'June Jewels' - Precious and shining through :)

[Melrose15]

Afternoon Ladies
Ive had a fun if emotional morning at the 'Headstrong session' I would thoroughly recommend it. There is a list on this site of the hospitals that run them and you can go to any one convenient for you. I came away with Lots of ideas and got to see what suited me. It was funny having a stocking put over my head to cover my hair, try it and see! I think from reading other threads the pixie is the way to go, especially if you have long hair. From what the lovely ladies have said it sounds quite traumatic when your hair starts to fall out and somewhat annoying to find it everywhere. If you have your wig ready you can pop it on over the pixie then who's to know?! ;))
Glad to see some of you are getting dates for chemo now. I'm sure someone's making a list 🙂 i'll be bowing to your superior knowledge by the time I start. I noticed on Marches thread they start their post with the cycle, regime and day. I think once we all get going this will be a good idea as some of us are on different cocktails and therefore mayexperience different s/e's.What do you think?
Welcome Spurs. What a journey you've had. Big hugs to you. I am 5 weeks post mx and still recovering so sounds like you are doing really well xx

[YB54321]

Joan - so glad your scans are clear! It's nice to get some positive news xx

[fimbo123]

Good afternoon Jewels,
Spurs - what a journey you've had already. Hopefully now things will start to move again.
Chelle and Cress - I don't know what to say about the pain as I haven't had surgery yet, Be kind to yourselves for a while.
What a morning (again!). I was looking forward to a day without hospital appointments today, but had come out in a lumpy rash and was worried it might have been a reaction to the dye injected before the scan yesterday. Phoned scan department and was told to come in and get checked out. Very down about this, but then the most amazing doctor spoke to me. First he freaked me out by saying he could see "activity" on my ankle in the scan. Turned out it was from where I'd torn ligaments as a child - phew! So he told me my bone scan looked completely normal, which I wouldn't normally have heard from my oncologist for another couple of weeks. It hasn't spread to my bones!!!!
I think he could see what a state I was in, because he then started to talk to me about the power of self healing through meditation and focussing on the breath and the present moment. I couldn't believe it, he was so holistic! As for the rash, he said it could be anything, a reaction to all the stress I've been under this week. Unfortunately I don't think I'll bump into him regularly.
I don't normally believe in such things but I'm sure I got the rash so I was meant to go and see him and get out of the doldrums and be reassured. Feeling like I can do all this now - what a change since yesterday.
Turns out I'm getting my line put in on 4 June and chemo starting on 5 June. 4 rounds of AC then 4 of Docetaxl.
Martha - the dye for my bone scan yesterday was radioactive and I was told I could keep the children in the house with me, just not cuddle them. Made lots of jokes with them about glowing in the dark. I only had to have an ECG pre chemo, not a scan, but I'm not having FEC.
xxx

[artemis17]

Hi Spurs...sorry youve had a rough ride but its good that you have all the info now, im still waiting for scan dates, i had my Mx and clearance 12 days ago so maybe they are waiting for it to heal??. ive not had any contact with anyone this week so do feel a bit "out of the loop". I had a tissue expander put in so although im bruised and sore i do have a boob shape to work with plus my softie which ive named Wilson gives me confidence.
As for hair, yes im another that could no way get away with a short hair cut. My features are too big, and i fully expect to look like Gollem if i go bald, so am definately doing cold capping as well as a wig.
Least the suns shining at the moment...
xx

[YB54321]

Cress I'm in the same boat, not really had much pain at all except being a spectacular array of shades of black & blue (no 50 shades of grey unfortunately!) but today I'm really aching and where the SNB was done is throbbing. I'm having a check up with the breast care nurse tomorrow so I'll see what she has to say.
Im too considering a really short haircut (never ever had short hair) but I have quite a big head (not because people tell me so, because hats never fit me!) so I'm scared I look like a big pumpkin head with no hair 😞

[YB54321]

Ooh thanks Morwenna, I'd better check before I throw more money down the drain. Glad you are nearly at the other side of your treatment, I just want to get on with mine now so I'm stepping closer to kicking the backside of this little crap bag! Thanks for dropping in an posting, we love hearing from the other veterans and learning from your experiences x

[Suffolklady]

Morning all, hope it's sunny wherever you are. 10 days post WLE - was doing really well but suddenly feel like I've hit a brick wall. Boob feels heavy and sore - I feel tired and miserable - not like me at all..... perhaps I might have been overdoing things?!
On the positive side, I've been in contact with my local Tony and Guy salon for a free 'strength in style' consultation. Thinking of having my hair cropped before I start the treatment - but worried about not looking 'girlie' - I don't think I can carry off the 'pixie' look!!
Good luck to all with scans and results - love and hugs all round xxxx Cress

[Morwenna]

Hi Jewels! I'm just looking in from the January Jems to see what you are all up to, as I feel like I know some of you already!

