February 2016 starters

[SLou296]

Hi Lynsey,  I'm not going to cold cap either seems like a lot of effort for an uncertain outcome and, if it saves 50% of my hair, I'd still be covering it up anyway, plus I don't like being cold !!

[SLou296]

Hi Carol & Jan -  All for one and one for all (or something like that).  I've not been signed off I'm going to try and work through it;  my work have been fantastic and I'm on full pay which is really lucky, but we are such a small company that I really want to continue as much as I can.  I'm hoping that week 2 I will be able to do a few hours each day from home and then week three go into the office albeit reduced hours at the moment I',m pretty fit and healthy I run, swim and cycle regularly and I'm hoping that will help.

Haven't spoken on Oncologist at all yet so I'm not sure what cocktail I have in store, after my surgery my margins and nodes were clear - but I need chemo and herceptin due to it being her2+  Do you both know what you are having?

Sarah x

[LynseyDC]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on the forum since diagnosis in December.  I've found reading the posts on here very supportive, enlightening and just really positive in the face of such adversity.

I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance on New Years Eve.  CT scan confirmed this week theres no visible sign of spread at the moment, so that's given me a big boost to think I should've started 2016 'cancer free'!

I'm due to start chemo on 3rd February, 3 x EC and 3 x T then radiotherapy and hormony therapy.  I was really nervous about chemo but reading the posts on here as made me believe it's 'doable'.  Already chopped my hair off and not bothering with cold cap as it just seems like a bit of a faff to me.

Feeling really positive at the moment and just trying to take each stage as it comes. Big shout out to all the February starters.  

Lynsey x

[Cag61]

Hi Jan and Sarah, 

yep, the three musketeers sounds good. I have had a fuzzy brain going through the menapause so it's going to get even worse!!!!! Have you been signed off work...are you going to be ? I have hospital visit on Tuesday and appt came through for guided marker insertion on the 11feb. I will have had my first round of chem by then. I have read to drink about 2 litres of water the day before, on the day and the day after helps. Keep busy Jan, I have started knitting scarves etc and going to put them away for next Christmas. !!!! Silly things we do to keep occupied. Big hugs Carol xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol and Sarah.
I'm with you on getting started so I can get back to some normality. Obviously my head not as clear as I thought, my chemo starts 2 February not December 😃. Think someone on the forum referred to it as booby brain, I'm going with that.
Well looks like we have become the 3 musketeers ,for now at least.
Sending hugs
Jan x

[Cag61]

Hi Sarah, 

stay strong and read the other threads on the forums, I have got so much information and advice from women going through treatment and it will give you the answers to some of your questions. We'll be there for each other. My treatment starts 1st Feb...I just want to get going so I can get some normality in my life, 

love Carol xx

[Cag61]

Hi Jan

welcome back and glad you had a lovely break. I am having FEC-T x3 then Dositaxal? X3. I am glad you are writing everything down, I really am finding this a great help. It's amazed me the amount of people who have either had or know someone who has BC, never realised how high the figures were for this disease. We can get through this and I am so glad to have the support of other women on this forum. We will be there for each other throughout this 'blip' in our lives. 

Sending love Carol

[Kayak Jan]

Hi all.
Back from the snowy peaks. Had a great time. Made me realise there is life outside the constant challenges we face. Helped me put things in better perspective. I enjoyed spending time with OH that didn't involve hospital appointments.
Carol I have also started keeping a diary, just ever day stuff, how I am feeling and how much exercise I have managed. I already know I do little or no activity on bad days. I have also started a more specific journal for days when I want a real rant. Sure I will be writing in it more as chemo starts. What are you having Carol, I am having 6 sessions of EC.
Hi Sarah I have another appointment with the oncology consultant next week but is more about answering my questions than anything. I saw a registrar but was unhappy with the lack of information. I had great doubts about having chemo but I am calmer now. So preassessment appointment next Thursday then first chemo on 2nd December.
Lets keep talking .
Jan x

[SLou296]

Hi Folks, Looks like I shall be joining you too.  

I've got my meeting with the Oncologist on Tuesday to see what is on the menu for me;  nodes and margins were clear but that little her2+ box was ticked.  I phoned bcn to check a couple of things before the meeting and I asked if she had any idea when I would start, she said it should be within 3 weeks of the first meeting.

Wish it wasn't necessary but its got to be done, hospital every 3 weeks for the next year - looks like I'll have a second home !

