get me a poor diagnosis so I can get my life insurance. Isn’t it surreal that this is what I’m hoping for. 😂 although I’ve got absolutely no intention of going anywhere fast. We could really do with the money so I’m taking it with a pinch of salt.
Xxx

[Missaconitum]

Hello lovely ladies, thanks for asking about me.

I'm okay, still having a million and one appointments while they determine how extensive the damage is. Had a radioactive bone scan, brain MRI and biopsy of my pelvis this week alone 😖 I'm shattered!

Treatment due to start in September although they're talking about starting rads next week as I can hardly walk due to the pelvic tumour.

Was at a metal festival last weekend and spent most of it wheelchair bound. Had loads of fun and my friends all took turns wheeling me about. We figured out we could sneak beer into the arena if we put it under the cushion I was sat on. I was smuggling in 8 cans at a time 😂

Regarding PIP, any of you secondary ladies should apply for it. I saw the benefits advisor at the Maggie centre and she liaised with my breast care nurse and they filled out a form which gets your claim fast tracked. She also got me a blue badge and a £500 Macmillan grant. Going to get her some flowers or chocolates, she's been absolutely amazing.

Admittedly, I am struggling a lot at the moment. My husband has to help me dress and get in and out of the bath. We get taxis everywhere, I can't even manage the walk to the bus stop. That's really getting me down, and it scares me how fast my walking has deteriorated. I can deal with the cancer but the mobility issues are soul destroying 😔

[feelthefear]

Hey Carole. Good to hear from you.
Isn’t it strange this right foot thing. 😳
I’ve had to stop jogging. There’s no chance of me coming off letrozole so I suppose I’ll have to put up with it. I’m literally limping.
Maybe another brand might help. I’m on teva. Xxx

[Carole M]

Hello ladies

Just checking in to say hello. Sounds like you are all getting on with life and enjoying holidays and grandchildren. Hugs to those of you dealing with secondaries and more treatments.

I’m chugging along with letrozole side effects including very sore right foot. Oncologist suggests I come off letrozole for four weeks and if that cures my side effects then go onto Tamoxifen. I’d rather stay with letrozole if I can as I think it has the best results and I really do not want a new set of side effects from tamoxifen. We’ll see. It’s just my foot that I can’t tolerate forever.
I’m off to east grinstead in September the talk about Diep recon 🤔.
Take care everyone xx

[tatyana]

Yes this group feels like a bunch of old friends who've been through a lot together, and I feel I can drift away for a while and come back and it still feels the same. I think it's good to have a break sometimes and concentrate on other stuff, but it's priceless to know that the love and support is still here. Big hugs to all the group, Yorkshire folk or not!

[feelthefear]

You’re right Michelle, we have all helped each other. I’m trying to wean myself off the forums. I can get totally obsessed sometimes (especially now).

I’ll always check into this thread now and again though. Just in case one of us needs a friend who understands.
We’ve been through a lot together. I’ve said it before but I mean it; I feel as if I know everyone of our little group.
By the way; my grandad was also a Yorkshire man. Salt of the earth. 😀 xxx

[Mishy18]

Tatanya hello lovely to hear from you i love Yorkshire too my Grandad was from Swaledale a proper Yorkshire man i haven't been in such a long time you have reminded me of that!! Im pleased the SE are ok Tatanya just a pain your blood is playing up heres a blood dance 💃💃💃💃 we haven't been doing that much lately have we don't blame you for having a little break from forum it sometimes does us good i find i like to check in on you all you are all never to far from my thoughts as you all helped me through as i hope i did too 👭

[feelthefear]

Morning tatyana. Lovely to hear from you.

Great that you managed to get away. I love the dales. Keld is one of my favourite places ever. We used to camp there a lot when the children were young.
So pleased that your chemo seems to be working. 🤞😀😀😀🥂
I know what you mean about other appointments slipping by thanks to bc appointments. I haven’t been to the dentist in just over a year. 😳

Here’s hoping you’ll see the grandchildren soon and thank goodness for Facebook, even if it is just to see our loved ones having fun without us. 😀 xxxx

[feelthefear]

You should also get PIP Michelle. It’s not means tested so won’t take into account your redundancy.

