Starting chemo May 2014

[Sodastream]

Hi Ruth. Just want to check how you're getting on these days. The rest of us are in regular contact but I'm aware that you've been very much part of our group but this thread has pretty much stopped these days.
Just to let you know that we're all ok but today have had a discussion about worrying about every ache, pain, symptom. it seems so strange to think it was a year ago that I was diagnosed,eight months since chemo ended and seven months since my mastectomy. I've got used to living lopsided but know that I face a big decision as to whether I go for reconstruction or another mastectomy to balance me up. Only this week I lost both my big toe nails due to the chemo which is frustrating as we're now coming up to summer. On a positive note my hair is growing loads however every day is a new challenge as it has a mind of its own and sticks up in all directions. I had some highlights put in today but even the hairdresser couldn't blow dry it into a style, I'm beginning to wish I hadn't given away my wig as I could have popped that on when I was having a bad hair day. Some of us are meeting up in London on 9th May to celebrate it being a whole year since diagnosis, if you're interested then please PM me for details. Sheryl x

[Sodastream]

Hi Linda. Please join us on facebook as it would be lovely to stick together. Don't forget we are all meeting up in May for afternoon tea and I hope that you can make it.
Once you join facebook I'm part of a wonderful group called flat and fabulous and the creator of the group is trying to campaign to change how we are automatically offered a reconstruction but have to fight for an elective mastectomy. They've given me so much support that I'm going to ask for another mastectomy rather than reconstruction.
I will keep posting on here if yourself and Ruth don't make it onto Facebook as I'd love to keep in contact. X

[wax2014]

Hi...I thought you'd all disappeared too just getting on with life in general. I've had my first mammogram but still waiting results, also waiting for physio to start for my slipped disc.Next for me is mx on right side to keep me sane , hopefully that will be around March time and then I can start looking for a job but at the moment I'm just enjoying ME time . It has been wonderful and helpful having you all by my side during this journey and I thank you all for your support , if I can get my daughter to give me a facebook lesson I will give it a go ..Best wishes , love and luck to you all ...Linda xxx

[gmc]

Hi Ruth,

Are you sure we can't persuade you to join our FB group. It's a great help and such a comfort at times to know others are listening and offering advice etc.As Jan says hopefully we'll all meet up in May face to face. It's been great chatting to you here though and I wish you all the best for the future. I do look and participate in other threads on this Forum so I'm sure our paths may cross again.

Take care, Gill XX

[Janet_BCC]

Hi ladycroft

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[ladycroft]

hi Ruth , hope all is well with you, i think it's because most of us are on FB . I had a bone scan a couple of weeks ago and evrything was ok so the oncologist has discharged me now into the care of the breast clinic.I have amammogram on 12th March so really that will be the crunch time for me. I went back to work 3 days aweek on 12 th January and am making the most of long weekends. Less money ,less stress and looking forward to the future now. All the original group who are now on FB hope to meet up in London in May ,no fixed date as yet so it would be great to meet you all. My email address is edited by mod so if you want to stay in touch . This thing won't be over for many of us for at least another 5 years when we get the all clear and after all the support we have had from the NHS and each other we are now on our own .

All the best to you and yours xx Jan

[fowey]

Hi Ladies,
Our group appears to have disappeared! So I will sign off too...it was good to compare notes throughout and good luck to you all xRuth x

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

Well portacath removal went off without a hitch, but we had a 7 hour power cut from 7.30pm onwards at home (whole village was out for 2 nd time in a week due to faulty transformer ) followed by one of our cats coming in injured, so shes presently at the vets awaiting x ray and meds..poor thing. We think she freake dout as she wa sout when all the overhead cables were sparking it was like a firework display.

Wax2014 - Good to hear your results brought you good news 🙂 and thanks for tips on Tamoxifen brand change. I will discuss with oncologist when I see him next.

GMC - The oncologist thinks all my stomach problems and retching are to blame for hernia but as its very small just to carry on...I don't think I could bear anymore poking and prodding at the moment ! I do find eating earlier helps, but its a shame as we like to eat together as a family and swap our news but it only happens at weekends now.

Next date now is feb 6th when I see oncologist, I also want to ask if my tastebuds will revert back to what they were as they are still strange....I used to be a real chocoholic but I cannot eat it at all now, has anyone else experienced changing tastes or tastebuds not returning to normality? xx Ruth xx

[gmc]

Great news Linda, you must be so relieved to hear there's no cancer involved. Sounds like there could also be some potential relief from the joint pains and indigestion. Things are looking up!

