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

[maisiecake]

Hi angels

Angie- hope you've spoken to macmillan nurse today and everything is ok.

Philomena- so sorry about you're arms. I started having problems on surgery side after radiotherapy too- it really messes up the tissue apparently. I know just what you mean about last years calendar- it really brought home how LONG the whole thing is and how life just revolves around appointments!

Judy- finger in socket- lol- mine was just short and flat but has now started sticking out all over the place, especially on top. wondering if this is a sign it's going curly?

Katebil- part time sounds good, hope they say yes.This all makes you realize working all the time just isn't important doesn't it?

I've had plastic surgeon appt through for next week. I'll go and see what my options are but I don't honestly think I can face being messed around with just now. We must all be having anniversary of diagnosis about now- mine's on 21st, I know diggywiggy had hers. can't believe it's nearly. a year and I'm still not well

love to everyone xxx

[Katebil]

Good afternoon Angels,

Angie - hope you got to speak with your BCN about the pains and she has either got you seen by someone or put your mind at rest about it.

Fecinora, hope you are okay and getting some support around the next surgery, it can't be easy to get your head around the big step you are now taking.

Lynn, hope your return to work is going okay. I am officially full time but I'm using holidays carried forward from last year to keep to 4 days per week still. I really can't imagine that I would see any of the weekends if I was doing 5 full days so my life wouldn't be balanced at all so I'm going to ask that from February I go part-time and do 4 days per week officially without having to use holidays to do it, I'm not sure what the response is going to be but I really don't want to work and sleep and do nothing else.

Amber - sorry to hear your mammogram wasn't a good experience, I have the same view as Judy, I've only got to go through the pain for one boob in future - assuming they don't do a mammogram on a reconstructed boob!?

I have hit a major milestone today.........went for a haircut! Well it wasn't really a haircut, it was a few straggly hairs trimmed and the rest left to grow but it feels lots better! The hairdresser didn't charge me for it as she said it was only a few bits.....didn't feel like it to me! 🙂

I think I missed responding to the meal on our meet up - yes please I'd like to go to the world buffet with everyone else! I checked the trains today and the cheap fares to Manchester have been released but not the return so I haven't booked yet but hopefully at the weekend I will get that booked.

I have an appointment with the ONC on Thursday so I'm hoping to get a date for my 1 year mammogram and answers to a few questions......

Hope everyone else is doing okay and not suffering too much.

Kate

x

[Philomena_b]

Hi Angels, just catching up on all your news and views. So sorry to here that so many of you are still having on going problems post treatment.
Angie, you pains sound very much like mine last year. I think if you have them again I would be inclined to go to A&E as they have so many more diagnostics than the GP. I actually got my medical retirement on the damage to my arms from surgery and and chemo. My arm from the surgery was absolutely fine until I had the radiotherapy and now have much reduced movement and the other side has been so badly damaged from the chemo that I have to wear long sleeved clothes as it freaks people out. All that said mentally I feel just great thank god. Although did have a wobble the other week when I threw out last years calendar. It really struck home looking at months and months of hospital appointments. I think in real terms it is still early days and there is no right way to recover apart from your own way. Here hoping things soon get better.
I would reply to each of you but my chemo brain really has persisted, has it with anyone else.
Xxx

[Amber_D]

Angie, sorry to hear you're not so good, take it easy and go to A&E if you're worried. Judy, hair looks like you've put your fingers in a socket lol I can relate to that!
Love n hugs to all girls, have a lazy Sunday xxx

[Judyd]