I’ve called my bc nurse about it and she’s been brilliant. She’s emailed my local Macmillan advisor for a home visit and also spoke to my oncologist.
I can’t say it’s not a bit depressing knowing I’ll probably never work again. I was looking forward to getting back to it so I understand how you feel.
We’ll just have to use our free time having lovely times instead. 😀
And yes, we just cut our cloth. A little bit extra to do nice things is always a bonus though. 🌞
With a bit of luck you’ll get some lovely autumn sunshine will in Scotland. I love Northumberland too. Just what’s needed to blow the cobwebs away.
On that note; we’re going back Halloween weekend so looking forward to that. 😀

Here’s to a great weekend for both of us. Xxx

[tatyana]

Hi everyone, I've been away from the forums for a while, just catching up. Angela, I'm so glad your treatment is going ok so far and I adore your positive attitude. You are so strong, lady! Great to hear about you and Michelle enjoying your lovely grandkids. Haven't seen either of mine for a while but I can see from Facebook that they're having a great time on holiday in Devon and Cornwall!

Missa, how's it going with you? I hope you are getting your brain round all this stuff and hanging on in there.

I'm on the third round of gemcarbo, got a scan next week, results the week after. I'm pretty sure it's working at least to some extent, but it will be good to hear the official version. It's a manageable chemo, but it does mess around with my blood so treatment dates have had to be delayed a couple of times. Which is quite frustrating when you try to plan fun things and practical things for the good week, and then it moves! I can't tell you how often I've had to cancel my eye test which is way overdue!

We had a fab week in the Yorkshire dales a couple of weeks ago, lovely weather, less hot than down south which was a great relief! Such a beautiful part of the country. So many sheep!

Hope you ladies are all doing well and sending lots of love.

[Mishy18]

Really pleased to hear you had a good holiday ive booked 4 days away in Scotland in September couldn't get anything for Seahouses full!!! Im going with my aunt for a couple of nights in Apri so i might have to have a run up just for tge odd day out i love it there
I bet you enjoyed the grandson i love spending time with our Ella had some lovely days out with her plessy woods the coast and sruff
Pleased your treatment is going well and you are not having too many SE its sounds like a good treatment you are having which is what you want to kick this twat into touch 💪
I would still try for pip honestly Angela you are unable to work and lots if other ladies on here i see get it also a lady i met at maggies who had bowel cancer with some mets got it i know the forns can be daunting but welfate rights would fill it in for you they would come to you and go through your med stuff etc xx pleased you are going to do your ins thing too you have paid into it, i got my critical illness when diagnosed didn't think i would but ss i was locally advanced i got it really helped me abd still is my redundancy isn't great but its going to pay some bills and help me out
Don't know now about work either i imagine i will have to have surgery on my spine to stop the myelopathy progressing but when i don't know it could be a watch and wait situation but im limited physically what i can do now doc says heavy lifting catrying shopping bending stooping repetitive neck movements are all to be avoided as they could cause further problems i know it will be sorted out so im not worrying just bloody frustrated as my plan for looking for a new job are out of window now
So i will live off redundancy cut my cloth so to speak
One thing having had bc taught me is life is for living and having less money is not something im going to dwell on or the neck thing i am continuing to enjoy what i have riches or none!!!
Sending you virtual hugs and 👭 💖 to you all

[feelthefear]

P.s. yes my treatment is going well. Apart from joint pain, but I had that on tamoxifen anyway. My right foot is giving me particular problems. And hot flushes are back with vengeance. Nothing else to complain about at the minute though. My wbc was slightly low at my last blood test but apparently that’s to be expected on palbociclib. All in all I can’t complain. 🤞

[feelthefear]

Hi Michelle.
Good to hear from you. Our week away was glorious. We never stopped (keeping a 4yr old busy) but it was so lovely to not think about bc every waking minute. Also 😍 to wake up to my lovely little Miles every morning. It was very hard handing him back to his Mam. 🙄
Have you managed to book anything? I’ve heard that the sun is set to return soon and should stay around until we’ll into October. 🤞🤞🤞
Sorry to hear about your myelopathy. 😳
At least you know what’s been causing your problems and it can be dealt with. 👍💪
Re PIP; im going to try and get my life insurance under the terminal rules. Im sure I’ve got a lot longer than 12 months left but who knows! Others have managed to claim theirs so I’m going to give it a try. It would pay for all sorts including any private treatment I might want. 🤞

Tatyana, I hope you managed to get away and that your neuts are keeping themselves in check.

