Anyone starting chemo in July 2013? We are now the July Junkies!

[rhubarb]

Hi can I join the July Junkies? Will have 3 FEC & 3 T. One FEC down and 2nd FEC coming up next week.

[Guest user]

To those ladies stepping up to the bar tomorrow. Good luck, and let us know how you get on, when you are able.

I am still feeling ok. Legs are aching a bit, and I am feeling tired but then it is almost midnight!!!

[Guest user]

Yes. Was meant to be in bed at 9 but here I am 11.30 still reading the forums - I like to feel prepared! (Control freak)

[bruce01]

I am absolutely hyper, cant relax, but good luck to Debalicious and Salad Jules who join me at the bar tomorrow. Hope its not as bad as we all think
Senga x

[Melrose15]

Hi ladies. Just popping in from the Jewels. I'm day 5 cycle 2 and have very patchy hair now! It's too hot for my wig and I've only worn it to work as I work in a sch and don't want to scare the kids!! Re scarves I made the mistake of ordering lots of patterned ones and now realise they don't go with things, so I'd recommend some plain ones. Annabandana is reasonable, The India shop sells plain cotton ones and Deresina does lovely hats that look glam andvery Jackie O 😉
Take care ladies.I've found my s/e's this cycle to be very different from my last so take each day as it comes.
Enjoy the sun. Emma xx

[Lols]

Thanks salad jules, another thing to nag bc n about they don't phone me much, so il phone them again!! Good luck tomorrow hope se not to bad or month at all that would be nice, take care x

[Guest user]

Hi all. Good to hear everyone's updates.
bit tired at mo so will try to be brief. Had pre-chemo echo today and all fine with heart.
Then had my CT and PET scan. CT very weird feeling when they put the iodine in - u can feel it make its way through the body - interesting study in how veins work!
Both were non scary (think MRI is meant to be worse), though I did close my eyes to help me relax (and keep still!)
worst thing is the no eating - breakfast at 7 and nothing till 5.30pm! (am not a good fast-er!). Am only just taking my second lot of steroids now so hope i dont get indigestion/insomnia later
re head scarves, I'm thinking it will help break the ice with people. My current thoughts are I would rather people know and then they don't feel they have to guess or refrain from asking asking questions (although as others have said, not sure how I will deal with pitying looks...)
Lols - one of the breast care team (not sure which!) phoned me and gave me info about chemo tips and sent me 2 links of wig people in my area so reckon someone on your team (Bcn?) should know
Tamsin - you sound a little happier? Hope so X
nell42 keep us updated on how you are after the chemo. Am wondering when I will start to feel bad
good luck for those joining me tomorrow...hope they are easy on us!
humph - so much for brief!

[Guest user]

Sorry for posting the last one twice, and also forgetting to answer Piggsytrotter question. I had surgery on 10 June - WLE and ANC. Although 2 margins were not clear, so am having chemo and then going back for a bit more surgery on those 2 margins.

[Guest user]

Hi All,
I did indeed go to the bar today and got loaded up. Drugs went onboard between 4pm and 5pm and at the moment I am feeling ok. Have come home with loads of anti sickness drugsand instructions to take them even if not feeling sick, at least for the first three days. Also sipping my way through lots of fluids, but not much appetite - dont think its the drugs just all the anxiety of the day.
Got my travel bands on, had a few ginger biscuits and currently sipping a lemon and ginger herbal tea. My best friend just text with the words "Hi hun, hope ya ok.....keep sucking the ginger"!!!!

Piggstrotter - honestly, having the PICC line fitted was painless. I didnt look, they loaded me up with local aneathestic and it was absolutely fine.......and I have small veins and they had a little hunt around to find a suitable one.

Its been a long day, and what with a combination of anxiety and this soaring heat I didnt get much sleep last night so I am really hoping that i can get at least a few hours tonight.