Blimey is there no end to all this crap from BC. So sorry that your having problems angie. My mum had breast cancer 16 years ago now, she had a mastectomy and didn't bother with the tamoxifen, cos it put weight on and the night sweats. Other than that she just coped with it, she went back to work and though she slowed down a lot, that was it. She had her op and everything was over and done with. Thinking back now, I don't know how she coped. It makes me feel a bit of a wimp and sorry that I didn't help more really. I just wonder if the drugs they give us now are a lot stronger than they used to be or if were just getting softer. But reading through all the posts on how quite a few of us are suffering still, I think it's got to be that the treatment is harsher than it used to be. I must admit, I thought by now everything would be back to normal and I would have put BC well and truly behind me. But no, it rears it ugly head every day with the aches and pains and the hot flushes.
I've got an appointment for my scan on the 4th February, can't wait to get that over and done with.
good luck on Tuesday Sandy, hope everything goes well.
Lynn, it's good that your company are allowing you to go back to work gradually, it's good that you've stood your ground and not allowed them to push you into thing too soon.
Mel, sorry your struggling a bit but you were the last to finish treatment so it's still early days yet, one day at a time!
Lynn the excercise class sounds great, I bought an excercise bike, but I keep forgetting to go on it, no wonder I'm still the size of a house!
Amber your mammogram experience sounds awful, I suppose that the only good thing to come from having a mastectomy, only one boob to get squished when my turn comes.
Glad your doing well Moira.
Fecinora, so sorry to read that you need a lot more surgery, it certainly is a long journey for you, bigs hugs to you, fingers crossed everything goes well. I can relate to the hair, I've had to put a hat on today to hide it, I look like I've had my finger in the socket, right old mess it is.
I for one can't wait to have the reconstruction, I'm a lot happier with my stick on boob but I still hate it on an evening, when I want to get comfy and put a cool layer on for slopping around, I can't go without the boob, I just hate catching myself in the mirror and seeing nothing there. Plus I don't want anyone else to see either. I for one will be much happier when they've used the fat off my belly and made a new boob.
Take care everyone xxx

[angiepops]

hi girls

well...... what can i say, the doc said blood pressure is extremely high and did it twice to be sure but he said we'll pursue that at a later date?? he was only worried about the clot - which its not a clot, so when i asked about the arm and the pains in chest and ribs he said its a sign of a clot?? so ive not been too bad over the weekend and if i see the macmillan nurse she is really the only one who actually knows about chemo after effects, gp's just arent that clued up.

i think it felt like when i had docetaxol and my legs were killing me, which he thought was another sign of a clot! i'm not knocking him, he was great, never had blood sent away in a taxi before, it was that quick and itwas 5 oclock in the evening.

i have been dizzy again in tesco (how embarrassing would that be if i keeled over in my trolley) but now i know the BP is up it didnt worry me so much. so just relaxing and hopefully my trusty chemo nurse will throw some light on it tommorow.

have any of you noticed that your BP has gone up since having chemo and stuff? i never had high blood pressure before getting BC.

angie xx

[maisiecake]

Hi all

Angiepops- hope you're feeling better today. I'm with sandy. we've been through so much physically,and the wierd effects seem to carry on and on. What did your dr say to do now it's not ablood clot? If you feel unwell, go to a&e, don't wait for the macmillan nurse. You could phone the helpline for advice? take care lovely xxx

[PrimroseHill]

Angie - I had the same stabbing pains and hot flushes when the implant was getting squashed by the swelling after rads. They were worried about infections too but my temperature stayed within limits, and you've had a blood test. Did they take your temperature? I don't know the symptoms of Lymphoedema maybe Rozz could rule that one out as I know that causes swellings in arm. Also thrombosis can cause swellings of the joints too. Are your ankles ok? Some tablets used for post cancer prevention can bring on some forms of bone deficiency too, or even Arthritis. 

That being said, it's the dizzy thing, blood pressure, and chest pains that suggests you should hassle the doctors about Angie. If you get them again I would go to straight to A&E. We've all had one hell of a ride and nobody could blame us if we are worried. We have no idea what side effects of our treatment may have prematurely bought on. Stay vigilant sweetie and demand the service that we have all paid into at some time or another. Let us know how you get on and take it easy. x

Mel - I too am beginning to overwhelmed by the length of time of our treatment. They are going to try to canula IV herceptin again on Tuesday but I'm petrified. I have to stay in hospital all day starting with the dreaded hunt for a vein blood test first thing and they are not to take it from the IV vein which has to be saved for the herceptin.

