Anyone due to start chemo in April? - Awesom April Angels

[lori28]

Woops...posted that too soon

Many thanks for all your searching and sorry you did not enjoy your yoga, don't beat yourself up over that other booking. What will be will be - we all if nothing else have learned that over this past year. It's fate that's taken us somewhere else!
Lxx

[Philomena_b]

The premier inn sounds good to me, cheers Roz xx

[lori28]

I think you've done extremely well Roz sounds great!

[Rozz]

Hi All,

I didn't enjoy yoga - too cross with myself for not booking the rooms before, when I could have cancelled them anyway!

I rang the spa back as we won't be staying at that hotel, and seem to have got a better deal!  I've booked 10 "Spa Day" packages for £39 each which includes use of facilites, a robe, towel, slippers and a 50 minute treatment.  No lunch included, but anyone wanting to eat there would get 25% off the hotel restaurant bill. I think this is more packages than we actually need, but keeps all our options open at no extra cost.

There is a Premier Inn in the city centre which comes in at £106.50 per night for a twin room, with brekkie. Its not too far from the Park Inn (to nip back and get changed for the evening) and very handy if we're out on the town either evening. For those of us not wanting any more treatments (!) also close to shops  (and bars!). It also gets a 4.5/5 rating on Trip Advisor.   Rather than lose this one too, I've booked 6 twin rooms!  They can be cancelled up to 1pm on the day and no deposit so if you lovely ladies prefer Didsbury, I can just change it.

I don't know how everyone is getting there, it strikes me that the Travel Lodge in Didsbury would be fine for anyone driving or flying, but a bit of a pain if you're going by train.  Also more difficult to get into and out of time (especially when seriously chilled from either the spa or the bar!).  Let me know what you all think.

Must go - work calls - people seem to have realised I'm back and want me to do stuff!

Rozz xx

[Philomena_b]

Roz, there is a travelodge in Didsbury at Parrs wood which I have used on occasions with plenty of resturants and pubs nearby. It's just down the road from where I used to live and buses and trains directly into Manchester, perhaps worth checking out? It's also close to all the major routes coming into Manchester.
The Herceptin injections sound really good in comparison to the infusions, but still only at certain hospitals I understand. Shame that we are still relying on a postcode lottery 😞

[LNMcG]

Hi Angels I'm happy to go to premier inn if everyone else happy. How far away is spa from premier is it worth still going or could we do a bus tour or something ? I don't know Manchester never been. Angie well done it feels great to catch yourself in a mirror and you see just you doesn't it. Im still very stiff first thing in the morning too , and when been sitting too long. I started a 12 week excercise class last week run by McMillan and Glasgow City it was fab, felt good to be doing something. I'm also going to my sisters on Saturday for a few days hope you have a good time with yours. Hope your Herceptin goes ahead this week. It was my youngests birthday today he was 26 still my baby though. Remember it like it was yesterday. That was the last time I was organised for Christmas ahead if time. Not doing too bad this year as not been working. Take care all of you x

[lori28]

Hi Angels,
Just been catching up with your posts and happy to fit in with the majority regarding booking as I said before I cant confirm either way at the moment as I don't know when my reconstruction will be planned I hope to know by the end of the year.
Sandy good luck for Thursday hope you get your herceptin ok and are feeling bit better.
Philomena I too am still troubled with aches and pins n needles. Seems to be worse when I've been sitting and when I'm in bed, I hobble when I get out of bed everything feels so stiff. Still not sleeping right through either so don't want to think about going back to work yet.
Had my first injection of herceptin today. Only tok about 2-3 mins to go in my thigh. Alot easier than the infusion as I have more fatty tissue than good veins that's for sure!! They kept me in for 2 hours afterwards jusy to makr sure I wsd ok. I think in future it will just be half an hour to an hour so much better. Hope you get the option of switching if your on this.
Just s quick post tonight hope to catch up agsin soon with everyone.
Take care all love Lori x

[Rozz]

Hi Angels,

I am feeling super-guilty now. When I spoke to the hotel a week or so ago they said they had loads of rooms free.  I've just tried to book the cancellable ones and the price has shot up! They now want £159 per room per night!!! I'm really sorry I wasted so much time faffing around trying to save a few quid!  (and then got side-tracked by life in general!).

Sandy's idea of a Premier Inn may be better; but if there's football match planned we will have to get going as all the hotels will fill up quickly. I have yoga tonight so have to dash off, but I'm happy to put all the rooms on my credit card and just cancel them if anyone has to drop out. 