[Lols]

Sorry my I pad doesn't think along the same lines as me!! I should read before posting x blinking predictive txt I am constantly re typing. It's obviously never heard of a cold cap, lucky thing!! X

[Pollyanne]

Lol@ toecap predictive text? Your OH sounds a very wise caring man, and what he says is absolutely right in the scheme of things the hair loss stuff oughtn't be so important to us ( I'm trying so hard to convince myself here ) . Thank you for the welcome Piggys , your only going to be 4 days behind me so we will be able to compare SE,s

[Lols]

Sorry Pollyanna didnt read all posts ga brain from this mornings surgery still in a bit of a mist! I'm gonna try toecap too wouldn't mind it right now with this heat. ! Like you worried people will look at me with pitying looks, but I don't look at others like that to be honest I think they are brill daring to go out with no hair (girl power). My OH doesn't know why im worried about it but he hasn't had hair for years his attitude is , you've done nothing wrong, be proud your dealing with it, hold your head high, and think of all that expensive hair product stuff you will save on, so glad for his support, however I've been with him for 7 years and he's only known me with shoulder length or longer blonde curly hair so we will soon see if its all talk
good luck with chemo keep us posttaxtax

[piggsytrotter]

Afternoon ladies. Struggling a bit with the heat today, hardly a breathe of wind so practising lying on sofa ready for chemo SEs!
Orangecat, glad you’re feeling good. Good news is still good news, no matter who it’s about.
Lois, I went to Hair clinic today, although hair will be around for approx another 4 weeks. I’m dreading my hair coming out, so I’m having it cut really short next Tues ready for chemo on 26. Can’t bear the thought of getting up and leaving my hair on the pillow. I don’t suppose it will be that dramatic, but I have a very active imagination lol. Have chosen a wig, but they’re sending me two because they didn’t have a sample and my hair is naturally very fair. I just have to take what I don’t want back to hosp. Wig is heavily subsidised but nevertheless having cancer isn’t cheap. Haven’t got any turbans/bandanas/scarves yet, suppose I must focus on that next week.
Benedictus, how are you doing? How appalling that you’re facing more surgery. Judging by the amount of women having more than one operation, I don’t think they take big enough margins. Hope your third op is finally the last one..
Pollyanne, the waiting is absolutely the worst bit. I thought about cold cap, but then thought no if I’m having to go through all this sh*t I want the chemo to get to every single molecule! But we’re all different and I hope it works for you.
The thing about BC is that it affects the two most important elements that single us out as being women. I can’t think of any disease that affects men in such a visual way.
Nell42 how did you get on with your PICC line? I’m having mine put in Thursday week. You’re having your treatment back to front then? Chemo then surgery. Fingers crossed it makes a massive difference to the surgery.
Amandamangus it is frightening when they tell you one thing, and then it turns out to be the opposite. I hoped that because all my scans were clear that I might avoid chemo. No such luck. I think most of us are more scared of the chemo than surgery.
Pollyanne, welcome to the club none of us wanted to join. I’m hoping the apprehension I’m feeling about the chemo will turn out be unfounded – pause for hollow laughter.
Welcome, welcome welcome to everyone else. This just such a sh*t time for all of us, but hopefully we can support one another.
For now, I’m going to concentrate on the lovely weather and the prospect of letting my hair down at Larmer Tree, while I still have it hahaha! x

[Lols]

Ok poems thanks for that I'm dreading losing hair, although in this weather might be godsend!!! Hot or what ? Someone did te ll me you get a voucher in Wales so hopefully I will and going to get organised and order some bandana things. Keep cool x thanks again don't get much info from team unless I nag and im sure they think I'm a pain at times ( I probably am ) x

[poemsgalore]

Hi, just popped in from the February Valentines to see how you are all doing.
Lols, when I went to the chemo open day (just before starting chemo) among all the blurb they sent me home with, was a parking permit for 6 months and a voucher for a wig, with a list of all the local hairdressers who would provide a wig with the voucher. I don't think all hospitals do this though. I should ask your BCN, or wait until you get the invite to visit the chemo day unit.

