Club Tropicana - Pull Up A Chair and Chill

[Juliewulie]

So pleased for you Helena. You've come on leaps and bounds. Well done you.

I have to speak to my Oncologists Secretary on Monday anyway so will mention it to her. 

Thanks for your advice.

Xx

[ladybowler]

Juliewulie

In view of Alibobs experience I think I would ring sooner rather than later.

Doing even better in that my scar has finally completely healed so no more nurse apts and I can finally have a shower now instead of the top and tailing I have had to do for the past three and a half weeks xxx

[ladybowler]

Alibobs

Oh for god sake the sheer incompetence and it is totally unacceptable that you have to follow this up yourself, thank goodness you checked.  Well make sure you insist on being seen asap and that they do not try to fob you off that there is nothing availabe, it is their mistake.

xxxx

[Mai7]

Marla, are they putting you on zoledronic acid too?  This usually goes with aromatase inhibitors to reduce the risk of osteoperosis and bone mets. x

[Marla13]

Alibobs and Juliewulie, 

I couldn't agree with you more. Whenever I encounter anyone in a service/care industry, the first question I ask myself is "would I have you work for *me"? Nine times out of ten the answer is no. 

I, too, pride myself on my five star service to my clients....responding to enquiries promptly, spending time with them (they pay for 50 minutes-I see them for 50 or longer)-I don't cut sessions short which is what I've experienced in the BC arena.  

As soon as you walk through the "private" sector door in BC care, it seems they want to get as many patients through the door as possible; I never know how long my appointments are supposed to me but by god I do know how much my insurance co. is being charged. And I also know that my premiums will sky rocket next year.

I pride myself on working in the private sector and seeing *fewer* clients than I did on the NHS-this allows me to provide a quality service and maintain a work-life balance. As long as I earn enough to pay my bills I'm happy. I never set out to save the world or own a Ferrari. 

I've seen things from both sides now that I am a patient in the private sector and I must say-I do things so differently and I'm very proud of how I run my business. Good god. It's called Ethics. 

xxx

[Marla13]

Hi Mai-thanks for the link (I'm entertaining my father this week so may only have a chance to read once he's left). It sounds like we have very similar presentations (I remembered this from when I first read one of your messages). As my consultant keeps saying, lobular cancers are "interesting". Mine is ductal but it appears as lobular...here there and everywhere which is why we won't know what surgery I will need until we know *how* it has shrunk. It *will* shrink, but we don't know *how*.  

My Onctotype Dx test score was 1 so chemo was never going to be part of my treatment plan; (a score of 25 and over suggests chemo and anything under suggests the risks might outweigh the benefits). My consultant assured me that a score of 1 is a good thing, so I'm not too worried about that. I'm aware I am simplifying things but it is my understanding that Letrozole does to Estrogen + tumours, what chemo does to non-Estrogen + tumours so I'm really not worried at all. We'll know more in a few months, if not a years' time. It does take time to shrink the cancer. I'm just trying to get my life back on track-a lot has been "undone" and I now need to rewind the clock to pre-August. Right now, it's a "wait and see" and "do nothing other than take Letrozole" approach so I'm very happy with the plan for now.

xxx

[Juliewulie]

Thanks Alibobs
I agree I should ring just in case. It doesn't surprise me in the least the way you've been treated. I'm finding people are not capable of doing anything there days. I like you stress about work and make sure I do the best of my ability. We are in the minority it seems.
Xx

[Mai7]

Marla, that sound like a good plan and you seem much less anxious now.  Hormone positive tumours don't have a high response rate to chemo, mine only had a partial response after 8 rounds so I think trying the Letrozole could be a revolutionary move for hormone positive people.  Mine was scattered (diffuse) too and was primarily ductal with some lobular mixed so I had grown quite a magnificent masterpiece with an equal and opposing medical challenge.  We all grow a different masterpiece and the job of decoding what we have created isn't as clear cut as we'd like to think.  However, none of us intended to grow a tumour and I agree that the upheaval it causes for us is quite disturbing and we want everyone to understand that we have lost control of the fundamentals in our lives.   We're told we're ill and yet, suddenly we now have to work even harder to stay alive and not sink financially.   Like you, I have never been a person to take of much sick leave, in fact, I've never really suffered ill health until *this*.  I hope your Letrozole works well for you.  I still had to have the dreaded mx and I've now started consulation discussions on recon.  Keep us posted on how you're doing. In the meantime, this is a lovely read:  https://anticancerclub.com/inspiring-stories-from-cancer-survivors/dear-every-cancer-patient-ever-to... xx

[Alibobs]

