December Angels 2013

[Petal88]

Good on you, SJB, well done for embracing the new you!
Thank you for the hug, Wyn! I saw the consultant oncologist yesterday and she is arranging for me to have my mammogram and an ultrasound a little earlier than planned as I have tissue changes from breast oedema and she also wants me to have blood tests including looking for cancer markers. Back to the ghastly waiting yet again. She couldn't really explain the visual disturbances and frequent flushes as I am not on hormone treatment now but says it is most likely from all the chemo and some people have problems for years. Great! What with having a sleeve now for lymphoedema and still having physio for cording, it seems never ending. One day I WILL post on here that it's all behind me - won't I???

[SJB]

Hi all. I agree, the thread is quiet because we are all getting on with our lives again. It's quiet on Facebook too. We are all getting back to normality after the traumas of the last year-18 months.

Petal, I hope you get answers soon. It's that bloody waiting game again, isn't it. The worst thing ever!

I was doing a lot of walking after my treatment last year, but haven't been going out much lately, due to the cold and wet - I like walking across the local fields but it is way too muddy, even with wellies. So I have done something I've never done before - joined a gym and Health Club! My husband things I'm mad and that it will be a waste of money, but I am still intent on creating this New Me, which is slimmer and healthier than I'd ever been before, and this is the next step. It feels right. The Gym is at the Hotel where I work, and I got 50% discount on membership as I am an employee, so I am very happy.

I've bought a mastectomy sports bra and gym clothes, plus a waterproof prosthesis and swimming costume. I'm going along for my Induction nect Thursday and then I'll be in there regularly. Really looking forward to it.

Just over two weeks till I go back to hospital to see my surgeon. Friday 27th. Very keen to see what gets discussed. Very keen to discuss reconstruction but suspect he won't want to yet. We'll see.

[wyn]

sorry to hear you are having stomache problems Petal, I hope you get things sorted soon, it's easy for me to say try not to worry but I understand and agree we are now more aware of any changes in our body and recognise pain etc more quickly.

i still get breast pain and pains shooting down my arm but I am fed up with family members constantly asking if i am ok, I know they mean well but someties I just want to forget if that makes sense and treat any pain and niggles as I would pre BC, I really don't want to become paranoid about everything.

I may not post on here often but I still come on regular to check any posts so please feel free to post anytime with any worries,concerns or even positive comments and I will respond, sometimes we feel better when we can share our thoughts with someone who knows how we are feeling, as my mum would say ' A problem shared is a problem halved'.

Take care and I am sending you a big ((((HUG))))

Wyn x

[Petal88]

Nice to hear from you, Wyn. Good luck with working out which job is best. I find my attitude to things in general has changed since being diagnosed and it is more important to me to enjoy everyday things now.

Having said that, I have been very low lately and rather worried. An old stomach problem reared its ugly head (I think it had got buried under the cancer goings-on) and when I saw a "new" GP she decided to get me tested for the same kind of cancer that my sister has (rare and nasty). Nearly three weeks on, I am still waiting for the tests to be concluded and am feeling very stressed. I am telling myself it is unlikely but even then I will have to have investigations to find out what is wrong. Neither route appeals!
Is anyone else having problems? I would love to post here with all positives but perhaps it is a natural after-effect from cancer diagnosis to worry about any aches and pains.
Best wishes to everyone.

[wyn]

Hi angels,

Just thought I would pop in again to see how you are all doing, thread is very quiet but hopefully thats because everyone is getting on with their lives.

Petal - how are you doing being off hormone tablets,i hope your side effects have improved.

Jules - you must be near the end of your treatment now, you will be so thrilled ( woohoo)

SJB - well done for all that weightloss that amazing- I am afraid I have went in the opposite direction lol, I have gone from eating healthy to eating rubbish, so will  have to get a grip haha.

I have changed jobs twice since november and starting a new part time job next week so hopefully this one lasts, I was going through a stage I didnt know what i wanted so hopefully that's settled now.

I have also booked a holiday to Majorca at end of april so looking forward to sun,sand and cocktails (woohoo).

Take care angels

Wyn x

[Petal88]

Well done SJB, what an achievement on top of all you've gone through! You must be thrilled with the new you. I hope the job is still going well, too.