I see there has been discussion on diet, and wanted to add a note of caution; Some oncologists warn against immuno-boosting foods and supplements, as they fear they could inhibit the effects of the chemotherapy! We were specifically told NOT to drink green tea, for instance, and also to avoid .... Grapefruit, I think!

Anyway, it may not be universal, but I'd just suggest you check with your team before stocking up on all this stuff 🙂

I intend to really go for it once I have finished my chemo. I have four more weekly doses of Paclitaxel (Taxol) then I'm done! 24 weeks of chemo!!!

Anyhoo, good luck to you all, and may all your side effects be little ones!!! 😄

[YB54321]

Welcome Spurs sounds like you've had a rough ride so I hope things settle down once your treatment starts. We all seem to have good & bad days so feel free to rant and get things off you're chest on here, we understand xx

[Maxie]

Good morning Jewels,

Great reading all your posts, very informative and have learnt a lot already!
A lot of you seem to be having scans, I have been told that I won't be having any as only 2 lymph nodes positive, also found out at last appt that I have LVI. All in all I think I would prefer to have some scans just to hopefully put my mind at rest, wonder if you ask for them they would do them?
Still not heard when Onco appt will be but hoping wont be too long now, all this waiting is making me really anxious!
Hope all of you with appts etc today get on okay and look forward to reading about it all later.
Maxie xx

[Spurs79]

I think I will be joining you all! I am 34 years old living with my fiance and step son twice a week week in Wiltshire. I was diagnosed 15th March, wle and snb a few days later. Lymph node positive so full axillary clearance at the beginning of April. I then found a new lump on the scar on my breast and it was cancerous so I had a mx last Friday. Recovering well and glad the cancer has gone - I see it as losing cancer not as breast as that's all it was in the end. So after 3 lots of surgery I have onc appt next Thursday and I know they are keen to start chemo a week or so later. The plan is for me to have 3 lots of fec then 3 of docetaxel then rads. Luckily my breast friend is a hair dresser approved by the nhs to supply wigs so I have my wig already and a few very nice head scarves so I am well prepared on that front - let the battle commence.

[Guest user]

Fiona, thanks for finding out more about Wales and wigs 😉 It'll be interesting to hear what you come back with and if a voucher then we can spend it anywhere I guess? I'll ask today too to see if anyone knows (visiting local hospital).
Martha, yes I need to get out to the shops and look for some scarfs and hats, just lacking motivation at the moment. I'll drag a friend along to help maybe.
Off to my local hospital for the first time to meet my new 'team' today (all surgery done an hour and a half away in Swansea hospitals). Full of trepidation and worries. I know I should have loads of questions but I can't think of one!!! Sigh.

[Guest user]

Oops, commented twice... not sure how to delete a post. Lins

[YB54321]

Morning Jewels,
Welcome Deedee x
Got my onco appt late this aft but with no results back yet (other than 8/8 ER+ and 7/8 PR+ and Grade 3) not sure how much I'll find out.
There is a website called mynewhair.org which details hairdressers who specialise in wig styling and some who sell wigs as well so am planning a day out maybe next week to get my hair cropped short and try on some wigs. Most of these salons have private rooms which I think may put me at ease.
Just having a look at some matcha green tea as its supposed to be good for you (prob tastes like swamp juice) but I do like normal green tea so I'll give it a go.
I need to get booked in to see my GP as well but she's getting married and I'd prefer to speak to her as she's more human than the others at my practice so I'll wait.
Have a good day all and I'll update tonight after my appt xx

[artemis17]