The spa is still booked, and isn't dependent on us staying in the hotel.

Rozz

xx

[angiepops]

yes mel,

bit chilly, i had my scarf round my neck for ages til i got warm glad its done though

angie xx

[Philomena_b]

Good evening Angels, Sandy I'm glad your feeling better than last week and hopefully the neutrophils start behaving. I know. What you mean about the time flying, April seemed so far away and it's creeping up now, less than a month before Christmas. I'm happy to go with whatever everyone wants to to.
My aches and pains are just getting worse at the moment 😞 my chemo damaged arm is just constantly aching and the area of radiotherapy and left arm now are more restricted. Now on gabepentin ( start tonight ) and am back to physio in 2 weeks. Is anyone else having these problems, or is it just me? Other than that feel great mentally, and really looking forward to going to see my sister next week.
Angie, glad to here your going au naturale. I haven't worn anything on my head since before I finished chemo. Today though for the first time since April I woke up with a bed head!!!! Looked so funny! only trouble is now it's getting really cold and I don't like a cold head so just wear a beany hat when I'm out.
Roz still hoping to get to see you but will not be able to now for next 2-3 weeks.
Hoping you all continue to get better each day Angels, onwards and upwards xx

[Mel_A]

Fab Angie. It's quite liberating (though cold)going wig/hatless isn't it?

[Amber_D]

Well done Angie 😄

[Amber_D]

Happy to go with either option, hope you're all doing ok. Will post properly soon been manic, got the builders in but hopefully be finished before Xmas 🎅 take care xx

[angiepops]

hi all

hope you're all keeping well.

i went to work with no wig today, or hat or scarf. a bit chilly tho, but its done now. feels like me again.

angie xx

[Mel_A]

I'm so glad you're starting to feel better. I'm happy to do whatever. I'm just looking forward to meeting up with you all. A pub and restaurant will be easier for talking and cheaper too.
Work's going well now I've got over my initial nerves. I'm full of a cold at the moment though so I was tired by lunchtime today. Fortunately I'm only doing 3 mornings this week.
I hope everyone else is doing ok xx

[PrimroseHill]

Thank you Mel, Mel, and diggy.

I'm beginning to feel better again. The pain seems to be getting less and I have started the "Getting fitter, feeling stronger" dvd. Which has shown me that i am just where I should be in terms of recovery by which excercises I can manage. I start my radiotherapy on Dec 2nd and hoping my neutrophils are ok for Thursdays Herceptin.

Ok ladies. Where are we all hiding? We need to get the ball rolling for meeting up. The Park Inn has said that we need to hurry as places are limited due to some football event that weekend and Im wondering whether we should go for something less complicated for us all. Maybe on the lines of a Premier Inn near or around Manchester for the same Saturday night with a pub nearby so we can have a meal and chat. We can all book ourselves in and that way no one person is responsible for everyone (so to speak). For me, it's not too expensive and there will be easy accessible and ample car parking at the Premier Inn. Most of them have restrurants on site too. All we have to do is look forward to who turns up.

What do you think? I'm happy to start the ball rolling or i'm easy to follow the original plan too.

[maisiecake]

Sandy- sending hugs and thinking of you. It will get better so hang on- it's too hard to think of new ways forward for work when you're in the middle of dealing with treatment crap- there's plenty time for that afterwards. i'm trying not to think about work atm and just get better. look after yourself -things will improve.

love Mel xx

[diggywiggy]

Oh Sandy so sorry you are having a tough time. Hang in there - it will get better. Be kind to yourself.........and rant away if you want!!!!

[Mel_A]

Sandy you're really going through the mill at the moment aren't you? I am sorry for you. Get your treatment out of the way and you will get a new job -bc or no bc. Change is always frightening - I was terrified of going back to a job I've done for 7 years, but you will get something and the treatment will end eventually. Big hugs. xx

[PrimroseHill]

Just got back from hospital and I can't have the Herceptin due to low Neutrophils. I don't know why as my last chemo was on Sept 3rd. Surely bloods should be back to normal now?

We are to try again next Thursday and I have to restart taking my temperature. Im just hoping that I don't end up having the injections again.

Sorry to rant but I thought the days of fishing for a vein for blood tests and getting a line in was over. This feels never ending.