I called the chemo to ask if they could put the canula in, then go to pathology to get the blood from it, and then back to chemo for the herceptin. The answer was a resounding No. I can't sleep and I keep crying just from the thought of it. Anyway if they dig around this time for over half an hour they'll definatly know about it the way i'm feeling.

Lynn - Thanks for that. I do have a much better Idea of a timeline and it looks like phasing the work hours is a must to make sure we don't overdo things. I won't be able to phase as I will be looking for a new job but the excersing to build up to part time work looks like a plan. 

Love & Hugs ladies. xxxx

[LNMcG]

Morning Angels so glad to hear from all you Angels that have not been on for a while.  I am not even going to try and give you all an individual reply because my memory could not match the names with the reply.  Sandy asked when I felt ready to go back to work.  My treatment rads finished 15th October, I was not ready to go back to work at that point and did feel a bit guilty as I know some of you girls worked right through treatment and went back during rads.  I had the docs on 8 th November and she was great she told me she would not be sending me back it was my call.  I decided then to aim for the new year like something to work towards.  I started an exercise class called Can move for people recovering from cancer run by McMillan and Glasgow city council.  This has helped me loads, every week doing a bit more and building up fitness.  I had a meeting with my boss before Christmas and I agreed with her my phased return, I started on Tuesday 9 to 1pm 4 hrs then Thurday 4hrs so that was 8 this week.  Feeling ok but I was tired around 5 o'clock time on the days I worked.  I am doing 3- 4 hour days next week so 12 hours, week 3 is 3- 5 hr days, week 4 is 4- 5hr days , week 5 is 4 -6 hr days.. week 6 and seven I'm back to 5- 7 hr days, although I'm only working 28 hrs both weeks because I've arranged to have wed off so I can finish my free  12 week exercise class. So not back full time until mid/end February .  The thing is it has got to be right for you, and depends on the job you do too.  Tame care Angels hope you all have a good weekend.  This is my last blowout tonight got friends coming for dinner diet starts Monday lol. Lynn x 

[angiepops]

philomena cazP and rozz thats who i missed.......

[angiepops]

hi angels

just when you think its safe to come out of the water.....

this is whats happened to me over the last couple of days - has anyone had anything similar?

i was at work, but sat chatting when i got really sharp pains in the middle of my chest. it was only for a couple of minutes and then it went. so the next day, i got to work and started going dizzy and lightheaded, this happened twice and i was hot but it wasnt a flush. i noticed that my op arm had swelled at the wrist and on my hand, that looked weird. then i couldnt walk properly on my right foot, it was so painful, that lasted about 20 mins. i came home early, went to docs who took blood and thought it was a clot, but it wasnt, they rang me an hour later to say blood was fine. today, wrist and hand is swelling again. doc said bp was very high. so its friday night and i cant see my macmillan nurse until monday. im very tired too. how very strange. any ideas??

fecinora - i feel the same about being able to detect behing recon? i need to investigate this too. hope youre well.

LNMcg - good for you being back on full pay

sandy - you sound very focussed and positive

moira - nice to hear from you

Amberits done now, it sounds like you had an awful time, i'm dreading going back too. hope youre feeling better now.

diggywiggy - glad youre feeling better, i think we have down days dont we.

maisiecake mel - i know how you feel, i have to say that i couldnt cope enough to get something from the doctors and now i feel so much better. hope youre doing ok.

Mel A - i think youre right not to make any decisions just now. i'm not sure i'm thinking completely normal all the time, maybe a couple of months down the line things might be different.

so to all you lot judy, debra, pauline, lori, katebil, and who have i missed....

hope youre all well.

angie xx

[maisiecake]

Hi all

not managing to post much but trying to keep up with you all.

Feccinora- so sorry about your news and that you are facing more surgery. We'll all be there to support you sending   hugs xxx

Diggywiggy- you're certainly not alone in not feeling better- It seems like a long haul doesn't it? Glad you're seeing a counsellor. I'm finding mine really useful. In fact I'm taking all help offered from anywhere! one day at a time seems to be helping me at the moment. I surprised myself yesterday by having an ok day- didn't last though, crap today!

