Our Journey Together - diagnosed Sept 2011, Op October.

[Guest user]

morning ladies
I am off to the physio today ooh I hope she doesn't hurt me!

whilst there am going to pop in to see bc nurse to see whether they are any nearer getting my results for heavens sake how long does it take - op as you all know was 13th Oct, they are still saying I have to wait until 10th November Grrrrrr!!!!

I am not a happy bunny today I need to cheer up :((

[applestreet]

Hi pink princess

Off to the DDW for a flame thrower for you too!! Have my onc appt on Friday this week, maybe I'll go for an extra flame thrower for myself, the gremlins will be out on fri!!! M

[Guest user]

Sorry for last rant 😞

been a tough day have been back to work and haven't read all post through properly yet but i do hope things OP's Results Treatment etc goes well for everyone

xxxx

[Guest user]

Hey all,

did someone say GREMLINS???? Don't think they have left me since 22nd sept!! EEKKK go away but thank god for Zoplclone!!!

Have my onc appointment through on thursday another EEKKK!!

Also having that gene testing thing but didnt't realise how much hard work getting info out my family for history would be, if only i knew some of it when i was younger i could of been informed and prepared but at least i can do all i can for my little girls......Sorry rant over.

hope everyone is ok? love to all xxx

[Guest user]

Hello ladies,
Can I join your thread? I was diagnosed in August after a routine mammogram. Am in a trial area for calling ages 47 -73 so I fall into the 'younger woman' group (could have kissed the BCN when she said that!)I am 49 and have one son (aged 24)who has just moved to Bristol and started his new job today. Initial diagnosis was Grade 2 and ER+. Had WLE and SNB on Sept 27th and results on Oct 13th. Good news was that they had managed to get clear margins, less good was that it was found in first lymph nodes and in veins in the breast tissue. Going back in for node clearance tomorrow followed by chemo in a couple of weeks and then radio. Tumour now Grade 3 due to node involvement.

Not quite so worried about tomorrows surgery except that I had quite a lot of bleeding post op and ended up with huge haematoma in my breast. This was due to be 'cleared' in my next op but it took matters into its own hands and began to make its own way out through my scar/wound just as I was getting ready for a day at the races!! Has been leaking on and off since and hospital not very supportive "surgeon is away for two weeks, you would be just as well going to your own doctor's surgery". Luckily they have been great. Has anyone else had this problem? My main worry has been getting an infection so have been taking turmeric tincture and manuka honey as well a 7 day course of antibiotics.

Anyway,have to go now as Strictly Take 2 is on. Anyone else out there a Strictly fan? I love it, especially Russel Grant - guaranteed to make me smile.

Good luck to all of you.

X GS

[applestreet]

Hi

remember to visit the DDW for a flame thrower to get the gremlins!!

[applestreet]

Hi

I'm like that in a morning. I'm not a morning person anyway and always take ages to get going but since my dx I have been wobbly in the morning and then get better as the day goes on. I am glad my daughter is back at school as this lends a bit more normality to my life. If you truly cannot cope your gp will be the best to call for an apt to tell how you feel. Mine has been marvellous with me, I have cried loads of times in her office and she always prescribes something to calm me down and help me sleep. Always in the short term but it gets me over the blips when I feel I cannot cope with anything more. Best wishes and hope you have a better night
tonight. M

[Libralady]

The gremlins were chasing me around last night - i had loads of little aches and pains yesterday and everyone lead me down ,multiple secondaries street 😞

I hate feeling like this - also had family visit last night and I just wanted to curl up in my bed and cry and I had to act like the " strong & positive" woman im supposed to be.

A bit better today just threw myself into my work but every 2 minutes I remember this is for real!

[poppy333]

mirador, , try not to worry . . one day at a time

i have no butler in sight today im affraid, !!! have even rang the bell.. . . roll on 9pm

pinkprincess, hair hun is after day 14. .

hugs all xxx

[Guest user]

Mirador
Op is not too bad just be prepared that you might have drain in which is not bad either just a tug if moved the wrong way mine comes out tomorrow lovely Sunday dinner by OH today he is improving bit worried as he has gone to buy plates maybe he hasn't found the dishwasher haha keep going girls...

