Had my op last Friday

[CK]

Thank you Annie j
I'm trying to occupy myself until Weds but just want you to know that your reassuring words and reading your comments is really helping me.x

Pila Pals
We will get through this together!

Optimists
It's good to read how well you have done too and with great attitude.

Stay strong all of us.xxx

[pili pala]

Hi Anniej, I'm glad you are doing well, I'm looking forward to seeing my grandkids growing up too, I have one due in a couple of weeks.  I appreciate your support and it gives me hope that I can get through this.

CK, thank you for liking my name, pili pala is Welsh for butterfly, and I'm hoping to be set free from cancer one day, just like a butterfly from its cocoon.  I hope it goes well for you on Wednesday, I wish you luck and will be thinking of you.  I'll be going next Tuesday myself.

I suppose it is natural to have ups and downs, I'm just finding it hard as I switch so often in a day.  I suffer with my mental health as it is and all this worrying is making things worse.  I'd rather start chemo asap so I can get it over and done with then I can put this whole thing behind me.  It will be another milestone I have conquered!

[Anniej]

Hi CK, sending good thoughts for Wednesday. Stay strong , you will get through this, like so many on here. We're all rooting for you. 

Pilla, its natural to have ups and downs - we wouldn't be human otherwise.

One day at a time, one step at a time and you'll both be out the other side. Whatever they throw at you you will be able to do - really. I was where you are now, and I was told the same. I found it hard to believe but I'm in rads now after chemo, and doing well. Every day is a sweet experience, and looking forward to seeing my grand kids grow up! 😍

Let us know how you both get on . Big hugs. X. X

[CK]

Hi Pili Pals (your name has a ring to it! I like it)
I'm with you and thinking about you! I too have my very low moments but someone told me if we look positive and try to find ways to perk ourselves up when on a low, we heal faster...so I'm trying to learn how to do that! I know easier said than done! I'm going to be a nervous wreck again on Weds morning as have chemo nurse, but writing down all the questions I need to ask as when I get there I forget! So it's normal to be up and down and have a good cry but come on girl...lets fight this together.xxx

[ladybowler]

pili palla

Just wanted to send you a hug, you have had major surgery and are still feeling the effects of the anaesthetic  which will not be helping, but you will get through this my dear, we are all there beside you holding your hand

Helena xxx

[pili pala]

I'm feeling very low and scared tonight 😞

I so hate this rollercoaster ride that I'm on these days!

[Choykemishealthy]

Hi AnnieJ

I do have my up and down moments but that wouldn't be normal I guess! My mind can wander too but then I talk to myself and tell myself to pull myself together!!! The cat gets very confused!!

But ready to beat it with the support of all around me and you lovely ladies.xxx

[Anniej]

Absolutely, CK! That's the way to talk. I do love a girl with attitude, and that attitude will get you through this journey. I'll be looking out for you and Pila so do post on here and let me know how you're getting on. X

[CK]

I too thought was just a lumpectomy and Radiotherapy and was so shocked when they told me I need chemo,another op, radio and tablets after the lump results came back! Not what you want to hear but hey, let's get treated and be well again.xx

[CK]

Hi Pila Pals

Today I'm feeling better! My daughter's birthday tomorrow so took her to have her eyelashes done!
I think I will be ok until Tuesday as will be doing things with her to keep occupied!

Yes, we are at simular stages of treatment so we must keep in touch and support each other through this with the support of so many other beautiful ladies too!

Keep me posted.xx

[pili pala]

Hi CK

Sounds like we're both at the same stage, maybe we can support each other through this.  I'm sorry that you are so worried about your appointment, can you call your nurse and tell her how you're feeling and ask what to expect?  Quite often the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual event.  The more you know what to expect the better you can prepare yourself for it.  I don't know what to expect either and I'll probably worry too nearer the time.  Maybe you could fill me in after you've been?  Hope you'll be ok, take care xx

[CK]

Hi Annie j and Pille Pals
Sorry to intrude but I'm see my oncologist next Weds to discuss my chemo. I am so worried I'm not sleeping well and crying a lot. Im feeling I can't cope but I know I will. Just very anxious:0

[pili pala]

Thank you Anniej  it helps to hear from someone who has been through it themselves.  Glad you've got good support network, my nurses have been good to me so far too.  I like your idea of keeping a diary, I might try that too.  I have decided to defer my OU course until next year, I have enough on my plate now without having the pressure of doing assignments too.  Good luck with the rads.  Take care xx

[Anniej]

Hi Pili pala, that's good news that you have clear margins. I was grade three also, which more or less determines that you need chemo just to make sure there aren't any little itsy bitsys lurking about. I found the procedure itself painless, but I had a Hickman line in as my veins are rubbish. The side effects weren't a walk in the park at times,  but manageable. I would say take all medications and any help offered to you. I was like you, feeling that the sooner it was started the sooner it was finished. It did go quickly , and I found I got into a routine with it. I kept a diary so I could chart side effects and temperatures . You soon get to know when your good days and poorer days are. You'll need a good thermometer to take your temp morning and evening. Your chemo nurse will go over everything with you at your pre assessment. I chunked my treatment into stages so I could handle it better mentally - stage 1 was the op, stage 2 was the chemo, and stage 3 , coming up next week, is the rads. I've had outstanding support all the way through, and the NHS has come up trumps. I do hope that your experience is as good. Remember to be good to yourself, as well. You will get fatigued during treatment, so look after yourself. Good luck on the next part of your journey. X

[pili pala]

Finally spoke to the nurse this afternoon.  I am to see oncologist on the 22nd to discuss having chemo.  Apparently I have grade 3 cancer.  Though I'm not looking forward to having treatment I just want to start now to get it over and done with.

