Recently diagnosed

[Janet_BCC]

Hi ollisj6

I've attached a link to your other thread in case you have any problems finding it

http://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/Results-today-devastated/m-p/92...

Hope this helps

Very best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

[JETS]

Hi judi x there's two recently diagnosed I think and on the other you were sent a lot of love xxxx hope u feeling bit better. Because there isn't much convalescence in hospitals anymore the wards seem to become a recovery suite with lots of noise and treatments for different patients xxx I really hope that if they do the next session the meds will b adjusted for you so you don't have that scare againxx lots love Sarah

[ollisj6]

Hi Ladies not sure what happened to my thread was admitted to hospital on Sat with a high temp started on iv antibiotics due to infection never felt so poorly in my life came home on Monday hadnt slept for nearly 2 nights in hospital feel slightly better today more bloods on Friday not sure if i will be having chemo nxt week may be delayed i seemed to be doing so well before that having a word with onc on monday mcmillan nurse has mentioned they may have to reduce dose slightly Happy days Lots of love judi xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Rosemaryanne]

Hope you get good news tomorrow, Sharon- what time is your appointment? xxx

[Matty2]

Couldn't agree more, Sharon. I did think I would instantly lose weight as well after surgery p forgot - no change - had implant didn't I - weight lost and put on in one go LOL
beryl x

[13gerbera]

There's always yoghurt or cottage cheese Beryl *vomits at thought of either* 

xx

Sharon

[13gerbera]

Sadly Sarah, I think a chunk of my weight is sitting with yours in a laboratory somewhere...maybe that's why the scales aren't showing a gain!  Oh well, just means I can eat even more chocolate 

Have you been given a new appointment date yet or still waiting to hear?

xx

Sharon

[JETS]

Haven't weighed myself since pre op - imagine it's amusing as a fair bit of my weight is now sitting in a tissue bank - lol

[Matty2]

It was indeed me who said I'd lost the weight. I also am eating things I shouldn't(comfort eating) and my weight seems to have levelled off as well.

Once I'm over this 'sore patch' I will watch it more carefully but as you say will have to eat more calcium rich foods, not good for weight watching. I will find a way though, I wil, I will I will................

[JETS]

Yeah to comfy bras Sharon xxxx

[13gerbera]

Hi Cheryl, one of the members on here (Kentstar)  told me about the Macom make of surgery bras and they are wonderful but expensive (although RosemaryAnne managed to point me towards a cheaper one on Ebay which I also bought). Heavenly!  I've been wearing a Royce one up to now and it has been painful because it's too tight and they don't make them large enough for my enormous bust (G cup even without the swelling!)

Beryl I know what you mean about gearing yourself up for the worst - time to start stuffing yourself with lots of whole milk & cheese & other calcium rich food I think just in case!  Was it you who said you'd lost 50lbs or so recently? I lost 80lbs 2.5 years ago so one of the things I've been conscious of is getting fat again as a result of cancer, or more specifically, because of the amount of comfort eating I've been doing as a result of cancer. I've stuffed my face with bread, cake, biscuits etc for the last few weeks and was astonished to step on the scales this morning and discover I haven't put on any weight.  Body must be using all those extra calories to heal itself I guess.  Which gives me licence to stuff my face for a bit longer of course....

xx

Sharon

[Chez666]

Hi Sharon which one did you go for, I have been using the Royce ones but they have not been as good since the haemotoma developed so might order one but there seems to be more choice than my tiny brain can manage at the moment x

[Matty2]

Yes Sharon it was to set a base line

Wouldn't be surprised if I don't need something - especially as my long bones (legs and arms) really ache since I starrted on the Anastrozole.

I think after the last 3 months I don't assume anything good unless I am told straight it is fine!

Beryl

[pandorra1]

Herewego, thankyou for your advice. Was thinking on going back to work on 10th, but I honestly feel it will be too early.  I feel good in myself and not too much pain, doing exercises daily. Great tip on sitting in the car, will try at the weekend. How are you doing. Lol xxx

[13gerbera]

Hi Cheryl, I got the DVD too although I haven't watched it yet (too caught up with Sherlock Holmes DVDs!) but I think the Haven is definitely worth a visit when you're well enough to travel.  It's on the other side of London to where I live so travelling there on the tube was nerve-wracking but I only got jostled once so it wasn't too bad. 

xx

Sharon

[13gerbera]

Thanks Beryl, I'm hoping for no more surgery and straight on to radiotherapy but preparing myself for the worst just in case so no doubt I'll be on the forum crying with fear or relief tomorrow evening!