Ruth I remember all the horrible problems you had during chemo and the dreadful diet you needed to help control it. My husband works late a lot so we have crazy dinner times and it does effect my digestion. I would definately eat earlier if I could. Good luck for the portocath removal. Do you have to have a special diet with the hiatus hernia and will you need an op at some time to mend it ?

Looking forward to meeting up with Sheryl tomorrow after my rads. Our hospital has a lovely centre attached to it where you can go for various enjoyable treatments or just drop in for a coffee.

Keep taking the tablets, Ladies,

love Gill x

[wax2014]

Well glad thats over...got my mri results , I have degeneration to the discs in the lower back which is pressing on my sciatic nerve causing the pain..but No cancer seen thank god ! So I have been referred back to my gp to sort treatment. I asked about my indigestion, the oncologist didn't think that it was the Tamoxifen and has given me a prescription to collect . I'm to see if they help but if I still have symptoms after 3weeks to go back ...
Ruth . Yes Tamoxifen is to blame for the joint aches..when I first started on it I was like a cripple , if I sat down I struggled to get up, getting in and out of the car was really difficult. I changed brand from wodchart (spelling !??) to teva and although I still feel like I need 'oiling' to get my joints moving in the morning it is a bit easier.
My hubby and daughter had a laugh at my expense at the weekend when I knelt down to get something from a low shelf at B&M and just couldn't get back up ..embarrassing having to ask for help !!!
But I suppose a small price to pay...as I keep saying to myself ...a tablet a day keeps the cancer at bay !! Have a good evening ...Linda xx

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

Wax2014 - Glad I was able to help 🙂 I had alot of stomach problems when I began chemo last year, whether the hernia is a result if that who knows ! The other thing I have been told is to ensure i have my evening meal 4 hours before going to bed. Well my hubby often doesn't get home until between 7 - 8 and I go to bed around 10.30. So now my daughter and I eat around 6 - 6.30 and I reheat my hubbys meal, I have found this has helped too? Good luck with oncologist Monday, I have my next appointmet with him on Feb 6th.

GMC - Poor you having to endure two portacath insertions and removals. My removal has changed to 22nd now. I asked not to have the guy who put the port in, as I felt a bit butchered by him and also my scar took a long time to heal afterwards, the radiographer even rang me on the eve of the insertion day to ask if I was ok, as anothe rperson had complained about the guys technique ! He didnt close the scar either end very well and and as a result the ends kept splitting open 😞

Tamoxifen - I have been on this now since mid November and honestly I feel my joints have aged 20 years ! I am full of aches and pains...is anyone else on Tamoxifen and experiencing this side effect? I do have a joint condition anyway called ankylosing spondylitis, but it was being successfully managed by an anti inflammatory drug? So it is difficult to tell whether my joint condition has flared up or whether Tamoxifen is having an adverse effect...another question to go on the list for my oncologist !!

Hope everyone is ok, I will be glad when port removal has been done I am tired of being poked and prodded now after nearly a year of it !! xx Ruth xx

[gmc]

Hi Ruth - I didn't put it very well did I ?? I had a portocath from the start but following an infection they had to remove it. Once I was infection free they put another one in and that was removed before my last op .Hope everyone well xx

[wax2014]

Thanks Ruth..I'll ask the oncologist on Monday, I know my minds racing and I'm not thinking rationally but with Lobular bc it tends to spread to the GI tract xxxxx

[fowey]

Wax2014 - I had the burping and reflux and during a scan it showed I had developed a hiatus hernia, I hope that helps you? Ruth x

[fowey]

GMC - How did you end up having a portacath removed twice? 🙂 Ruth x

[wax2014]

Morning Ladies....haven't posted for a while as I didn't want to drag the good new year vibes down...I'm waiting results of mri on pelvis and spine following back and hip pain a bit like sciatica and have to admit I'm scared what they may find. I seem to have fallen into the doom and gloom mode, every pain and niggle makes my mind race. I now seem to be having a sensation of indigestion ,burping more than normal and am hoping this is a side effect from the tamoxifen.....will these feelings ever go away?? I have reiki this afternoon at the hospice so I'm hoping that will settle me down, oncologist on Monday and 1st mamogram since diagnosis on my remaining boob on Tuesday....its all go ,
Ruth hope your portacath removal is not to painful next week and you can tick that stage off towards moving forward.
Gill your holiday with the kids sounds fun albiet bound to be a busy one but surrounding yourself with family once you've finished rads will give you a well earned boost.
Sheryl ..post some of your wonderful positivity my way . You seem well on the way to your new normal with your job...perhaps thats what I need , find a new job and keep my brain occupied although at the moment with all my appointments how do I fit it in ..lol
Enjoy your day ladies..weekend looming with hopefully lots more R & R xxx Linda xxx

[gmc]

Hallo Ladies

Good to hear from you. Christmas seems a dim and distant memory now but time to think of hols etc. I'm planning to spent a week in Devon with my daughters and their families in a cottage on a working farm. Not sure how much of a holiday it could be with 4 children under 8 but will be fun! My husband and I will probably choose a more relaxing one either in April or later in the year. I'm half way through the rads now and they think I may still have an infection in the boob as it is very pink and uncomfortable - considering I've already had a few infections there it's highly likely. I just want to get this done with now and get on with "normal" life !