[Petal88]

Thanks, Wyn. I hope you are keeping well.
I spoke to a cancer nurse as well as the BC nurse yesterday and both reassured me that this consultant has many years of experience and they both agree that my cancer was driven by the HER2pos part rather than the oestrogen. Apparently the consultant feels I need a break so I can recover from the various side effects and get well again, then I can have my mammogram in April and they will decide if I should try Exemestrane tablets rather than Tamoxifen. I know it is a very small risk with my very low oestrogen level, and they say my quality of life without the tablets will be vastly improved, but it is hard to just go with the flow and not worry about it. I guess my next big hurdle will be the mammogram and they are going to do an ultrasound as well. I sincerely hope all of us sail through the screening we will have this year. It really helps to know you are still here! Petalx

[SJB]

Just catching up with you all again. Haven't been back to read this thread since my last post, sorry.

I changed my diet after treatment because I wanted to be healthier in the future. This time last year, I weighed 17 and a half stone. I am now just over 13 stone, so over 4 stone has been shed. I've gone down from a size 22 to a size 16, and that's getting looser!

I went back to see my BCN last Friday because my prosthesis was starting to dwarf my real breast. She resized me and gave me a new one. I had gone down from a size 12 to a size 9. I've now been able to order some new mastectomy bras as I've gone down from a 44inch to a 38inch!

I am the Incredible Shrinking Woman! lol

On the whole, I am feeling a lot fitter and healthier, although one ongoing side effect (not sure what of any more) is sore throbbing feet. They are a constant pain. Right now, the souls of my feet are throbbing away. Will it never end?

My fingernails are getting stronger, although I still need to paint them. Under the varnish they are yellow and ridged still. Very unsightly.

I've been taking Tamoxifen since July, and really don't seem to be suffering with it. I had a few hot flushes early on, but hardly ever get one now. But I have said all along, I think it's because I'm on Citalapram for depression,and that drug is also prescribed to neutralise the effects of Tamoxifen. I guess I'm lucky. I hate hearing about others who are suffering so much on Tamoxifen. Seems so unfair.

Can't wait to go back and see my consultant at the end of February. That's my first check up since being given the all clear and being sent on my way. And I am very keen to start talking about reconstruction, especially now that I have achieved the BMI required for it.

[wyn]

Hi Petal, happy new year to you too, hope you had a nice time over christmas and new year. Sorry I cant help with tamoxifen  as I was triple neg and therefore do not require any further meds since radiotherapy ended in july as they would not be beneficial to me, I can understand your confusion though so it's a good idea to discuss with BCN,

 after a shocking end to 2013, a worrying 2014 lets pray 2015 will be happy and healthy to all december angels,

Take care

Wyn x

[Petal88]

Forgot to say my DEXA scan showed I am osteopenic so my GP has put me on Alendronic Acid and the consultant told me yesterday I don't need those either! Who do you listen to?

[Petal88]

Happy New Year to one and all!
I am wondering how everyone is doing on hormone tablets? I came off Letrozole and my bladder settled beautifully but on Tamoxifen I have been worried about sore veins in my legs even though I do know it isn't DVT. My GP thinks I may have a perforated vein and I am to have an ultrasound (once I can get an appointment) but he wanted me to continue the Tamoxifen until my hospital checkup. Well that was yesterday and talk about confused! I saw a consultant I had never met before and she told me to stop the the Tamoxifen as I don't need hormone tablets at all as I am only very weakly ER positive. She says I am ok with just the Herceptin jabs for the HER2+ bit.
While I would love to not have all the side effects of hormones (visual disturbances, hot flushes etc) I am finding it hard to accept the about-turn after hearing from all other doctors that I need tablets for at least 5 years. I will check it out with my specialist cancer nurse today but has anyone else had a similar situation?

[Barbie40]

Hi kim

I changed my diet. Started eating salad every day, no alcohol etc etc but it didn't last long. So I'm back on the chocolate and occasional wine. I feel that if my life is possibly going to be shortened by this disease then I'm bloody well gonna have a bit of what I enjoy. Enough said. Have a lovely Christmas x

[kim-53]

i would like to wish everyone a very happy christmas and a very healthy new year, i only joined this thread 6 months into my treatment as i didnt find the confidence to post before then, i too started my chemo on dec 17th like sjb and i sometimes wonder how on earth i did it!! i wanted to ask you all if anyone has changed their diet since being diagnosed, i am a chocolate junkie and i love a glass or two of red wine in the evening with my meal, i mentioned this to my onc and he said it was fine, has anyone been told otherwise, i dont want to risk any re occurrence of this terrible disease? thankyou xxx

[RacingJules]

Fabulous news Barbie!