Lv n Hugs Angels. xxx

[PrimroseHill]

Evening Angels,

Went to hospital to get Froobee filled with 500mls of saline on Wednsday. It took over 20 mins of pushing, digging and eventually, manipulation whilst using a scanner, to find the port in which to inject it into. I think my new found fear of needles came to the fore and I could only describe it as one of the most uncomfortable experiences ive had yet. Just one day off then on to a different hospital nearly an hour away for the radiotherapy scan and yet more needles for the mapping tattoo's, one of which was very near the port and area bruised from the day before. Tommorrow back at the chemo suite for a blood test, Herceptin IV, and six hours thereafter to make sure I have no reaction. 

All I can say Amber is the way I'm feeling now, it's a good job i wasn't there when that lady started poking you. Having said that, you should be proud of how you delt with it. And great news on the bone scan. x

Carol - I hope you and your dad had a great time at Chattsworth and all goes well with your return to work. Before BC I was self employed and because of it I now know I have to change my job from being a horse riding instructor for something less risky for me. I do have Business Admim qualifiations but who's going to employ someone who's had BC.

Mel - I hope you feel better soon. x

Diggy - Glad you met up with your family too. It's a great tonic. I too appreciate the trees and sky and lots of things that before BC didn't seem as quiet as beautiful as they do now.

Philomena - Can't wait till we can meet up with you again and the other angels in April. It seems so long ago since we met in Wells. Hope you get to meet up with Rozz soon too.

Angie - Normal life. Forgotten what it was like. LOL

Must go as I feel a woe is me moment about to take hold. Going to watch a soap or too to make me feel better. 

Have a good night angels. Hope we all have a good one. Sandy xxxx

[Mel_A]

Hi everyone. My first morning at work went well, though I just sat with the deputy head and discussed where she's up to with the SEN kids. We're going to carry on with this on Thursday. I had a headache when I came out though and slept this afternoon. However I do have a sore throat so some of the tiredness may be down to a bit of a bug. I've been getting headaches a lot lately though. Has anyone else noticed this?
Mel thanks for the advice re ESA. I'll look into it. Occy health recommended no classroom duties for a few weeks, which should help reduce the initial tiredness a bit. I hope the rash goes soon. It must be very uncomfortable and you can't always help but worry when you don't know the cause.
Kate I'm glad work is going well for you.
Diggy I'm also taking time to notice the beautiful autumn colours. It's amazing how a horrible illness can help you to appreciate the nice, simple things in life.
Thanks to all who have confirmed that they're going yo thecomedy store for a meal and show. I'll collate the numbers and double check with every one before I book.
Mel xx

[Katebil]

Mel,

I developed a rash the week after rads finished and just kept putting aqueous cream on. I spoke to the rads team and they said it was probably the heat developing from rads so to continue with aqueous cream. It started fading about 10 days after it arrived but seemed to be worse some days than others......more so when I got hot so I accepted it was some form of heat rash. Hope yours starts settling soon.....when did you finish rads if in the last 4 weeks I would speak to rads team and see what they say.

Off to work again.....I'm doing 2 full days and 2 5 hour days per week now and so far I seem to be dong okay.

Angie, yes we had a really sunny day on Saturday, but rain and grey Sunday.

We had a great weekend with our friends, definitely off alcohol for a few days now though! 🙂

Hope everyone is doing okay,
Kate
X

[maisiecake]

Hi angels

Amber- so sorry you met a pillock. some people just don't know when to shut up. sending a big hug.

Mel- I'm so in awe of you going back to teaching. I'm signed off til January when the money runs out, then I'll have to see. Have you checked if you can claim ESA while your pay is reduced? i get it while I'm on half pay. It is not dependant on any other income. you just have to have paid NI contributions for 2 years.

On saturday I developed a sore lumpy itchy rash all over the cancer boob. It's not getting any better. Don't know if it's a side effect or something else. tried antihistamine, didn't help. Anyone else had this? seeing onc on wednesday so I can ask then.

i'm starting counselling as well next week- think i've gone a bit generally mad!!!! i feel like everything is on hold as it takes me until dinnertime to get up, then I'm just knackered for the rest of the day.

love to all you wonderful angels

mel xxxx

[diggywiggy]

Good evening angels
Just back from a weekend visiting my sister and mum in Suffolk. Sister spolt oh and me and paid for a lovely hotel by the river. Wonderful to see my mummy, first time on a year. She is 88 and very frail.
Amber - it's okay to cry when people are ignorant. How awful for you. Hugs.
Carol - sounds like you have negotiated a good return plan. I regret that I didn't keep to my plan and started doing more hours. I get really tired and I am starting to stress again. Only because everyone else is so stressed. But that is NOT my problem!
Sandy - my hair is completely grey. I think I will dye it for Christmas!
Kate - I hope you had a good catch up with your friend.
Angie - I have heard of lots of people who have gone to pieces when the treatment ends. That's why I,m having the counselling now.
I am very aware of the beautiful colours of the leaves this autumn. I've learnt to stop and wonder again! Really looking forward to Christmas and planning to make it very special this year.
Take care all and may you go onwards and upwards!
Diggy Wiggy xxx

