More mature post menopausal women

[Guest user]

Hoping all you Golden Girls get exactly what you wish for in 2011.

Love and Hugs

Andie

[Mezzomamma]

Happy New Year Wendy and everyone.

My good wishes for a great time if you're up to partying and a decent night's sleep if not. (Sleep for me.) I hope that by 31 this time next year things will be looking a bit brighter for everyone here.

[Guest user]

I think it was the very angular cut that looked sensational in dark hair (mine!) but not 100% sure.
Wipe dout from the rads today and decided not to bother with New Year.
Happy New Year to everyone though,
Wendy

[Mezzomamma]

Hi Wendy

Was the Italian curly or was it the very angular cut that looked sensational in dark hair? I have very fine, very straight hair, so I think mine was probably called a Twiggy, but when I was younger it was a pixie. I must try to get a photo while it's still here.

Yes, at least the gloom and fog means a thaw and milder temperatures, which is good for anyone trying to get to their appointments.

I really must go for a walk before it gets darker, fog or no fog.

Hope the rads are going well.

Cheryl

[Guest user]

Cheryl, didn't they used to call that hair style the Italian cut? Hope it all goes well tomorrow.

Snow all gone here but it's been replaced with fog. Better for me as have to go to hospital everyday for rads.
Wendy x

[Mezzomamma]

Went out and had my hair cut short today. I said 'just short all over', but the hairdresser said 'have a nice style while it lasts' and the result is very like the way I wore my hair when I was 19/20, more than 40 years ago. Any other ex 60s chicks around? I look younger--if I take my glasses off. If it falls out slowly, I can trim down the front bit which is the longest, or the hairdresser offered a trim, and if if falls out quickly, there will be less mess. They put a lock in a bag for me to take along when I get a wig, if nothing is left by the time I manage to get up to town.

But I'm glad I've done it, back in control of something for a week or so at least. And golly, this style brings back memories. My OH says it suits me and I should think about keeping this style. (He'll change his mind when he learns that it means more frequent cuts, though.)

Cheryl

[Mezzomamma]

Hello everyone

We're having a thaw here in the WM at last. The 2 of 3 children who were able to come home for Christmas have gone again, so Christmas is definitely over and the house feels a bit empty.

I have a pre-admission appointment (for chemo) on Thursday, so I hope the roads will have de-iced by then.

How are all of you?

[Daisy_do]

Wishing you all a merry christmas and a fantastic New Year full of hopes and dreams.

Delphine x

[Guest user]

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Mezzomamma]

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I hope everyone is able to enjoy the day and to put thoughts of disease and treatment to one side for a little while.

God rest ye merry, Golden Girls, let nothing you dismay.
No thoughts of rads or falling hair, no chemo on this day.

[ragamuffin]

Hi Golden Girls
Just want to wish everyone a Happy Christmas Day. Yes Janet as I put up golden balls I also thought of all of us, on this thread especially, but everyone who has this "problem" to deal with.
Love and hugs to everyone XX((()))XX Diana
PS Janet I have beeen reading Val's diary- thanks for the tip.

[Mezzomamma]

Hurray! Have a merry Christmas with your family and a happy 2011.

Don't overdo things the first few weeks or even the first few months--when I had rads, no chemo a couple of years ago the oncologist told me it usually takes around 6 months to feel 100% again.

So enjoy a drink or two and let your family spoil you. Cheers!

[Guest user]

Hi
It is nice when someone has something to celebrate isn't it especially at this time of year.
Well Golden girls hope that you all have a good christmas - I was putting a golden string of bells on our christmas tree and it reminded me of all of you!
2011 should be another adventure for us all - especially thoseof us who are only just beginning the journey.
Thank you for your support
Love
Janet

[Eliza]

Excellent news, smiley

Happy christmas to all the Golden Girls.

Eliza xx

[Guest user]

To all my golden girl cyber friends

Love, hugs and best christmas wishes to you all.