Over a year since my first chemo and life is oh so different now. I have 3 Herceptins to have in the New Year and then that's it for my treatment. 

Wishing everyone a lovely Christmas and every good wish for 2015. 

Jules xx

[wyn]

Great news Barbie, so happy for you, 

time to chill out and look forward to christmas ladies

Take care

Love Wyn x

[Petal88]

Excellent news Barbie!

[Barbie40]

Your prayers have worked SJB my bone scan was clear. Best Christmas present ever. Thanks for the support everyone its been a stressful few weeks but I'm so relieved.

Onc also said I could have a holiday from the tamoxifen to see how I feel yippee!

I hope you all enjoy spending time with family and friends over the Christmas period.

Xxx

[SJB]

Good luck for tomorrow, Barbie. I am praying for you.

Good luck to you all. Yes, a whole year has passed. I had my first chemo session on Tuesday 17th December, just 11 days after being diagnosed, and I remember being so scared. You lot helped me no end, and calmed me down. A lot of you had already had your ops so had had more time to come to terms with what was happening, but I was going through a whirlwind of hospital appointments for scans etc so they could check the rest of me out. I ended up in hospital on Boxing Day with an infection. I didn't know if I was coming or going. 

What a difference a year makes!

Now that I'm working, I feel happy to be part of a team and earning decent money, but I am permanently tired because I'm being pushed to my limit. I wish I could work less hours, but they need me to work the hours I'm doing right now. Apparently it'll be quieter once we get to January. I hope so.

Anyway, I too will take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year. Enjoy each day as it comes, and spend as much time as possible with people you love. Be happy. xxx

[Barbie40]

Hi

Petal, I suffered headaches with the tamoxifen initially but they did settle and now I never get them. Still get the light headedness tho. As for the flu jab I asked my gp and he said it wasn't necessary as I'd finished active treatment. I must admit I don't tend to pick up flu/colds much n if I do they go quite quickly.

I will let you know how Wednesday goes.

Take care everyone
X

[Petal88]

Not much longer to wait Barbie and here's hoping the results are able to put your mind at rest.
Yes, Tamoxifen is causing me problems, namely visual disturbances as in migraine sometimes with headache, sometimes without. My vision goes in one eye very suddenly and then I get flashing cogs and wheels for about 20-30 minutes. It is quite frightening at times and is no respecter of where I am or what I am doing. I put it down to hormones as I had some of this through the menopause but when I was at the Moving Forward session on what to look out for in case of cancer recurrence, there were these symptoms! Mind you that session was scary altogether. I had pre-chemo on Friday and the doctor says I should stick it out a bit longer and hope I settle on the Tamoxifen. I hope it doesn't happen too much over Christmas, I had it three times last week. I'm feeling sorry for myself anyway as I have caught that nasty flu/coughing virus with high temperature and have had to postpone my Herceptin jab for a few days. They can slot me in on Saturday so I am crossing fingers I will be ok as I am going to my daughter's next Monday for Christmas. I had my flu jab in the autumn so am disappointed to have picked this bug up.
Good news on the acupuncture. Sleeping well makes such a difference, doesn't it?
Let us know how Wednesday goes. xx

[Barbie40]

Hi everyone its great to hear that everyone is moving on with their lives. I am trying so hard to move forward but this latest scan has prevented me from doing so. I see my onc on Wednesday (17th) for bone scan results so not long now. I just wish this pain would go away but it seems to be getting worse which is really starting to scare me now.

Petal I hope you're not having too many se's from the tamoxifen? !

On a positive note I've had two sessions of acupuncture for the hot flushes and they are so much better already. So anyone who is suffering ask your dr to be referred. I've had three full nights sleep for the first time in six months

Xx

[Petal88]

Hi Everyone. I join in with the good wishes for Christmas and a happy and particularly healthy New Year. I think we are all aware of how our lives have changed over the past year and I for one am glad it is nearly behind me.
I am trying desperately to stay positive but do have the odd wobble. I still have painful oedema in the offending breast and a few side effects from Herceptin jabs and other meds. I had flu the other day and the glands in my neck were sore and now it is very painful under my arm. I wonder if it is because there are no lymph nodes left to deal with the flu virus in my system. I think I will ring the BCN about it.
When I stopped Letrozole to change to Tamoxifen (and my bladder is soooo much better) I also stopped AdCal and have had a DEXA bone density scan too so that will be interesting.
Good luck to you all. Love, Petal xx

[Bellablue1]

Hi everyone

It's bin a while since I posted. I cannot believe it's bin a year since we all started chemo.