Carole, hoping you’re well. 🌞

Missa; how are you getting on? There’s so much to take in. Sending you virtual hugs and hand holding.
Hoping your treatment is going well. You’re not alone in this. 💪💪💪

[Mishy18]

Oh Angela re the pip contact welfare rights im sure they will advise you differently they have someone who is macmillan trained but specifically help people living with cancer claim xxxx

[Mishy18]

Hi everyone Angela hope you enjoyed your holiday x how are you getting on i do hope everything is going well atm and treatment has been ok for you if you are already started
Missa how you doing lovely sending u 👭 and 💖Tatanya hiya too sending you 💖 Carole glad you are getting on with work and stuff
For me been made redundant now had a mri for pain and few other symptoms came back i have a neurosurgery referral scan has picked up sone stuff in my cervical spine which is causing early stage myelopathy basically some of vertebrate my c spine is indenting in spinal cord causing neuro symptoms probably needing surgery nothing i can't cope with and definitely not complaining but have been informed definitely can't work with this going on incase it is made worse and end up with permanent disability just going to have to make my redundancy last longer than i first thought
Well it looks as though our summer is over girls just over a week ago we were complaining about the lack of rain now it wont bloody stop 🌧️
Take care all of my lovely fellow July girls keep 💪 👭👭👭

[feelthefear]

World 🙄🙄🙄

[feelthefear]

Morning Michelle.
Thanks for you support. X

We’ve got family who have a caravan in warren caravan park (bamburgh) so we often hire one next to them. There’s an outdoor pool as well so great for my grandson. I’m not great with caravans mind and will be eating out. I’ve got OCD when it comes to cleanliness and even though the caravans are nipping, the thought of strangers using the equipment before me wipes me out. 🙄 crackers eh!
My brother is home for a few weeks (he lives in Spain) and is coming with us so it should be lovely.

Next time you’re there you should try eating at the apple inn in lucker. It’s great.
A break does us the world of good doesn’t it. Doesn’t matter how far afield we go, just getting away from everything makes the work of difference. Xxx

[Mishy18]

Missa sorry about my typos yesterday post i hope it made sense what i was saying i hope everything went well at your meeting yesterday and you have a plan in place keep your chin up be kind to yourself and remember how strong you are been thinking about you i hope you are feeling a little better after the last few days xxxx

[Mishy18]

Angela i forgot to say enjoy Seahouses with the grandson i get what you mean about being a, Gran now shes my world that little girl absolutely love her!! 💖 i was planning on taking a trip there myself as i can't really afford to do much else but i love it tbere anyway where are you staying i fancy staying in the Bamburgh castle inn on the harbour front i have been looking at some b and bs for availability i stayed in Gun Rock the last time I was there the views are something else over looking the sea tbh anywhere would be good aa long aa i can get something i couldn't really plan any that with the work stuff going on but niw i know i really beed a break of some description and with the lovely weather we have had Seahouses is the perfect place have a lovely time x I do hope the immunotherapy will be available for all you second ladies you deserve the best and really from the bottom my heart i am here if you ever want a chat 👭👭👭💖

[Mishy18]

Angela fab to hear you have a really good treatment plan in place love your proactive attitude its brilliant and probably the best way to approach your diagnosis the anxiety with me more comes from the having to have tests which before they wouldn't have done them!! I have a feeling its from my old neck problems getting worse with age!!! Carole i think looking for a new job is always a daunting thought im dreading having to do it all again it would be lovely to not have to work but that's just not real life just couldn't afford it im getting some redundancy which will tide us over but definitely not permanent Angela i def think you should apply for something i would imagine that you have hospital apps etc and the treatment which might make you feel tired etc just a suggestion it might be worth contacting the DWP xxxx

[Carole M]

Missac so sorry that hear of your mets. It’s a cruel disease when all you want is a bit of pre BC normality. Hope you get good news today for your treatment. I bet you’re already exhausted from tests and anxiety.
Mishy I’m just carrying on with the work at present although nearly told the boss where he could stick it last week. Rather be retired but can’t afford it and I’d never be able to get another job now. Good luck with the scan, sure it will be good.
Tatyana and Angela I hope you’re doing ok. I think of you all, often xxx

[feelthefear]

Miss a. I’m so sorry that you’re joining me and tatyana in the secondaries club.
I totally understand what emotions you are going through at the minute.
It’s an absolute roller coaster.
You’ll find support here on the secondary bone cancer thread. Everyone seems to hang out there.