Andie

[Guest user]

Well done smiley.Have a good christmas now rads are behind you.

Andie

[Guest user]

Hurrah dreadful journey to get there but I made it rads are finally over!!! Def calls for a drink then an early night to prepare for driving to my sons tomorrow. Merry Christmas to everyone.

[Mezzomamma]

Good luck!

[Guest user]

Snowing quite heavily will my transport arrive for my last rads today. Desperate to be finished and off to my son and his family for Xmas. My grand daughter sang to me over the phone and said she can't wait to see me. Would be devastated if I couldn't make it.

[Mezzomamma]

I'm surprised my GP could get me in this week, to be honest. I was phoning them to ask about an extension of my sick note, and just asked about the flu jab at the same time.

You would think there would be a system for reminding people with health issues, aside from items on the news which are easy to miss. I have the NHS Choices feed, but many people don't.

[scottishlass]

I completely forgot to have my Flu jab this year. So hoping my GP can fit an appointment for me in the new year. I am surprised that they didn't offer me one as I have been having the flu jag for years. You have to remember to do everything yourself these days. Val

[Mezzomamma]

I have just booked an appointment for a flu jab, following phone calls to my GP and the BCN. They felt it was best to have one, and to have it now, before chemo starts. I'm not crazy about having it on Christmas Eve, but appointment time is scarce at the moment.

[Guest user]

Hi Dancing girl
I did not feel as bad on TAX as the FEC, the nausea was not so bad. In fact I can only remember the achiness of it all.
Yes do ask about gloves/mitts.
Hope you enjoyed the Christmas meal.
Thinking of you still on Thurs. You are half way through now, will go quicker from now I am sure. How many rads have you?
Keep well. Pat xxxx If you want to send a personal message feel free.

[dancing_girl]

Thanks for that Pat.
Did you have a good week on TAX/ I have been looking in to using frozen peas, or instant freezing crystals for the neuropathy. I don't think my hospital have ice gloves, they discourage cold cap and I haven't seen one. I feel avoiding neuropathy problems is more important than losing my hair, so I will definitely do something. I'll check with them re the gloves though.
Christmas dinner for 13 today while feeling good.
Thanks again.

Stella xx

[Guest user]

Hello all
Dancinggirl - I did not find Tax too bad, did ache and was concerned about the fingernails etc but I was given the option to use Ice Gloves (they are like thick oven mitts which are deep frozen) you put your hands in them while having the TAX drip. (You can taken them out when it is too much) perhaps they helped, ask about them. My nails afterwards were very soft, broke easily and were dicoloured - white not black. My hair seemed to be growing back while I was on TAX. But all my hair has grown back now and have a thick head of hair. Lashes still very short but I never had long ones!
My eyes watered like mad and my eyesight seemed to be impaired but keep calm it will sort itself out. Used mouth wash too. Went to patchwork group and even though I could not really concentrate it was good to get out and mix. Concentration was a difficult thing. Felt woolly headed mostly.
But as everyone says read your body signs, rest when you want to, keep warm and try to stay away from colds etc. Friends with colds etc stayed away. I did try to go walking when it was fine. Every Sunday would go for a couple of hours trail. Do think keeping fit and moving does help with whatever. Great with the dancing - you must go back, good for the well being. I took up Nordic walking when I was on the rads and enjoyed that. Still trying to when weather etc allows. Good luck for Thursday will be thinking of you XXX Pat

[Mezzomamma]

Hi, Janet, I start chemo (6 FEC) after Christmas as well. You're ahead of me in terms of head coverings, but I do have a collection of furry hats for cold weather and I own a lot of scarves. I think I get a voucher for a wig at the pre-assessment on the 30th, so I hope I can avoid going into the city centre during the sales. I'm trying to work out a sensible date to have my hair cut short, what with bank holidays and family visits. (There is no way on this earth I would trust my OH with the scissors.)