[Philomena_b]

Hello lovely Angels. It's been a while since I wrote, but have been keeping upto date with all your posts.
Amber, some people are just so ignorant they are not worth worrying about, still unbelievable how crass they can be.
Carol and Angie, I still have a lot of problems with aches and pains particularly in my arms and hands which wake me up at night. I joined a gym the week before last and went swimming and did 4 lengths, compared to 40-60 I would have done pre diagnosis. I could barely move for 3 days which really surprised me, but shall persevere.
Roz, will hopefully get to see you in Winterton in the near future, will message you. I am up for the 2 nights, meal and comedy club. So looking forward to this, it should be a real boost for everyone.
I'm still awaiting the outcome for my medical retirement! capita and ATOS are appalling, this should have been sorted out by last month. I will be going on pensionable pay at the end of this month. It's easier for me in someways as I do not have a choice as am no longer fit enough to do my previous job. Let's hope it gets sorted soon.
Glad to here your all doing well, hope you all have a good week, and those of you in Scotland don't get too much snow xxx

[angiepops]

hi all

gales, hail and rain. delightful! Will be great driving to work in the snow and ice when it comes, might have to start later so i can drive in daylight.

amber - how awful, some people are just the pits of the earth. what a cow!

This work thing girls, its not as easy as it sounds is it? i am so lucky with my lot at work, they completely understand and support everything i need to do. i havent lost any pay, but i have only just started 'real working' again.

i was asked today if i was having up and down days and if i had had a breakdown yet after finishing treatment. apparantly, a friend of ours had a friend that was fine for a few months after treatment ended and then she went completely to pieces because it was all too much being 'normal life' again.

oh joy! something else to keep an eye out for? maybe that was me a few weeks ago when i was going a bit nuts?

so caz, mel, all angels returning to work - maybe we need to take it easy as we do it in case we are still fragile.

kate - sun???

have a lovely weekend ladies, get some r & r

angie xx

[Katebil]

Mel - I'm up for the meal and comedy club too, if I need to send money to cover please let me know.

It's another sunny day here, we have friends visiting for the night, arriving in next hour, who I haven't seen since just after my first biopsies in feb so I'm sure there will be too much gossiping and alcohol for the men to cope with! 🙂

Off to wash my hair and get ready LOL! 🙂
Kate
X

[CazP]

Hi all,

Mel - my return to work meeting went very well, I am relieved to say. I had a proposal of what I thought might be sensible to attempt from now until christmas which started with 1 day at the end of next week, then 2 days the week after, and then 3 for a couple of weeks etc - arranged so I was not in the office consecutive days. This was fine but they thought I shouldn't even attempt full days so it will be 4 hours/day for a couple of weeks and then 6, aiming to be 5 full days in Jan. I must say that feels good as I think a full day and commute would be optimistic alot of the time. i will be using my accrued holiday for the hours I am not in work so that I am not losing pay, which will still leave me some days for the period Jan-Mar.

Please count me in for the meal/comedy club in Manchester - not sure if I have missed any info on paying for this - please let me know if I have.

Had a rough nights sleep again and hands really very sore this morning - my fingers 'flick' when I try to grip something - anyone else had this. It ears off after an hour or so of being up. However, I think my body would benefit from exercide - I feel I have terrrible posture from sitting and sleeping so much so I am going to try a short bike ride this morning.

Hope you have a lovely weekend angels. Tomorrow I am going to meet up with my dad and stay overnight near Chatsworth so I am looking forward to a change of scene.

