How's everyone doing.?

[Silverlady]

Sarah - that's what my scar is like, a little bit puckered each end, but other than that completely healed and very neat and thin. I found out last time that he is a cosmetic surgeon and he also does reconstructions - that's probably why my scar is so neat.  My bra starts off sitting under the scar, but then when it rides up, it's on the scar - but it's doesn't hurt there, it hurts under my arm where the seroma is.

Jane - you and the others may be able to wear crop tops - just don't think I would be allowed out in public with one on😂😂😀.  

I have a very tight sensation under the breast which is more noticeable when I lean forward- is that cording?

I can't believe you shaved your mole off - you need to wear your glasses 😂😂😀😀

[Emily T]

Oh yes and bras, I never wore one at night, that would be torture, need to be freeeeee and I'm still in my post surgery 2....although my less attractive white one is my favourite.

[Emily T]

Oh gosh I have had 2 pages to wade through!

So from beginning to end, not one person has said don;t shave or wash or use deodorant! The only advice I have had is to use E45 to moisturise the skin before RT. But not to use others as they have something in that I can't remember but sounds metalic. I was shaving above my dressing the week after surgery lol! I'm shaving now but VERY carefully as I have no feeling in my armpit!!!! Could end up like the mole lol!

Thank you all for thinking of me this morning....I have to confess she was actually really nice and I'm now having wednesday off next week and she has told me to just go home if I have had enough and if I'm struggling in the morning just come when I'm ready....so feel slightly guilty for doubting her!  We are taking it one week at a time and I just need to tell her what I need.

[EJM60]

Posted too soon. Am I the only one who still can't wear a bra - I'm living in crop tops or vests. Looked in m and s for a secret support vest as have 1 already and they don't seem to do them any more. Wondered if a crop top would suit the mastectomy ladies. The ones I bought from Asda have removable moulded cups.
Jane x

[EJM60]

Eric and Gracie are both lovely!

My BCN advised me not to wax or shave with a blade due to the risk of lymphodaemia- I did used to have an electric shaver - will have to empty out my wardrobe to see if I can find it. Shaved my legs too this morning and managed to shave off a mole on my ankle, never done it before ever!! The unfortunate part was I'm quite short sighted and didn't realise until I had bled all over my towel, the bathroom floor and the bedroom carpet!

The radiologist also told me not to shave during radiotherapy as it can add to skin irritation. Just advised to use E45 and 99% aloe Vera gel, need a trip to town to find some.

Just wondered whether anyone has experience of cording under the breast. I'm really sore there and it pulls when doing any stretches and today I can feel a 'cord' under the skin. My BCN suspected it was a cord when I saw her last week, and just advised to stretch and massage it.
Jane xx

[Sallyann43]

How is your scar? Mine is very straight but a bit puckered at each end but very smooth in between .. hubby says it might be because I'm not permanently in the bra 🙄🤔

[Sallyann43]

😂😂 same silver - I put it on if I'm venturing out but the minute I get home, it's off ... no, it doesn't ride up but that's prob cos I haven't got a big boob 😂😂 on the real side .. I'm only a B cup .. the bra just rubs my skin but not on the scar .. underneath the scar x

[Silverlady]

Sarah - when you do wear your bra, does it ride up in the other side? 

I've asked on another thread how to weight my other cup down as a temporary fix (I don't think a can of beans will do, not quite the right shape) 

it it will just be a temporary fix until I get my prosthesis.

[Silverlady]

I never, ever walked around without a bra on before.

Now I take it off as soon as I can.

Just me and my breast hanging around together 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[Sallyann43]

Yeah and I can't understand why I was told not to take it off .. aaah well, it's rarely been on 😂😂

[Silverlady]

I was just thinking - our scar goes from our cleavage to level with our armpit - I would never have worn a bra as that's where my dressing were.

[Silverlady]

No - It's not like there's anything there like when your have a lumpectomy. 