There is at least 6 inches of snow this morning, but at least it seems to have stopped falling. A friend phoned last night to say he'd had to drive across town to get to the hospital (sister with suspected stroke) and back: 2 hours to travel a few miles. My best wishes and prayers for those of you who have to travel to get your treatment in these conditions.

[dancing_girl]

Forgot to say Jaybee, I can't say I found FEC much fun, but it wasn't too bad. See comment re-sickness above. I also felt woozy headed, couldn't concentrate and tired for a week after FEC. I found I really started to pick up the second weekend (chemo was on Thursdays). Thinking about it was worse. Good luck.
Stella

[dancing_girl]

Hi Everyone,

I've now had 3 Fec and am due first Tax on Thursday - just in time for Christmas? I know lots of people have had lots of pain with TAX - not to mention neuropathy and nail problems. I've not suffered with sickness on FEC apart from a little the first evening, just no appetite for a week. I was wondering how you had found TAx, Mammie.
Good luck with Ribbon Walk. I guess you've had no lasting joint problems. I go Scottish dancing and belong to a ladies garland dancing team and hope to get back to that after treatment finishes. Am I being too optimistic? I get back to my usual fast walking on week 3 after FEC.
Best wishes to all.

Stella

[Guest user]

HI
I have not been on for some time - hope everyone is keeping as well as they can in the snow. I will be starting chemo after christmas but have not got a starting date yet but I have got my wig and a couple of woolly hats sorted. I am very scared about the Chemo (3 fec and 3 Tax I think) but I hope to get support from the ones who have been there when the time comes. In Cumbria we do not seem to haveas much snow as other places - long may it continue.
Best wishes to you all
Janet

[horace]

Hi everyone-I have been pretty poorly with a nasty virus-it reminded me of how awful chemo made me feel and of how far I have come in 4 years.I will be 67 in March and my ambition is to live long enough for my youngest grandchild[who will be 2 in Feb]to really remember me so here's hoping.So far so good.
take care of yourselves everyone.
Valxx

[Guest user]

Hi everyone hope the weather isn't too bad for everyone. No snow here but very very cold. Am nearly finished rads only 3 to go. Skin is just starting to suffer- small blisters on chest area and a very sore nipple. Advised to stop wearing a bra (which I have done ) and to use even more of the aqueous cream - yuk. Hope weather is ok for me to get to my son's on Thurs after end of treatment. So tired I think I will sleep for a week!!

[Guest user]

Hello Ladies, I am 63 and have just passed the 1yr marker, mammo was clear. I won't say I sailed through but it was a deal easier than I had supposed it may be. The chemo (3 FEC + 3 TAX) were okay, hair loss was a shock and the eyebrows and lashes but they have grown back except the lashes are very short - thank goodness for mascara. The hair is now salt and pepper grey with curl and I was a (bottle) blonde - so one decision less to make. I find the short hair so easy to cope with now and been told that really short suits - so short it is now. I have gained some confidence - I now wear dangly earings and make up and feel that I have been through all that I can cope (mostly anyway). I was reluctant to be in the public eye with wig but now feel much better.
Skin issues with rads (I had 28) - was told to use nothing but pure soap, no deo, perfume fancy shampoos etc. No creams either or it would burn. So did just that and for some 6 weeks after and now my skin is good even if still a bit tender under my breast where the bra sits.
In fact I use Simple soap in the shower and baby shampoo - saves me loads on fancy shower gels etc.
Good luck to all the more mature ladies. and I wish you all a healthy New Year. Pat
PS am fit and doing Ribbon walk next year.

[Mezzomamma]

Hello, ladies, I thought it might be time to bump this up a bit.

How are you all doing? I've been rushing to catch up on Christmas, in the intermission between post op pain and starting chemo, and reminding myself I'm lucky to do this.