Well ladies I took Helena's advice and rang the breast cancer department to ask about my first annual check up as it's a year since my operation. Guess what I'm not on the system!!!!!! Unbelievable!!! It was about 3 month ago that some one there assured me I was and to wait did the appointment!!! So when I explained this today on the phone the very nice but rather dim sounding advisor told me yes, I was on there for the normal 3 yearly checks like everyone bug not for an annual follow up!! She then said oh yes you were referred to us in 2017! No shiz Sherlock that's when I had cancer!!! Can't believe the incompetence of people theses days! I stress about doing my job correctly why bother? Any how I have to ring the breast secretary's on Monday to see what's happened. Good job I rang again isn't it! Juliewulie you mighg wish to do the same for peace of mind!!! Thanks for the heads up Helena😘😘😘

[Juliewulie]

Thanks Helena

Yes Shingles is not leasant especially with the meds as they have SE's too which are unpleasant.

I've met with Occ Health and they say I'm not fit for work between one thing and another so am considering leaving-bt it's not that easy.

last tme I spoke to my BCN was before Xmas last year and she said if I haven't heard about my mammogram by this Xmas to et her know so  think I'll give it a coupe of weeks and see if I hear anything.

Glad to hear you're feeling better afyer your op.

Julie x

[Marla13]

Hi Mai,

I'm really pleased to hear you are doing well. Yes, it is absolutely normal to get upset sometimes-the realization of the enormity of what you've been through...it hits us all at different stages of this process. But all in all you sound really well. 

I have actually decided (with the full support of my surgeon) to defer surgery and give Letrozole a chance to shrink my cancer (I'd love to say "tumour" but with lobular cancers it's not so much a tumour but "here, there & everywhere" from what I understand. If Letrozole shrinks it in the way we want it to, I may be able to be spared a mastectomy but to be honest, I do think it is unlikely given the nature of my cancer. Having said that, I am all for giving it a go if only to have more time to prepare for the surgery and have ample time off work, etc. 

There is no hurry whatsoever and my consultant assured me that I am safe and not putting myself in any risk by deferring surgery. Apparently Letrozole first stops the cancer from growing and then shrinks it. I've only been on it a month so we won't know anything for at least another two months but I am prepared to wait and just have it monitored via MRI's. I am in a very good place mentally re-my decision. I've now just got to get my life back on track because this has completely derailed me. I stopped work quite suddenly (as suddenly as one can as a psychotherapist) in order to attend my appointments (one of my team gave me a telling off and a lecture when I was unable to take the first appointment offered to me-I already had my own patient booked in) so I stopped working in order to make myself available 24/7 for my appointments.

That has probably been the most upsetting part of all of this-the fact that once you have a BC diagnosis...you are no longer treated as a human being with a career (I don't have kids) but a cancer patient (who doesn't have a life to live)-this has been *my* experience anyways. I don't usually operate this way, I don't take long periods of time off work so this has really been upsetting in so many ways. 

I am not rushing to get back to work full-time-I will return full-time in January. But at least I can feel confident that the next time they say "surgery" I will not kick in to "what date" mode, but rather *I* will be in control and *I* will be in charge.

The one thing I wish cancer teams understood is this: once you have a diagnosis of cancer, you are no longer in control of your health..."something" is happening to your body that can make you feel out of control, i.e., "I can't stop this from happening to me". So it is vitally important to help patients retain as much control in other parts of their life, but some teams do not see it that way. It's as if you have to surrender and be at their beck and call. The other thing I've learned about this process (again, just in my experience alone) is that we are all lumped into one group "BC patients". Yet Grade 1 is different to Grade 3 and the decisions one makes at Grade 1 are different to those made at Grade 3 or even Grade 2, and I wish it had been made more clear to me from the start that surgery is not urgent. I might not have disrupted my life in the way that I have (work is a bit part of my life and the nature of my job adds another layer to it)-I have lots of clients and lots of explaining to do re-my time off. I don't work with machines, I work with human beings. And I care about *them*. 

So, for me, the disruption to my life over the last 3 months (especially in light of the fact that I am now not having surgery)-is something I am not happy about, and the fact that I felt that one member of my team in particular had no compassion or understanding of the fact that I am still working and therefore can't always make the 1st appointment on offer....over and above the cancer diagnosis, hands down-these two aspects have been more upsetting for me.

All that said, I am doing well, given I do still have the cancer "in" me. This, for some reason, does not bother me. Knowing that the Letrozole is (hopefully) doing it's thing is enough for me to feel like I am in treatment, albeit it's hormone therapy and not surgery. Interestingly, my surgeon told me that for my type of cancer, the hormone therapy is more important than the surgery in "saving" me, i.e., surgery does not stop the cancer from growing; the hormone therapy does. 