Sheryl, I'm looking forward to the London Tea Party and hope lots of us will be able to meet up and chat face to face. Not sure we shouldn't be looking to book a fortnight up as we'll all have so much to talk about!!!

Ruth - good luck for the portocath removal. I had to have it done twice and can honestly say that with all the local anaesthetics they use I didn't feel a thing pain wise. The imagination runs riot though so with sedation you will be just fine. Another thing crossed off towards a post C life. Yippee

Linda - your January diary sounds very full and hope it all gets done successfully. Won't it be lovely when we turn the page of a calender over and it's an appointment free month ? Just birthdays and happy times to celebrate - maybe with a bit of work thrown in too. I plan to go back mid feb all being well.

Take care everyone, Gill X

[Sodastream]

Hi Ruth. We are quiet on here as we speak regularly on Facebook but I do check this forum too as I'm aware that you and Linda aren't on Facebook. We were talking of all meeting up in London for afternoon tea in May to celebrate a year on from Chemo and I really hope you and Linda and any of our other May chemo ladies can join us. I've been lucky enough to manage to meet up with the other Linda, Gill and Jenni from this thread and it was lovely but we had so much to talk about and never enough time.
I'm back at work now and feel like I'm back on life's treadmill. I've been put into a new role but love the teacher I'm working with and I've learnt not to be so hard on myself and realise that I'm doing my best and it will take time to learn 33 children's names and a new job. I must admit I do love my new attitude in life which is to not let the little things get to me. I'm also having fun and am off to a comedy night tomorrow and upto London with my hubby and friends at the weekend. Luckily I feel like I did pre cancer and the only thing really playing me up is aching, painful hips which puts a limitation on how much I can do physically. X

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

Our thread seems very quiet on here these days !

GMC - I hope your rads are going ok, I found rads relatively easy after 6 months of chemo ! Next stop for me now is having my portacath removed under sedation on 20th, I am too much of a wuss to opt for removal without sedation !

I hope everyone else is okay Love Ruth

[gmc]

Happy New Year Ladies

Back from a lovely few days on the Isle of Wight and danced the night away on New Years Eve - something I hadn't thought I'd be able to do a few months earlier. My poor feet were very sore the next day but it was worth it!

Ruth - thanks for the encouraging words about counselling. I am waiting to hear tomorrow (when I go for my first rads) when all my times will be so that I can arrange a time to meet the councellor. Good tips too - have got some savlon in. I hadn't thought about moving on re this forum.Christmas can be quite a tricky time can't it. I know one of my daughter's  found it very hard this year as it was the first on her own with her children (2 & 4) after her husband left her last year.

 I do sometimes read about the April ladies and they still seem to be quite active on the chemo monthly threads.

Sheryl, good luck with your new job and I love your attitude to life now. Hope you find a lovely holiday to plan and your recent photo looks like you don't need to lose any further weight.

Linda - your Christmas sounds fabulous. I really like the idea of going away for a change although I think it could be quite tricky to change the traditional stuff our family seems to have got so used to!

Ladycroft - hope your Christmas was good and you get some time with your son soon. Maybe this year there will be some new treatment to help our poor old numb feet and fingers.

Good luck to everyone for 2015 - we all deserve a better year!

Love Gill X

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

GMC - Nothing wrong with having counselling, I was having it throughout 2014 due to family problems and facing all the BC treatment, I found it helped to talk to someone impartial :)) Heres hoping all goes well with your rads, the skin broke open on my clavicle area over xmas, but I used savlon and it soon cleared up 🙂 I didn't find the Purilon gel given to me by the rads clinic nurse helped, as it was sticky and kept attaching itself to all my clothing and dressings !

Sodastream - Good luck with returning to work and your holiday hunting 🙂 I am loathe to book a holiday for 2015 until the mammogram results in March, I am not being pessimistic, just realistic.