[Guest user]

Mirador
Pat, wishing you all the best not a nice thought at all and I really hope I don't have to go back for surgery but you never know.Have you read all the threads on repeat surgery most people seem to find it okish I think because you know what is coming. Mind you think you have had your share and the rest! just doesn't seem fair. You know we will all be thinking about you and waiting for news when you return, take care x

On a lighter note
Hope you have sorted your Butler out mine is really lazy today won't even fetch me the Sunday Paper you just can't get the staff these days!!

[Guest user]

thanks Libralady, Cording? thats interesting will read up on it,booked in for the physio on Tuesday because I have the same problem can stretch arm in front of me but not upwards mind you I can actually write today so thats another bonus I can now leave lots of lists for my very own Butler

now where is that cup of tea I have been waiting forever ;).....

and who would I choose??? I think I will go for the chauffeur rough and ready and he will always be on hand to take me shopping,downton is the best thing on tv and this thread helps us all escape a little bit from reality which is an absolute bummer at times!!!

I just love reading all our stories what a wonderful mix of emotions

[Guest user]

Hi ladies,

Hope you are feeling a bit better today and enjoyed Halloween with your family, pink princess what did you wear, something spooky?

Last night my son in Canada skyped me which was a bitter sweet my lovely grand children( toddlers ) dressed up in their out fits for Halloween party they celebrate in style over there such fun for little ones.

Sadly i was asked about my op son went to pieces regret telling him,

Well what would i like to be my man keep on calling me the duchess
so yep i think that would suit, as i have done my share of being a carer, now i want to be the lady of the manor with the bell, some bloody hope there haha.we need another focus at times like this.
keep it up girls.

Trying to get some tidying done today, a long day at hosp tomorrow for more test,another op on Tuesday.

Ringing bell for butler, no response he is snoring. Downtown abbey will help me escape from reality.what about that georgous captain yes virtual PHEW, he is sorting out his problems like we are all doing on here.

Another week of results thinking of you all.

Pat xx

[Guest user]

Morning,

Just thought i would pop up as haven't posted in a few days. Still haven't heard about my appointment next friday as BCN was not in the office. Dislike the waiting as now i know im having chemo i just want to get it started. I said i wouldn't wear scalves but i have ordered a couple from anna bandana so i can wear them round the house.

Does anyone know what day your hair comes out from having the 1st chemo?

Off to Spooky Spectacular this evening with OH and kids at the safari park in kiddi so fancy dress it is hehe

Love to all Pink Princess xxxx

[poppy333]

off to my dads for couple of days, ill try and keep up to date with all of u, but keep smiling, downtons xxx

[Guest user]

Hello all!

Glad to hear there are so many Downton fans out there! The thought of naked Mr Carson made me cringe! I don't find Mr Bates a turn-on though - do any of you? (In the write-ups before this series they said he's every woman's heart-throb - or words to that effect!!LOL!!)

Can't wait for tonight's episode - I think last week there was a hint that nice Lord Grantham might be having a rumble in the linen-cupboard with new maid war-widow (Jane?) - how shocking is that?

It all helps take our minds off U-NO-WOT!!

Hugs to all,
Jennifer

PS Mine's a pot of Earl Gray, please, & a nice slice of Victoria sponge

[poppy333]

Oh my gosh.i was in tears when william died . I hate the weeks wait too see the next installment. Id be sybil, hhelping in the hospital, n falling in love with people i shouldnt. Haha

Cording. I had that. Very odd feeling. Keep on with the excerises n it will go.

Thanx all for good wishes. Ive been ok today. Just a few days to wait now

I think you are all doing so well, n really postive xxxx. We will fight this togther.with cups of teas n cakes. Xxxxx

[Libralady]

Yes it was William.....he was so lovely.

I know, sometimes I amaze myself that i can still laugh through all the emotional suffering and torment im going through. I am still feeling all sorts of weirds pains and sensations all over my body which leads my poor mind into overdrive. But we have no choice do we...unless we lock ourselves away from all and sundry for 9 months we have to suck it up and carry on.