Wishing you all luck and hoping you are coping with this HOT, HOT weather.....PHEW (sweating, not blushing)
Poemsgalore xxx

[Pollyanne]

Hi j j,s. well last scan out of the way, now playing the waiting game again, ( not sure my poor heart can take much more lol ) hope those of you. Starting this week have few and small S.E. and pop into tell those of us joining them in the next couple of weeks how they are coping , it's great that you have had some good news kat, long may it continue. Lols I'm with you on the hair thing, absolutely dreading that, I'm going to give the cc a shot, but still want to arm myself with a wig just in case, I really admire those of us that are going along the scarves and bandana route, prob would be so much easier and comfortable , but I know if I start getting pitying looks in asda or wherever I will feel worse. My thoughts and good wishes are with you all Lynda

[benedictus]

Hey Kat, When you get news like that life just seems so much rosier! Happy days .
Hope those of you being Junked up either today or tomorrow do it in style!
x

[Lols]

Hi orange at, not started chemo yet, that joy to come! Does bc nurse help with advice about where to go for wigs or is it down to individual to research and find? Not going to cope well with losing hair and would like to get stuff prepared. Omg hate this disease, you sound so positive , thankyou does help, had surgery and ga today home now so prob ga makin me feel bit down, hope it wears of soon did last time, x

[orangecat]

Just booked appt at Trendco for a wig fitting. Will let you know how it goes
Kat xx

[orangecat]

Morning JJ's
Well I feel great! Had some good news today in that son has date for return 26th Nov and my bestest best friend's lump in her stomach was benign and not the same cancer that her father died from, phew.
I have been for iced coffee with a friend and pruned the roses, lovely.
My hair is coming out in handfuls, but do I care !! (not today thats for sure) trying to hang on to it for this week as lunch out tomorrow and then party on Thursday.
Good luck to nell42 who I think starts today and Senga, Debaliscious and saladJules who go to the bar tomorrow.
Hold your nose and jump in
Love to all Kat xxx

[samjs]

Oh piggsytrotter, you are not alone with your attitude I have been much the same. Sure my attitude will change once I have the chemo unit visit. Marion09 your histology is the same as mine except I had vascular involvement too. Also just had 2nd wle. Tamsin are are you having another wle? I told my bcc that i wouldnt have a 3rd wle so he had better have got all this time. Due to 2nd and hopefully final op chemo won't start until August as i dont get results until 25th July.

Sam xx

[orangecat]

Morning Junkies,
Hope everyone is feeling OK

Wow Positivelady that was dramatic, thank heavens for good friends. At least you know they will keep a close eye on you now.
Happy Birthday Justyt

Tamsin my OH and his best friend are TdeF nuts and I have lived with it through more summers than i can remember, but I still don't get it !!?? I just enjoy the scenery. We usually bat over to France once or twice a year so I'm having withdrawls.
Well I now have dry skin with spots!! nasty red boils!! my daughter has bought me a teatree and witch stick.
Every day in every way I'm getting better and better.
Kat xx

[pironm]

Hi Lola65 _ thanks for popping in.. it's nice to have someone else on TCH. I hear what you're saying about a port - I'll have 18 rounds, too - but they aren't recommending one for me at least yet.... How's it going? Any tips for surviving THC? I.m only on Day 4 1st round and having a lot of peripheral neuropathy & numbness in my lips, tongue and jaw.

[positivelady]