Wax2014 - Good to hear your hols went well ! I also have a few appointments coming up ....portacath removal, oncologist, mammogram and surgeon follow up. Plus I want to catch up with appointments such as dentist,eyes and hair which I didn't have the energy to deal with during the past 9 months 🙂

My christmas was stressful with mum in a care home for the first time, dad being difficult and my sister with gastric flu !! But still managed to enjoy meals out, a panto and a cinema visit with my girls and hubby 🙂

Do we all move onto the next category on here soon? living beyoond treatment or whatever it is called? I notice most groups seem to move on together? xx Ruth xx

[Sodastream]

Hi Linda. So glad you had a great holiday and I'm soooo jealous as I've always wanted to go to a foam party. I know what you mean about not holding back, I love my new attitude to life. I've had a great Christmas and New Year which has involved far too much food and alcohol but have also fitted in a few walks and am going walking tomorrow too. My goal is to get fit again and lose a few more pounds. I'm also looking at holidays for the summer with the attitude that the reconstruction can wait as I need a holiday before any more surgery. I haven't got any appointments lined up but am sure I'll get a letter at some point. Back to work on Monday which will seem really strange after 9 months off. X

[wax2014]

Happy New Year to you all ..here's hoping that 2015 is good to all of us.

Its been quiet on here so I am hoping you all enjoyed Christmas and have been too busy relaxing to post !

My Christmas was the best ever, I made sure I joined in where before I might have held back and it felt good. We hired bikes and rode round the coast and I even joined in with my daughter in a Foam Party at the hotel...sad mummy dancing and all !!! the most sureal part was Father Christmas arriving at the Hotel on Christmas Eve on his camel. Christmas day was spent on the beach...strange but wonderful, we enjoyed it so much we are hoping to go again next ..oops sorry 'this year'....

Back to the appointments next week and January's calendar seems to be filling up  , MRI, Yearly check, surgeon appointment, oncologist appointment, physio and councelling.. does it ever end.. Hey ho onwards and upwards, feeling refreshed and ready to face the next stages.

I am hoping that all the side effects of treatment that were lingering are easing now for you all , hugs and much love ...Linda xxx

[gmc]

Good Evening Ladies

Hope everyone is organised and looking forward to Christmas Day. I think it's a case of anything forgotten now will have to do without! We certainly won't go hungry as the fridge is bursting.

I've been to have another sleeve fitted for my lymphedema as previous one kept falling down. I'm rather brassed off about it as seems it could be a constant reminder of BC although the swelling isn't as bad as it could be (as long as I wear this horrible sleeve! ) I must admit to shedding a few tears whilst being fitted and am now being referred for a chat with a councillor as nurse thought it might be beneficial. Was hoping to get through this with my own coping mechanism but I'm happy to accept any help now !

Ruth, so pleased you've finished your rads and have come out of it relatively unscathed too. I've started using E45 cream to prepare for Jan.Hope all the problems you had with your digestive system are now behind you too.

Sheryl, I can understand your mixed emotions after completing your treatment. Hope the school job works out well for you but I'm sure you don't neef the added stress of a new role. Explored the parking tip you gave me re Tesco's car park and will definately use that next time as could save me at least £45 - can spend that on something much nicer than parking tickets! Won't know till Jan 5th my times for the next sessions but hope maybe they might mean that we could have a coffee?

Jan, hope your feet, knees and hands are not too uncomfy. Keep them well lubricated with a few glasses of something tasty and mind numbing! Have an enjoyable, quiet Christmas and hope you get to see your son soon.

Linda, hope you're thoroughly enjoying your hols, relaxing, unwinding and being thoroughly spoilt. Hope to hear all about it when you're home again with your batteries re-charged.

We are off to the Isle of Wight for a few nights over the new Year - somewhat of a family tradition with my In- Laws. Always feels a bit like going abroad!

Take care, everyone.

Seasons Greetings, Gill XXX 

[fowey]

Hi Ladies

Sodastream - Yes finished 5 weeks of Rads on Friday, it was quite a surreal feeling. However, I don't think I will fully relax until that first mammogram in March, but after 6 months of chemo and 5 weeks of Rads, it will just be nice not to be attending regular hopsital appointments for a while 🙂

GMC - Good luck for your rads beginning in January. I didn't suffer any horrible side effects, just slightly sore skin, but otherwise got off lightly.I would go as far as to say it was a walk in the park compared to chemo  🙂

I hope everyone has a lovely christmas and New Year, my taste buds are not back to normal just yet but I intend to eat drink and be merry 🙂 xx Ruth xx

[Sodastream]