[Sallyann43]

Silver - were you told to wear a bra day and night after your op?? I was but I'm not doing cos it's too uncomfortable and I was wondering if you knew why I was supposed to 🙄😂 xx

[Silverlady]

Jo & Strudel - I couldn't fathom how to post from my iPhone, so did it from my iPad instead.

[Jo C]

Strudel, I can't seem to post photos from my iPhone at all. Never thought of myself as a technophobe before but I'm stumped. Loving everyone else's photos though xx

[Strudel]

Ha ha Jobey, I gave up trying to post my pic for technical reasons.

Aw Jo, hug. You know in your head it's probably ok but it's so different when you're talking about yourself.

[Silverlady]

Hahaha - I thought you had done the emotional content on purpose as she was a 'cuteness overload' 😂😂😀

[Silverlady]

Goldie is a cutie pie.  I use to have a black, long haired, flat coat Retriever, he was a nutter. 😂😂

The second Nurse said it was because I had a SNB and to wait until after 4 weeks before using deodorant. (I couldn't really understand this as there in no wound in my armpit at all, it's a good 2-3 inch further down).

TBH I carried in using it, as I had already been using it for a week anyway.  

[Jobey68]

Have no idea why its warning of emotional content! It's a photo of my dog!! 

[Jobey68]

Silverlady It was my Oncologist who said it would be fine, It was scorching when I had mine and was worried about stinking! I had no problems at all and after rads could clearly see from the shade of my skin where the. Radiation had reached and it was nowhere near the area I shaved Xx

[Jobey68]

This is my 2 year old Goldie Gracie , she is a darling ,  we had only had her for a month when I was diagnosed and we say she was our saving Grace for sure!! 🐶❤ 

[Jobey68]

Spoiler

Spoiler

my lovely Gracie 

[Silverlady]

Thanks Jobey - we all seem to get conflicting advice.

I even get if from the different BCN nurses - one told me that I was o.k. to use deodorant on 22 Dec, went on the 29th Dec & this Nurse said that I shouldn't be using it and not to have bubbles in my bath. 

[Pam75]

Thanks jobey he's well overdue a trim

[Jo C]

Thanks Strudel. Rationally I know but my mind takes over. I used to be a CT radiographer for many years and I know I be the first to reassure others in this situation. I have just resorted to complete patient mode. Having a hot chocolate in Cosra to perk myself up and practicing wearing a hat in public before I start chemo. So much ahead of me I guess I'm just emotional and want to get treatment started. Thanks for your reassurance. All you ladies on here are truly amazing xxx

[Jobey68]

Ladies I had my radiotherapy back in May/June 2015 ..... boy it feels good to be able to say that! ..... shaved underarm and wore deodorant and was told there was no reason not too as I wasn't having rads to my armpit, had no problems 😊 What a beautiful dog Eric is! 🐶🐶

[Strudel]

Hi Jo. I met with my BCN yesterday to discuss many issues, one of them being a back problem I've had for a year. I was asking about scans (she has ordered me a bone density scan now as I am at increased risk of osteoporosis for other reasons). She told me that the problem with scans is that they often chuck up issues which are absolutely nothing to worry about but lead to increased stress. She specifically mentioned the liver in this and was also talking about lipomas etc. What she was saying made sense.

[Jo C]

Thank you Sue. I had managed to dismiss it but just worried that MR will change the diagnosis. I should try being a bit more logical I guess. Thank you for your reassurance xx

[Truey]

Hi Jo,

My initial CT scan showed 2 small haemangiomas in my liver. My consultant explained that they are usually just benign findings and quite common in older people ( don't know your age, so apologies if you are young), I'm 61. She said they usually remain asymptomatic and don't really signify anything.

I have put them on my "more important things to worry about" list!!

Hugs,

Sue O

[Jo C]

Has anyone else had any experience with liver haemangioma? I got my CT results this week and there was an incidental finding of a 5mm lesion which they considered to be benign, possibly haemangioma. After a bit of reassuring I was convinced. However, I've got to go for am MR next week to confirm and I'm now anxious that it will show that it's a met. This worry doesn't ever seem to end!