[Optimissy64]

That's good news Pili pala. Hope the next lot of results are just as good. Whatever you/they decide re chemo will be what's best for you, depending on the aspects of your cancer. I have been so impressed by the highly-tuned diagnostics and skill of all concerned re my cancer that I am very grateful to live in the 21st century and in a 1st world country.Glad it's all healing up well. Not long till Tuesday. Onwards and upwards! xxxxxxxxxxx

[pili pala]

Thank you Optimissy64

I went back to clinic today for my results.  I am now cancer free, they got it all out and my lymph nodes were clear!  They are waiting for some test result on biopsy of second lump which will be available by their team meeting next Tuesday.  They will then phone me to let me know the next step.  Today they mentioned chemo for the first time.  They don't know yet if I'll need it or not before rads.  I am pleased that I am cancer free but in a bit of a limbo where treatment is concerned.  At least it is not long to wait.  Had all my dressings removed today too and both scars are healing nicely. 🙂

[Optimissy64]

pili pala

yes, I found the armpit more uncomfortable than the lumpectomy site - I don't know if they go in deeper, or maybe rummage about a bit more for the node, but it was a bit more sore, and the scar looked more ragged than the lumpectomy scar for a while, but it does improve and now I've just got a little white line where the node came out. I was quite numb there for a bit too, which was really weird - washing your armpit but not able to feel itI

In terms of "back to normal" for the affected arm, I was told no heavy lifting, not even  shopping or a full watering can, with that arm for several months - it's to avoid possible lymphoedema I think. I did obey the instructions, but reluctantly, as I wanted to get back to normal asap, but it pays to play safe. 7 months after the op I am lifting my compost bags out of the car as usual and shifting my furniture about to decorate. You should have got a little post-op booklet from your breast care nurse all about what to do and not to do. If not, there is a lot of info on this site, under the main headings like "Going Through Treatment". And "lazy"? Hardly - you've had an operation for goodness sake!!!!!! Take your painkillers regularly, even if you don't feel in pain, as it is better to have them in your system before things hurt. Well, that's what they told me and it did seem to work. I was only given paracetamol and ibuprofin which was adaquate for me.Another day done. Sleep well. xxx

[pili pala]

Hi Anniej

Thank you for that.  I was getting worried that it was me just being lazy.  It is good to hear from others who have been through where I am now.

Could anyone tell me when can I expect my arm to be back to normal as I have more pain there than in the breast itself?  I am doing the exercises.

[Anniej]

Hi Pili pala, how great that you are doing an OU course . Definitely a goal to aim for . Some ladies have managed to work during radiotherapy and not found it too bad at all. I think you are in a god place if you are working from home as you can pace yourself. Re the op, the anaesthetic took a while  to leave my system, and I felt quite tired for a week or so. Just rest, and listen to your body. Good luck with everything. X

[pili pala]

Thank you Optimissy64

I think I'll be having radiotherapy in September for 3 weeks.  I will probably stay at the hospital because it is quite far to travel daily.  My course starts beginning of October and my first assignment will be due mid November.  Don't think there will be any travelling involved at first, not sure.  I'm expected to do 15-20 hours of work per week which doesn't sound like a lot, until you bring in everything else I need to do!

I'm with you on not very good at getting up in the mornings!  I am tired these days and do tend to fall asleep during the day.  Will definately keep doing my exercises!

Hope you're doing ok xxxx

[Optimissy64]

Hi Pili pala

Congratulations on getting the op over and done with - another step on the road over and done with. Best wishes for your recovery and the radiotherapy. 

Assuming you are just having rads and hormone therapy and not chemo, I would think you will be fine for starting your OU course in October. I had 15 sessions of rads 6 weeks after my lumpectomy and lymph node out, and whilst I felt a little weary at times, it wasn't too bad and afterwards I would have been capable of studying, especially home study, though I would have struggled with getting up early and commuting to a college if it were some distance away, (but then again, I've always struggled with getting up early throughout my working life!!!!) A lot will depend on how much time you will be expected to give to the course and whether it involves any travelling I guess, but I imagine they may have some continency arrangements for people who need sick time during the course?

Focus on getting rested up after your op (and do your arm exercises ready for the rads!) and don't worry about the course just at the moment, then you can see how you go over time. The body has had a big shock what with surgery and anaesthetic so you will feel tired for a while. All the best. xxxxxx

[pili pala]

Hi Anniej.  Thank you for the welcome and reply.  I hope I am now cancer free, will find out on Thursday when I return to clinic.  I am lucky that I won't need chemo only radiotherapy followed by hormone tablets.  Or that is what I've been told so far.  I am already feeling very tired and dreading the next stage if it is going to make me worse.  I am suppose to start a degree course with OU in October and worried whether I'll feel up to it or not.

[Anniej]

Hi Pili, welcome to the forum . Yes ,it's always a bit daunting waiting for the next stage, but you have got rid of the little blighters, and that's the main thing. You are now tumour free. My consultant calls chemo and rads 'belt and braces' as it is a precautionary measure. I'm through chemo now, and have just seen my consultant radiotherapist who assures me rads is easier than chemo. Very reassuringl! 👍 Visited hospital Thursday to be measured for treatment . I feel, like you, the sooner it's started, the sooner it's finished. Eat well and get fit. Rads are fatiguing, so the better you feel before you start will help you through. Good luck. Stay in touch. X

[pili pala]

Hi all, I'm new here

I had my op last Friday and have an appointment to see surgeon next Thursday to get my results.  I had 2 lumps and lymph nodes removed.  Been told I will start radiotherapy in 6 - 8 weeks time.  I have to admit I'm rather nervous and scared, it has all happened so quickly.