WelcomeDeedee :),
So lovely jewels, seems as if its full steam ahead for most of you. Im still at the starting line, waiting for the bone & mri appts so hope they get sorted soon as im already in june mode, although i have absoultely no info regarding my grade/stage etc beyond needing chemo, rads and hormone therapy, so definately have a long list to ask Oncologist. I have though made an appt with a wig shop as theres nothing locally, so am having a day trip next w/e.
Martha thats a good tip re visiting the GP to get all the ducks ina row so to speak. I have lived here for 10 years and never seen the GP apart from contraceptives so i'd better show my face, get the free prescriptions sorted etc. There is a lot of stuff we are just expected to know i think, so thank goodness for these forums!.
Thanks to the ladies that im "friends" with now, not sure what it means we can do lol, but its comforting to be part of a group hence the desire to get dates, so i can get my seat belt on ready...
xx

[deedee215]

Hi Everyone, think I will be joining this jewels thread. I have had WLE SNB postive in both and Grade 3. So will be starting chemo beginning of June I think after I get my CT scan and xrays done. So once I see the oncologist I should know more.
I'm from Glasgow 49yrs young. Married for 25yrs with a 21yr old daughter and a 16yr old son. Also I'm a foster carer but unfortunately due to illness can no longer continue with this until I'm finish with all my treatment.

Deedee xx

[MarthasSOS]

Ok cool, thanks Emma that makes perfect sense 😉 xx

[Melrose15]

Martha, I believe you only have a bone scan when there is lymph node involvememnt and therefore a possibility the cancer could have spread. It seems Docetaxel is also only given to patients with lymph node involvement. Though I could be wrong. I'll be on FEC -t xx

[MarthasSOS]

Just a quicky on the heart thing before I go to bed....
You all seem to be having scans, where I've been told I'm having an x-ray. Perhaps each hospital is different and mine doesn't have a heart scanner so need an injection for the x-ray. I will ask tomorrow and give you guys an update 😉
Nite, Nite xxxx

[Melrose15]

Evening Jewels
You have been busy today! Great advice on wigs etc. I made an appointment with my gp a few weeks ago for a general chat and she was very supportive. Told me if I needed anything I could just call and she'd leave a prescription. Which is great as I can't think of a worse place to visit when your immune system is low! She signed an exempt form and once sent off I received my card within the week. So free prescriptions. I was also told I'd get a form from the chemo nurse with regards to getting vat exemption on a wig, as my appointment isn't until 10th June I don't know wether to wait or go looking anyway. What do you think?
Tomorrow I have a headstrong session. I'm bringing my 'mad' friend with me so i know its going to be a fun morning 😉 I'll post a picture of me donning a scarf. I've also a look good feel better session booked for June.
Faye - I had my wound drained twice due to a seroma. My wound wouldn't heal so I was given antibiotics. A week later my wound was healing and the swelling reduced. They said I must have had an infected seroma! Wish they'd done something about it earlier as I was in pain and it was very uncomfortable. If you haven't already give your BCN a call and they may ask you to come in to have a look. Xx
Fimbo. Hope you have a restful evening. Big hugs xx
Martha. Glad you now have a plan and a way forward. March- welcome to The jewels been reading your post on Moonies. I hope you're feeling more assured now xx
Btw my heart scan is next week. Are they all the same with regards to the dye being injected? Or are there different types of scan? No one has explaimed it to me.
Night night xxx

[Guest user]

Thank you Martha. I have not been told I am having any injections at my scan.

[MarthasSOS]

Hi March13

I'm glad you got your wig fitting, I've got mine next week (the day you get your chemo). I'm a bit scared too and I bet I'll be sweating on the actual day.

I've not had a bone scan and I've not been offered one, but I think each hospital trust is different. I'm getting my heart scan on Friday. I've been told that I will be injected with isotope (radioactive stuff) and that I've to keep away from children for 24 hours. Fortuntately my mum was already baby sitting my 7 year old and my 13 year old is away overnight with the Cadets - So just me and the OH. The heart scan is to check the health of your heart to see if it can withstand the rigours of the red drug which is the E part of the FEC.

I don't know the full in's & out's of the heart scan (It was described to me as an x-ray of your heart). I will ask tomorrow when I see my chemo nurses and let you know. xxx

[Guest user]

Hello and thank you for the welcome. I went to the wig shop today (Worcestershire NHS offered the service and paid).
I was my usual woah is me miserable self, but by the end of the appointment, my husband, my mum, the lovely fitter and I were laughing our heads off. The wig weighs just 2oz and is a replica of my blond/greying short bob. It actually looked great, much to my amazement. We also came away with some scarves and a soft hat which we paid for.