I'll of course update on one of the threads when I have any news. For now, I'm just trying to get my life back on track. 

xxxx

[Mai7]

Hi Marla, I'm doing really well thanks.  I still get upset sometimes but that's to be expected I suppose given the lifechanging experience.  Where are you at now with your treatment, I saw you mentioned something about hormone therapy first on the diagnosed thread.  You are always welcome on this thread if you want to ask any questions or just have a chat. I bounced around all over the place in the early days.  I still move around a bit! xxx

[ladybowler]

Juliewulie

Oh mate sorry to hear that you are struggling and having shingles to boot, that is not good, this is the trouble when our immune systems are compromised as a result of the treatment we have had, I really hope that it improves quickly for you.

I would suggest the same as I have with Alibobs, give your breast clinic a call and ask when your 1st year mammo is booked for xx

It is hard to go back to work after such a long time, but hopefully you will be on a phased return to work, has your employer arranged an occupational health referral for you so that they can ensure that they are doing everything they need to in relation to your health and wellbeing for returning.

Helena xxxx

[ladybowler]

Alibobs

Oh darling I am only just catching up on your post.  I am so sorry and angry that you have had to put up with such ignorant and inappropriate behaviour from that person but glad to hear that your manager witnessed it and has been able to do something about it.  Please please do not let them affect you they are simply not worth your energy darling.

I would agree the anniversary is always a difficult one.  I would suggest that you ring your breast clinic and ask when you are to have your mammogram so that you have the comfort it is in place, and just in case they have missed you.  My hospitals policy was to do the first one 18 months post surgery and they sent the apt out 4 weeks before that date.

Thank you for your lovely thoughts, I am doing well and today I am wearing my normal clothes instead of the baggy pants and tops of the last 4 weeks.  Some bonus from it all is that I have lost 6lb in weight, crickey I might have to buy new clothes at this rate

Sending you loads of love and hugs

Helena xxx

[Shi]

Alibobs 👭👭👭 please 💪💪💪💪lady ignore those pathetic articles that are passing themselves off as humans, they are clearly not, because real humans like us treat each other with love, kindness, respect and dignity. You have buckets of this and you are good at your job, it does take a bit of time to get back into the swing of it, don’t let them upset you, pray for them because they clearly need it. 👭👭👭just imagine they have a big long snot hanging out of their noses when they are talking to you, you’ll have a lovely crazy smile on your face at them and that will confuse them and if they ask what are you smiling at tell them at what a beautiful day it is, because let’s be right ever day is beautiful isn’t it 😁😁😁Mai you amazing friend 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻That calls for a dance bit of Ask by the smiths 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻On the jukebox ❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕✨✨✨✨Shi xx

[Mishy18]

Actually Alibobs I think your manager should discipline the person in question and as your manager she is responsible for ensuring that you are treated fairly and with the respect you deserve in the work place you are covered by law in the discrimination act being a bc patient in recovery
It upsets me reading that you had to experience this kund of behaviour, me im fed up with people looking at me like i should be back at work.. oh if only i certainly wasn't expecting to be a Neuro patient in the same year as finishing my bc treatment and as i say i don't think people understand what a gruelling time from diagnosis treatment surgery etc it is be kund to yourself and forget about that idiot from work i hope they are ashamed of their behaviour 💖

[Mishy18]

Alibobs pleased you had a lovely holiday but really feel for you re work all i can say is what a 💩 bag that person was i wish people would realise that we are still dealing with the aftermath of emotions after bc treatment and be a little understanding anyway anyone that had been off work for as long would struggle at first i hope you are feeling OK after it, its been so long for me now off work I'm worried about the future re working as i my spine isn't happening probably now till end Dec (haven't been able to return to work after bc because of this) my appointment with surgeon made me feel really fragile again just want to get it over with now !!
Cut yourself some slack Alibobs speak to your manager in confidence about that work colleague of yours and remember how strong you are 💪
Ladies hope you are looking forward to Christmas this year atm shopping is my new favourite pastime as ling as i have someone to carry the bags im fine 👍

[Marla13]

Hi Mai-I just wanted to say hi and say I hope you are doing well. I unintentionally dropped off a thread or two and have found myself joining threads I don't belong to! .

xxxx

[Jobey68]

Alibobs how disgusting of your colleague to treat you like that, how dare she! You have every right to be  treated with respect at work , I know it's so hard to fight back when you are so upset but don't allow anyone to treat you like that, poke her in the eye from me when you see her next!! 😡

[Marla13]

Hi Alibobs,

I'm relieved to hear your manager is fully aware of your breast cancer and treatment, etc. and witnessed the laughing. It sounds like she is taking the necessary steps to help you-you're not super sensitive. I'm disgusted that your colleague treated you that way given they are aware of your illness.

