Starting Chemo in May 2012

[AlixJ]

Hi all
Got my MRI results yesterday and all is apparently normal on my other side! Still need to have a mammogram in March, but was good to go to the breast clinic and get good news!
Love to everyone,
Alix xx

[AlixJ]

Hi all
Rattles - hope you had a lovely evening out with your OH.
Thanks for the info on bras and pockets Merc - I was going to chuck out all my old non-pocketed bras, but will try and adapt them instead. I found some mastectomy bra specialists who do sports bras, ranging from about £25 to £50.
I've got an appointment this afternoon to get results of the MRI they did recently on my 'good' side, to check up on some changes that they found when I was first diagnosed. Am trying to keep my stress levels about it under control. Wish me luck...
Like Doggirl, I never went down the wig route, just wore hats when I was bald, so I've been showing off my hair since November. It's really back to normal now, no curls, same colour, and even the extreme cowlick I had seems to be growing out. I haven't washed it since I finished chemo and it started growing back - I just rinse it every day. It sounds gross, but seems to work fine and my OH says it looks in much better condition than when I used to wash it! I have very fine, flyaway hair, and this seems to help with that.
Em, I've been reading up on the 5:2 diet, sounds interesting. Myself and OH are thinking of giving it a go. I don't really need to lose weight, but the health benefits sound worth pursuing.
Meerkat, hope you're doing ok.
love Alix xx

[Emylou9]

Morning Buddies, hope you are all getting spoilt on valentines day and if not, make sure you spoil yourselves!!! Meercart, hope you are ok. Love to all, Em Xxx

[Rattles]

Just a quickie from me- Merc, thanks for the tips!
Did anyone see Helen Mirren- I wish I were brave enough to go blonde/silver with a few pink highlights!! She looks great. Doggirl, you could get a nose ring and use lots of kohl!!
I am going out with OH tonight - first time for nearly a year. Feeling slightly nervous but excited!
Love to all Rattles x

[Emylou9]

Haha, sounds yummy Doggirl - you can eat all that though and still fast tomorrow, that's why I like this diet!!! I was going to go for a vibrant red hair dye but chickened out as I didn't want to look like a match! Just back from a very wet, windy and cold dog walk so fire now on, rwatching telly ( can't support England in this house though as OH is Welsh!) and chillin on sofa. Xxx

[doggirl]

Oooo Squeakymouse I'm going to go blonde too. Fed up feeling frumpy. I never wore a wig so have been au natural since December. The hair is misbehaving at the moment. The sides are sticking straight out and I seem to be channeling Keith 'i am a Firestarter' from The Prodigy (and sometimes Side Show Bob). If you are clueless to what I'm on about google image and you'll get the gist

ive heard of the diet Emylou. Have been interested in trying in so report back! I'm doing weight watchers 8lbs down but have just been to tesco and got doughnuts, French bread, salami, cheese and popcorn, oh and Haribio. Too rainy so movie time at ours. Opps!

xx

[squeakymouse]

Hi everyone,

Meerkat - hope your appointment went OK this week.

I haven't heard about that diet Em but hope it goes OK for you.

I have about 1 1/2 inches of hair, and am not wearing a head covering or wig at the moment. I am planning to go blonde again next weekend (from mid-brown) so that my hair is at least the same colour as on my passport photo! I still look very pale and my skin is not brilliant - I look like one of those "don't do hard drugs or you will look like this" ads so might go for a facial too.

Squeakymouse xx

[Emylou9]

Hi Merc , I'm reaching the point of ditching wig altogether. I went to funeral of a work colleague on Friday without wig and loads of work colleagues were there to see me with my short 'crop' so it seems pointless now wearing the wig. Still feel quite exposed and vulnerable though. My hair is coming back thick and curly and dark/grey. I dyed mine just after Christmas though and will go it again soon. I also use Frizzez to try and keep it flattened!!! which works ok for me.
Have any of you buddies heard of the 5:2 fasting diet that was featured on Horizon back in the summer? I'm interested in it for the health benefits it claims to have like lower IGF-1 and glucose levels, which protect against cancer and diabetes. Been doing it soft about 3 weeks now and it's easy to do and both me and OH have lost several pounds already. Try and enjoy this wet and cold Sunday Buddies, love Em xxx