Glad your boob is a bit less tender now the micropore has gone.  Was your scan to set a baseline for future monitoring or something to do with further treatment?

xx

Sharon

[13gerbera]

Hi ladies,

Don't quite know why I feel the need to tell you all about it but I do: my new Macom bras arrived just now and oh my the relief! Honestly, I could cry from how lovely it feels to wear a bra that isn't way too small after a week of squeezing my mangled boob into what felt like an elastic band.  Who knew that small pleasures could be so uplifting (if you'll pardon the pun!)

xx

Sharon

[Chez666]

Sharon, that would be nice, they are going to send me some material, and a DVD to look at and then hopefully in a couple of weeks I can plan a trip,to the smoke!!! Hope you are doing ok? X x

[Matty2]

DOH
Sharon Just read on another thread your results are tomorrow - will be thinking of you
Beryl

[Matty2]

hello

Returned from the scan (bone density) definitely tea and cake - most unscarey test I've had so anyone else don't worry - I did though!.

Have to wait now as results are sent to consultant, and if OK have to have one every 2 years.

Sharon when is your results appointment?

New boob is still sore but not as bad - tomorrow I have to remove the dressings - ouch! Just has stopped me doing the exercises though I do try some of them

Keep smiling ladies

beryl x

[13gerbera]

Hi Cheryl,

I'm going to the London Haven too, maybe we'll get to meet in person one day which would be lovely!   I came out feeling heaps better, they're wonderful aren't they. 

So glad to hear you're doing a bit better now

xx

Sharon

[13gerbera]

Good luck with your test today Beryl, hope it's one of those painfree non-scary ones and that there will be tea and cake afterwards 

xx

Sharon

[Chez666]

Sarah sounds like you are doing brilliant, hope the rearranged appt has come through as I know you will be keen to see what your treatment plan looks like even though you might have to wait for the oncodx. Perhaps the next popping will be those of corks to celebrate how well you have done x x

[Chez666]

Herewgo sorry this is in parts but brain not performing, I had same as you on the 5/1. Was and am getting lots of strangish sensatio s, numbness, tingling, I guess where they cut into the tissues nerves were affected and we all had our little beasts in different places but it sounds liks you are doing really well 😄

[Chez666]

Beryl, hope scan goes well
Rachel, good luck for tomorrow and judi they say being 50 is the new teenager so don't worry about the pimples you wil, still be beautiful well,some here're goon drivkng again you will soon be flying around the roads x x
I just had a chat with a lovely lady from the haven as I can't travel to London yet which is the nearest centre to me, she was great and I have cheered up no end. If I can persuade the surgeon to stitch my tear then hopefully I can get back to doing things 👍👍

[Herewego]

thanks Jets and Gill for reassuring that a) I'm not going mad and b) all these weird and not so wonderful scars/sensations are normal these days :-0 xx

Hi Pandorra1 - I had lumpectomy and nodes removal on right side on 16th Jan and just drove for the first time yesterday. I can't lift my arm all the way to the top of the steering wheel and turn left but can do everything else. Just try sitting in the parked car and see what you are comfortable with. Good luck x

[ollisj6]

Hi Rachel lots of love for tomorrow yesterday i felt on top of the world today i feel rubbish achy joints and feeling really tired having a lazy day hope to do something nice at weekend weather permitting think hubby should treat me to a night away although the nurse said day 7-10 white blood count could drop so prone to infections a few of my friends have stayed away streaming with cold but you cant wrap yourself in cotton wool will be thinking of you tomorrow Love Judi xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Beryl hope the scan goes okay today😊X
Hugs X

[rachel.collins99@talktalk.net]

Hey Judi😊X
I start tommorow so I'll let you know if I get the spots...apparently though it can give you skin problems.How are you feeling in yourself generally?
Hugs Rachel X

[ollisj6]

Hi ladies just wondered if anyone of you have had skin probs with chemo drugs looked in mirror this morn and looks like i have a few pimples developing on face always had a decent complection for 54!!!!!!!!!! am i going to start looking like an adolescent again!!!!!! Love to you all Judi xxxxxxxx

[gazzlyn]

Hi Sarah Pleased to hear your feeling a little better x

[Matty2]

I an having what I hope is my last test tomorrow - bone density scan. Apparently it's fine but am worried as already have arthritis and side-effects from the hormones I'm on
B

[Matty2]

Hi Sarah and others

You sound as if you are finally climbing out of that dark place you were in. Good-oh