Quick update from me. Nearing the end of third week of my first session of FEC. On the whole gone very well and still feeling positive. Just a small blip last Saturday (day 6). Awakened at 0500 feeling nauseaus and was sick, this continued for a couple of hours and eventually I phoned a friend who had my backdoor key. When she came I was on the floor having fainted. So put in ambulance, given intravenous antisickness drug which quelled the sickness. I spent the weekend in the oncology ward, was given antibioltics and came home fighting fit. I have been fine ever since. This was just a reaction to chemo. My white blood count is good so will not delay my second session Mon 22 July. This is not a common reaction so please do not be alarmed. For the first five days I had not been sick at all. They will sort my anti sickness drugs when I see Onc next week so I have something to take if I feel this coming on again. I will be packing a small overnight bag as a precaution and then I will forget about it unless it is needed, particularly as I live alone!
Still have all my hair and it is bright and shiny so might make it to the end of my first session intact!!. Who knows? I have my wig ready for when the inevitable happens and my hairdresser standing by to make a home visit to shave my head and cut/style my wig.
I now have an understandiing about how I am likely to feel during future cycles. Week 1 feeling a bit grotty, week 2 steadily feeling stronger and more like my old self. Week 3, feeling good and fine but have to be careful of infection and week 4 positively glowing! I did have a problem with constipation but my doctor has given me the meds to sort this and they worked well. I think it is important to keep going regularly through this as it can be a problem due to the chemo drugs for some people.
Enough about me. I do hope the newbees will take comfort from the messages on this site. I have found it very useful. You don't need to read every message fully, just scan over and take what you need from it and you will find it may answer your queries and be a comfort.
Have a fantastic weekend enjoying the sun from the shade Xxx

[Guest user]

Thanks for such a quick reply Tamsin. Am mostly good at not thinking too much (and my toddler twins help!) But its always there in the background (especially at night or early mornings!). I had a little blub to know there are other scared people here too.
Oops - self indulgent moment over - better rescue hubbie from the kids (or is that vice versa!!? Haha)

[benedictus]

Oh my goodness! I go away and sob for five minutes and when I come back there are all these lovely new women! Welcome to all of you - I know you don't want to be here but as you are, it's a great support network. For those with start dates I have added you to the list which is somewhere above.
So, I managed to have a long talk with the BCN yesterday morning and she reassured me that a) it is still being treated as a primary recurrence, b) the surgeon is happy that this op should sort it and c) neither the surgeon nor the onc are worried about the delay in starting chemo. So all being well I should slip in at the very end of the month on the 31st. Not counting my chickens though!
Kat: if I start on the 31st HCP might be a possibility because it would be my third week. Tiltyard would be very nice indeed! It must be so hard for you with your son in HK, but I can imagine much of that worry must be how he is feeling being out there when so much is happening here in his absence. I'm glad the school concert was fab - we love Les Mis in this house as well. We've just about finished all concerty things for this year - just one final performance for my little one in Evita this afternoon - he's in the children's chorus for the touring production and has loved every minute of it. Good luck with tackling the genetics form.....
Tasha101: Must remember what your daughter says about baldies! I agree that losing your hair is psychologically the worst bit, to the extent that I endured the cold cap last time which was absolutely the worst part of chemo. It was horrible. But I didn't lose my hair. I can't face that a second time, so have decided to bite the bullet. I don't know if you read the June Jewels thread, but many of them say it's the anticipation which is worst. Once it's done it is so much better.
debsaliciious: Where are you being treated? Was the chemo unit grim just because of what you are going to have to go through or did you find the atmosphere/people unfriendly? I am incredibly lucky to have one of the regional centres 5 minutes walk down the road from where I live, but Weston Park was put up in the 60s and is a concrete monstrosity. But it's a fab place to be treated.
Lottie12: Welcome, and I'm so sorry that you find yourself here at your age. Have you also joined the younger women's forum? I know that a friend of mine found it really helpful. Let me know chemo dates and regime if you want to (no pressure) and I'll put you on the list.
MelindaE: Enjoy your weekend. Impressed by how organised you are!
Senga: I'm so glad the endoscopy went well. When do you get the results of that? I'd been thinking much the same as you about what I've had done to me over the last few weeks. I'm feeling pretty battered and bruised and chemo is still some way off. But we'll all get through it and out the other side.
Justy T: Happy Birthday for tomorrow! I hope you have a lovely day. And this time next year you will be able to look back and think what a heck of a rollercoaster you have had, but that you've come through it!
Salad Jules: I can understand you being scared about results - that really and truly is the worst part. I was a complete mess on Wednesday when I had bad news once more and I know that I will be a mess in a fortnight waiting for the next lot. And if you were only diagnosed (dx) on Tuesday then I would imagine you still feel you are on the window ledge hanging on by your fingertips. I was like you first time round - diagnosed and then straight into chemo almost within days and I remember it is a whirlwind of disbelief, but you will get very good advice from everyone in the chemo unit and you will be able to manage. There are a lot of acronyms on this site and I regularly get lost, especially when people post their path reports, so don't worry if you want to speak in plain english! SE are side effects by the way.
Goodness I've burbled. Sorry! Did try the men in Lycra, Kat, but it was soooooo boring. So it's back to the cricket.
Enjoy the lovely weather everyone
Tamsin x