I think you’ll be entitled to the new targeted therapies drugs as you can have them if it’s your first line of treatment following secondary diagnosis.
That means no chemo with a bit of luck. I’m on zoladex to shut down my ovaries and also letrozole and palbociclib which is apparently a game changer in terms of treatments.its clearing up bone, lung and liver mets for many people.
There are women living for years and years with secondaries now so please don’t think this is a death sentence.
It’s bloody horrible, but not the end.
You’ll also find lots of info on the American site inspire.com. I’ve joined their bc secondary boards.
They seem to trial treatments long before us in the U.K. so it can help you stay ahead of the game.
I’m 44 and DO plan on being around a long time.

Michelle, good to hear from you. I’m sure your scan will be okay. We have all sorts of aches and pains thanks to prior treatments and anxiety.
I agree about enjoying each day. Off to seahouses on Saturday for a week with the family and my gorgeous little grandson. 🌞🌞🌞 light of my life.

Not working is such a worry. The plan was for me to go back to work to help pay off the debt we’ve got into sorting out this house but obviously now it would be very difficult to find work. And to be honest I don’t feel up for it emotionally and I’m full of aches and pains which I think are due to the oestrogen blockers.
My husband has put paying into his pension on hold for two years to free up some money for bills.
He doesn’t retire till 65 and although I plan on living a lot more years yet I have to be honest that it’s unlikely I’ll live over 20 so he won’t need as much to retire on. I’ll be honest that broke my heart this morning.
Who knows, with a bit of luck these new immunotherapy drugs will be available to all secondary ladies in a few years time and we will just have to be short of a few pennies in retirement. 🤞
I rang Macmillan to see if I was entitled to PIP but they said as long as I can plan a journey myself and shower myself I won’t get a penny. 😳
They did send me a cheque for £400 though. I hope youve had yours. X

[Mishy18]

Missa hi sending you 💖 for today, im really sorry to hear your news im sure your team will have a treatment plan ready for you it just sucks that after going through all the op treatments etc you are in this position hopefully the treatment won't be too harsh and the se will be more manageable for you i think its too easy to get complacent about things after treatment that we are cured im trying to be very realistic that this dies happen what a shock that must have been for you i hope you are being kind to yourself xx hats off to you for getting back to work and stuff i never got there ended up being made redundant (Friday) i could have gone on a ohased return but there wasn't going to be an to phase into at the end so i didn't go back im very frustrated and bored had an mri last night for my full spine inc neck as have been in a lot of pain and easily tired my gp ordered it not going to lie im a little anxious about it even though i had a clear bone scan in January x Angela hope you are well and a little further forward with your treatment plan, Tatanya you too i hope things are well with you both
Today is lovely so having a little grandma time today making memories is so special to me now i definitely feel like I have to make the most of everything these days 💖
Carole hiw are you doing with the work thing i found it really upsetting as i know i will probably struggle to get a job now as i don't think i could manage anything more than part time and physically although im walking alot its my neck and nerve type symptoms xx enjoy the lovely weather ladies wishing you the very best for today missa xx

[Missaconitum]

Hey lovely ladies, sorry for being quiet for so long. Been busy getting on with life! Back to work although in a new job. Done some travelling too which was good fun.
Unfortunately my last CT scan showed cancer in my liver, lungs and bones so I'm now stage 4. Not been the easiest few days really. Off to see the oncologist today to see what the plan is for treatment. I'm guessing chemo and radiotherapy but we'll see.
Walking with a stick at the moment owing to a suspected tumor pressing on the my sciatic nerve, that's been a lifestyle change and a half as I'm usually so active.