The exercises really help but I'm not allowed to do the wall climbing ones or the one that involves putting your arms round the back. At moment too sore to do most of them but was doing them

It seems everyone is feeling more positive. keep it up ladies

beryl x

[pandorra1]

Hi, I am new here and so grateful. Think I  posted my details in wrong place. Had wire and dye 27th jan so 1 week today for me and so far not doing bad. Keep a pillow under my arm and across my chest, had right breast surgery, at night and really helps. Love to get back to work by 10th but only if I can cope with driving. Anyone else any tips on driving. Have to wait until 20th feb for results and hope I still have this courage with me. Masses of love and strength to us all. Thanks girls xxx

[JETS]

Ps herewego - yep upper arm numb stuff with multitude of strange feelings x read somewhere that can be numb for 3 months post op. Was getting worried but now just waiting for body to heal in its own time. Take care x

[ThePianist]

Hi Herewego. 

I had WLE and SNB last June and I had the cording almost immediately. I was really p'd off as I did all my exercises too. I could physically see 'rope' running in two strands down my arm, and I felt the pull into the middle of my palm. I panicked a bit I must admit, but it went COMPLETELY within about 4 weeks. I too had a 'pop' but I was playing badminton at the time - oops! I also had a lump until the underarm scar which was the fluid build up. It disappears gradually over time, and I can still feel a little ridge there now. I think most was fluid but think of the rest as puckering in a bit of cloth. I have had it checked and it is absolutely fine! I think it sounds like your wound is behaving normally.

Take care, Gill

[JETS]

Had a great time reading through everyone's updatesxxx Second help with cording. Second help with dusting cleaning and General wound maintenance. Second help from sexy men putting on your bras t shirts or even pants! - I get to fantasise as my teenagers rightly rule out dressing me! Second help from total strangers xxxx my cord pop is the best thing that has happened ! Just call me little miss no Paracetemol all day for first time since op!!! Do those exercises ladies x Sharon x take it easy - early days. ; glad haven good xx you will get used to your body but the mental side takes longer then the physical xxxx baby steps xxx my dad just been told he can't drive because of vision - good job they came to look after me post op before the opticians visit xx lots love x

[Herewego]

thanks for the reassurance Wemblo. I got physio booked for Thursday morning already so just need to get through until then.. which is easier said than done.
I've also been using blue active gel which has helped by providing relief from the cording pain and especially preventing muscles spasming. I presume it's just not me finding it weird having numb upper arm and armpit but still having cording, other nerve sensations and/or spasms?

[Wendyy]

I can echo the experiences you've all had. WLE little or no problem apart from taking the steristrips off, ouch (or maybe wimp) . But I developed cording from my arm pit to my elbow. It was a tight band that I could actually feel and see. My breast clinic got me an appointment with the specialist breast physio and after massage a painless pop/crack or 2 and it was sorted. So if you feel a cord developing get help. The relief after was amazing.

[13gerbera]

Thanks Herewego, sounds as if it is fairly normal for the axillary wound to be irritating, which is reassuring. Like you I've had no problems with the lumpectomy scar so I'll watch and learn from your experience - hadn't thought about an ingrowing hair, guess it could be that (can't tell you how much I hate having a hairy armpit, yuk!)

xx

Sharon

[13gerbera]

Thanks Rose, I'm feeling surprising well and other than the armpit thing I haven't had any trouble at all so reading about all the things everyone else has to put up with makes me feel very lucky. The armpit thing has only just started which is why I'm a bit suspicious but I'm having a laze around at home day today so hopefully it will sort itself out.  My new bras should arrive today or tomorrow too and I think that will help as the ones I bought originally are far too small around the cup and very uncomfortable.  

I went to The Haven yesterday and had a sort of introductory session and they are sorting out some counselling, massage and other physical therapy sessions for me.  It's a beautiful place, exactly like a health spa and felt very relaxing although travelling home on the tube afterwards made me feel a bit anxious (was sitting with my arms across my boobs for fear of being jostled!).  Think I'll have to check Ebay to see if they've got any spare bodies for sale, not liking my current one very much...listen to me being an old whinge bag...time to get over myself!