Hi all, hope you're all ok. Ruth you're nearly there, I bet you can't wait until Friday. It's funny as I'm not an emotional person but walking to the car park after my last radiotherapy treatment I was holding back the tears although I was elated it was all over it was as if all that emotion came to a head.
I went into work to chat about going back in January, I had a feeling something was going on as my colleagues that I work closely with have backed off and never contact me which I found hard. Just found out they've swapped my job role when I go back which is making me a little anxious but I'm working with a lovely teacher that I've worked with before and when she heard I'd accepted the job she was jumping up and down with joy which made me feel good. Trouble with me is I'm a perfectionist that wants to be running at 100% straight away whereas it will take me a while to settle in but I'll get there just hope I don't lose any sleep over worrying.
I'm off for acupuncture today to help with the hot flushes. I've started taking tamoxifen but so far have only taken 2 tablets so early days.
Linda hope you're busy packing for your holiday, I bet you're so excited. Have a great time and tell us all about t when you get back.
Gill enjoy your few weeks break in treatment and will catch up with you in the new year. Sheryl x

[gmc]

Good evening Ladies,

Lovely to hear from you all and seems like we're getting through this treatment now.

Sheryl, it's great that you're done now and hope you feel ok when you start the tamoxifen. I was lucky previously when I was on it as other than pushing me into menaopause it didn't create any further problems. I'm hoping the Letrozole will be kind to you but only been on it 2 days so far!

Jan, I asked my oncologist a couple of weeks ago about my numb feet and fingertips and he said the feeling will definately come back but may take some time - hope it's sooner than later as it's getting tedious now. Will test them out dancing at a party tonight! Couple of glasses of wine and I probably won't even notice them - or I'll fall a** over ti* !!!

Linda, it sounds a lovely plan to jet off for Christmas ans certainly not selfish after the year we've all had. Hope you're going somewhere beautiful. Sheryl's right about time making the loss of loved ones all more bearable. It's been a few years since losing my parents and we always made a huge thing of Christmas. Now we can giggle about some of the daft things that happened and carry on the same way with our own slant on things. Having grandchildren about makes it all very special too.

Ruth, glad you've only got one week to go. I start my 15  rads on 5th Jan on breast and clavicle so will be interested to know how you are following the zapping to the clavicle area. Your journey sounds horrendous and you will be so relieved to complete it - bring out the flags! Last Thurs I had my ct scan and markings checked and do agree that it certainly isn't a comfortable bed! As I have lymphodema in my right arm I found the supports really cut into me. However, I think once I start the rads for proper it will be a quicker affair.

Have a good weekend everybody. I went with one of my daughters to a panto this afternoon but spent most of it outside the theatre as her 4 year old was terrified of the Ugly Sisters !!! The 2 year old was really enjoying it til he saw his sister crying! Don't think we'll be trying that again for a couple of years. Did get to shout "behind you" though !!!

Best Wishes, Gill X

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

Sodastream - Congrats on completing your Rads, another hurdle over with.

Wax2014 - I hope you have a nice hols 🙂

Ladycroft -  I have one more week of Rads at MV on my clavicle area then I am finished, I had a meeting with the Rads clinic nurse too and shes giving me some gel incase my skin cracks. I have not yet made it to the Lynda Jackson centre as its always closed when I get there late afternoon. It also appears that I missed an introductory meeting at the start of Rads which I never got any info about, which they apologised for. I have also been on Tamoxifen now for nearly a month, with no obvious side effects so far. I next see my oncologist in February, mammogram and surgeon follow up in March and having my portacath removed in January. I have found the staff at MV very efficient, but the daily round trip of 54 miles very arduous, particularly one night last week during rush hour and several accidents it took us nearly 2 hours to get home rather than 40 mins.

I am suffering with a really stiff neck but as I have a back condition I think its all the positioning the staff do and the awkward angle I am placed in daily with my neck twisted !! I called the room the torture chamber the other day and they all laughed :))

I hope everyone else is doing ok xx Ruth xx

[Sodastream]

Hi Linda. I finished radiotherapy today so it's been an emotional day. Luckily by only having 3 weeks my skin has been fine and is not sore in the slightest, however I think by having a mastectomy there is no chaffing skin to get sore. At the beginning of the treatment it seemed like this day would never arrive and I feel lucky that I have no lingering side effects plus it's really helped that I never lost my hair due to the cold cap. I feel like I've been given a second chance to live my life and I intend to do that with no thought of the "what if".
I lost my mum 18 years ago and it does get easier with time. It's a blessing when you get to that stage you can have a good old laugh reminiscing without bursting into tears, however there are many stages of grief you have to go through before you reach that stage. Jan give it time as its not been long and with everything else you've been through its been a difficult time.
Linda I don't blame you for going on holiday, I hope you have a lovely time. X

[wax2014]