[Guest user]

RATTLES....
Re: the sports bra thing - I have truncal lymphoedema as well as having it in my arm. I found a company in USA that makes specialist bras with pockets :

http://wearease.com/wear-ease-products/compression/compression-bra

http://marenagroup.com/store/entity/tabid/198/c-3-breast-support.aspx

I paid a lot of money for one, and then saw my Lymph nurse who ordered me one for free - albeit without pockets. You can buy or make pockets so you can compression bra's useable with a prothesis:

http://www.amoena.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Bra-pocket/Bra-pocket

http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=15735

Hugs babe....
Merc xxx

[Guest user]

Emylou - you aren't the only one. I am now finding it really difficult to keep the wig on, and am finally coming to terms with the fact that I am going to have to retire both Ethel and Barbara (Ethel replaced Babs when all her 'ends' started to look like they were splitting - LOL).
OK ladies - I need some real help here now. I had lanky light straight hair before the chemo - now its darker but extremely grey - white at the sides, and a tight afro curl. It is so thick too - I can't part it or anything. My daughter used gel, cement spray and putty, and it still sprung back where it came from.
Please - has anyone got any tips how to deal with this? I look so wierd!
Hugs to all my breast friends....
Merc xxxx

[Rattles]

Hello buddies!
Can you believe it is February already? I saw some snowdrops on Wednesday- my spirits lifted. I am so glad we did not have chemo through the winter months.
I had my hair trimmed and coloured. It is wavy and I am expecting it to go curly. It is good to have it back and like I am starting to move on. My eyelashes are pretty thin but some of the face down is slowly going.
I am wondering how Meercat is and sending love.
Alix, I am slowly getting used to being lop-sided. I don't wear a prosthesis as I cant get it to sit in a sports bra, which I need to wear for the lymphodema. Part of me just wants to be able to go out and about as a 'one-breasted' woman. The main drawback is that clothes just dont sit right, esp with a compression sleeve. I read that Koo Stark had bilateral mastecomies without reconstruction and she does not use prostheses. I think she must be pretty brave actually.
Kitten mad- hope you are recovered from your mamoth trip and your knee is okay. Love to Squeaky and Em. Claire hope you got your path report clarified.
Sending you all lots of love, Rattles x

[AlixJ]

Meerkat - hope your appointment today went ok, and that your treatment plan is in place. I'm so sorry you're having to go through chemo again so soon.
Like Kittenmad, my hair is now growing like a weed, I went for my second haircut today (the first one was really just trimming off the straggly ends). It's come back as straight as ever! I've always had short hair, so am now back to normal (hairwise, at least...)
Love and hugs to everyone
Alix xx

[Emylou9]

Hi Peeps, hope you are all ok. How's everyones hair growth going? Mines a couple of inches now but because its coming through curly it doesn't look very long. Still wiggin up for work but getting fed up of it now. X

[AlixJ]

Hi everyone
Meerkat - so sorry to hear you're having to go through chemo again, it's just not fair. Sending positive thoughts for Tuesday, hope the meeting goes ok and that having a treatment plan in place helps.
I am pretty much healed after my op and am getting used to being lop-sided. We went to Glasgow this weekend to see some cycling at the new velodrome, it was boiling hot in there and I ended up taking off my bra and prosthesis as it was so sweaty! I had on a baggy t-shirt and am only a 36A so I don't think it was obvious, but to be honest I was so hot I was past caring.
Kittenmad - well done for going on the skiing trip, sounds tiring but fun. I'm knackered after a weekend away!
Am going back to work tomorrow, have been off for a fortnight with the op. Am looking forward to being back, although I feel a bit daunted at the prospect!
Love to everyone,
Alix xx

[kitten_mad]

Meant to say that my hair grew like a weed while I was away - don't know if it was the mountain air or the Italian water. Several of my colleagues had a "shot" of my wig, and photos taken, nearly everyone suited it, even the men! Anyway you'll be pleased to know that it is possible to wear a helmet and take it off at lunchtime without revealing everything or it coming off! After months of only taking one towel into the shower I am at the stage of requiring one for the hair as well. Never thought the day would come, and today there are lots of curls like a mini afro. Just need the fringe to get going now 😉
Did manage to dye it the night before I went (with semi permanent) it didn't take as well as usual but then again I have never been so grey before! I had to do it as I didn't want to make my room mates think they were sharing with a witch!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and that hair growth is coming on well.
K M xx