Carol xx

[Mel_A]

Oh Amber how awful! The woman sounds like she has social difficulties herself. It's hard enough when you are feeling self conscious, without having to deal with that sort of ignorance. Fortunately there are more nice people around who are more understanding. Big hugs to you. xx
Angie thanks for your comments. Unfortunately I also get less pay for going back on reduced hours so whilst I'm on half pay for being off sick I will only get paid for the hours I work when I go back. Not great before Christmas 😞 Still I can only do what I can do. I've been asked by my bcn if I'm interested in participating in a pilot/research scheme about returning to work after cancer. The woman who is doing it is going to send some info out to me in the post, which will explain what's involved. I'll keep you posted.
Have a nice weekend ladies xx

[LNMcG]

Amber how insensitive can people be, I have not worn a scarf, wig or scarf since my holiday I just thought this is me. Must admit not had any negative responses a couple of long stares I just stare back and smile f.. K them x excuse the language x

[Amber_D]

Hi Angels,
Been avidly reading your posts daily, my daughter is a bit better but needs to learn to rest when the kids are at school to be able to cope with them when they come home. The doc took one look at her on Mon and signed her off for another two weeks. Oh back today so help is at hand.
Had an awful experience at my granddaughters assembly today. I was sitting in the second row from the back when a woman behind me asked me to remove my hat, I explained I didn't have a lot of hair but she went on to say all she could see was my pom pom. I leaned back and quietly said I've had cancer and lost my hair to which she replied would I keep my head to the left. I turned round and tried to keep calm but could feel the tears rolling down my face. She then poked me in the back and said 'hope you feel better soon' I didn't acknowledge her. I just wanted to get up and leave but eventually composed myself enough before assembly started. My daughter who was sitting next to me on the other side was unaware as she had been speaking to her friend. I managed to tell her in between times the women had asked me to take my hat off and would fill her n later. At the end she proceeded to poke me in the back and kept telling me she hoped I would feel better soon! The tears started again and my daughter took me outside and was absolutely outraged when I told her the whole story. I feel comfortable a lot of the time with nothing on my head but didn't today and chose to wear a hat. Just goes to show that I'm still fragile and emotions surface at the most unexpected times. The woman was totally ignorant! A lady who was sat next to me saw my daughter this evening and said how sorry she was and couldn't believe what that woman was saying, she said she just wanted to give me a hug as she could see me shaking.
Sorry for the rant, needed to get it off my chest !
Anyway the good news is my bone scan is clear.
Angie the snow is comming on Tuesday!!

Hope you all have a good weekend. 🍷🍷Take care xxxx

[angiepops]

hi all

mel - sometimes i get really tired at work but fortunately i can 'not work' but just be around to direct the others. its very very tiring to start so take it easy. i am feeling better in general now, not miserable like a few weeks ago but i have had to consciously make myself not be. out of the blue this weeek i had a day where i could hardly walk. its very odd to get symptoms back like that. hope it goes well for you. i take my tamoxifen at night and its no bother at all.

i helped my partners son and his family move house today, it took all day and i felt good, had lots of little foodie breaks, i'm really chuffed. nice to be out and about in the mountains too, theyve gone to a lovely place.

hope you are all well, need scarves and hats this week me thinks - cold weather is coming

angie xx

[Mel_A]

Hi everyone. I hope you're all feeling fine and dandy today 🙂
I've had a pretty eventful week. My back to work interview went ok-ish, though I get the feeling management don't fully understand the fatigue thing. I'm like you Caz, I can do so much and then I'll have days where I'm fit for nothing. I am managing to do more now though. I'm going back for 2 mornings next week and building up from there. How did your meeting go Carol?
I had an appointment with the oncologist yesterday and found out after a nearly 2 hour wait that they had booked me into the wrong clinic so I had to go back today. Everything is fine and I'll see my surgeon in January, then oncologist again in July. I mentioned not sleeping, as like some of you I'm awake every hour from about 12:30 onwards. Sometimes I'm too hot and sometimes uncomfortable. She mentioned taking tamoxifen in the evening instead of morning to see if that helps. I alsosaw my BCN, who thinks the stiff hips are still a side effect of chemo rather than tamoxifen.
Roz, thanks for sorting out the spa treatment. Would it please be possible for me to have mine around lunchtime- ish so I can get home and changed for the meal at 5pm. I'm happy to make the reservation once I have the full numbers. If you haven't done already will you please let me know if you want me to book the meal and show. How's your bad arm now Roz?
Amber - I hope your daughter is on the mend now.
Mel - well done for dodging incarceration again. Onwards and upwards now 🙂
How are you doing now Diggy? I hope things are getting easier for you at work.
Glad you enjoyed centre parks Sandy. Take it easy. I still get occasional stabbing pains in my chest now and my op was in Feb. The oncologist said that was normal as the nerves are resettling and that they usually last quite a few months.
Angie I'm glad work is going well for you. Are you feeling any better about life in general now?
Judy when you look back we've done amazingly well. I'm not sure if the numbness does wear off as I'm still very numb around my scar. Still at least it doesn't hurt 🙂
All this talk of reconstruction is making me shudder. The thought of more treatment fills me with dread. I think my falsey willbe staying around for a bit.
xx

[maisiecake]

Hi angels

caz- I have no energy either, but it's early days after chemo for me. I keep thinking I'll do that tomorrow, then tomorrow comes and I just can't.  keep thinking i ought to be able to do more, but there we go. also sleeping badly.