[Guest user]

Morning all. Diagnosed Tuesday. Grade 3, ductal, triple negative. Lump measures between 2 and 2.8 cms depending on who measures it! (Hoping it hasn't really grown nearly a cm in 2 weeks....). Scan on Monday (quite scared about results). And hoping to start 6 cycles of TAC chemo on Tuesday (16th). Sponsored head shave sometime next week. Just read about donating hair which would be great but its bob length so not sure I have enough 😞
Trying to get to grips with all the acronyms (what are SE's?). Still don't think i've taken it all in really.
Thanks Tamsin for starting thread and sorry u hit a low point recently. hope u get good news soon.
anyway just wanted to check in.

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, hoping I can join the July junkies!
I was only diagnosed yesterday but as it is also in the lymph they want to start chemo within the next 2 weeks and then I will have surgery after 6 cycles. I will be 40 tomorrow!

[bruce01]

Hi Ladies,
What a week this has been,like Piggsytrotter I think its finally starting to sink it. In between going to work, I have had my wig fitting session, ordered up three wigs, one blonde, one brown and one vibrant red,(figured people are going to stare anyway so might as well go all out). On Wed. had an echogram at one hospital and a session at Headstrong at another hospital then back to work. Today was back up at hospital for an endescope (got sedated for that one) and more bloods taken, but apart from a sore throat and feeling sleepy got on ok. Of all the things I have had done in the last three months, two ops, umpteen scans, ultrasounds, endescope etc , I think I have coped fairly well. But I think starting chemo on Tuesday and losing my hair, is when it will suddenly make everything feel real and scary. I am on a road that like everyone here, sooo dont want to be on. I wish we all find the strength to get through this and come out the other side
Senga x

[Guest user]

Evening all,
It may not be the same for you ladies, but for me the hair loss is kind of the final insult - haven't we all got enough to cope with without having to face the world without our lovely hair?! But my 16 year old daughter assured me its very cool to be bald and she couldn't understand why that was bothering me. She pointed out that you see ladies in hats and scarves so often, no-one thinks anything of it. I'm just reminding myself its only temporary, and in the autumn and winter it will be easy to hide under a woolly hat, and if I'm honest it really was about time I updated from my long straight hair to a more funky 'do which is what I'll be doing when it grows back.
welcome Lottie12 and good luck to everyone who starts chemo next week. I just want to get on with it - the sooner it starts the sooner it's finished
xxx

[Pollyanne]

Hi lottie glad you have joined us although wish you hadn't had to (if that makes sense) its absolute rubbish to have this to go through at 28, but I'm sure your youth will help you get through it . I'm due to start next week as well , hope all your S.E are few and small . Best wishes and good luck to all the other ladies starting next week and of course those who are already on the way

[Guest user]

Hi, I start chemo next Friday 19 July i will be having 8 sessions of FEC-T. I think it will finally hit home then what I have to go through. I have been back to work and normailty this week which has been good. I have bought some head scarves and hats so have been wearing them at home for practice! Have also been stacking up on food items that have been talked about by the June Jewels, Back to the wig shop tomorrow, and also to get the pony tail chopped off and sent to a childrens charity. My hair will still be down to my shoulders so a gradual change until the dreaded fall out.
How good would it be if they could find a chemo that is successful for breast cancer that doesn't lead to hair loss, as that I believe to be one of our biggest fears through all this.
Now to enjoy my last chemo free weekend!
Enjoy the sun
Mel

[Lottie12]

Hi ladies, I hope I can join you all. I'm 28 and was diagnosed in early June. i have now had surgery and am due to start chemo next week.