We've had about 4 inches of snow here in my part of the West Midlands this morning, and while it looks very nice and I actually enjoyed a short walk in it, I wouldn't want to have to drive. At least it isn't too icy and slippery yet. Our central heating developed a fault earlier in the week; my OH said 'my wife has cancer' when he phoned for repairs, and they sent someone out within 24 hours, just before the cold snap hit. This must be the one and only plus! I tried not to mind too much about the mess I haven't been able to get on top of.

Take care of yourselves and accept help when offered.

Cheryl

[Guest user]

Hi Janet, I am pleased to read the comments from a more mature person. I am 62 yrs old and was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer on August 3rd 2010 and from that date till now I have had numerous procedures and a WLE and lymph node clearance ops and although the lymph nodes were clear, I am curently undergoing chemotherapy(had 2 of 6 so far) and this is to be followed with radiotherapy and hormone therapy. It is a difficult time, not just for an older person, young people too but I am interested to know how similar aged women to myself are coping. I do sincerely hope Janet that your results are good and will be thinking of you, regards Elizabeth

[Guest user]

Hi Janet, I am pleased to read the comments from a more mature person. I am 62 yrs old and was diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer on August 3rd 2010 and from that date till now I have had numerous procedures and a WLE and lymph node clearance ops and although the lymph nodes were clear, I am curently undergoing chemotherapy(had 2 of 6 so far) and this is to be followed with radiotherapy and hormone therapy. It is a difficult time, not just for an older person, young people too but I am interested to know how similar aged women to myself are coping. I do sincerely hope Janet that your results are good and will be thinking of you, regards Elizabeth

[Mezzomamma]

Thattagirl, Gwendolyn!

If there's a better therapy than baking and singing along to Christmas music, I've yet to find it. (Even if you find yourself weeping into the mince pies somewhere along the line.)

[Guest user]

I am appointment free for a while now and am doing Christmas stuff too. It is an odd feeling not having to juggle appts for this and that. Of course you never escape and so I discovered that my roof might be leaking (found water on top of Christmas decorations trunk). I think someone might have it in for me, but they are damn well not going to win. I shall sing along to Christmas music and bake stuff today regardless!

[Mezzomamma]

My next two appointments came via text message yesterday, and both the preliminary and the first chemo are after Christmas. At least, I assume that's what they are; letters will follow.

I 'celebrated' by cleaning the oven to get ready for the Christmas baking session. It's a real relief to know I don't have to set aside time for hospital sessions until the week after.

It's good when you don't have to wait for the letters, considering how slow the post can be right before Christmas, but I gather Oncology have occasionally sent appointment texts to people before the BCNs and surgeons have had a chance to break the news more gently.

I suppose January is as good a time as any and maybe better than most to be stuck at home with chemo. At least I won't have to worry about driving on icy roads to get to work.

[Guest user]

Apparently some things contain metal. I can out whatever I like on my skin (!) as long as he checks the ingredients first. I just hope that I join the group of you that don't suffer at all with rads!

[Mezzomamma]

When I had rads for a DCIS, I was told to avoid deodorant, most soaps and lotions and anything scented because some of them contain ingredients that would react with the x-rays, not that it would cause a general allergic reaction. I did find that if the shower was a little too warm, that the skin on my breast was a little red and sensitive for a short time, rather like the effect of hot water on a burn. I used my usual shampoo and took extra care rinsing.

I was just about to start using deodorant on the DCIS side again because of going back to work, when a small patch of skin peeled off under that arm. It healed in a couple of days. There was no other visible effect.

Otherwise, my skin was about as sensitive as I would expect it to be from being a little drier than usual, or after a cold or bout of flu. I did need artificial tears a couple of times, but otherwise drinking more water than usual seemed to do the trick. Perhaps those of us with sensitive skin have worked out how to treat it already. I always have to be careful about what I put on my skin, which of course is drier than it was when I was younger.