L

[Guest user]

Hi All
Sending you all of my thoughts and best wishes Meerkat. I kow how low I would feel with that sort of news - Keep focussed on the end date and look after yourself all of the way.
Gillian - good luck with the recon. I think you are very brave to go through more surgery. I originally thought that I would never consider recon but did meet a plastic surgeon and the BCC conference last week and some of his results were amazing and did include a tummy tuck!
KM - your holiday sounded tough and good for you for going for it. Hope your knee makes a speedy recovery.
Was a bit concerend this week whne I received a 'statement of diagnosis' through the psot and the cancer described was not what I expected. Had always been told that I had a grade 2 DCIS and invasive lobular cancer and this states a Pleomorphic grade 3 cancer - whatever that is! Initially thought they had got the wrong person but it has my name on the letter. Did phone ONC but they can't fit me in until 21st Feb so i guess I will have to wait.
Best wishes
Claire

[Guest user]

Hi All
Sending you all of my thoughts and best wishes Meerkat. I kow how low I would feel with that sort of news - Keep focussed on the end date and look after yourself all of the way.
Gillian - good luck with the recon. I think you are very brave to go through more surgery. I originally thought that I would never consider recon but did meet a plastic surgeon and the BCC conference last week and some of his results were amazing and did include a tummy tuck!
KM - your holiday sounded tough and good for you for going for it. Hope your knee makes a speedy recovery.
Was a bit concerend this week whne I received a 'statement of diagnosis' through the psot and the cancer described was not what I expected. Had always been told that I had a grade 2 DCIS and invasive lobular cancer and this states a Pleomorphic grade 3 cancer - whatever that is! Initially thought they had got the wrong person but it has my name on the letter. Did phone ONC but they can't fit me in until 21st Feb so i guess I will have to wait.
Best wishes
Claire

[Rattles]

Lovely to see so many posts. Meerkat- special hugs. It is just so unfair and wish you were not having to deal with chemo again. I know it seems really scarey but you will get through it. Do as many nice things as you can between now and Tuesday. Like you, I try not to think about the implications of a reoccurrance for prognosis. What can we do? Nothing. Having said this, its very hard not to worry about every little ache and pain. I have a virus and just can't seem to get over it- think I have had once pretty much constantly since December as starting to worry. Work proving very hard - we should be moving to a new site but its proving a nightmare. After messing us about with delay after delay, they now want us to move like tomorrow. But they forget that poor old Rattles no longer works like that!! Honestly, I did not go through everything last year to be treated like rubbish!
Kitten mad- I think you are amazing. Just reading about your trip made me feel worn out! Em, Squeaky and Gillian- lots of love. Squeaky hope your picc line site has improved? Langdon the Forum sounds good. I want to try to get to the London one, although right now, just getting up would be a start!!
Rattles x

[squeakymouse]

Meerkat sending hugs, hope you get the support you need for chemo and you get a clear plan in place from your onc. Its not fair that you are having to go through it again. please keep us up to date with how it goes.

Squeakymouse xx

[Gilliancw]

Emylou
im seeing my consultant in June so hopefully my recon will be redone done soon after. I was reluctant to take the anti depressants but they really have helped.
take care
Gillian xx

[Emylou9]

Meercat, good to hear from you. You must think I'm a ungrateful whinger as (for now at least) my treatment is over But it really messes with your head this bl***y cancer stuff. Im sure once you get your treatment plan, you'll find the strength to get on with it- that's something us women are good at. we'll be here for you too when you need to vent. Gillian my gp was very reluctant to prescribe anti depressants but I might go back and try again. Hope you are ok- when are you having your recon done? Kittenmad well done on the skiing-I loved skiing when I was younger but haven't done it for years, think you did really well to have manged that trip! Take care all, X

[kitten_mad]

Meerkat - I know you will find the strength to get through whatever Chemo they give you next, It must so hard to have to go through it all again so soon though.
Got back from my trip late Sunday. Had a great time but to be honest wasn't really fit enough for a lot of ski-ing. Raising my arm for the ski lifts was hard and the ski boots were sore on the old toe nails. Had to get a bigger size. Had a bit of a tumble and have hurt my knee - bruising has now gone down to my foot and my ankle has swollen up. I hope this is nothing to do with the lymphs! The bus journey was horrendous and the ferry crossing back was very rough indeed. Still glad I went though and gained a lot of brownie points from my colleagues too, Minus 10 at times so also very cold.
Hope everyone else is doing ok.
Love KM xx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies.