I too have the elastic band feeling in my arm - my BCN says its cording - I can stretch it out fully in front of me but i simply cannot fully stretch my arm above my head - i feel like if I did something will snap and more damage will be done i sit here every so often and try to stretch it up as far as possible. Im told it will improve and if it worsens a physio who knows about massage for cording can "break it"! *shock face*

[Guest user]

Downton just love it, really brings home to you how it must have been in war times very sad. Cried when William died what am I like? (hey I have got his name right haven't I?)

What I love about this is through all this rubbish we are keeping our sense of humour, ok we may lose it some days but all we have to do is pop on here have a good moan and you know there will be someone out there who is having a good day who will cheer you up just love it.

My day is good today after the lymph removal etc this is the first day I have been painfree just a sunburn feeling and I can do all my physio exercises without feeling "discomfort" as they nicely put it in the books. Still feels like there is an elastic band in my arm but no pain whoop!

[Libralady]

OMG!! Die hard Downton Abbey fan right here!!! lol

Poppy hun (((HUGS))) You are always so positive for us full of energy and good vibes - you'll be fine hun.

My cuppa is tea with one sugar and milk please! However im trying to stomach some herbal teas as I understand I will probably go off tea (I drink about 8/9 mugs of tea a day)

I dont even drink pop or cordial - Im just a tea/coffee/water or wine kinda gal. So herbal teas are FOUL!!!!

But i will keep trying until I find one I can stomach

[gill13]

i'll make the tea, if you're providing the scones, flapjacks etc L4W yum yum...

strongwoman, if OH wants to make the tea, all good, make the most of it, just hope he's not using every cup, spoon, saucepan in the house (which he may well be if he started at 10.30!)

And Downtown Abbey, i've never seen it, but have heard good things, is it too late for me to start trying to get into it?

Gill x

[Guest user]

Hello Strong woman
,
You mention 2nd op, i will be having another op on Tuesday where docs are opening same scar, i think same as you. did you stay in hosp overnight?
like you then another wait for results.we are fighting together.

Now for our virtual cuppa ringing bell OH DEAR where is he, damn have to get it myself OH nose in paper, back to reality.
Thank goodness Downtown Abbey is on Sunday.

Keep pecker up Pat xx

[Guest user]

3 days post op off the pain relief reasonable movement still have drain in place and another appointment on 10 Nov I am sorry of those still waiting for results I think that is the worst. 4 weeks post dx and two ops in my how fast it all moves, no mention of chemo but given grade 3 am anticipating as the surgeon said for us young women given I am 51 boosted my ego lets throw everything at it and give chase and I agree

Worried about OH who won't let me get out of bed today........hes busy cooking tea he said but it is only 10:30 am must be one hell of a tea.......Keep fighting we are all in this together

[Lost_4_Words]

Sorry for barging in but I'd like to join you at Downton Abbey but only if Mr Carson keeps his clothes on 😉 Now if it was the chauffeur, well that might be different!! So which character are you?? I'm afraid I'm probably Daisy Robinson the shy little kitchen maid who tries to keep everyone else happy (quite often to my own detriment) but it's how I cope. I've baked: buns (plain, coffee and chocolate), Scones (currant & cherry) and flapjack (with nuts and currants). Can't make tea though so will have to leave that to one of you 🙂

Poppy, sorry to hear you're back in the waiting room but it's better to be safe and get it checked out. Got everything crossed for you 🙂

So who's putting the kettle on 🙂
L4W

[poppy333]

Lets all pretend we live at downton abbey!!! I love that program. .

Pat.u can do it, and we will all be helping each other xxx like i said b4better to have it now than well u know xx

It isnt as bad as the anticipationx easy for me to say but trust me xxxx

I had a year check up with surgeon wed and he checked scar which is still very tender and i said i cold feel a lump. Ended up with needle biopsy. So tears started n worry , panic and all that doom, but i cant change it whatever the outcome.just got to take it on the chin and deal with itmin the best way i can xxxx

Hugs to all xxx

[gill13]

oooh err! i have a vision of that butler, shame he's virtual! haha 🙂

Gill x

[Guest user]

Hi to my suporters,

Feeling a bit more positive today despite another call from hosp for me to attend on Monday before another op Tuesday, as they want to do more test, requested by surgeon.