[topsymo]

Yes- I agree with that too Gwendolyn as I have a 'sensitive 'skin - fair and sunburn easily etc but did not suffer at all with rads- not even any skin reddening. As you say- our bodies are a bit of a mystery aren't they?
Often they (our bodies) surprise us by their resilience and healing power but I think we kid ourselves that if we look after them and act 'sensibly' they will never let us down!

Sometimes we are brought up short and realize that some things are quite beyond our control - and that is VERY galling. I can't be the only person who knows numerous people who have been treated for BC but just knew that I would NEVER be one of them ................!

[Guest user]

Hi Everyone,
I don't know about chemo/morning sickness as not having it, but when I talked to radiologist about rads as have get skin reactions/excema when use bath/household stuff and he said sensitive skin isn't linked to rads damage. A peculiar thing the body!
Hope you are all ok?
Wendy

[Mezzomamma]

Thanks for the encouragement, Lavender and Topsymo. I've been told that the connection to morning sickness is just a myth, so I'll try not to talk myself into being sick. I want to be someone undergoing medical treatment, not a sick person, if you know what I mean.

I've just had my dental checkup, and the hygenist gave me some samples of toothpaste that might be suitable for a sensitive mouth. People can be very kind.

[topsymo]

Yes - I can only echo Lavender 's comments. I too had sickness thro 4 pregnancies and am travel sick - but still escaped sickness with FEC

[Lavenderlassie]

Dear Cheryl,
On FEC I have had absolutely minimum sickness, no vomiting whatsoever, and enough nausea to take 3 metoclopramide tablets in total in 4 cycles, and I had early morning sickness (centuries ago LOL) and get travel sick easily.
I am given intra venous Aloxi each time before the chemo, and even when the steroids were cut down there has been no increase in nausea.
Different people are given different anti emetics for very good reasons, I was told to make it clear to them that I was travel sick, and we are asked about side effects down to the smallest detail, so that they can tailor treatment to our best advantage.
I still don't like having chemo but they have made it bearable.
Best of luck!
Lavender

[Mezzomamma]

Thanks for the encouragement, Topsymo. I understand that the anti-emetics really do help. I'll get anti-oestrogen later on, but I don't know whether that will be Tax or not. I was told about the steps that will be taken to counteract the side effects, but it's hard not to worry about sickness when you have a history of all-day morning sickness going on for weeks or months. Those who have been there will know exactly what I mean. 😞

On the other hand, I know what should help when nauseous and what to avoid.

[topsymo]

Dear Cheryl lLT- don't assume youwill be poorly with FEC. You may be lucky -as I was. I was fine apart from a rather red face for 2 or 3 days soon after the treatment: I didn't get sick or have mouth ulcers or anything other than feeling mildly 'not myself' ( and of course, losing all my hair! ugh!)

"Fraid I didn't do so well with Tax - but perhaps you're not having that?

Good luck with FEC - and do shout loud and long if you DO get side effects as the more expensive medicaments they have on offer DO work!
Best wishes
Mary

[Mezzomamma]

Hello, ladies!

The snip of a girl oncologist (ok, to be honest, maybe about 40) told me today that FEC is recommended for me because I am 'so young' (63). Well, that's something cheering.

I've been dreading being sick over Christmas, but I was told the preliminary session won't be for another 2-3 weeks, so maybe my first cycle will be after Christmas. I sing in and attend various Christmas concerts and services, so I really hope I can make them all this year, along with 2 of 3 grown-up children coming to us for a few days.

At long last the seroma seems to be slowing down, though my underarm area is still very sensitive. Are puns ok here? This is the pits towards the end of the day, to be frank.

Even though I don't have the dates yet, I feel so much better having a little more information. Just having the decision about extending my sick leave taken out of my hands is a relief.

Of course I may feel very different when the side effects start kicking in, but at least I can get on with getting ready for Christmas and take advantage of being on sick leave to pace things.

[horace]

Thanks Leah that sounds good

[swallowtail]

Thanks for that Eliza good to know
Celia.x