Hello ladies..its quiet on here so I am assuming all is well? Ruth and Sheryl ..are you both finished with your radiotherapy now? Hope neither of you are too sore?
Jan , I hope you can muddle through christmas it will no doubt be a difficult time for you...but remember the smiles and the good times. I'm concentrating on those...remembering my dads smile , his silly faces with his christmas hat on...watching the Two Ronnies earlier made me laugh...Dad loved them. The first Christmas without them ..not good and I'm wimping out, getting on that plane on Thursday and getting the heck out of here.....feel selfish leaving the rest of the family behind but for the first time ever I'm gonna think of me and what I need which is to enjoy the company of my husband and my daughter, recharge and come back ready to face 2015 . Merry Christmas to all of you..lots of love Linda xxxxxx

[ladycroft]

Hi Ruth . I found most of the staff to be great at Mt V. How are you getting on now that you've finished. Are you on tablets too? I don't see my onc until 9th January as they are so busy. I have numb feet still from the chemo but that could be a permanent thing as a friend who had the same tratment still has them 2 years later. Ihave very stiff sore fingers and knees but it could be worse. I hope you and all the other ladies have a good Xmas.It will be very strange without my mum (3 months since she died )and son who is working away this year so not really celebrating. Will save that for the New Year when we've all finished treatments and can look forward to the back of 2014 xx

[Sodastream]

Hi all, had a lovely evening last night and was very good by drinking lots of water so I didn't suffer this morning.
Linda the gene testing for BRCA is linked to triple negative BC (don't quote me but I think I read somewhere that about 80% of BRCA is in triple negative). Therefore if your cancer was hormone receptive and you need to go onto tamoxifen or equivalent then the likelihood of being BRCA is highly reduced. X

[wax2014]

Sheryl, what brilliant news, congrats and enjoy your wine and cheese , sounds lovely.
I agree with you Ruth, it starts somewhere! I asked for a test as my hubbys mum died of breast cancer at 29 and now I have been diagnosed so I'm worried for my daughter as its on both sides of her family now, but they said no ? Really not sure how they make their judgements regarding gene testing......
Its nice to hear that you are both coping with the radiotherapy and nearing the end now.
I'm busy getting ready for our holiday ..only 11 days and counting !! Really can't wait , we're having Christmas next sunday with my mum and stepson and daughter in law coming for lunch..so my daughter will get her presents early....it made sense as she asked for a kindle, this way she gets to use it on the plane.
Were getting up early to go to the German Market in Brum tomoro...always gets us in the christmas spirit...hi to Gill and Jan ...hope you all enjoy the weekend , Linda xxxx

[Sodastream]

Ruth my maternal grandmother had died in her early 40's of breast cancer when my mum was just 5. There is no other female relatives that side of the family, my mum died aged 47 (not of cancer) and I have 2 sisters that are 47 and 41. Originally they wouldn't test because there was not enough family history and I was not triple negative however after mastectomy my hormone receptor levels were lower ER 3/8 and PR 2/8 (anything under 3 in considered negative) and due to it being metaplastic I asked them to reconsider and they did. I agree with you Ruth it as to start somewhere but I'm glad it's not with me. X

[gmc]

Sheryl - may the celebrations continue indefinitely xxxx. Have fun with your tree and happy weekend everyone xx

[fowey]

sodastream congrats on test result, how did you persuade them to do BRCA test? I asked and was told unless already history in family of BC they don't do it? it must begin with someone in a family ! Ruth X

[Sodastream]

Sorry pressed post by mistake. Wanted to also say that I hope you are all well and have a wonderful weekend. X

[Sodastream]

Morning Ladies. There were celebrations in my house last night as I got my results from the BRCA test and they were negative. I was so relieved as although I'd already mentally prepared for what I'd have to go through had it been positive I would have crumbled if I'd have to watch my daughter and sisters go through those choices too. My daughter came home from work with champagne and chocolates and a huge smile on her face, it was then I realised what a sentence this had been hanging over her too.
I've got one week left of radiotherapy and apart from tender ribs my skin is holding up.
We're going to buy our real Christmas tree today and then I have friends coming over tonight for a wine and cheese night so shall continue the celebrations.

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

GMC - I am glad you got good results from your op... like you I have always enjoyed xmas  too 🙂

Ladycroft -  How did you find Mount Vernon when you were having your rads there? I have found them very efficient and the radiographers very nice. However, I popped to the Radiotherapy section in the menu here the other day and some there seemed to imply that if you get sent to Mount Vernon rather than Addenbrookes or Oxford, you have drawn the short straw?