Angie- I'm seeing my onc in feb which is about 1 year on but I don't know if that's mammogram time or just a chat. I'm sure they've told me I just haven't absorbed it. I worry all the time about the lumps and bumps in boob( scar tissue) and the pain i've now developed under arm and down inti chest. I decided to bother the bcn about this and they've referred me for physio.

Philomena- great news on your retirement. this is your time now!

I'm really looking forward to meeting up on 4th and 5th. Is there anything I should be doing like paying?

If partners are coming I may bring mine to the meal too. He's thinking of driving me up and staying with student son if there is space on his floor, so he can watch him play hockey.

I spoke to my boss on the phone this week but can't honestly see me going back yet for a while. I'm working on not obssessing about worries which are completely out of my control; getting through the day without crying; seeing people lots and trying to do some simple activities like walking.

I feel as if the unexpected arrival of cancer in my life has so shattered my sense of security that any catastrophe seems likely now - illness and death of loved ones,accidents, social breakdown, war, global warming, every bad news story seems to be something that could just as easily happen to me and mine. Because after all if cancer happened then why not the rest? I've lost my expectation that everything will be alright. Hoping these feelings fade in time! using cbt with psychologist to try to change my thinkingand of course all the drugs!!! hope this doesn't sound too depressing because despite everything i think i'm slowly improving. oh and i signed up for a ukelele for beginners class, because why not?

love to all you amazing angels wherever you are in your journey. xxxxx

[diggywiggy]

Thanks for hugs and support. Really needed it! Feeling a bit stronger now and ready to battle for my rights. I was good at my job and I will be good again, but only if I am given time to fully recover. If you have been offered counselling I can recommend it but only with a cancer specialist. Will write more after a good nights sleep. Had my Herceptin on wed so pretty tired now. I was on letrozole and had bad se pain. Now on anastrozole and less pain. Good night dear friends x

[Amber_D]

Diggy & Fecinora sending you big hugs just when we think we're getting there, there's another hurdle. Moira, good to hear from you sounds like you've not had thine best time either.
I so admire all you girls going back to work, it's a big step but don't let anyone push you around. I think we are all different people now and still need to get our heads around a lot of things. Speaking of heads, I have the tufts look too, I look like 'oor Wullie' in the morning!
I had a very emotional day yesterday, I had to wait quite a long time for my mammogram and was put into the same cubicle as this time last year which brought everything back, so by the time it was my turn I wasn't in great shape. My surgery side is still sensitive and when it was squashed into the machine I burst into tears, it was so sore, the nurse kept apologising but it was agony. I had been away for about an hour and my husband was worried sick thinking the worst. When the consultant told me the mammogram was clear and he'd see me next year I should have been jumping for joy instead I burst into tears the minute I got out of his office. Everybody is saying great news ....... But I can't get into that place yet, I've been very emotional all day and know I should be happy but don't know why Iam not. Do you think it's ok to feel like this, is it because I feel I've be brought back to diagnosis last year!
Think I shall have a glass of vino to cheer myself up, have a good evening girls, love n hugs to all xx

[Mosiecat]

Hi everyone, It's been a long time, I know, but I am still here, lurking.
Not much news my end. Everything seems to be going along tickety-boo. I had dexa scan early December and the letter came back saying bones ok for an old woman, keep on taking the osteocare tabs. The anastrozole tabs don't seem to have affected me too much but I do have difficulty remembering to take the blasted things.
I have a follow-up apt with my onc next Thursday. It should have been today but I was attending the funeral of an old friend who was a regular part of our quiz team. He died quite suddenly of an aortic aneurism(?). My friend's husband died in late October while they were on holiday in Cyprus. She's had a hard time of it since then. We had to have the dog put to sleep in November. He would have been 15 on 6 Jan. At least we are all still here and we've seen the back of 2013, the **bleep**test year on record. Hope everything goes well for you, Judy. Will promise to keep in touch
Moira xxx

[PrimroseHill]

Lynn - Forgot to ask how long after treatment did you feel like starting work? xxx

[PrimroseHill]

Hey Fecinora,

Im am sorry to hear you have the BRCA2 gene but there are many inspiring stories and technology is moving on so rapidly and it looks like your team are taking control and removing anything which could cause a risk. I decided on recon because i went overboard on the Mastectomy and Rads. Neo-Adjuvent chemo shrunk the tumor so much that they recomended lumpectomy and said it was my choice to have MX or Rads. I went for both and the immediate recon but I am worried that I can't feel whats going on now.