Squeky mouse, I had my pic line out, but when I had it, I had trouble with the dressings too, and my skin got sore, I like you put it down to it being covered up for a long period.

had my results appt today, they said they removed a 30mm tumour and a couple of smaller ones. They are still debating what chemo to try next but I have appt. with onc next Tuesday to find out which one they,ve chosen.

I really really don't know how I'm going to face chemo again so soon, I don't know if I want to know how such an quick recurrence affects my prognosis, feel like a bury head in sand moment!!!!

Know how you feel Emylou, it's difficult to think of the future without worry, but I guess it really is still early days, You are still in the recovery, recognition and recouperation stage. Xx

[Gilliancw]

Hi Emylou
i know exactly how you feel. I am still waiting to have my next reconstuction to be done so I still don't feel I can try and move forward. My doctor has given me a low dose of antidepressant to help with my hot flushes which also seems to be helping me to feel not so low all the time.
hope you are all doing well
Gillian xxx

[Emylou9]

Hi Buddies, hope you are all ok. I'm feeling bit weird now I've had my onc appointment. I go from feeling really positive and confident that its all behind me to thinking that I'm just kidding myself and its bound to come back and get me. Think im scared to feel happy and relaxed ever again. How are you all coping now treatment is over ( apart from the tamoxifen and herceptin of course). I don't want to have come through all the last few months to spend the rest of my lift worrying! X

[Guest user]

Hi All
Sorry squeakymaouse - i did not have a PICC so can't help. How much longer does it have to be in for?

Rattles - I am fine but was querying when I should expect to hear from my ONC as I was told that I would get seen every 3 months, however did receive an appt for her yesterday for next June - not quite 3 months. I am wondering whether she is avoiding me as she did mess up with my radiotherapy and put me forward for a trial where one of the options was not getting any which in fact was not an option for me as I did not get a good clearance around tumour.
Went to a young womens breast cancer forum this weekend and found it very interesting. Mets lots of lovely women and also got some very good advice such as making sure that I get a sleeve before taking a long haul flight - which I was never told and am going to Australia this year.Also some interestign options for reconstruction which I had never heard about. I would recommend it to anyone and they are held quite regularly around the country.
Have a good week all of you.
Claire x

[squeakymouse]

Good to see people posting on here. Wow chemo seems like years ago. Rattles, hope your work situation gets sorted out, and you enjoy the hairdressers, please let us know how the colour turns out as I am hoping to go blonde again soon! Em, glad your onc appointment was OK. I see mine about every 3 - 4 months but only because anyone on Herceptin has to have routine heart scans. I only saw my normal onc's junior too, perhaps the senior ones concentrate on people who are in the middle of chemo as they are more likely to have problems.

I am starting to feel less tired now but my PICC line (needed for Herceptin) is itching like crazy and driving me nuts! I have been progressively working my way through all the different types of dressings and getting reactions to one after the other - not sure if its an allergy or just that my skin has been covered up for so long it can't breathe. The skin under the dressings is disgusting - obviously I can't put any cream on it so am taking antihistamines. Has anyone else still got their PICC line?

Hope everyone has a nice weekend

Squeakymouse xx

[Emylou9]

Alix, my appointment was something of an anti climax. Didn't even see my onc but one of her team. Questioned about how I felt physically and emotionally - all completely normal apparently. then I had a (very quick) physical examination - all ok. Then told we will see you in a year!! I will have a mammo in April though, a year after original diagnosis. I did ask to get my vitD level checked so have a blood test form- can take a few weeks to get results as they send it away to London apparently. Rattles I hope you enjoy the hairdressers- what a treat!! Hope your OH recovers soon, roll on the Spring, fed up of this snow and ice now. Love to all, Em x

[Rattles]