Did any of you watch the inspirational Nolan sisters on loose woman today gave me a lot of hope for our futures after what they have gone through we can also.

Caz.
most probably they are doing different path test on biopsy to give you best medication to fight gremlin, i didnt realise how many different things that can go wrong with our breast did you have drains put in? been told i will next time.

A virtual tea party is needed with the posh china, silver spoons. not forgetting butler, OOPPS ladies naked butler would be better.trying to think of one that would fit description, ANY SUGESTIONS?

Keep pecker up Pat xx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, hope u don't mind me butting in. Just been reading ur thread & it seems a few of u have been hit with the chemo card after being told u probably won't need it. I was the same, i was gutted at first but u soon get your head around it & i think of it as an insurance policy. I'm 2 weeks past my 2nd chemo cycle & i can honestly say that after absolutely dreading it that it hasn't been anywhere near as bad as i thought. I've had a couple of hiccups with low white cells but hardly any SE's. I've managed to work part-time & do most things as usual. I know it's not the same for everyone but just wanted to reassure u that it's not all horror stories. In a strange way im glad im having chemo, then i can say that i've thrown absolutely everything i can at it.

Pink-princess, just wanted to say that i had the fishing wire thing going on in both my wounds (i was glued as well) but they both just disappeared on their own after a few weeks.

Good luck to everyone, hope all goes well x

[Guest user]

Evening to all,

Applestreet - I was told too that i probably won't need chemo just the rads and tamoxifen but as it was upgraded to grade 3 they'd like to do it for precaution so i too try and look at it as killing any little ITs that has escaped. Belt and braces and all that.

Mirador - sorry to hear about having to have another operation a few of the ladies on another thread have said that the 2nd op isn't as bad as the first as you are still slightly numb and not so much of a shock to the system. You must not give up you CAN do this as poppy said and we are all here to support you.

Sunflower - I do hope you get your results through soon as i know the waiting is really difficult.

Well i had to ring the BCN today as found what looked like fishing line hanging out by my nipple (thought i was glued!) she said to go to the gp's and get it cut off but to be honest ive had a bad headache all day and stayed in my PJ's so will have to do it another day. She also said my ONC appointment should be next friday so that leaves this friday for shopping at cribbs causeway (have been reading a thread about treating myself to new shoes with each chemo session)Excellent idea!!

when having chemo, will tap water be ok to drink or shall i buy bottled? Is it also best to use a baby steam steralizer for my forks sppon cups etc or is that me being over paranoid??

and a big thank you who left messages and tip/advise for chemo etc

Big (((HUGS))) to all
Pink Princess xx

[applestreet]

Hiya Pat

No giving up allowed!!! I,ve spent the day crying as I was whammed yesterday at my result and checkup with the news I have to have Chemo. I'm not best pleased as I was told lumpectomy, 3week rads and tamoxifen, this turned into Mx and now rads has turned into chemo. Decided before I read what poppy says to have the chemo but it will zap any cells that have snuck out. Best now than in the future wishing I had!!!

Massive cyber hugs to you and remember whatever it takes to get better is worth it in the long term. M

[Guest user]

oh Pat hate to think of you going through this I wish I lived around the corner would pop round for a coffee and cake so we will just have to do it in our own virtual way. Another op that's the last thing you must need our wounds aren't even healed properly yet are they. Only thing that you have to think is that you are in very safe hands they do this every day they know what they are doing but it is all just a shock for us.

Sending you a huge hug xxx

My Results:-
It seems really strange that everyone on here started same time as me and you are all moving forward and I still have to wait until 10th Nov for my flipping results. But at least reading everyone posts is preparing me for the conversation there are so many things that they can say and believe me I run everyone of them through my head at night time!!!