I hope everyone is moving forward.

I'm on a staged return back to work and moving forward.

I saw my surgeon last week and told him I am having pains in my surgery arm. He has requested a bone scan. I now feel just as scared as being diagnosed. I have to wait for appointment and scan,

[wyn]

Hi Ladies,

The thread has been very quiet, hopefully everyone is moving on and getting excited about christmas, cant believe its been a year since we all started this journey and shared all our worries and anxieties on here and now we can look back and be proud of what we have overcome.

I have been very busy spending time with my 3mth old grandson and stared work again part time so all is looking good fingers crossed.

Barbie hope your bone scan results were good.

Just like to wish you all a very merry christmas and a very healthy new year, just because I am not on the forum much now it doesnt mean I dont think about all the angels who have shared probably the worst and best times with me in the last year.

Now just popping off again to wrap a few presents

Love Wyn

x

[Petal88]

Thanks for asking. I am finding the Moving On course very helpful and it is really nice to meet others in the group who are roughly at the same stage of recovery. I would recommend it to everyone if they can get to a course.
On other matters, my bladder has settled quite well with the break from Letrozole and so today I have been started on Tamoxifen instead. Not sure how I feel about that yet. I was warned to watch out for signs of leg pain or breathlessness and that worries me! I suppose we will all be worry-muttons from now on.
I hope the acupuncture helps. It helped me with migraines many years ago.
Let us know how you get on and if it works.

[Barbie40]

Hi

Petal how are you finding the moving on course? I hope it's helping.

Had my bone scan on Friday, feeling a bit paranoid about every little ache and pain. Just praying for good news. My back/ribs hurt if I take a deep breath and get pain in left hip and back.

Good news I start acupuncture on Monday to help with the hot flushes.

Mammogram was clear but my oncologist reported that my cancer boob is quite dense probably scar tissue and effects of rads but this just made me wonder if it's dense how will the mammogram be accurate!

How's everyone else doing? It's weird to think this time last year we were all preparing ourselves for chemo

Xx

[Petal88]

Hi again. I had my check-up this afternoon and was told I had my last mammogram after chemo in April so the next one will be next April.
I am having a few weeks off Letrozole to see if that eases the bladder problem.
Lastly, I started the Moving Forward course this week and found it very interesting. x

[RacingJules]

Hi Ladies

I was chemo first as well. 

I was told that I would be checked six monthly but next mammogram in November 2015. 

I still have 5 Herceptins to go so will be on three weekly hospital visits until mid February 2015. Then I guess it really will feel like life has returned to normality.

Can't believe it was a year ago that we all started to post............

Sending hugs, 

Jules xx

[wyn]

hi ladies,

Petal and Sjb - I also had chemo first and up til now I had follow up oncology appt in sept and breast clinic and mammogram last week, and I have my appts for next year booked in for oncology in may and breast clinic and mammo in Nov so they are checking me on a six monthly rota, I suppose it depends on where you are being treated - I am in west of scotland.

Take care

Winnie

x

[Petal88]

Well done! Sounds like you are coping well and hopefully your stamina will build up as you get used to the job, SJB.
I'm due a checkup next week but no mention of mammogram yet but, like you, I had chemo first.

[SJB]

My new job is going well, thanks Barbie. It's a lovely hotel, and everyone on the staff that I've met are really nice, so it's a good team.

I'm finding it tough to find the energy for it, but hoping it gets easier in time. It's flexible, so I never know how many hours I'm going to get. First week was 20, 2nd week 24, 3rd week 33, and next week (week 4) will be a 40 hour week! *gulp* Determined to succeed with this though, as the money will really help us.

I still find it weird that all of you are having your first annual checks, while I'm not getting a mammogram until next May and not having my first annual check with an oncologist until next September! It's so different when you have your chemo before your op!

[wyn]

Hi ladies,

Thanks so much for your comments, cant believe its almost a year since we were all posting on this thread.