[Mishy18]

My typos 😨

[Mishy18]

Hi everyone Angela glad the biopsies were fine woah extra chunks you are definitely nit a wimp thats for sure i know what you mean though i would be the same i would have let them do anything if I thought it was going to benefit me, love the fact that we all using our gardens as almost therapy it really does work though you can lose yourself for hours deadheading weeding watering etc!!! Watched gardeners world last night tgey should prescribe it on the NHS as a stressbuster!!! I find it very relaxing my kids think im a geek 😂 Got the baby again today and tomorrow i would do it permanent if i could afford it but will look for work once redundancy is through our local Maggies are hosting a Charlotte Tilsbury pamper event next Thursday with brow bars etc only £10 per ticket with the proceeds going to Maggies going to go it should be a good night heres hoping this summer lasts with a little bit of rain to keep the garden happy Angela you could makr that piece of garden a project to distract you 😉
Tatanya gkad your neutrophils are behaving so you can crack on with the new drugs fingers crossed no se 💖👭 to you all x M x

[feelthefear]

Morning ladies.
Tatyana, it’s brilliant that your neuts are back up. Isn’t it so random how they can change so quickly. I’ll be joining you in the blood results game in two weeks time.

Just to report the biopsy was no problem.
They were a bit surprised when I asked if they could take a few extra chunks. Apparently most people want it over as quickly as possible. 😂

I know what you mean about our poor gardens Michelle. Ours is in an absolute state. It’s the size of a small park complete with every tree and plant you can imagine (previous owners were very keen gardeners). We’re water metered so leaving the hosepipe on isn’t an option.
There’s also an enormous pit of despair where we cut out a 4 metre extension. 🙄
It’s overwhelming but it did keep me going last year. The hours I spent digging on chemo when the house was too unsafe to sit in. 😀X

[tatyana]

Hi Carole! No, I don't have the injections. It's possible I may have them at some point, but they try to avoid it, because in the long term it can make your own bone marrow "lazy" and you stop producing your own white blood cells. So I had the injections for my first line chemo, like a lot of us, but this time around they are hoping to let me recover naturally. We'll see how it goes!

[Carole M]

Do you have the GCSF injections

[Carole M]

Good news Tatyana

I remember being pleased when chemo could go
ahead 😩

[tatyana]

Hey all you lovely ladies, which of you have been secretly doing the neutrophils dance for me? Whoever it was, it worked! Last Friday I scored 1.08, so definitely no chemo for me. Today: 5.1, which is higher than before I started! So it's all systems go for my next dose this Friday. Having been sent home twice in a row, this is really good news!
I don't know how you guys all cope with the genetics stuff, I haven't had to worry about as I've no kids of my own, only my two lovely stepkids and step grandkids, who can't possibly inherit this horrible disease from me. I'm sending love and hugs to all of you and your families.

[Carole M]

Mishy pleased you got the all clear on BRCA. Yes I was more worried for daughter and grandkids. In a way BRCA would have been more straightforward for me. Could have just got second Mx and been done with. Instead we have to wait for new research. My daughter has also been told she can get screening from 40.

[Mishy18]

Angela i know what you mean my genetics counsellor said just that i think when Holly goes back she will be in hrr mid 30s shes nearly 28 now its just not something you can totally dismiss is it i have drummed it in to her to be aware of any changes i think she will be, im really pleased you are being so positive about everything you have a really great treatment plan there and tge best attitude to get you through it, i hope this sun keeps shining for you as you have your spa day x 💖 for later 👭

[Mishy18]

Thanks Tatanya hows things going for you i know you had a change of meds, i know you have had a lot of things to deal with and pleased you have a pension which will make things easier for you and you don't have to worry about it xx well the suns out after 2 days if cooler weather and rsin, it was definitely needed my garden was dry luckily my back garden in a gravel garden with lots of containers a few small trees it was my border at the back which has suffered the most which is normally a really shady area but thr plants were nit looking their best i love my garden it has kept me sane!!! No holiday for me this year just can't afford it might go to Seahouses for a night or two xx byr for now ladies speak soon x

[feelthefear]

That’s great new Michelle. The only reason I was worried was for my daughters. Yes, they’ll get early screening, as will my cousin.
What’s worrying is that we probably do have a gene it’s just that they haven’t found it yet. One of my daughters is in her last year at uni studying genetics. Who knows, maybe she’ll find it for us. 😀

I’m not worried about the biopsy. I’m looking forward to finding out the results. No pain, no gain. 😀👍
Xxx

[tatyana]

Mishy, so pleased the test came back negative, you must've been so worried! Good luck with finding something part time and getting a good balance in your life. Hugs to all you lovely ladies.xx

[Mishy18]