Diggy I agree with Mel that we shouldn't be pushed or feel guilty about having to work. I know now that people do look at us as cancer survivors and we should be estatic and eagerly return to work with a new zest for life.

Instead I constantly worry about it returning, not spending time with my family and working like i used to. I also still have peeling toe nails and my back aches, my hair is between short furry stuck up tufts and I don't feel like I can cope with things how I used to. So i'm NOT going back to WORK. Not until i'm good and ready. This thing is not going to come back and get me when i'm down. No sirreeee.

So I aslo agree with Mel when she says how you feel can effect your health. Stay strong angels. We know more than anyone how each other is feeling. Love and hugs Sandy. xxxxx

[LNMcG]

Diggy wiggy, fecinora feel for you both still going through the trauma of all this, big hugs to all of you still suffering.
I went back to work for the first time today just 4 hours, feeling good tonight, did not get much done today though as I was deleted from it systems will take 48 hrs to get me back on. My big toenail fell off last night, not a lot to complain about really, feeling guilty when you are suffering. Think it helped me not going back to work right after treatment finished, got my head sorted and back on full pay yeh!! Lynn x

[Mel_A]

Diggy it is hard returning to work and I really feel for you. I've been persuading myself to look for another job as I feel like I won't ever be up to the standard that I'm used to and my employers are used to. I'm slowly beginning to realise that it is probably my own perspective that is out of whack so I have decided to give it time and allow myself time to get better before making any rash decisions. If we look back at what we have been through we owe it to ourselves to be kind to ourselves, whether others fully understand or not.
Fecinora it's good to hear from you. I'm sorry you've got more turmoil to face. I still don't fancy the idea of reconstruction as I can't face more surgery, I don't want the risk of more complications and I have heard that you can still get bc in a reconstructed breast. Certainly for now I'd rather avoid all risks. The falsey isn't so bad now I've got used to it. With 2 you could pick your size and shape according to your mood 😉 Seriously though, the decision has got to be based on what is best for you. How you feel about yourself can affect your health as much as any gene. Good luck with whatever you decide. xx

[fecinora]

Hello Everyone,

I havnt posted for ages, time for an update. I hope everyone is OK.

Diggy Wiggy, going back to work is like hazard dodging. I so feel for you. Even meeting friends I havnt seen for a while, I need to be 'armoured up' ready. I've not got the hang of being a no-well person. I'm not a person with cancer now, but still look like one. My hair looks like Nelson Mandela's. It sticks out of the wig now and is grey/white, so wig doesnt go out in daylight now. I want to see what its going to do before I colour it. Toes still numb, other big toenail fell off last week.

I have been discharged from the onc with no follow up, because my gene test came back BRCA2 positive in November, so I'm waiting on surgeon appts for double mx and ovary/tubes out. I do want reconstruction, but onc said it is possible in the small risk of bc returning in chest wall or muscle, then I might self detect it easier with no recon. Is anyone else worrying about this?

Is anyone post menopause getting Dexa scans? Onc said you get 2 yearly ones on Letrozole, but no guidelines for BRCA post surgeries. Its better to detect any bone probs early before it goes on to osteoporosis. She said I need to ask GP.