Right, off to watch another episode of Sherlock Holmes from the boxset that arrived yesterday.  I missed it when it was on the TV for some reason and can't believe how good it is, especially since I'm not really a Conan Doyle fan.

xx

Sharon 

[Herewego]

Hi Sharon,
I'm 2.5 weeks post op and a week into the advanced exercises, and my axillary scar is driving me mad.
I have more movement in the arm but definitely getting cording as a couple of times every day I can't straighten it. Also I can feel these lumps around the scar - not sure if they are just scar tissue, ingrown hairs or something else. Lumpectomy scar hasn't bothered me at all.
I'm seeing BCN on Friday so she will take a look at the lumps but when I spoke to her today she didn't sound alarmed...but will keep you posted x

[Rosemaryanne]

Hi Sharon- first time round the underarm pain was far worse than that from the breast wound for a couple of weeks.I used a cushion against my chest wall to keep the arm away and relieve pressure on the armpit.

Then it suddenly stopped hurting!

Hope this is reassuring?

How are you feeling in general?

Love, Rose xxx

[13gerbera]

Morning all 🙂

Glad you're all feeling a bit better this morning.  Not liking the sound of cording and micropore allergy/ 3-handed bra fittings at all though & Rose I'm so glad you're getting a bit of help at last - this independence thing is good for some occasions but I don't think post-surgery is one of them!  

I'm day 7 post-surgery now and my axillary scar has started to bother me a bit, not painful exactly but uncomfortable although I can't see anything wrong with it.  Is that normal do you think?  It might just be that I've walked more over the last couple of days and my mahoosive too tight compression bra rubs against it slightly?  Or could it be the wall-climbing BCC exercises that I've started today? Gah, hate fretting over my body, like everyone else I'm used to taking it for granted!

xx

Sharon

[Matty2]

Well done Rose - are you going to keep going to the nurse.

have had to take pain killers again today, so this sfternoon am going to curl up with a book.

Housework!!!

Dusting is a thing of the past (well at moment) OH has discovered how to use vacuum though. I just wish the housework fairy would come and clean the bathroom - seems it's only me to do it

beryl x

[Rosemaryanne]

Oh they are ruled out, without doubt! Unthinkable! Sorry to read about your setback. Take care.
Love, Rose xx

[Chez666]

Just got back from hospital and need to see surgeon on Thursday as haemotoma has partially torn the scar, I have to stop moving my right arm!! And take it easy which I thought I was. Hate car journey, a d cup boob which hurts a lot does not like the eastbourne roads which are full of potholes so that's my next mission. Had zoladex injection last night and expected to have put on 3stone this morning but fortunately still managed to get in my jeans!!!🍰🍰🍰🍰🍰 On the plus side, am gong to watch father brown this afternoon and broadchurch. Hope everyone is ok, as okay as can be. Love and hugs x x x do you think when they mean rest that prevents me walking the dogs, doing the hoovering and dusting!! Hate the last 2 and would really quite like to at the moment

[Rosemaryanne]

All done! And even got a compliment on the tidiness of the wound. I can't take any credit for that, but it's good to hear it's not too hideous!

It was kind of a lightbulb moment this morning. I never ask for help, too independant by half, but decided if I can get help with the little things, it makes the bigger ones easier to deal with.

My motto from now on.

Have a good day, everyone

Love, Rose xxx

[Matty2]

Hi there

Bit more comfortable today but hard to put a bra on holding the dressings in place. OH had to help as it's a 3 handed job!!!!!

Well done Sarah with your popping, so pleased you feel better for it.

I read on here that sitting resting your arm raised level with shoulder helps the lymph nodes drain. I do it resting my arm on a settee cushion most evenings.

Don't think I want anyone peering at boob, didn't want OH to but circumstances meant he has had to help.Such amazing colours on it!

Watch out for that micropore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beryl x

[Rosemaryanne]

Hi Sarah- that pop was probably your cording sorting itself out. They mentioned the "pop" at a support group meeting I went to.

I totally wimped out re the micropore today. Stood there, fingers poised, felt sick, so rang GP and spoke to the nurse. She'll do it for me. Feel like a baby, but hey ho. If she's willing...

Good to hear you have reduced/minimal pain. Makes such a difference. I'm pain free so far today, but it usually picks up later on in the day. Gravity pulling at it, I'm guessing.

Judi, good to hear things are better for you too. If I had a wig I'd probably wear it. Hair washing is a real chore at the mo. have a lovely lunch!

Beryl, don't be a spoilsport! There must be a group of very "special" non-intimates who would love to have us flash at them! (kidding by the way- ex-convent schoolgirl, sitting on walls swinging our legs was a capital offence, let alone flashing anything else!)

Thick snow here, luckily GP only a 2 minute walk away. Really looking forward to getting the itchy stuff replaced.

Have a good day, everyone

Love. Rose xx