I'm 52 and onc said it's possible periods can restart on tamoxifen, although they stopped on chemo. I was still having them before dx. Hoping to never see them again! my eyelashes are growing back - yeh!!!

I'm trying to follow the healthy eating plan fron the Haven, which someone gave me. Finding 8 fruit and veg a day a challenge, but hoping it will help me to feel generally better, if not thinner.

Start tamoxifen tomorrow- not looking forward to it.

I think you're all magnificent for getting through this. it isn't till the end that you look back and think OMG did I really do that? We are amazing awesome angels and don't forget it!

love Mel xxx

[angiepops]

hi all

caz P - ive got lots of joint aches and pains, if i'm honest i'm just pretending that i havent and doing everything as normal.  i find the drive home (30 mins) really makes my ankles stiff from being in the same position but if i keep moving i'm ok. i do take something if i feel its getting too much but just occasionally, dont be in pain if you can take something for it.

judy - yes i do believe we have done rather well, i know what you mean, other people see us differently and we must either be very good actors or we deserve a medal, because i think we've all done good. when i think back to how i was in may/june, well it was just awful, but it seemed ok. it all became normal so i just plodded on as usual, its only now that i think i was quite unwell.

kate - i hope i can get that done too. its supposed to be quite good. natural looking i believe. i dont mind waiting chance to recover from all this treatment.

angie xx

[Katebil]

Judy

I'd originally been told 12 months after rads but then I was hopeful that they'd do it earlier when I heard others being told 6 months. Apparently its down to the surgeons preference and whether they want to take the risk hat the skin is fully healed or not, mine doesn't want to take any risks to get the best outcome apparently. I'm a size 14/16 and am the same weight I was before dx.....I will try to put some fat on my belly next year but keep fit so the rest of me doesn't increase too much! I have many offers from family and friends to use their fat if I come up short when the time comes! 🙂

My hair isn't sticking out anywhere apart from over my ears as its trying it grow. The colour is a very light grey/brown which if it carries on this colour I'll be okay but I'm expecting more grey to come through as it grows! 😞

Kate
X

[Judyd]

Hiya Kate, blimey I can't believe you've got to wait till next September for your reconstruction. I was told when he did the mastectomy that it may be a year after that they would do the reconstruction but then after the op he said at the earliest it would be six months after radiotherapy. That's what I'm banking on. I too am hooting to go for the tummy tuck option, I feel fat, I'm in a size 14 clothes, I used to be in a 10-12. I hope I don't have to put on more weight to get the op.

I'm like you, I try not to wear anything on my head when I go out, I'm thinking my hair might grow faster if my head is cold. My hair looks dreadfull. Grey, white in colour, quite wirey looking with some longer hairs sticking straight out. I don't think I will be getting any compliments on my hair.

[Katebil]

Evening Angels,

Its good to read that everyone is starting to feel a little more normal as the days pass by!

Rozz, I'm happy to do either type of room for April. If you want me to book one myself and pay for it on my credit card I'm fine with doing that now if that helps.

I've been to see my cosmetic consultant today about reconstruction. He was very happy with how my skin and implant had survived radiotherapy and said I can have a diep reconstruction assuming the ct scan shows good blood flow to the muscles. I can't have the reconstruction until next September and he wants me to put some fat on my belly before then so they can be sure there is sufficient to give me a C cup! My other boob is E cup but there definitely isn't enough for that so they are going to reduce that one at a subsequent op. My OH is very jealous of being told that I need to put some weight on.......I thought I was fat but if i lost weight they may struggle to make a C cup!

Angie - I don't wear a hat or wig at all now, unless its really cold and then I wear a normal hat outside rather than a chemo hat! In fact today a shopkeeper told me she loved my hair and wished she was brave enough to have hers cut this short! 🙂

Kate

x

[Judyd]

I think the last time I took pain killers was the day after surgery, I've not really bothered with any since. I still take the occasional heartburn tablet and antihistamine if my radiotherapy area is really itchy but other than that I'm off the tablets.
I can relate to the up all night though carol, I'm awake most nights every hour after about 2, I usually nod back off again by about 5. It's more with the hot flushes and occasional chest aches.