Tkae care all xx

[diggywiggy]

Hi Angels

Haven't posted for a while but always checking you girls are okay. Thanks Rozz for booking the rooms and Mel for booking the meal. I am looking forward to meeting you all. Guess I better check out the trains from Somerset. I have been back at work since beginning of Oct on "light duties". They now want me back full time (4 days a week) and teaching. I was not having a good day today, very tired, hard to concentrate and counting the hours to home time. A colleague who has been covering my job asked me about my plans. I tried to explain that I couldn't think beyond the end of today, that it was my anniversary of DX, but she wasn't listening. Then told me about her friend who had a double MX and now has an infection so needs more surgery and can't have a reconstruction........ Not sure how this was meant to make me feel but held it together until I got home then cried my eyes out for hours. Feel completely useless. Why aren't I "better"? Seeing counsellor in morning. Sorry to moan but it is so hard when people don't understand. I know you all will. Okayntime for sleep - if I can get the image of that poor woman out of my head. Lots of love to you all. Diggy Wiggy x

[angiepops]

hi all

thanks girls, so its pretty  normal really. not sure what to expect, theyve lost me in the system so many times i'm keeping a close eye on them now.

angie xx

[Rozz]

Hi Girls,


Yes, I reserved 6 rooms for 4th & 5th April, they can be cancelled 24 hours before so we can confirm numbers later.
Thanks for organising the meal, Mel. Looking forward to it!

I have an appointment with my surgeon early in Feb, to coincide with 1 year since my last mammogram (i.e. the one I had as part of my diagnosis).
Good news re your retirement, Philomena, a long wait but you got what you wanted in the end. Enjoy!

I'm working full time now, although today was a working from home day + a trip to see my lovely lymphoma lady. She checked my sleeve (too long!) and said that although my hand is pretty much the same (because sleeve too long she thinks - GP/Chemist/supplier mess up) my arm is smaller all over. She gave me a massage and showed me how to do it myself a nice way to spend 90 minutes, even if the cause is a bit of a pain.

Keep well all of you!
Rozz

[LNMcG]

Great news Philomena and Mel.
I was diagnosed 23rd Jan had 1st surgery 12th february and second 26th February, my follow up appointment was made the day I got my 2nd result my appointment with breast surgeon is 20th March 2014. One of the girls I met in hospital had 2 surgeries chemo then mastectomy in August her follow up is not til August 2014. As Someone said it varies from hospital to hospital. My onc said she would not see me again after I had my appt with her after radiotherapy. That's suits me I don't want to see a cancer doc again. Lynn x

[Philomena_b]

Happy new year angels.
I would also like to go for the meal in Manchester, getting excited now 🙂
I have my yearly check up in March ! This was arranged when I went for my results after surgery. Each hospital is so different.
I received some good news today, Capita has agreed to my medical retirement, so I'm delighted.
Xx

[Mel_A]

I hope everything goes well on Wednesday Amber xx

[Amber_D]

Great news Mel, got my appt on Wed so fingers crossed. Angie I was dx Jan 9th surgery Feb 9th. Yahoo got my sky back today it's been off since Xmas Eve, the storm had damaged the dish so we've got a new one, little luxuries we miss lol.
Have a good evening girls 😉xx

[Mel_A]

Hi everyone,
I had my check with the surgeon today. I was a bit worried about my left breast feeling tender and thought I couldd feel small lumps in it. Apparently my mastectomy wasn't due until Feb, a year after op but they did it today instead, with an ultrasound to check everything was ok. Fortunately everything was fine so I can breathe a sigh of relief. She said evening primrose oil might help with the hot flushes at night.I'm going to be seen next by the oncologist around June time apparently. Back to work today again too. Life is slowly getting back to normal 🙂

[angiepops]

hi all

ive had an email back from the breast clinic saying that i will probably be seen by the surgeon around march/april 2014. is anyone else waiting this long for 1 year checks, are you seeing surgeons or onc's. i was dx 5th feb 2013 and had mx 6th march 2013. Am i just being too eager?

angie xx

[PrimroseHill]

Yaay....Thanks Mel. My OH is usually not too concerned about being in an all female environment...lol, however, this is a little different to what any of us are used to but I can't wait. Not long now....xxxx 

[Mel_A]

Thanks ladies. I've made a reservation at the Red Hot World Buffet for 16 at 7:30pm on 05/04/14. If the numbers change nearer the time just let me know. Sandy I'll bring my hubby to the evening meal too if he's up to it. xx

[Amber_D]

Mel, 7.30 fine with me too xx

[angiepops]