Blimey - 28 hours on a bus! Am sure it will be worth it once you arrive!
Alix and Meercat - good to hear from you both and that you seem to be recovering from your ops.
Em- hope that the appointment went well. I always get a bit jittery before mine. I was seen every 3 months after my last diagnosis. This time, there has been a mix up, as they both thought the other was seeing me first (if that makes sense) and I have not bothered to follow this up.
Langdon, remembered you had posted but not what you said. So, hope you are okay too.
I have had a strange week. I had a meeting with HR on Monday which has just made me more angry than ever. They admitted that they had not followed best practice. They say the only adjustment that they make for 'cancer' as opposed to other types of sickness is that they do not follow sickness procedures which would result in disciplinary action! So am menat to be grateful that I avoided discpinary - for having cancer! Marvellous!
I am going to the Hairdressers this pm. Very excited. Am desperate to colour my hair as I have not had the positive response I might have hoped for - responses like 'oohh, aren't you grey' or 'oohh, you are so grey' do not do much for the confidence!
My OH is ill again. In bed ill. Needed Em's reminder that it is hard for our partners- Alix, hope yours is better. But its hard too when you both feel ill and I find I fluctuate between patience and irritation.
Well, still not a day goes by when I don't thank the universe that I am not on a diet of carboplatin and docetaxol. Last night I ate one of those love tub chocolate puddings. I thought I was in heaven!
Love to all, Rattles x

[AlixJ]

Hi all
Em - hope it went ok, I always get nervous before appointments, hope your onc put your mind at rest.
Alix x

[Emylou9]

Off for my onc appointment in a mo. first time I've seen her since before rads- feel really nervous......don't know why!!

[AlixJ]

Hi all
Thanks for all your kind words. Am feeling pretty good following op, have just stopped taking painkillers and feel fine. They took the drain out in hospital which was great, I found it a pain being at home with it last time around.
Meerkat - great to hear that you're recovering well after your op, will keep everything crossed for you on 29th.
I have an MRI on my 'good' side on 31st Jan to check on some changes they found at diagnosis, so am hoping it won't be anything ominous. I find waiting for results the hardest thing.
Good to hear about buddies getting out and enjoying the snow - we have only had a sprinkling here.
Hope Kitten-mad's having a fab time after her epic journey on the 28 bus!
love to everyone, Alix xx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, sorry not been on for a while, not had Internet access, engineers decided to cut my wire!!!
recovering fine though have developed a seroma, had 400 ml drained last week and its ready to be done again, strangely seem to have got some stretch marks appear either side of my Scar, get my results on the 29th and see oncologist on the 5th, when I guess I'll get my plan.
Alix hope youre recovering well.
its been nice being off work recovering with all this snow about, but shame I couldn't join in with the sledging.
Something unexpected happened this morning..i had a period! thought they had gone for Good.

[Guest user]

Hi All
Have just been out sledging with my girls and it as great fun. I have always suffered from getting cold fingers etc but not this time which is a suprise, although do seem to be suffering pains in my ankles - possible arthritis - but that could just be my age. Think the only sign that I have had ops / chemo and RT are 3 stripes across each of my nails which are slowly growing out and the short hair.
Have been back for check ups with RT consultant and surgeon but have not heard from oncologist since last chemo in Sept - is this normal?
Rattles - I have to admit that my profile picture is an old one. I have very few photos of myself and that one was taken 6 or 7 years ago.
Alix - hope all is going well following op.
Take care
Claire

[Emylou9]

Morning all, Alix hope you are recovering ok from your op and have kept your OHs' germs at bay! Chest infection sounds nasty , our poor OHs are under loads of strain so it's no wonder they succumb to these things x kittenmad - good luck on he no.28- hope you find the energy to have some fun!! Rattles, looks like our daughters got their wish for snow at last! Have you managed any trips out in the snow or sledging? Yesterday's walk certainly took its toll on me- feel about 108 this morning. OH wants to go for a snowy walk today though as he was working yesterday and missed the fun, so looks like another outing for me today - might dose up with painkillers first. Happy birthday for last week Doggirl- did you get spoilt ? Meerkat thinking of you - hope your recovering from your op ok. Do you know what treatment they want you to have yet? How is that puppy doing? Langdon - thought you looked lovely in your pic- gosh we're a good looking bunch!! Have a fab weekend Buddies, love Em xxxx