Angie, it's good to read that your feeling back to normal. One of the carers down at my mum and dads place said to me the other day that she thought I had done amazing through the whole thing. She's seen me nearly every day throughout the whole thing when I've been visiting my mum and dad. I was quite embarrassed at the time as she was going on saying other than me losing my hair she wouldn't have known there was anything wrong with me. It wasn't till after when I got home, I was thinking, yes i have done quite well really. I think we all need to pat ourselves on the back for what we have been through.
Sandy, I don't feel in any pain but I do get the occasional twinge around my scar area if I stretch too much or when I lay on that side in bed at night. I was worst in the armpit area . My arm and armpit area are still quite numb though..... Don't know how long that goes on for. I'm happy for you that you are happy with your froobee.

That's good Lori that you get to chat to two different surgeons to discuss your reconstruction options. I can't wait till I'm at that stage, this lopsided boob thing is doing my head in.

[CazP]

Good to catch up on all your posts - haven't been on here for a while. I have a meeting to discuss phasing back to work tomorrow but I am quite concerned about it. Energy levels way short of normal, and up and down. Awake alot almost every night with aching joints which probably doesn't help the energy levels. If I go out one day for more than a couple of hours I am pretty much wiped out the day after. Yesterday I went by train to Sheffield for my niece's graduation but today I felt rotten. Thoughts of exercise are just not there at present. To be honest I felt better/ more normal in my best weeks on chemo. Getting quite fed up.

I haven't been taking pain killers as I don't really want to be having to take them all the time. Are other angels with aches etc needing them?

Carol x

[angiepops]

hi all

i watched that channel 4 programme too, what horrors for those poor women.

all is well with me, been really busy at work did 34 rooms today, and i can easily do everything that i used to do, we dont seem to slow down when the season ends thankfully.

my hair is almost ready, if i just had a bit more fringe i would go to work wigless, but just that bit is putting me off, dont want to scare the guests.

Glad everyones getting there, it seemed like it would never happen only a few short months ago, and here we all are being normal again.

ive found a use for the redundant thermometers girls - when youre on tamoxifen and you get the hot flushes you can walk round the house taking room temps to find the best place to cool off.

hope you all keep well

angie xx

[lori28]

Thanks Sandy It only happened once so far so I'll see what happens. I'm 45 so would be nice for them not to return!
Im pleased to hear you are recovering well and soon to have your last fill. Think I have 450ml in my spacer, its a great shape too, my surgeon has done a great job. Im still to decide what type of reconstruction to have, I have two apointments on 10th Dec with two different surgeons as they both specislize in different reconstructions.....thinking cap on!
Take it easy Lori xx

[PrimroseHill]

Lori - Forgot to say im now 47yrs old with regard to the none returning periods.

[PrimroseHill]

Afternoon Angels

Maybe it's a good job I didn't see the despatches programme at the moment as with every little twinge or pain I do think that that blood clot thing maybe coming back. Im sure its not as they have been checking really well and I have already had one check before centre parcs and I have another tomorrow with the last 60ml fill as they want to make sure everything is settled ready for the radiotherapy measure on Friday. 

Judy - I'm still in a little pain and it seems to be coming from the node removal scar under my arm. I still don't want to move my arm very much and I'm still on painkillers twice a day. It gets worse went I get warm and moist under there. Is this normal nearly a month after surgery? They say the scar looks ok. Also i'm so glad to hear you went through radiotherapy so well after surgery. It's given me hope that it's not going to be too bad for me and "Froobee" (my newly named boob which looks stunning by the way with only a little scar across the middle. Im so pleased). It looks better that my other one even without the last fill and ive decided on nipple surgery or tatoo which should cover well over half the scar when I have my permanent implant put in in six months time. 

Centre Parcs was lovely and tiring and I missed you all as service on my phone was minimal in the chalet. I was quiet happy when they all went swiming without me as I could catch up with all your posts using the wi-fi in the dome. 

One other strange thing for any of you wanting to go swiming again. I decided that I could indulge in a paddle at least so I did. Big mistake. The clorine has somehow made my big toenails ooze a strange liquid from the top and they feel really painful like their being pulled off again as in the case of chemo. Thought I was over all that.