Jules great news re your mammogram results,its such a releif isn't it.

Barbie and petal, hope everything turns out well regarding your appointments and check ups, I think we have become more aware of different symptoms that probably wouldnt have the same effect prior to dx but I think that is part of the norm now for all of us but best to get all these symptoms checked out.

Sjb, good luck in your new job.

sending hugs to everyone

Wyn x

[Barbie40]

Ah yes thanks very much SJB. Haven't got appointment for it yet but I have appt for the results 17th December so I'm expecting it to be soon.

How's your new job going?

[SJB]

In my experience, yes you should be fine to go home, Barbie.

The whole bone scan experience was fine. Nothing hurt or had any side effects, other than the fact that you had radioactive wee and needed to drink loads to flush it out as quickly as possible!

Worst bit of that scan is having to be wrapped up in velco so you remain still. It seems to take years for that slow moving machine to scan down your body, but in fact it's more like half an hour.

Hope that helps.

[Barbie40]

Hi everyone, good to read some positive news. Congratulations on the new baby wyn cherish every day with him as they grow up too fast.

Petal I really hope you can see onc soon to find out what this lump in armpit is. Try not to worry too much about it if that's possible!

I saw my onc on Tuesday and was told that my mammogram was fine yippee but then I mentioned an unusual pain in back and hip so she recommended a bone scan and go back in six weeks for results. Haven't had one of these before been reading about the injection they give you then have to wait a few hours for scan. I wanted to ask will I be ok to drive as I live ten minutes from the hospital so I could just pop home and go back later?

Xxx

[Petal88]

Well done to everyone being positive and getting good results. Congratulations Wyn, grandchildren are delightful!
I'm still battling bladder problems, not sure if it is due to lack of oestrogen courtesy of Letrozole, now on antibiotics to see if it is an infection after all. Also rather worried as I have swollen lymph nodes under my "other" arm so I spoke to the breast care nurse and she is trying to bring my checkup, due at the end of the month, forward to next week. I haven't had a mammogram or scan for ages - isn't that normally a year after diagnosis? That is where I am now. Feeling somewhat low, sorry to be a party pooper.

[RacingJules]

Excellent news Wyn!

I had my first mammogram since surgery on Thursday and it was clear!!! A nervous wait for the results which does pull you back up in your tracks.............

13 rounds of Herceptin done now, with 5 left. I am still having weekly physio as limited range of movement in my arm, but that's a small price to pay. Hopefully it will improve over the next 18/24 months. 

Best of luck everyone going for their annual reviews!

Jules xx

[SJB]

Oh Wyn, it is an awful rollercoaster, isn't it. So very happy to hear about the birth of your grandson. Wonderful news. Enjoy every second you have with him! x

So now you know you are clear of Cancer, go for those interviews. Be positive, you can do it. xxx

[wyn]

hi ladies,

Nice to see everyone is moving on and doing well.

I havent been on here for a while as I was in a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for the last couple of months,

firstly the negatives -

 i had been suffering from vertigo and when i spoke to my oncologist she made a referral for a brain scan so my mind then went into overdrive thinking the worst.

I quit my job then started a new one only to last a couple of weeks as it was not for me

My mammogram and breast clinic appts were approaching so i am sure you have all experienced some of the anxieties i was experiencing.

Now the positives (Yayyyyyy)

My first granchild was born 6 weeks ago (beautiful boy) sooooo happy.

I had my brain scan and mammogram today and were both normal (hooray) 

consultant at clinic said everything felt normal and will see me in 12months. (Yipee).

and finally when i got home i had two messages inviting me for interviews.

Life is most certainly moving forward and I hope we can all put this terrible year behind us and start to enjoy what we have.

Take care and sending hugs to everyone

Wyn x

[RacingJules]

Fantastic news SJB, well done!  I hope the job works out really well. 

Jules xx

[Petal88]

Well done SJB and good luck in the job!

[SJB]

More news from the Facebook group - Bean14 got married last Friday. She showed us a wedding photo - they looked so happy! It brought a tear to my eye.

And I decided after getting the "all clear" to look for a part time job and I got one! I did wonder if being almost 50 and having had cancer would make it difficult, but I fell into a lovely position. I am now a Hotel Receptionist, and will be working between 16 and 30 or so hours a week. Started last Friday. Prior to getting ill, I was working for my husband, as he is self employed, so i was keeping his accounts etc, but we had been struggling financially, and it was really tough through my illness, so this is such a relief. 