I am drawing to the end of week 3 of Radiotherapy and other than traffic, its gone pretty much to plan. However a 4.30 appt for me today has been moved to 7.30...groan, so we won't get home until after 9pm. But I cannot really complain as all other appts I have gone in on time or early. Just a little sore on skin, so I am slavering on the Aqueos cream morning and evening 🙂

I hope everyone else is doing ok xx Ruth xx

[gmc]

Hallo Ladies

Thought I’d just give you a quick update as I went to Frimley Park Hospital this morning to see the consultant for results following my op last week. He’s happy that he doesn’t feel the need to operate again and that was a huge relief. We then saw the oncologist who wants me to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy , a bone density scan and Letrozole tablets.No surprises there thankfully. I don’t suppose rads will happen now till the New Year but at least I can see an end to it all now! Bit worried about the possible SE 's of the tablets but will just have to see. As long as it doesn't interfere with my Xmas shopping it'll be OK. I  love everything about Christmas and will definitely push the boat out this year!!!!!

Hope everyone is doing ok,

Gill XX

[Janet_BCC]

Hi ladycroft

I'm afraid I've edited the doctor's name from your post.  We aren't allowed to name health professionals on the site (even when it is to say positive things about them)

Best wishes

Janet

BCC Moderator

[ladycroft]

Hey Gill ,I should mention that my GP is from Egypt and his name is Dr M I found out about 3 years ago his first name is W!

[gmc]

Morning Ladies

Hope everyone ok today.

Jan, I hadn't realised these numb feet could be such a long term thing. Really hoping to get back to badminton soon but not sure how with these awful "plates of meat"! The name of your Dr really gave me the giggles in a very childlike manner. I'm sure it is a tricky time for you this Christmas without your Mum and son being away. My younger daughter phoned me up in tears - her husband walked out on her and their 2 babies in January -  and just getting the Xmas decs out of the loft set her off.

Ruth, I was told by oncologist and chemo nurses team that my portocath would need flushing every month if not being used. Wish it was still there as felt safe from vein probs with it in situ. Well done on being nearly half way through rads. I'll be looking to you all for tips when my time comes!

Linda, would love to hear how the Reiki goes as might give it a go myself. Enjoy your appointment free week.

Sheryl - step away from the housework !!! Hope the rads are progressing well.

I've got the hospital on Wed for results so see consultant and then oncologist. Keeping everything crossed for clear margins this time.

Take care, all

Gill X

[ladycroft]

Hi Girlies! Ruth your urge made me laugh .The trip is the worst bit I think. Just watch out for the burns, mine seemed ok then after 3rd week just got very sore.

I can't see my onc until 9th Jan as they are so busy,she is based at Mt V a lovely lady called Dr Ah-See (be weird if we had same one !) 

I'm resigned to my numb feet as having spoken to a lady who had treatment 2 years ago still has them too.

Linda glad you are getting counselling,I've been quite tearful these last few days,it's only 11 weeks since I lost my  mum and I haven't really mourned her yet too. Plus our son is away until end of January so it'll be the first Xmas without him 

Gill how are you getting on ? Hope your results are good. I'm not really contributing much on here now as tend to use FB .Must get my act together . 

Sheryl don't give in to the housework yet! Hope your rads continue well

Best wishes to you all xx Jan

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

Well, the end of week 2 of Radiotherapy, so 10 days down , 15 to go 🙂 I think the radiographers think I am barking mad, as when they were adjusting the bed and machinery the other day, I felt the urge to shout out THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!! Unfortunately, they were too young to remember the programme?

Not finding the treatment too bad at the mo, its the 54 mile round trip we are finding ardous in rush hour there and back each night.

I am returning to the hopsital nearer to me on Tuesday to have my portacath flushed, mixed opinions on this...the oncologist said it was wise to have it flushed every 6 weeks until it is removed...the nurses said it wasn't necessary?

I hope you are all getitng along okay. xx Ruth xx

[wax2014]