Lori - I don't have any aches or pains they all seem to have disapeared and I am on Tamoxifen too. Maybe it's that and the Herceptin together that causes the aches. I restart mine in a weeks time after time off for surgery. I have 14 more to go. Daunting too as we don't have the option of injections yet. But I'll let you know how things go. Also my oncologist told me to watch out for vaginal bleed whilst on Tamoxifen and to let her know straight away so things can be checked out. I don't think she expects me to have any further periods and wants to check up on anything untoward.

Amber - I glad your daughter is feeling a little better. Take it easy if you can.

Diggy - It's good to hear your hair is growing. Mine too. Just don't know what to do with it now. It's very dark and straight. Before this it was very light brown and curly.

Mel - Must be great to have the line out. Onwards and upwards eh?

Lynn - I watched those young poppy girls singing on Sunday night. I cried when her dad came in and she wasn't expecting him. 

Kim - Pleased the transition to work is going well for you.

Mel A - How did your meeting with your boss go yesterday?

Have got to go now. Hope everyone I haven't mentioned is ok. Lv n hugs. Sandy xxxxxxx.

[lori28]

Yeah I've just watched channel 4 Dispatches too (can you trust your surgeon) it was totally shocking...I would not give him space in a butcher's shop. Those poor women my heart goes out to them, some did not even need the surgeries that were carried out!!
Mel hope your feeling ok after your recent trip to hospital....think you've had more than your share of visits fingers crossed for some plain sailing now!
Glad you got through the rads unscathed Judy, take it easy plenty time for exercise. My energy levels are all over the place at moment and still aching....shouldn't complain tho as much better than I was 🐵
Take care all Lori x

[Judyd]

Hello ladies, I've been reading all your posts, we all seem to be getting there now. I must admit for the last week or so I feel completely back to normal. Tha radiotherapy went like a dream, I've not blistered up at all and it's not really affected my energy levels. I must admit I feel completely back to normal, apart from the numb arm and occasional chest twinges. Plus I still can't reach up high into the top cupboards with my affected arm but I'm hoping over time that will all sort itself out. Oh and the hot flushes are a pain, but I'm used to them now as well.
I was researching the hairy face and apparently it's a well known side effect from chemo. Some ladies have waxed or shaved the hair off but eventually the facial hair goes back to normal. I must admit, I had a mess with the tweezers earlier today as I could actually grasp individual hairs. The hairy face is worse than not having any hair!!!

Just been watching a programme on channel 4 about a surgeon performing "cleavage saving mastectomys", which turned out to be a bad thing for women as he was leaving cancel cells in. Makes you realise how lucky you are.

How're you doing Sandy! Are you all healed now?

Mel, poor you, losing your hair for a second time, it's just awful for you, I really can't understand why they did the radiotherapy in the middle of chemo, you must be well fed up. Hope your getting over the last dose of chemo.

I still havnt lost any of the chemo weight I gained, I'm gonna have to make a conscious effort now to stop eating as much and excersise a bit more.

Hope your all doing well

Xxx judy

[diggywiggy]

Good evening Angels

Lori I am very jealous of your Herceptin jabs - sadly not yet available here in Somerset.

Rozz thank you for doing the maths on the bookings for April. I like the cheaper option. 

Mel yes please for the meal and comedy show.

On sat. I attended the first session of a course called 'Living Well With Cancer' run by the Penny Brohn cancer centre. Very interesting and good to meet others - all further down the road than us.

Feel like work is easier now that I am no longer suffering pains in my legs.

My hair is growing and it hasn't started to go curly - yet!!!!

Wishing you all well

Diggy Wiggy

[maisiecake]

Hi angels

Amber hope your daughter is feeling better today.So good that you can help her out.

Roz thanks for all your efforts. I'm happy to go with either plan - whatever suits everyone.

I'm slowly recovering from last chemo. Had a trip to A&E with chest pains on Thursday, but they decided after 6 hours that it was sternum pain caused by the neulasta. neuts borderline 1.9 but decided I'm less likely to catch anything at home than in hospital so i was released thank goodness. I've had PICC line out which definitely feels like an end. Had a shower without clingfilm- yeh!! Hair is currently dropping out again- showers of short white hair everywhere. lovely sunny day yesterday- went for walk, really enjoying getting out of the house again. love to all

Mel xxxxx

[Amber_D]

Rozz,
Thanks so much for organising all this, I'll go with the flow happy to pay whatever works out best for everyone.
My daughter and grandchildren are still living with me, she turned a corner yesterday and feels a lot better but still in a bit of pain and needs to build up her strength. She thought about going home today but feels happier staying here so I'll still be on the school run etc must go have collect gs from football will post properly later.
Have a good day girls x