Hi all

last day off today, back to work tommorow, just done all the rotas for extra jobs, brasso, carpets to clean, all that stuff, the girls are gonna love me haha. i cant wait actually, just to get back to the normal flow, hoping the snow doesnt arrive just yet though, its a long drive to work and back.

ive got the docs on tuesday to see if i'm still nuts. i think the tablets have really helped, i dont feel quite so angry all the time, much more relaxed about everything, probably a bit too chilled if anything.

hope everyone is doing ok, a lot of 1 year checks are coming up arent they, i'm trying to get one sorted for me. maybe they'll be back to work tommorow and reply to my email.

good luck anyone returning to work tommorow

angie xx

[PrimroseHill]

Evening Angels

Mel - Baring any major mishaps OH and I will be wanting to join in for the meal and 7.30 sounds great. 

Amber - Fab to hear from you. Thank goodness you didn't get on the plane an then found it couldn't land but it sounds like youve had a really good time.

Ive been to hospital again as my implant started to rise up to my collar bone. Seriously I could rest my chin on it. The head surgeon had a look and wasn't too worried as he had seen swelling before due to radiotherapy which in turn has temporarily contracted the implant upwards and it should settle back down. He also explained that he came in and actually consulted during my surgery and that because I had opted for expander implant he had recomended that I had the most expensive one put in which would stand up to the rads, (he did tell me the name but I can't remember). The upside to this is that I only have to have minor surgery just to remove the port from the expander which will make it permanent. Im really chuffed as I love how I look already and the scarring is already starting to fade a little. I'm also worried about surgery after getting a hematoma the last time. 

Ive been given a book by my husbands son in law. Bless him. He ordered it of the internet for me and it's called "My Mummy Wears a Wig - Does Yours" and is the true story of Michelle Williams - Huw, a cancer survivor, and her journey through BC. Im rivetted to it at the moment but as soon as ive finished it I will pass it on to you.

Got to go. Log fire and an organge is calling. Lol. Take it easy angels. Lv n Hugs Sandy.  xxx

[Mel_A]

Thanks Lynn. Good luck next week xx

[LNMcG]

Mel that time sounds fine to me, as far as I know Roz has booked 6 twin rooms on her credit card, which she can cancel if anyone pulls out. I took all the tree down today. Got docs on Monday and as long as he signs me off back to work Tuesday for me just 4 hrs first 2 days, then 3 days following week, a bit apprehensive will let you all know how it goes Lynn x

[Amber_D]

Happy New Year Angels
May this be a good one for us all!
Eventually got back from Dublin last night after being stuck at the airport, due to the high winds our plane couldn't land! However had a great time and a few pints of a Guiness, we went to to NYE countdown concert which was lovely, couldn't wait to say goodbye to 2013.
Mel, take it easy and don't be too hard on yourself, baby steps, big hugs to you and Judy.
I have my 1 year appt with my consultant on Wed and to be honest it's freaking me a bit, but fingers crossed.
Have noticed over the weeks a few of our regulars have not been posting, hope you are all well.

Going to chill out tonight, did loads of walking whilst we were away so a bit knackered today.

Love and hugs to everyone, let's kick a.s this year!! Xxxx

[Mel_A]

Hi everyone
I hope everyone is feeling well today. Good luck to anyone going back to work on Monday.
Rozz how many people have you booked to stay in Manchester and us anyone going who hasn't booked a room? Now Christmas is over I want to phone and book our meal. Has anyone any preference for a time? I was thinking maybe about 7:30pm but I'm happy with whatever time suits everyone else. Xx

[CazP]

Happy New year angels!! A little late but was away with friends in Yorkshire with no phone signal. Came back yesterday - had a great time, but tired and went to bed at 8pm so I could get up for work today. I am supposed to be back full time now, so will see how that goes. I have decided to give up drink and have a dry January - I believe there is a Cancer Research fundraising thing around this but only heard about that after I decided to do it. Tried it last year but failed (ha, ha) so working on improving my self discipline.

Love and best wishes to you all for 2014 and thinking especially of those who of you currently facing more ups and downs of this journey.

I was dx at beg March. I have 2 appointments one with surgical team and one with onc but not till Arpil/May and I don't know if I will have a mammogram. Your discussion has prompted me to follow up and find out a bit more what to expect.