Zena, I think we need to share some of those herbal remedies of yours 😉

[Silverlady]

Pam - Eric is gorgeous.

I haven't been told not to shave my underarm. I shaved it before I went in on the 29th to have my seroma drained. (Which has filled up again). I wonder if it's because I've got months before I do rads. 

Edited to add: I was also told to massage Aqueous Cream into the scar from about 4 weeks post mx, which I will start on Monday.  

[Pam75]

I'll find out at my appt later x

[Strudel]

I bought an electric razor and use that now. Honestly, should have bought one years ago - it's brilliant. Good time to buy now as well with all the sales. 

Emma just wanted to say hi and keep posting. I know that you're behind time wise but as Jane said that does at least mean we should be able to help with questions when it comes to it.

Emily - I am incredibly nervous about returning to work, especially knowing that I will be stopping again for treatment in a few weeks. BTW I forgot to say that my (incredibly lovely) BCN told me that oncotype takes about 3 weeks to come back and that there was no panic about the delay that would cause to radiotherapy if I ended up just having RT, I know that's something you wanted to know about.

Zena. I don't have the words 😂 

[Pam75]

Ejm60 were you told not to shave...I have once and just going too now in the shower the snb scar isn't in the pit but right at the bottom

[EJM60]

Confession time - I've just been really naughty - I don't get much under arm hair as waxed for years, but i had a few straggly hairs under my arm and I did what I'd been told not to and shaved them off - feels so much better now I've just put on my E45 on the scar!

[Pam75]

Hi everyone,it takes me an hour to catch up on all the posts.....had my last. Physio appt yesterday arm movement nearly back to normal..luckily the op was on left breast and I'm right handed...off to royal preston hospital at 2pm to the rose mere cancer unit probably to discuss the upcoming radiotherapy treatment..this is eric my Cockapoo hes 2 and been snuggling on the sofa with me most days..think he's used to me being off work now.the works Doctor called and hoping I will be going back early March time .

[EJM60]

Zena - I think I'm as naive as Helena and just googled thc too - so funny, but if it made you feel better .............

l was reminded of a large paracetamol tablet that a French student gave to my daughter while she was at college in America - she'd never been good at swallowing pills, and we had an interesting Skype conversation as to whether this enormous tablet should have been taken orally!!

Emma - you're bound to feel like this.  It's such an anxious time waiting, and I think as you say, the fact that some of us are talking about results must be unsettling for you, although at least we can compare side effects of hormone blocking medication.  Keep talking to us, we're here to virtually hold your hand whenever you need it.  Big hugs.

Em - be kind to yourself.  Perhaps you need to let your new boss know just how you're feeling - I understand you want normality in your life, but don't exhaust yourself at this stage, especially as you still have treatment to come. It interesting how we all deal with this differently - on diagnosis I was going to work as much as I could throughout the whole process; however, although I did work almost up to surgery, in now feeling so emotionally fragile and lacking in tolerance, that I would really struggle dealing with other people's problems.

Hope you're ok Kimjane - not heard from you for a while.

I've been invited out for lunch, and although at the moment I seem to prefer staying in on my own (with doggy of course), im forcing myself to go - meeting up with a friend who I've not seen since bc diagnosis, so hoping the conversation can be steered away from me.

Jane x

[Jo C]

Em67, I was just the same ore-op. I was so worried that they would find something that would stop the operation. I went straight from being diagnosed in clinic to pre-op because the surgeon agreed to operate a few days later. Fantastic because there wasn't much of a wait but I was in shock going through it all. I was waiting by the phone expecting to be told that I wasn't fit enough. It's human but pre-op is routine. You will get there. Waiting gives your mind time to run away with things. You worry about worse case scenario so that anything less becomes easier to deal with. Massive hugs xxx

[Silverlady]

KimJane - are you o.k.? Are you still getting your results today? Wishing good luck, I will be thinking about you.