The positive thoughts lasted all of an hour and now I am her on my own thinking I will still bottle it on the day. What is wrong with me. Do we all have a bone scan ? I have lots of aches, pains and stiffness. I have mentioned it to my bcn and she is telling the oncologist.
I have an echo heart scan on saturday, is that simple ?

[MarthasSOS]

Haha Faye, I charge a heft fee when I'm out for hire lol. Let us know how you get on with your serenoma, I know Emma had one and it delayed her chemo from May until June.

Thanks Chelle - Yes, I will indeed be busy of the next week or so. I'm sure you guys will be just as busy soon.

Take care
Martha xxx

[YB54321]

Hi Martha,
Good to hear from you, I've been wondering how you got on. Am sure you have made the right decision. Know this was never going to be great news but one good thing is its moving quickly and hopefully will be over before you know it. Lots of appts to keep you busy for sure! please stay in the group you can be in both xx

[Flip_flop]

Evening all,
Welcome to any newbies who have joined us.
Martha - well done for deciding on chemo. Yes please stay with us Jewels (we may let you out for hire to the moonies). All systems go then. Getting a bit nervous for mine now (hope this flippin seroma doesn't delay anything).
Faye

[MarthasSOS]

Good evening Jewels

Wow, lots to catch up on here - You've all been busy today lol.

PG - Thank you for popping on and good luck for tomorrow.

Loloa - Wonderful advise as always, thank you.

Jewels - Lots going on and also lots of waiting. I am hoping that everyone will get their dates very soon.

As a little update on what happened today. Let's just say my social calendar has never been so full! After a lot of talking and a lot of sole searching and a good few tears shed, the final decision was to have chemo.
My special cocktail - FEC x 6. This is because I was borderline and because of my age and I didn't need the T part - Don't know much else about it 😉

I'm meeting with the chemo nurses tomorrow to go through the whole regieme and then I've got my heart x-ray on Friday (I will be injected with isotope). This is to ensure my heart can withstand the riggours of the red stuff (I think that's the E part of the FEC).

Chemo Start date: 29th May (officially I should be a Moonbeam now, but I want to stay with you guys).

30th May - Hair appointment for a wig fitting. I was told to give them a prescription number and this will be the payment for the wig. I don't need to pay for this.

11th June - I'm booked onto the Look Good, Feel Better course at my local Maggies centre.

13th June - I'm booked in for a HeadStrong services.

So bascially, it's all systems go now ladies.

Lins - Prescriptions are free in Scotland also, so you could be lucky and get the wig for free too. I'm also planning on getting some little scarfs and hats. I've got a hairdresser coming to my house to cut my hair into a bob - Just to my chin.

I'll be at home all morning tomorrow so will be able to catch up more then.

Take care precious Jewels
xxxxx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi March13
Welcome to the June Jewels. Good luck for 30th May - let us know how you get on. My first oncology appointment is tomorrow, so I hope to get my treatment dates soon - I might not be far behind you.
Take care,
Fiona
xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi Fimbo
Sorry you've had such a stressful day - we're all here to help and suport. Hope you can relax a bit this evening and sleep well tonight.
Fiona
xx

[Glasgow_Girl]

Hi Lins
My BCN told me I should get a voucher, to use towards wig purchase, when I attend chemo clinic. She thought it was for about £80. Have got my oncology appointment tomorrow, so I'll find out and let you know. Although we are both in Wales, we are in different health authorities, so it may not be the same.
Fiona
xx

[Guest user]

Hello Jewels.
Thanks for all the information on wigs Lola and Chelle. I'm thinking (hoping) that as in Wales we already get free prescriptions so maybe wigs will be free too. Every little helps... does anyone know that for a fact?
Welcome March... x
Fimbo - big BIG hugs, must have been a really tiring and stressful day.
Love to all here.