[Guest user]

Hi All

I had my visit to the chemo unit (grim) on wednesday and start chemo (fec-t) on tuesday!!
Had a bit of a freak aboout head gear and panic about having to go out bald so went shopping yesterday and hot 2 scarves and a cap. I am looking at wigs on Monday with my hairdresser friend.
Also had a call from my BCN and felt better after I'd had a chat with her.
Just need to try to keep busy to keep my mind off things until tues

Have a great w/e everyone

[orangecat]

You grumble away girl.
Dont rule out HCP yet it might be just what you need. It is a wonderful place and I hope they have included one but if not get a pass then you can dip in as you need to, and also visit the other palaces. If you come down we could meet up for tea in the Tiltyard??
I went to school's summer concert (Les Mis themed) last night which was lovely, my daughter's (15) fave concert of the year. She plays the flute in the orchestra. We have one more week of school here.
My invisible umbilical cord is tuggng on my son who is in Hong Kong, he has been there for 6 months and has 6 to go. So chemo will be over when he is back. His best friend's dad died suddenly at the wkd so I know he is really feeling it out there. Thank heavens for Skype.
My genetics letter from the Marsden has arrived with a quite lengthy questionnarie (good quality paper) and I need to get my head in the right palce and start it.
Procrastination is my middle name today.
Kat xx

[benedictus]

Morning Junkies! So glad things have gone Ok for you pironm even though the Tax didn't entirely behave itself. Hope the se's aren't too bad. Welcome to all the newbies. Updated list below:

15 July nell42 FEC-T + Herceptin
16 th s_bruce Senga FEC
16thDebsaliscious FEC-T
16th Salad Jules TAC
18 th melena EC90
19th MelindaE Mel Fec-T
22nd pollyanne Lynda
25th Bimble TAC
26th Piggsytrotter FEC-T

Thanks for your positive vibes, Lynda and Kat. I am having a bit of a meltdown at the moment. Not helped by the fact that the surgeon was so convinced he'd got it all out during the first op at the end of May. Then a closer look at histology made them go in again - hence last week - and now the news that even that wasn't clear. Mind in overdrive...... I'm trying to get hold of my BCN to ask a few questions, but no luck.
Still, another beautiful sunny day here in leafy Sheffield - yes, the greenest city in the UK! MS finishes school today, so he'll be home at lunchtime ready to lie on his bed for 7 weeks (he's 14!) The family are coming down to Hampton Court in August, Kat. I'd splashed out in a huge mega way and booked the Georgian House to stay in because I'd always wanted to stay there. We tried to change it but Landmark Trust don't give refunds because, they say, they manage it on behalf a third party - i.e. the Queen. Would have thought she'd have enough money to allow refunds in circs such as this. Seems not. Anyway, looks as though everyone else is going and leaving me at home
Promise won't grumble again......
Tamsin x

[Guest user]

Hi - the MUGA scan was done at nuclear medicine. One injectin in....30 minutes later......radioactive injection in.......then a nice lay down on the scanning machine and they bring in part of the machine that sits reasonably close to the body on left side. Lay still for approx 20 minutes whilst it gets in synch with your heart beats and gives them a good readings. Believe its a baseline reading as I'm having herceptin and will return every 3 months to detect any damage to heart muscle and intervene with drugs at appropriate time. It was honestly a very relaxed scan. Staff stayed in the room with me, chatting away, they put music on for me to listen to....I go Olly Murs that day, and was made to feel very at ease about the whole thing.
Waiting for the nerves to kick in about starting chemo on Monday......I know they will be there, but am hoping they only start to properly appear on Monday morning. I can but hope.

[pironm]

Thanks KAt - appreciate it and love the Hampton Court idea down the road!!