[Silverlady]

Zena - LMFAO, so funny.

Jane - I think that's what my surgeon meant when she said if it comes back we'll just cut it out again - the fact is that they will be keeping a close eye on me. I'm back to work on Monday - I'm trying to decide whether to wear my softie or not. It rides up, so you can clearly see it's higher than the other boob.  My bra has been hurting me just under my arm (it's because it is higher than the other side which is a good inch under my arm on my booby side) so yesterday I got a sanitary pad and stuck it over the bit that was digging into me - worked a treat 😂😂

Emily - I'm sorry you have to deal with the woman when you are not o.k. - luckily, I work in an all male environment and I have already been told that if I am tired then I am to go home or if they see me looking tired, they will send me home.  If you get tired, can you not say, sorry I've got to go home? And tell them this is what you have been told to do? Can you not play on the fact that you don't even know what your treatment is yet? Sending you big hugs for today.

[Silverlady]

Hi Emma, it's so good to hear from, (you have every right to moan on here) I was getting a bit worried about you. It has just been so long for you and you've seen ladies who have been diagnosed after you get sorted - No wonder you are fed up.

I was worried about my pre-op and when I had my blood pressure taken, it was really high and I asked if they would still do the operation and the Nurse replied that it wouldn't stop it going ahead as they knew I was anxious and that was probably the reason.  

I am sending you the biggest bear hug ever ❤️

[Emily T]

Emma, thats hilarious.....having tried a can a do this in my teens I know exactly what happened to you LMAO!

Emma, I had a 4 week wait for my op and I was a mess, then I had this lovely calm then a mess again, I actually looked forwards to my pre-op as I was doing something lol!

Susan and Stru, I'm with you 100% all in 100% and yes I manipulate the stats at work, so I know how its done.

Anxious this morning and very tired, I'm going to see if I can do some half days next week, try to ease back in a bit more slowly. I have also got a meeting with my boss, we have one once a month anyway, to plan etc but I'm petrified, she used to manage another centre so I do know her but only been with us for a couple of months and shes not like my old boss. I have to put on an act for her and shes doesn;t listen and I know shes going to think I'm all ok now.......sorry should be monday morning blues, not Friday!!!

[AnnCann]

Em67, the anxiety is crippling I know I am waiting to see another oncologist on 12th Jan I have had a good day today wish I could take some of that anxiety from you... Feel free to moan as much as you like..... Xx

[AnnCann]

Hi zena75, I have been lurkin in the background as I can't keep up with you lovely ladies but I do read the threads. Hilarious your story😂😂

[zena75]

Em .. god yes It's sucks waiting and gets worse as time goes on and stuff gets closer - even though we are wanting stuff to happen - does that make sense?
Any way I've got a story . My lovely neighbours when they found out last week I had bc dropped some tablets at my door - some dandelion and some 'can a do this ' ones ( get my meaning ) .. they text me and said they'd done research for a cousin and got them for her but would give to me instead - said to take 2 dandelion and one 'can a do this' tablet ... being very sceptical I didn't but then did some research and thought actually it can't hurt - so about 4 pm yesterday took one of each . I read quite a lot of stuff and think it may help .. be interested to know what others think ?
Anyway they text me about 6 and asked how I was and chin up ( usual your strong stuff) and had I taken the tablets .. cause the 'can a do this' one was a suppository , and if I took it by mouth I'd get high as a kite cause it had THC in it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😳.... i suddenly realised I'd been smiling like a Cheshire Cat and laughing at 'the Simpsons' way too much for a bc sufferer - and my hubby was getting freaked out by my strangely new brilliant Attitude to life ... anyway it wore off after an hour or 2 thank god I felt really weird actually and then I ate so much I felt sick .. anyway never again or up the bum next time 😉.. xxx

[Em 67]

 I know I've been off-forum for a few days - have been in a bit of a slump again. Have just read all the posts from last few days and seen all the cute pet pics! Lovely! Don't have any pets (OH allergic to most animals) but have enjoyed seeing all yours and the joy they give you. 