[fimbo123]

Thanks Artemis and Chelle,
It went ok, the scans themselves aren't scary, just the results! For me they are definitely checking for spread... However, had to wait in the hospital from 10am until 1.30 for the scan and then see the chemo nurse at 2.30, so by the time I was finished I couldn't wait to get out!
She gave me a start date for my chemo, which is 4 June, assuming they manage to get a Pick(?) line in next week (my veins are small and delicate apparently ).
Thanks for the info on wigs, Lola65. I must get round to doing somethnig about all that now. Fun, fun, fun. I really have had enough for today!
xx

[artemis17]

thanks for that lola65...there arent any wig suppliers in the immediate area to me but i have found a shop about 40 miles away, and will visit it next weekend with the boyfriend, may even go for a radical change, always fancied trying blonde :).

[Lola65]

Hello Jewels!

Just popping over fom the February Valentines to wish you all the luck in the world for your forthcoming chemo.

Wigs - every hospital trust varies. You can ask your BCN what happens at yours. Some give entirely free wigs to everyone, no means testing required. Others give you a prescription for a small charge, maybe £10. Others give you a prescription for a bigger charge. Mine charges £64. Once you have paid that charge, the rest of the cost is free. However, you have to use a recommended NHS supplier, and your hospital will give you a list of what is available in your area. Also, it only applies to NHS approved wigs, but they are well worth checking out and are much improved these days. My hospital gives 2 prescriptions a year.
Real hair wigs are very expensive and not thought to be as good as the modern acrylic ones. They need styling every day and washing just as your own hair does. Acrylic ones can be trimmed and shaped to suit your face, and thereafter the style stays put. You don't need to wash it very often, and when you do, a quick shake and it's back as it was. No styling necessary. There are different types, and as always, the better the wig the more expensive it is.

If you buy one before you go bald, beware that you may not like it and find it slips or moves. This is because you still have hair. Once bald, they fit much better, so don't give up on it. The more you wear it the more you get used to it and feel more confident, so my advice is to have your own hair cut very short then start wearing it before chemo starts, but this is personal choice of course. I had mine cut, intending to have a pixie, but ended up with a short crop. After a few days I decided I liked it! I even went out in public with it like that and felt good. Once it started to fall out my OH clippered it to a number 1 or 2 cut and it still didn't feel too bad until the bald patches got very obvious. Thats when I started to wear the wig every time I was in public, but not round the house or garden, and on rainy days I just wear a beany for supermarket or dog walks.

It is all very manageable. Good luck everyone, and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask on the February Valentines thread. xxx

[artemis17]

Fimbo how did it go?. Im the same waiting for a bone scan & MRI appointment, totally freaked me as i thought it meant they suspect its got into my bones, but the lovely male cancer nurse i spoke to said its so they have a good picture of your bones etc prior to chemo so if theres anything that returns they can compare and contrast"..sounds like an O level essay question ha."
Anyway hope it went ok.

[YB54321]

Thanks Poems - hope you are doing well xx the support on this site is fantastic, gives me faith in the human race xx

[YB54321]

March13 - welcome on board, we are all in this together xx

[poemsgalore]

Hi June Jewels

Just wanted to wish you all good luck with your treatment from a February Valentine.

Poemsgalore xxx

[YB54321]

Also just in case anyone isn't aware with regards to free prescriptions from the Macmillan site:

Free prescriptions for people affected by cancer

Following the success of Macmillan's prescription charges campaign, cancer patients are entitled to free prescriptions.

Since 1 April 2009, cancer patients in England have been eligible for free prescriptions. All cancer patients undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment can apply for exemption certificates from their GP or oncology clinic.

Free prescriptions for cancer patients in England

Following the success of our prescription charges campaign, cancer patients are now entitled to free prescriptions. We encourage all cancer patients undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment to apply for an exemption certificate.

How do I apply?

Patients can apply for an exemption certificate by collecting a FP92A form from their GP surgery or oncology clinic. The form must be countersigned by their GP or hospital doctor, then sent to the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA), who will issue an exemption certificate.
Patients can show their exemption certificate to their pharmacist as proof of exemption. The certificate will last for 5 years. Once the certificate has expired a new application can be made. The NHS BSA will remind patients before the expiry date.
Pending receipt of an exemption certificate, patients should ask their pharmacist for an NHS receipt (FP57) when they pay a prescription charge.
Exemption certificates cover all prescriptions, not just those relating to cancer. Anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis can get all their prescriptions free of charge, including those for cancer, the effects of cancer and the effects of cancer treatment.