[Barbie40]

Hi girls

Kaz you sound just like me. The same anxieties and feelings. I also had a lumpectomy and am now lumpy but have been told its normal after rads but how would you know the difference! I suppose we have to stay positive and hope to god the bloody C doesn't come back. Going to work is challenging with everyone saying how I look great and my boss saying 'so are you all better now?' !!! Wtf! Rant over..

Petal, I've been going to one of these courses. Its been very useful to help me process what has happened in the last year. I've also met others who are in the same position although one lady has just been told that it has returned (liver cancer) and there's no cure... devastating news.

Have bought some tonic water to drink, it's supposed to help with the hot flushes. I will try anything to get a full night sleep.

♥ to you all

[Petal88]

I had forgotten how much this forum helps. Although I don't want any of us to still have worries and sore bits and pieces, it is good to know others have similar situations. Jules, I also have restricted movement and Kaz I still have oedema in the breast so mine is still sore and hard. I have now been shown how to do lymphatic drainage massage which has to be done every day.
My area (Dorset) is running courses called Moving Forward and I am going to attend every Monday morning for four weeks starting mid November. There will be talks and information on what happens next and how to cope with fear, lymphoedema, low energy and all sorts of topics.
By the way, thanks for the sympathy, I am recovering well from my fall, just feeling silly it happened!

[Kaz16]

Sorry meant to type Barbie , if is very late !

[Kaz16]

Hello Barbara and all
Yes it's almost a year since my diagnosis too. I had my mammogram 2 weeks ago and have heard today that it is clear so had a bit of a celebration this evening. Although I am very pleased I am in a similar position to you Barbara as it wasn't picked up on the mammogram but through biopsy . I will discuss this issue at my 6 Monthly check in January with the surgeon. My right boob where I had my lumpectomy is still very hard and red after radiotherapy so I don't think I would be able to feel a lump even if I had a reoccurance. It's tough isn't it ? Even when you get good news, full of champagne lying next to my partner contentedly snoring I am still full of doubts. I have been back at work full time for 8 weeks now and people ask me constantly if I am cured , I just smile and say my treatment had finished and I am feeling a lot better thank you . But I really wish people wouldn't ask me that as I can't answer that question. Never mind that's how it is, I am in a better position than this time last year and we just have to keep going . Lots of love to everyone x Kaz 16

[RacingJules]

Great news re Kander!

Petal - I hope you feel better soon................

I am two thirds of the way through Herceptin - 6 more lots to go. I am still very restricted movement wise in my right arm and am having twice weekly physio on it. It was the radiotherapy that tightended things up a lot but I am doing all I can. 

I hope everyone else is doing well,

Jules xx

[Barbie40]

Aw petal that's a bummer I hope your knee and hand gets better quickly so you can resume your exercises.

I had my first annual mammogram on Monday, I was a bit sore afterwards for about two days. Now just anxiously waiting for the results. Although my cancer wasn't picked up on mammogram a year ago so think I'll ask at my next appt about either an MRI or ultrasound. Anyone else had this scenario?

Been an emotional week for me with having the mammogram and it is one year today since I was diagnosed and each day I've been remembering the events of that week when I was back n forth for tests n biopsies. I'm hoping once I get these results I'll be able to move forward and get on with my new life.

How is everyone else doing?

[Petal88]

What a relief for her! She must have been so scared. Please tell her we are really happy for her.

I'm not brilliant at the moment as I took a tumble yesterday, tripping over the flex for the iron, silly me, and landing heavily on all fours. My knee swelled up a lot and is badly bruised but no broken bones, thank goodness. The shock was quite severe yesterday and today the aches and pains are setting in especially in my left hand. I landed most heavily on my "good" side but am a bit concerned that I have caused a bit of damage to the other side as my arm and boob are very painful tonight. It is very frustrating as I was just getting into the swing of some exercise classes to try and get stronger and now I have to rest again.

Is everyone else ok? I'm halfway through my Herceptin jabs and coming up to my six-month check after surgery. There still seem to be lots of appointments to go to. Anyone had a mammogram yet?

[SJB]

We can all breathe a massive sigh of relief. Kander got her biopsy results today. It wasn't cancer.

She has finally been told she is cancer-free.