Carol x

[Judyd]

Mel, so sorry to read that your struggling, it's still early days for you so don't be too hard on yourself. Big hugs to you xx
Angie, I have the same hair, it's more of a fro than hair, it just grows out but not longer, very strange!

[Sam_BCC]

Hi angiepops

Yes there is a live chat running tonight form 8.30 to 9.30pm. 

Best wishes Sam, Facilitator

[angiepops]

hi all

i emailed the breast clinic nurse today to find out when they will be seeing me again, scotlands still on a bank holiday though so it might not get seen just yet.

hair ladies? - have we all got curly locks? mine seems to grow bigger rather than longer, its a bit like a sponge - or a scourer type hair. is it just me or are we all the same?

IS THERE A LIVE CHAT TONIGHT bcc people?

angie xx

[maisiecake]

happy new year angels!!!

haven't posted for a while as struggling with anxiety and depression. Think I've missed lots.

Judy- thinking of you and fingers crossed it turns out to be nothing important.

hope everyone else is doing ok . i managed to get through xmas with lots of great support from friends and family. Glad the year is over and hoping 2014 will be better for all of us. I'm taking one day at a time and making no plans at the moment. Just trying to walk every day. The good thing about anxiety is i have no appetite, so the weight is dropping off at the mo!

love to you all mel xx

[Judyd]

A very happy new year ladies, I really do hope we all have a much better year than last year.
I completely forgot my bottle of wine, I was messing about trying to sort out my sons tv till about 11, then I remembered the wine. I might crack it open tonight instead.
Philomena I have every faith in your candle.😘
My New Years resolution is to get rid of all this blubber. I bought an excercise bike and I am going on it every day from now on. I have got to get rid of this Lardy arse. I was sort of hanging on thinking, I don't want to lose that much weight as I need the belly fat for my boob. But enough is enough now, I want my body back. That's my New Years resolution anyway.

[Philomena_b]

A very happy and healthy new year to us all.
So sorry about your news Judy, the candle is lit, as you know this candle is very effective.
Looking forward to April, should be such a laugh xxx

[lori28]

Happy New Year.......a new begining at last!
I hope after last year we all have a happier & healthier year ahead.
Hope you all well and truely kicked 2013 into touch and leaped into 2014 with positive thoughts for the future - our future 🐵
Lots of love to you all, the new year hugs will need to wait until we meet in April!
Take care, Lorraine xx

[angiepops]

welcome to 2014 girls

i had a very quiet night watching nicholas cage films on tv and laying on the settee relaxing drinking tea and eating goodies. I stayed in bed til 11 (omg!) today and its sunny and bright, i'm ready for the next year to be much better than the last one.

my new year resolution is to spend more time with my family than i have in the past. oh - and to try and grow straight hair.

what are your new year resolutions ?

angie xx

[Mel_A]

Here's to a very happy and healthy new year everybody. 2013 had it's challenges, but many positives have come out of it for me, including the support and friendship of you wonderful ladies. I can't wait to meet you all in person. Have a good night everyone xxx

[Katebil]

Yes Angie give them a ring.....I was dx in Feb also but haven't got a 1 year mammogram appt as was missing from their records!

Happy New Year to everyone, hope 2014 is good in all ways

Kate
x

[angiepops]

Spoiler

hi ladies

ive broke up from work today for another 5 days and i'm feeling it i can tell you. just had to pop some painkillers because i ache so much today, i'm not normally this bad, maybe the cold weather isnt helping. Ive not seen an onc since july either, should we be getting appointments through - i was dx on 6 feb this year? Should i ring the clinic and see whats what, they lost me in the system a few times through treatment.

judy - what a long time to wait to go back, you must  be gutted. Good thing is though, they've seen it and are acting on it. Fingers crossed x

Lori - ive got the anti depressants too, they seem to take the edge off dont they. i dont expect to have them for long so i hope i'm ok when they take them off me.

Happy New Year Awesome April Angels

Lets hope 2014 is a good one

Cheers ladies

angie xx