[pironm]

Hi and thanks for asking Piggstrotter . Was a long 8+ hr day at the Infusion Center as the Herceptin loading dose went in OK (slowly) - but when they got to the Docetaxel (Taxotere) - I has side effects twice and they shut it down, filled me with Hydrocortisone and Benadryl (IV) and finally got the last bit in - Numbness and tingling, burning in the mouth, lips, tongue- jaw bone and High BP - Feeling pretty good today -no nausea but still have the numbness in the mouth. Weather's great here in CA- at work now and hoping to put in a full day - I know this may not last but I am enjoying feeling OK it as long as I can - Thanks for all the support for your CA July Junkie.

[orangecat]

Tamsin that is rotten news, another op poor you. At least you get to watch the men in lycra for a bit longer, and now the cricket!!
I'm keeping up to date and reading everyones news and wishing you all well.
Pironm hope you are feeling OK. Oat milk was my savior. I actually ventured out in day light hours today as apposed to holding court.
I like the idea of knowing where we all are so from down the road a bit from Hampton Court goodnight.
Kat xx

[Pollyanne]

So sorry to hear your at a low point Benedictus , sounds like your really being put through the mill at mo, I had 2ops and that was enough! But I'm sure you will feel better as soon as they get your surgery s out of the way. Try and treat yourself to something nice over the weekend and be sure that there will always be someone here that will at least listen and understand what your going through sending you big hugs. Lynda

[benedictus]

Hi All. Just wonderered whether we wanted an updated list as there are now quite a few of us. We seem to be quite a 'hands off' forum so perhaps it isn't what people want. It's still up in the air as to whether I'll make the grade as a July Junkie. Results from the second op last week still show evidence of disease so I'm off for round three next week. Bit of a low point.....

[Guest user]

Piggsystrotter - thank you for your encouragement and making my tumour seem smaller!! Luckily I had scans before MX and they were clear, but then I had a panic about all 21 nodes because I haven't seen that in any other cases on this forum and I think I've read every post...wondering if some rogue cells are already on their way to cause more damage.
I don't have a temp implant, I knew reconstruction wouldn't be an option until at least a year from now and having read so much helpful info here, I'm pretty sure I don't want one. I couldn't face more surgery just to get something that doesn't even look too good. I've taken advice and ordered the £26.50 prosthesis from Nicola Jane, my BCNs are wonderful but the comfie they gave me couldn't be more the wrong shape. I think with a proper fitting bra and prosthesis and some clever dressing I will be fine. I've also checked out Annabandana as recommended and it looks great so I'll be choosing a few items in preparation for chemo. I think having the right tools for the job makes everything that little bit less stressful. Big thanks to everyone who offers support and advice, and to the facilitators who have made this brilliant forum run smoothly.
Being in company with like minded ladies is certainly helping me, and I hope I can help others too xxx

[Pollyanne]

Hi ladies, hope I can join you, just had phone call from onc dept. booked in for first session on 22 July eeek!! Still got heart echo and bone scan to get through first , seems I have now officially, joined the roller coaster ( never did care for fairground rides ) I have been reading all your messages and posts and can identify with all the emotions described

[piggsytrotter]

Good afternoon everyone. Can’t believe it’s still sunny and warm.
Prionm, it could almost be California here! I hope your first session wasn’t too nerve-wracking and you’re holding up. Do let us know how you’re getting on.
Welcome Nell42. No idea what a MUGA scan is but pleased that yours are clear. I’m having a PICC line as well. Be interested to hear how that procedure goes. At least you have a clear baseline to start from and so you know the chemo is your insurance policy.
Marion09 that all sounds pretty good to me. Chemo and rads seem to be automatic if lymph nodes are involved. We’re on the same regime so be interesting to compare notes. You’re welcome to stay on as an honorary July Junkie! Hope the weather holds for your Devon holiday, it’s a lovely part of the country.
Welcome Tasha101. I can beat your 9cm tumour, mine was 10.2 cm! I had 8 out of 15 nodes affected but my bone and ct scans were clear. Phew! Surely as all your lymph nodes were affected you’ll be having bone and ct scans as well? If not, you should ask why not. Not knowing whether it has spread is the most worrying aspect, and the scans will put your mind at rest. Have you had a temporary implant or are you waiting for reconstruction after treatment? A nursing friend told me it might help to try and think that yes, all those lymph nodes were affected but that only means they were doing their job. It certainly helped me deal with my fears before I had the results of the scans.
Hurrah! Our tickets for the Larmer Tree Festival have just arrived and the weather looks set to at least be dry. How fab.
Hope everyone else is having a good day, and those who have already started the chemo journey are feeling OK. x