[YB54321]

Joan - hope everything goes ok today, sending you a big virtual hug. This is all so scary - it's just tests and waiting tests and waiting.........
I bought the book Anticancer - a new way of life by David Servan-Schreiber last night and it's an interesting read, doesn't claim to be a cure but some helpful stuff in there, especially about keeping your mental health in check and ways to keep your head out of dark places.
Looked on the NHS about help for buying wigs but it's not very clear it says:

Wigs are available from the NHS but patients will be charged for them unless they qualify for help with charges. There are extensive arrangements for providing help with NHS prescription charges and other health costs such as wigs.
Wigs and fabric supports costs

• Surgical brassiere - £26.35
• Abdominal or spinal support - £39.75
• Stock modacrylic wig - £64.95
• Partial human hair wig - £172.00
• Full bespoke human hair wig - £251.55

There are no nationally set limits on the number of wigs a patient can have from the NHS. However, there is nothing preventing local NHS organisations from setting their own limit.
Though patients may be exempt from NHS prescription charges, this exemption may not extend to other NHS charges. NHS prescriptions are only one part of NHS health costs and these are made on FP10 prescription forms and dispensed under the pharmaceutical services regulations. There are other NHS charges which patients may have to pay, for example glasses and contact lenses.
More information can be found in the leaflet HC11: Help with health costs
Information about current NHS charges is available in the HC12 leaflet: A quick guide to help with health costs

You can get free wigs and fabric supports if you:

• are under 16
• are 16-18 and in full-time education
• are a hospital inpatient
• are a war pensioner and the wig or fabric support is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate

You are entitled to help if you receive either:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit,or
• You are named on, or entitled to (use your award notice as evidence) an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or
• are named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)
• Youare awarded Universal Credit

Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).
Partial help:
If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate (limited help), you might get some help towards the cost of your NHS dental treatment. The certificate tells you how much you will have to pay.

[Guest user]

Please may I join. I am scheduled first FEC on 30th May, but still doubting I have the courage to face it despite lots of kind support from the May Moonbeams.

[Maxie]

Hello fellow Jewels!

Flipflop/Fay... I'm going to order a wig online, had a wig make recommended to me called Banbury Postiche (google should bring it up) the ones I've been looking at aren't real hair but are supposed to be as good as and easier to maintain, prices good too. Does anybody know if we get an NHS voucher towards wigs? Have read older threads which say we do.
Flimbo/Joan that's an interesting theory re the fasting but don't think I could do it.....would prob pass out with hunger before they'd even started the chemo!!!....very interesting theory though.

Maxie xx

[fimbo123]

Whoops info should have been onco - stupid auto correct on phone!

[fimbo123]

Morning ladies,
Sitting at the hospital having had radioactive dye injected waiting for my bone scan test later. I am so scared of all these tests for spread, but I've been told I won't know til after my first chemo and the treatment would be the same anyway. I have had appointments 4 working days in a row now - looking forward to a day off tomorrow!
Emma - I also work in a school office and was hoping to go in as I only work 2 days a week anyway, but I guess I'l have to see how I am.
Martha - good luck for today. I felt better after I saw my info on Monday - I hope you feel there is a good plan for going forward.
Chelle - snap with the holiday insurance and critical illness cover - it's what I spent yesterday morning doing.
I listened to the radio 4 programme last night and it got me looking into a few things. Has anyone else heard of the idea of fasting before, after and during chemo? The theory use that your normal cells go into hibernation, slowing them down and meaning they don't get so affected by the drugs so fewer side effects, but the cancer cells don't slow down so get the full whack of the drugs. Seems to make sense to me, but I can't see my oncologist approving it. Whether I could even fast for a few days at all is another thing...... I guess I am feeling really out of control, having not been diagnosed 2 weeks yet - desperate to think I can help myself.
It's great knowing you are all here too - big virtual hugs to you all.
Joan x

[Guest user]

Ohh Fiona.. I had most of my surgury in Swansea hospitals, but am now having the adjuvant care nearer my home in Pembrokeshire, so I'll be in Withybush hosptial. What a shame would have been great to meet you! Chelle, my emotions are a roller coaster too... I think that's normal (well as normal as anything can be atm). Big hugs. Work for myself - which is lucky and unlucky... I can work from home as usual but difficult to rest properly lol. Martha thanks for the lists too... really useful. Because I've moved hospitals I've lost contact with a BC nurse.. sure they'll sort it out when I go for the first time to see onc Thursday (yikes that's tomorrow). Never thought of insurance, shall have to go and look up what I might have. Also subscribed, so thanks for the instructions too. Lins x