Sarah x

[Cag61]

Jan, 

it really is a very frightening time and I have moments of despair, usually after a hospital appt. I keep a diary every day and have done from the moment I was diagnosed. I put how I feel, what I have done during the day etc and it really does help. I was signed off work for 6 months which I find frightening as it makes me feel I'm really ill....I just don't feel ill at the moment. I hope we can go through the process together and share our fears and emotions. I know it is a long and frightening road ahead of us but hey we are strong women and we can get through this. Have a lovely break Jan, it will do you good, 

with love Carol xx

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Carol
Good to talk to you. Looks like we are going to be the founding members of the February group though unfortunately I am sure others will join us.
My head really isn't in a good place at the moment so feeling very down and fragile. I thought when I finally had the next part of my treatment plan I would feel more at ease with the whole process. I have another meeting with oncology consultant next week and then my assessment meeting. Then start first of 6 sessions of EC on 2nd February so I will be very close behind you. I don't know much more yet but assume I will find out what I want to know next week.
We are off to the peak district for a short break tomorrow. Hoping to get my head in a better place before this all starts again.
I too am very nervous Carol but just keep talking I know it has helped me through some very difficult times
Jan x

[Cag61]

Thank you so much for the advice, it is a very frightening time and good to know I am not alone. I think the word chemotherapy conjures up all sorts of horror stories and it is the fear of the unknown. 

Xx

[Kim555pink]

Hi Carol, I'm from the Jan 2016 starters, had my first FEC yesterday and feeling fine at the moment, just feeling mildly hungover. Expecting to steadily feel worse over the next few days but I did drink 2L of water the day before, at least 1 1/2L in the day and planning another 2L today and I'm hoping that has helped. Didn't really sleep last night - continually sipping water, but I was relaxed and maybe slept more than I thought!
If you haven't already, keep dropping into the Jan 2016 thread and ask as many questions as you want and scroll through for advice.
Sorry you've had to join us all, but you'll get amazing support from us all 🙂
Jan, I hope you're having a lovely break away 🙂 Nights are definitely the worst for thinking and worrying - probably last night was the first I hadn't although I'm not expecting that to last.
Take care both of you
Xxx

[Cag61]

Hi Jan, 

I start February 1st, met with the oncologist yesterday. I'm having 6 sessions in total one every 3 weeks. Feeling very nervous, hence the time I am writing this! How are you feeling? I was diagnosed the week before Xmas, wasn't expecting that news! Had a lump just below armpit and thought it was fatty tissue. So glad I didn't leave it. Hope to hear from you. 

Carol x

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Gillian
I am in hornsea on the east coast. I am trying to follow your advice about keeping calm, works ok during the day but early hours of the morning my brain goes into overdrive. Going off to the peak district next week for a couple of days with my favourite fella. Determined to have some fun time together before the rollercoaster ride sets off again. Hope you're doing ok.
Jan x

[Gfnich]

Sounds not too diferent to my treatment and sounds like you will have a good outcome.  I am up in Morpeth just north of Newcastle.  Keep calm about the chemo, if you keep positive it is doable.  i had mine on Tuesday and have done very little since but just had m and s pizza for tea!  X

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Gillian
Yes had op 2nd December. I had mammoplasty, the tumour was multi focal and as another suspect area was shown on the MRI scan the mass was too big for a lumpectomy hence the breast reduction. Also sentinel node biopsy. It was grade 3 invasive lobular cancer. The node showed some microscopic matter and thankfully the margins were all clear. So chemo next followed by radiotherapy and then hormone tablets for 5 years.
I live in Yorkshire on the east coast.
Jan

[Gfnich]

Hi Jan,

Have you had your op?  If so what did they do? 

I have had this twice now both early diagnosed primary cancers so can help you where I can.  First time had lumpectomy and 10 nodes removed which wer all clear, was lobular estrogen positve and had rads and Tamoxifen for five years.

this one is a new primary on other side, ductal and ver small 10mm.  They did lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  Had a weeny 3mm bit in the lymph node so advised to have chemo.  Grade 2 estrogen positive again.  3fec and then 3 T then rads for three weeks thenTamoxifen again.

Where are you from? I live near Newcastle and am really lucky to be in a private health scheme with work and have a great BCN.

Gillian x

[Kayak Jan]

Hi Gillian
Sadly I know I won't be alone for long.
I am having 6 sessions of ec followed by radiotherapy and hormone treatment. Didn't have a very good appointment with a registrar yesterday left with more questions and doubts and the feeling that I was being dripfed my path report. It felt as if the i was expected to accept what i was being told and that they knew best so just sign the consent form! After a long totally sleepless night I phoned my gp to request a copy of the report. They didn't have access to it but advised phoning hospital. I phoned my bcn who thankfully went through the results and answered my questions. She went on to organise an appointment with the consultant for me prior to my assessment. I am feeling calmer about it all now but will definitely see the consultant prior to any further treatment. Why does it have to be such a constant battle?
On a more positive note thank goodness for the bcn.
I will keep dipping in to the December and January threads. It would be great to think I was going to be alone here. 😊 I wish.
Jan

[Gfnich]

Dont worry you wont be alone for long, I am from December 2015 group so feel free to lean on as.

have just had 3rd fec, will have three T next.  What are you having?

gillian x

[Kayak Jan]

I have my first chemo session on 2nd February so thought I would star a new thread.
I don't really want to welcome ladies to this group in truth none of us want to be here but if you are a February starter lets work through this together.
Jan