[kitten_mad]

So glad to hear you are home Alix. Belated birthday wishes to Dog girl. I am off for my ski trip tomorrow morning so all packed and ready to go. Don't feel fit enough though, and not looking forward to the long journey on the 28 bus!!! and all the snow in England!
Rattles - have very stiff fingers etc and twinges in back and I do think it is the cold temperature. Taking lots of Omega 3 and Cod liver oil which does help. Dyed my hair tonight but it wasn't very successful at covering all the grey (was semi permanent one).
Catch up with you all when I get back

Take care everyone
KM xx

[Emylou9]

Blimey it's cold out there!! Went for a long dog walk in the snow this morning with some doggy walking friends while kids sledged! They were soooo happy to get a day off school! My chemo fingers really feel the cold these days though Xxx

[Rattles]

Welcome home Alix! You sound like you are doing great. It is a bit strange to get used to the physical change and as you know, I was really quite upset initially though I have got much more used to the new assymetrical me!
Happy Birthday for yesterday Doggirl.
Sounds like we all might get snow. This cold weather is not easy to manage and really seems to make my bones ache-anyone else suffering with this?
Love to all, Rattles x

[AlixJ]

Hi all
Many thanks for all the good wishes, the op went well and they let me out this evening. I had a bit of bleeding just before I was about to leave, so the surgeon did some emergency stitching of a rogue vein on the ward. The nurses were quite excited!
I had a side room with my own en-suite which was great (especially as one of the meds they gave me caused terrible wind...) Feels nice to be home! Feel a bit 'lop-sided' but ok about it. OH has a horrible chest infection which I'm trying to avoid, I don't think she was really fit to drive me home but we made it ok.
Sorry to hear about the ongoing problems with Lynn Ferdema, hope the manual drainage helps.
Doggirl - happy birthday for yesterday! Hope you had a fab time - what did you get up to?
Love to everyone,
Alix xx

[Rattles]

Came on to wish Alix good luck for tomorrow. Not sure if you will see my post.
Em- glad you got insurance. I got a really good deal with an insurer specialising in breast cancer. Cant remember who though which is not very helpful!!
Doggirl, kept reading lynn Ferdema. ... Took me ages to get it!! Ginger, be good to compare notes!
Langdon- your profile pic looks wonderful. I went along to the BCC office last week to be filmed for a thank you video which must be on the site somewhere. I am a bit embarressed as hate myself on film but just so grateful for everything BCC has done to support me that I wanted to help in some, small way.
Arm bandaged so this is a short post. No snow in London. Got a cold-again-but doing okay.
Love to all, Rattles xx

[Emylou9]

Alix, thanks for the travel insurance tip, I've now got insurance with them. Good luck for op tomorrow, will be thinking of you x Ginger, nice to hear from you. Def think you should book a holiday!! Good luck with your onc appointment. Mine is next week....Love to all the Buddies, Em x

[Guest user]

Good morning Ladies , not posted for a while but been reading all the posts , if I'm honest forgot my password DOH!!! , good to hear everyone is doing ok, got my follow on app with onc this week , and app withn lymphodema nurse to be shown manual drainage ,getting jealous of all you ladies with hair lol got more hair on my legs than my head , all these holidays sound fantastic put me in the mood for a holiday must have a look online , hope you all have a great day and the snow doesn't keep you all in .
love and hugs to everyone xxx

[AlixJ]

Hi all
We had some snow here in Cumbria - not enough to make a snowman, but quite exciting!
Em - when we went to Spain I got insurance through a company called Insurancewith - if you google them you'll find them. I think they specialise in travel insurance for people with medical conditions. I had to fill in quite a detailed questionnaire, but the cover was only £10 or so more than the cost for my OH. The cover didn't exclude breast cancer, but there was an additional excess of £200 if I'd had to claim for anything BC-related (I think the standard excess was £75).
Hope that helps - I know in Europe you can get treated as long as you get a European Health Insurance Card before you go, but I liked the additional security of being insured.
Nice to hear about everyone's travel plans!
Alix xx

[Emylou9]