[Libralady]

Awww Pat - I know how you feel hun - please feel my cyber (((HUGS)))

We are in it together....come rain or shine. Dont be afraid to cry...we end up bottling it all up and we break eventually.

Just keep on here - we all keep each other going and I will be here for you too (((HUGS)))

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,

Just returned home from hosp feeling gloomy, yep i am in the Noahs ark with you, surgeon told me he removed 2mm piece from lump which is cancerious now another op on Tuesday to remove rest also 2 nodes as suspicious cells found, that bloody word suspicious.
I want too give up. sorry.

tearful Pat xx

[poppy333]

Best to have cemo now than in years wishing u had xx

[gill13]

applestreet
i was like you, when 1st diagnosed i was told by consultant it would be surgery, then approx 6 weeks later it would be rads, i thought at the time i was getting off lightly.
but after a chat with BNC, just a few days before surgery she said it would more than likely be chemo too, and rads at end of chemo. i just glad that i was pre warned by the BCN

and its good to read on here that some people are not suffering too much with their Chemo, i hope it continues for them

Gill x

[applestreet]

Hi

Thanks for the replies, I wasn't expecting chemo, I was told, Mx, 3 weeks rads and 5 years tablets, it was such a shock yesterday when BCN told me. She was lovely, dealt with my seroma and then told me CHEMO!!I just blubbed like a baby. But I am thinking of it as an insurance policy to catch any little b*****s that have escaped. When I calm down I will be ok I think, like I said it's come as a complete shock to my system!! M

[poppy333]

You can all do this. Its rairely as bad as we think. Anticipation is always worse

Ice lollys are a great, i also ate loads of melon and grapes and drank flat lemonade

If sick ask for emend, its the stongest anti sickness

Hugs xxxx

[Libralady]

Morning everyone

Hope everyone is well and had a restful nights sleep.

Had my Onc appointment yesterday - soooooo much info being thrown at me at the moment. So many appointments to attend - ive decided to purchase myself a paper diary to keep a track of it all at a glance.

Anyway, my Onc was lovely, clearly knows his stuff. Basically he went through what chemo does and why I need it, talked about administering it, side effects, and the treatment plan as a whole. I was also asked about a trial which ive been given a load of info about to read over the weekend.

Im having a hickman line fitted next Friday to administer the "juice" as I know they will struggle with my rude veins. Also have some further blood tests and a heart scan - all next week

Then a pre-chemo talk and finally onto my first session starting 9th Nov. x4 FEC x4 TAX over 6 months.

What a way my life has changed...........

[AnnieK68]

Hi Applestreet & Co,

I just want to second what Claire has said re the icepops/lollies - I've had 2 FECs now and not had a problem at all with loss of taste or mouth ulcers! It's so much better being able to eat whatever you fancy and enjoy it!

On FEC1 I was a little sick (nothing too bad) but that was all sorted by FEC2 and tablets altered - I've felt so much better this time!! I even managed to go to a concert on the Weds night following chemo on the Monday morning!!

The biggest tip is listen to your body, if you feel tired sleep, do not feel guilty and accept any help that's offered!!

Good luck to you all - You CAN Do it!!

Axx

[Guest user]

Hi Applestreet

Sorry for butting in.... Like you i was also terrified at the thought of having chemo. The ladies in my chemo suite helped put me at ease straight away they were all so lovely. I have had 1xFEC so far but i have not suffered any sickness at all, i drunk loads of water before and during (about 5 pints a day) i also took ginger tablets twice a day before food 3 days before and 3 days after which i think helped me. I also ate ice lollies while chemo was being administered and i have not lost taste or had any mouth ulcers as was dreading getting sore mouth and i so love my food lol couldnt bear the thought of not tasting it. Hope this helps you as it did me.

Dig deep for some inner courage, you will do this! wishing you all the best. Best of luck with your oncologist appointment

Hugs to all you lovely ladies starting out on this journey
Clare xxxx

[21210]

Applestreet,

please try not to be scared, easier said than done i know but chemo isn't awful for everyone some do seem to get through with little or no se's, i had 6 x fec & was fine & was also recommended the pre chemo shopping list & although an excellent list that was put together by a group of woman who had experienced various Se's I was glad that i waited before buying any of it, as Poppy has said a thermometer is a must though & lots of water drinking before, during & after.