I think my main problem is that all the stuff that is happening to everyone like the pathology, prognosis etc is still all there for me ( I've still got cancer in both beasts) but so far off in terms of when I will know anything. Because I have had such a long wait for op I have become really scared of the op itself and know that two weeks after that (middle of f@@@ing February for F@@@s sake) I will then start getting the pathology results, lymph node analysis etc. It is so long and so scary. It will then be 3 months from my original diagnosis. And theres nothing I can do but wait. I know the anti hormone is helping to keep things at bay but am sure it's making me feel even more bonkers than I would anyway. And as for the hot nights and freezing cold days I know what you are talking about Jane! I'm now even scared of my pre - op assessment (next Tuesday) in case that shows up something that causes a problem for surgery. I know I'm being irrational but am so scared of going to the hospital because every time I go I get more bad news.

sorry ladies you don't hear from me for days then all I do is come back and moan! Just can't get a grip and tough pants are nowhere to be found 🙁

[EJM60]

I don't think my pathology report had an npi on it - don't think I want to look at the moment.  My oncologist did give a useful fact that because we will be so closely monitored over the next 5 years, that our outcome if we developed another breast cancer, rather than secondaries, can be better than someone having a mammogram every three years - a bit of a positive take on it from me today.

Em - I've had palpitations a few times too - I made a doctors appointment earlier this week as I've got one or two niggles I need to discuss,  and the first one I could get was 21st January - good job I'm not really ill!!

ive generally felt brighter today again, even though I only had about two hours of sleep again last night with hot flushes, indigestion and nausea, although did cry over two of my colleagues who visited at lunchtime.  Can anybody explain why my nights are full of hot flushes and sweats, while during the day I'm  absolutely freezing cold.  I've spent most of the afternoon and evening under a throw with a hot water bottle, just got into bed and I'm so hot again!!My boss has asked if I'd be willing to pop in to show a colleague how to run some attendance data, so I've offered to go in next week - I need to see everyone at some point so this will force my hand so to speak.

Loving the animal photos - are your cats Siamese Ali?  My neighbour has a lovely Siamese cat who used to visit us, but since we adopted sasha he gives us a wide berth.  I love the way they 'talk'. I always wanted a chinchilla Em - we had Syrian hamsters when our children were younger, but they live for such a short time; I have also had several rescue rabbits, I lost both of them last year, Milly last January at 10 and a half, and Lynx in September at nearly 10.  Still really miss them, but I must admit it will be easier escaping for weekends in the caravan without sorting out pet care.  Alex - I can almost see your jack Russell's drooling over the doughnut - funnily the only two dogs mine likes are jack Russell's.  Zena, spaniel ears are so soft and what a handsome young man your son is.

Helena, if you're ever going North up the M6 you can always visit for Sasha cuddles - she just loves attention. Mind you, she's not as good on the lead as she looks; we don't think she was socialised as a youngster and she has real trouble with other dogs - real small dog syndrome!  Perhaps naughtiness comes with the name - Alex, your sasha has a real hangdog expression in that picture - hope it didn't give her tummy ache!  

Night night all.

Jane

[Silverlady]

Hahaha - very true I certainly can't be 70% alive - love that.

I know that statistics can be manipulated and I tend to ignore them anyway.  

Thanks Strudel. 

Have a a good night. 

[Strudel]

Susan,
I have to know absolutely everything and statistics drive me mad, I manipulate them etc to see what can happen but They have not actually made me feel any better or any worse. The best piece of advice I have had on this was from the registrar at my first big appointment before I knew anything about stats. She said to me, the stats are only vague indicators. At the end of this, in relation to you personally, you're going to be 100% alright or 100% not alright. She is of course spot on. I can't be e.g 70% alive! I now whole heartedly embrace the ignore it position because what no study can predict,for us reading and posting here now, is what's going to happen to us.

Anyway, predictions are notoriously iffy. President Trump?