[Amandamagnus]

I have just got results of node clearance and due to cost chemotherapy within next few weeks. Waiting for appt to come through. I also was told my lump was about 1.7 on scan and 3.5 once under microscope, also, only a micromet in one node. Now I have 3 out of 11 nodes affected. Freaked out, as their original plan was an outside chance of chemo and now they say after chemo I should have radio too...

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, newbie here, may I join you?!
I may not quite be a July Junkie as my oncologist can't see me until the 24th, but I was diagnosed at the end of May and had a mastectomy on 26th June. Tumour was 9cms (yep, you read it right) and 21 nodes all affected so I'm very scared. I'm having chemo, radiotherapy and hormone therapy so would really love to stay in touch with you all through our journeys.
Xxx

[Melena]

Hiya Marion. I had a mastecomy and 15 nodes removed and only one was cancerous. my lump was 2mm. Although they have said all the cancer has gone with the op they want to give me chemo as a precaution becaause of the node having cancer. I am to have EC90 wich I have been told is mild although it still caused hair loss. i start this next week on the 18th and am not looking forward to my first session. I have six althogether. It is all a very scary time but we wil al get through it.
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi all, well I may not be a July Junkie after all as I had my visit to the oncologist and she told me that the tumor which I was originally told was 1.5cm was in fact 3.5cm and classed as grade 2, she said I had an invasive ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement but only 1 in the 5 they removed had cancer cells.

The results showed that it is oestrogen receptive but HER was negative and not in my vascular system
I have to hve FEC-T chemo, 3 x fec and 3 x t followed by 15 sessions of Radiotherapy on both my breast and armpit then 5 years on Letrosole or something beginning with A which I cant read.

How does that all sound? good and bad news in there I think but it looks like I could go into August for a start date
I will have a look on here to see what the FEC-T involves and how others have coped on it but for now I am only concentrating on my holiday next week to Devon
Thanks for the lovely welcome all of you, its a pretty scary time xxx

[Guest user]

Hello All,
I am new to the site. I was diagnosed on 15 May. Had a WLE and ANC on 10 June and am due to start chemo on Monday (15 July).

I am 42 years old - so fall into the category of "one of our young ones" whenever I speak to nurses/consultants etc. My tumour was 26mm and was sitting so high to the surface of the skin (thankfully as I was too young to be routinely scanned) that when I had my WLE the surgeon used a laser to prize one edge of tumour from underside of skin and include a margin that they burnt my areola from the underside of the skin up. Now it sounds painful, and it has looked ugly whilst healing, but I honestly took a total of 6 paracetamol for post surgey pain.

I had 17 lymph nodes removed and 7 had cancer present.

I've had my MUGA scan, had CT yesterday and was so relieved to get results today that all is fine. hated the gastrograffin. However, it tasted slightly better than some Dandelion and Burdock drink that my mum got from a well known supermarket the other day 🙂

After todays good news, I am so ready to start chemo on Monday. I am having a PICC line on Monday morning then chemo Monday afternoon. I will be on FEC-T plus Herceptin as HER2 +, ER 3/8, PR -

I have to go back and have a further WLE after chemo - 2 margins were not clear, but after discussions agreed that in my case chemo needed to be started sooner than the further surgery. I am Grade 3 - which is predominantly driven by my age and faster cell turn over.
Then I will have radiotherapy, and then the plan is to try Tamoxifen but because of the ER3/8 the Onc has indicated that if I am having a terrible time on it then I can come off it. I will try it. If I get a reoccurence then I will always wonder if I dont try whether I could have done more.

So I am anxious, frightened but also oddly excited about cracking on and sending in the drugs to seek out any straying cancer cells.