Hi Angela hi yeah im ok x sorry didn't post got the call back 6pm!! Braca is negative was really relieved as i really dreaded passing it on to my daughter and possibly Grandaughter however tgey have told me the same as you and Carole, interesting!!! They also will see Holly in about 5 years when she will be in her mid to see if there is any development in the screening process and with her permission tgey will contact her gp to get tge ball rolling for screening at 40 not 50 which is great i think Angela will they screen your daughter earlier??? I don't know about anyone else it was the fear of passing it on which worried me nit about myself i woukd have dealt with it like i have the bc took it in my stride just couldn't imagine how guilty i would have felt if my girls were at risk from braca
Thank you bith for thinking of me Angela good luck for the biopsies i know you as you say you are a machine i still remember you sitting on a bucket in a building site bang in the middle of chemo you've got this 👍👍👍👍 guve it a bit of 🖕🖕🖕🖕🖕 us Northerners are hard mother - - - - - - - 😂😂😂 here for you remember 👭👭
Carole Tatanya is stinks about the pension thing I don't blame you both for feeling cheated my aunt is in same position she was made redundant 6 months ago really struggling to find a decent job with part time hours and should have got her pension Oct so she's fuming
Me i bloody well hope i can find something too i will look for part time now balance my life out so to speak the alien could still knock on my door at some point so want a happier balanced kut life before it was stress stress and more stress lovely to hear from you Tatanya 💖

[feelthefear]

Morning Michelle.

We didn’t hear back from you yesterday. Are you okay? Xxx

[tatyana]

No such luck, Carole! When I started my working life I expected to get my pension at 60. Some years later, they changed it to 65 in the name of equality, but because I was already a certain age they adjusted it pro rata, so it was supposed to be 64 for me. I had several years to adjust to that. But then came the second change of rules, where they are aiming for 67. Again, because of my age I get it phased in gradually. Ha ha. In practice I'll be 66 and two thirds!
I am lucky because I have quite a good pension from my work and also some savings from when I was freelance. So I'm ok really. But I feel really angry on.behalf of all those other women of my age, who never had the time or opportunity to make up the shortfall and basically got dumped in the you know what. It isn't right. Least of all for some of our friends on here, who don't have the choice to go on working anyway, because of the Alien.

[Carole M]

Tatyana the pension thing makes me so cross.  It’s about £37k the government is fiddling us out of and I have practically no private pension because I’ve never been in a company that would let me have one (except one where I got six years worth in).  All my life I’ve worked and expected to get a pension at 60 and now suddenly with a few years notice I have to wait another 6 years.  I just don’t feel capable of working another six years and have my doubts as to whether I’ll live to 66, let alone years beyond that to claim it. 

They also seem to forget that I started working full time at 16.  None of this further ed and gap years they do now, starting work into their 20s. 

My mum is 86 and will possibly outlive me and my sister who have both had cancer.  She’s never been referred to a hospital.  My dad on the other hand died of a heart attack at 66 having worked for the same company since he was 14.  So he got one year of pension.  Getting my state pension next January would have worked out just right for me.  As it is I don’t know how we will manage.  

Im surprised you have to wait till 66 if you are already 64. Thought you’d have qualified at 60 before the rule change.

[tatyana]

Can I join the grouse about pensions? I'm 64, but I have to wait till I'm 66 to get my pension. Hubby is 70 and has been drawing his for 5 years already. I worked just as many years as him, so how is that fair? I was pretty cross about it anyway, but now I don't even think I'll live long enough to get it at all! Although I'm obviously going to try my best, out of sheer pigheadedness!

Meanwhile my ancient dad with creeping dementia is very grateful to me for looking after his finances, and keeps saying"it's worth your while because it will all come to you in the end." Well, that's if there's any left from the care home fees... and even then, only if I outlive him, otherwise it will all go to my brother in Canada. I should say at this point that the pigheadedness thing runs in the family, so dad will probably be around until he's at least 104!!

[feelthefear]

Haha, you’re not rubbing it in Carole, it just is what it is!! You should still be able to talk about yours.

And it’s absolutely disgraceful that the government decided to change the goalposts on pensions. 😡

[Carole M]

Sorry Angela, I didn’t mean to rub it in.  As you know, there’s a long way to go in the DIEP process, so fingers crossed. 

I’m sure nobody would employ me at my age and with my health record.  Doesn’t stop the government robbing me of 6 years of pension though, because they tell us everyone is living longer.