Hi Buddies, hope you all had a great weekend. No proper snow here yet, boohoo! With lots of us booking all these exotic holidays can anyone recommend a company for travel insurance? I've got quotes online with insure pink etc but even they exclude breast cancer related stuff- confused. Should we make sure cancer is included or not?? Any advice much appreciated, xxx

[Guest user]

Hi
It is good to hear so much good news but my heart goes out to those who are not at teh end of the journey yet.
Alix - I didn't go for a reconstruction because my tumour was so close to my chest wall that they didn't give me the option and my daughter says it is a good thing becuase I have a dual aspect which makes me more interesting! It is geta how children's minds think! I hope your op goes well and you make a good recovery. One of my friends had a reconstruction but lost her nipple whilst out shopping - that would have been a strange thing for someone to come across!
Rattles - let me know if the grecian 2000 works! I can't afford to get it coloured at the hairdressers everytime and much like Emylou mine has gone a little gingery.
Doggirl - I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I am in the process of booking a trip to Australia and can't wait!
Best wishes to you all.
Claire

[doggirl]

It's booked! 123 to go! Rang virgin yesterday. Played the C card and got some freebies. So naughty. Sometimes if feeling wicked I scare off cold callers with "I've got cancer" not much they can say. Have used headscarf to park in shop disabled bays too!
We will be doing Mayan ruins.. Have to do Chichen Itza, we are only 20 mins from Tulum so will go there too. my son is going to have scuba lessons and he loves to snorkel. Have chosen the hotel based on the snorkelling opportunities. Have so many plans that must remember to relax

Rattles a your Lynn Ferdema sounds a flipping nightmare. BC the gift that keeps giving?
Emylou, glad you are living in the now. Only way to survive I think. Although easier said than done. It's getting easier thougH.
Alix. Will think of you Wednesday (my birthday!) hope all goes well x
its nice to see a bit of action on this forucoco

[squeakymouse]

Yay good news on your results Doggirl! Phew now you can look forward to Mexico. We went there a few years ago and it was fantastic. We went around lots of the Mayan ruins. And its excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling if anyone in your family does that.

Hope everyone has a good weekend, Rattles sorry to hear you are still struggling with your lymphodema.

Alix good luck with your op on Wednesday

No snow in Bristol yet!

Squeakymouse xx

[Emylou9]

Hi Buddies, daughters 11th birthday yesterday so trip to @Bristol today with 3 of her friends followed by sleepover, so not much sleep for me tonight then 🙂 I'm finding I'm enjoying things so much more these days, living in he present which stops me worrying about the future or feeling anxious. Last visit to BcN yesterday she said she was happy wound was nearly healed (all scrabbed over) so no need to go back. Hope you are feeling ok Meercat and not too sore. I was surprised how un sore I was after my mx. Take it easy though x Rattles my daughter also wants snow- I think she she's it as some sort of special birthday treat, as it has snowed a few times on her birthday in previous years - I love it too but just want to get back from Bristol first. Don't fancy being trapped in a snow-bound car with 4 excited and giggly 10/11yr old girls(!!). Good luck for next week Alix, hope pre-op went ok. Enjoy the weekend Buddies, snow or not, love Em xxxxx

[Rattles]

Lovely to come on and see so many posts. I am so pleased Doggril. Sometimes you just cant admit to yourself how worried you are until you feel safe!! Mexico sounds amazing and you should definately go for it. I have been spending lots of money in the sales. Been so bad.
Alix- good luck with pre-op assessment. I am sure you are healthy! Am sure you will have some nice plans over the weekend. This time next week it will be over and you can start moving forward.
Meerkat- great to hear you posting and to know you are doing well.
I am okay. Been a busy week at work and still going to hospital re. my arm. Have a new glove which goes from finger tips to underam. Makes typing/writing really hard and work not being that supportive (but the rate I am spending, will need to work for ever!!!)
Its cold, cold, cold. We might get snow! Daughter very excited.
Love to all, Rattles xxx

[AlixJ]

Fab news Doggirl! Roll on Mexico...
I'm going in for my pre-op assessment this morning, ahead of op on Weds. Last time they told me that (apart from the obvious) I was just about the healthiest person they'd had through the doors in a month - hopefully that'll still be the case.
Hope you're resting up Meerkat, and being taken care of.
Alix xx