Take care everyone & remember that there are people that will walk with you through all of this.

Love & hugs

Sarah.xxx

[applestreet]

Hi

Got results yesterday. My gremlim was 35mm, grade 3, had Mx so adequate surgical margins, HER neg, 2 out of 11 nodes were positive so there was some lympho vascular invasion. All cancer successfully removed but have to have preventative chemo.

I supppose it is best to throw every defence against it but the chemo is the one thing I was dreading from the beginning I am so scared now!!! Have appt to see onc on friday next week. TERRIFIED!!!!

[Guest user]

Diagnosed 7th September 2011
Lumpectomy and Node Biopsy 24th September 2011 Lump removed with clear margins and no node involvement.
Started chemo 17th October 2011 4 x FEC 4 x TAX

Chemo Diary
First chemo i cried like a baby cos i hate needles and have really bad veins. Nurse recommnended PICC line.
Week one i had a very fuzzy head, no sickness although slight nausea (nothing worse than morning sickness), slight constipation (now taking Laculose)
By the following Monday i was as right as rain and back to work.

2nd Chemo 9th November.

I hated this beast, But i won't beat me. The cancer has been removed, i just need to crack on with chemo, get it done and out of the way. Meanwhile, i will live my life to the full, have fun with friends, laugh with my family and stick two fingers up to cancer.

Love to you all

[Guest user]

So happy that everyone is joining this thread, I put it on one night when I hadn't slept then went back to bed again, when I woke up I thought, what if no one is interested I will look silly! and here we are starting our bumpy journey together just love it, and of course everyone is welcome aboard the vengabus 🙂

Good to have friends like poppy on here to help us newbies

Strongwoman a reincision can understand you feeling upset by that, sending you hugs and best wishes

Applestreet been thinking about you all day hope you are ok

xx

[Libralady]

Yes all the best with todays results.

Im with the oncologist today to get my chemo plan discussed.

I will check back in later for a catch up

[poppy333]

Goodq luk for today ladies
Waiting for results is awful, n result day even worse

We will fight this, i have .

Dont worry bout list u wont need allmof it, its just preparingnfor what you may

The thermonitor is a must, got mine from boots,

Xxxxxx

[Guest user]

Strongwomen Good luck for today hope things go well for you which im sure they will xx

Applestreet goodluck with your results, i found the result day very hard to deal with. as soon as my surgon came through the door i asked 2 questions before she sat down, have you got clear margins and any nodes involved? as soon as she said no i was like (you can examine me now! She had a quick look at the scars then i got dressed and we went through the rest of the results.

Morning to all who have joined (not up to speed yet with all the names) We are in this together support and positive attitide goes along way. Heads up all the way and we'll march through it.

Love and ((( Hugs))) to all

pink princess xxxx

[applestreet]

Hi

Can I join in here, I get my rsults today, haven't slept much and I'm scared stiff of what they are going to tell me at 12pm today.
My mind is all over the place and sleep is imossible.

I am 52 and was diagnosed 7th sept 2011. Stage 2-3 invasive ductal carcinoma, no lymph or vascular involvement.

My lump was found by accident, playing with my grandson who caught my boob with his foot, it swelled up and didn't go back down, went to the doc who sent me to breast clinic, diagnosed on the day. Had SNB and MX on 13th Oct.

Will post results later when I know more. It's good to have friends to talk to makes it all easier when someone knows and understands. M

[Libralady]

Thanks for those Chemo must haves-im also gonna read through that thread about chemo tips - knowledge is key!

[Guest user]

Good luck tomorrow and yes we will win the fight.

Some big comfy hugs to take in with you tomorrow:

((((HUG)))) ((((HUG)))) ((((HUG))))

Thanks for the list Poppy as I had no idea what I was going to need and I have copied it so I can read it before I go shopping in preparation for chemo.

Jean x