Busy week for me ! Went to oncologist on Monday with a list of questions, looking for some reassurance really now that active treatment is over...but she was not committing herself to anything , which left me feeling quite unsure and apprehensive about the future. The BC nurse did say its normal to feel this way as no one has the answer to the big question ..'will it come back'....it seems we are just left to play a waiting game and hope! I think deep down I knew this but just gave it one last try with the oncologist for that little glimmer .!!
Following my nightmare trying a bone scan she has decided to send me for another MRI on my spine instead as I'm still experiencing a sciatica like pain which needs investigation, I can have this at Redditch where I did my chemo and hopefully they can get the cannular in for me .
I also had an afternoon at the hospice..lovely place although I was a little unsure about going but don't worry it was for complimentary therapy ...it seems its all done there. I saw a lovely lady who chatted about how I was feeling, what I'd been through , diagnosis and treatment etc a bit like a therapy session in itself . I have now been offered 6 sessions of reiki ....don't know how its spelt but its mind, body and soul massage techniques for relaxation. I can also have physio on my mx arm which has stiffened since rads finished and she also thought I was in need of some counselling as I've not really mourned for my dad with everything thats been going on. So I came out of the session feeling happy in that all this extra help was available and would hopefully help with the moving forward part of this journey.
I've also finished my part of the decorating ..I gloss hubby does emulsion ! Only I got the short straw as it was the hall stairs and landing ,10 door frames, skirting and the stairs...I hate the stairs! But its done now so I'm happy and its kept me occupied.
I looked at the calender for next week and No appointments ..I have a free week !! Cant remember when I last had one of those! Knowing my luck the appointment for the mri will turn up ! Hope you are all doing well ..hugs and fun to all ....anyone putting their christmas tree up yet or is it to early ?????

[Sodastream]

Hi Ladies hope you're all well. I've started radiotherapy and have had 4 of my 15 sessions. It really is a breeze compared to all the other treatment and I'm lucky living so close to the hospital. Yesterday they were running early and got me into position really quickly so it was less than one hour door to door.
Having all this time on my ands I've been incredibly organised and have nearly finished with Christmas shopping as I hate shopping when it's really crowded. I can see I'm going to get bored over the next couple of weeks so may have to resort to doing some housework!!!! Sheryl x

[fowey]

Hello Ladies,

GMC - Glad your op went okay and I hope you are on the road to recovery now 🙂

Wax2014 _ Good to hear Ray had a nice send off. Sorry to hear about the lymphodema, but I bet you wer epleased with the clear MRI result. Its also good the surgeon has agreed to your request to more surgery too.I must admit when I have my 1st mammogram in March 2015, should there be anything there, I will request a doiuble whammy for sure.

Well, nearly at the end of my first week of Radiotherapy. The part I find most difficult is having my hands and arms suspended on rests above my head for upto 45 minutes, they hurt  once the sessions over.When they say ok you can get up now, I think to myself how? my arms have gone to sleep lol ! Also, I have a stinker of a cold and not being able to move my arms to wipe my nose , I feel like a snotty nosed toddler who badly needs mum to wipe my nose ! Otherwise its just been the traffic, as due to my appt times we end up in rush hour each time, which doubles the time our 27 mile journey home takes.

Hubs has been a star and come with me everyday, taking phone conferences in the car and working on his laptop whilst I wait for my appt and I have my session.

I can say 5 down, 20 to go after today 🙂

Hope everyone else is doing ok xx Ruth xx

[wax2014]

Gill so glad you've come through your op ok apart from some discomfort with the cannular ,I can fully understand how that must have felt ...blumin veins !!
Ruth hope you are getting into the 'rads' rhythm
and your sessions are running a bit more smoothly now ??
I've been to see the surgeon today, MRI was clear... but I've been referred to the lymphodema ( cant spell that one !!) clinic to see what can be done about the swelling of my hand, hopefully its just temporary whilst my veins are recovering from chemo.
The surgeon has also agreed to my request for a mastecomy on the good side , its what I want as my cancer was lobular and I couldn't feel it this time round and the mass ended up being 5cm ! I know it will put my mind at rest and help me to move on and I would have had to go through surgery anyway as I am so lobsided.
He said he would try and get me in by the end of January ...fingers crossed .
Yesterday was hard but Ray was so popular and well loved it seemed the whole of Alcester turned up to say a final goodbye...there must have been at least 400 people there , some couldn't even get in the church ...xxxx

[gmc]

Good evening Ladies

Had my op done successfully yesterday although surgeon decided against a reduction and just went in through original scar and removed a largish portion from the underneath of my breast. Should have results in a couple of weeks and can only hope that the chemo killed off the remaining cancer cells. Worst thing today is the back of my poor swollen and very tender hand where the anaesthetist popped through a vein putting in the cannula. He then put me to sleep with a gas mask (horrible) and recannulated when I was under ! Came out same day and pleased to sleep in my own bed .

Glad to hear you've been ok with your first rads, Ruth. Parking seems to be critical whichever hospital we attend so the easier it is the lower the blood pressure! Linda, your hair sounds lovely - and I have eyebrow envy! When I met with Sheryl I turned an unfetching shade of green as she has such great hair and eyebrows. Mine is growing but not confident enough yet to go out without a covering!

Time for more painkillers - feel like a junkie !

Take care all, Gill x