[YB54321]

Morning Jewels,
Having problems getting onto the site this morning, keeps kicking me out 😞
My emotions are up and down today, but have started my list of questions for the Onco and my surgeon when I get the results. They couldn't see anything suspicious in my nodes when they did the ultrasound but I'm convinced the little bugger is going to be there! I'm trying to stay really positive in front of family & friends so it's good to have this forum to get things off my chest. I'm more worried about other people being stressed than how I'm doing but I've always been the same.
I'm lucky that I can work from home for my job (normally office based) so I've logged on the last couple of days to take my mind off things a little. I've got very little pain from WLE and my movement is very good so am hoping they will say I can drive again when I go back so I can get out of the house.
Waiting to hear back from holiday insurance as should currently be in Cyprus but can't see there would be a prob as we paid for it last year and I'd never had any kind of breast probs til April when I found the lump. Also waiting to pass the 28 day survival point so I can claim on my critical illness cover. All I seem to do at the moment is fill in forms and ring health insurance asking for authorisation codes!
For all who have appts over the next couple of days, keep your chin up and get the answers you need. At least we are all moving forward and 1 step closer to the end game and getting rid of the little demon!
Hugs

[Flip_flop]

Morning Jewels.
Welcome Maxie. Thanks msmcann for your post - nice to hear from someone further down the line.
I've developed seroma on my boob - going to keep any eye on it as has got a lot bigger since the other day.
Workwise - i've stopped going into one of my jobs as a nursery nurse due to risk of getting infections when start chemo, my other job is in cafe so am going to see how I go with that.
Going to look into where I can get a real hair wig - not that many options near me so think might involve some days out (wish we were'nt having to do this). Then I think I might need to start my relaxtion CD after doing that.
Good look to all those with appointments today.
Faye

[artemis17]

Morning ladies 🙂
I just want to get dates so i can feel im regaining control again..now i know whats inevitable i just ant to get it started. Thanks for the lists Martha, love having a to do list even one as chilling as preparing for Chemo..Its one hurdle at a time isnt it, as i will then have rads and hormones for 5 yeras.
Hoping to go back to work for a half day next week just to see how i get on although its not 2 weeks since my op, i do feel really well, just a few ghost pains where my spaniels ear is now, and tightness in the shoulder.
Anyway, just marking my place as i reckon wwe will all be contributing adn sharing loads over the neext few weks. Onwards and upwards Jewels 🙂
dxx

[msmcann]

Hi you will get through it. I was just finishing up mine this time last year and I have to say it wasn't as bad as I was expecting thankfully. I hope you guys find it the same. I had 2 different types of breast cancer so had to have 2 different types of chemo. The first one FEC made me lose my hair but thankfully found out about Heather's Hair - a chairy based real hair wig alternative. Basically it's a real hair weave on a sweatband to wear under a hat or scarf giving the appearance of having hair. It can cut, dyed or styled just like your own hair. This was the single thing that kept me sane as everyone treated me 'normally' rather than as a victim. www.heathershair.co.uk The other thing I did was instead of always using the NHS white bandage to cover the picc line I cut up some winter tights and folded over the ends worked just as well and could match your outfit. Again looked more like a fashion trend than having a bandage round your arm. One of the most profound things I have read about this jounery is that others will take their queue from you. For me it was so important to be seen as me and not a 'victim' or 'sufferer'. All the best on your journey, may it pass quickly.

[Melrose15]

Martha, good luck with your appointment today. Hope you get all the answers you want and a way forward. Fiona same for you tomorrow. xx
I had my shoulder length hair cut short last week and love it. Wish I'd done it sooner! Will have pixie cut after first chemo I think. With regards to work. I only went back Monday after my mx. I think I've over do it as my arm is achey and my chest feels swollen and tight. I'm right handed and had r mx and work in a school office. Am phoning the BCN this morning as not sure if this is 'normal'. Has anyone else had a mx and ANC? How's your recovery going? Don't know about working through chemo. I'm hoping to play it by ear so to speak.
Suffolk. I'll give the radio programme a listen. Might be the extra push I need to get my head out of the sand!!
Welcome to the new additions. Will have to start making a list 😉 x