Your reactions are perfectly normal for someone who was so competent at their job and who's brain (for good reason) is letting them down. Hopefully, once you are back at work consistently, and for some time you will gain your confidence back and show them why they hired you in the first place. And once you've been back for a while, your brain will start behaving. Sometimes we just need to re-wire ourselves. 

xxx

[Mai7]

Jobey, my turn in January for the big birthday too! My "kids" are 21 and 22.  I now look forward to hitting another birthday, no longer worried about loss of youth, more concerned about staying alive and grateful to see another birthday.  xx

[Mai7]

Alibobs, I agree with Marla, this is awful and you should have a chat with your line manager.  Why are people laughing and being so horrid after all you've been through.   xx

[Alibobs]

Hi Marla thank you for your kind reply.💖💖. Yes my manager is fully aware of everything and she was sat behind me today when this occurred. All my team know I have been off sick with BC. I do not want them to treat me with kid gloves but a bit of respect and consideration would be nice! I had private words with my manager who has agreed to reshuffle the team and make sure I am sat with someone who will act as my sole point of reference when I go back. I guess that's all I can ask for really. Think I am super sensitive to everything just now. Thank you again for helping me feel better xxxx

[Marla13]

Hi Alibobs,

It broke my heart reading about how awful this person was to you at work for laughing in your face. Does your manager know about your BC and are *they* understanding? It may be sensible to tell your manager about the person who was awful to you today, and maybe even take the initiative and say to that person "I know you must think I'm scatty but I've had a lot of medical treatment over the last year and my brain is not working as it was-please be patient with me-it would really help me out"-something to that effect. I honestly think that people are plain stupid. And they can be nasty in the workplace. It's hard to be assertive when you feel like crying but perhaps when you return from leave you can have that chat with the awful person or with your manager (and have your manager speak to some of the team)-I don't know what industry you work in but there is no reason they need to be so nasty.

Thinking of you and hoping you have a wonderful time away...

xxxx

[Alibobs]

Aww Juliewulie thanks so much for replying. I am 61 and have to work until I'm 66 too. It's worrying as I don't think I can stick it out that long but definitely need my wage!! Hoping things will calm down again when I go back. My manager promised me support on my return to work but apart from phased return that seems to be sadly lacking!! Sorry to hear about you having shingles. I've heard they are really painful you poor thing. Sending you gentle hugs 💖💖

[Juliewulie]

Hi Alibobs

Glad you had a nice holiday. I feel for you regarding work. I am at the same point as you ( had my op a year next week) and am in two minds as to whether to go back to work. I fall into the age bracket where I will have to work until I'm 67 to receive my state pension. I'm 55 now. It's a big decision as to what to do. If I had been in your situation I too think I would have burst into tears. I can also understand about your concern regarding not hearing about your mammogram yet as neither have I and it's on my mind. I had a GP appoinment today as haven't been too good and discovered I have Shingles on my scalp. More awful SE's apparently-great!! It seems to be one thing after another with me. 

Try to have a nice week off next week and forget about it. Easier said than done I know.

xx

[Alibobs]

That should say fantastic holiday!!!!!

[Alibobs]

Hello lovelies!! Helena good to hear you are on the road to recovery!! Well I had a fantastic hissy in Cuba with my family. We went for a wedding which was beautiful!! So back to work again still on phased return. Had a complete and utter meltdown today!! Having been off work 10 mth b4 I returned in September and then using up accrued leave I have not had much time in the office. Things have changed and moved on a great deal since I went of sick. I am feeling lost!! The team ihave been told to sit with are not very approachable. I have to ask how to do everything because i habe forgotten!! My brain has turned to mush!! Today I was so confusedand receiving different instruction from different people I questioned this. Result was I got my head bitten off and that person laughed in my face when I tried to explain I did not understand. This made me break down and cry!! Felt stupid, still do!!! My manager has now sent me home to come back on after a weeks leave which I am booked for next week. Tomorrow is a year since my op. I haven't yet had a mammo appointment. This too is on my mind!! Today has been a bad day!! Thanks for listening xxx

[Jobey68]

Bless you Mai! I was a youngish mum many years ago, my boys are 27 and 29 now and I turned 50 this year 🙈Xx

[ladybowler]

Jo

Honestly I am didnt intend to do as much yesterday but it was lovely and an easy stroll, felt soooo good to be outside.  We are only doing a very short walk tomorrow, weather permitting and then going for lunch.  I have a couple of "dates" lined up over the coming weeks with my girlfriends, which is giving me something to look forward to.  It will be interesting going out for dinner at night to see how long I can stay aware for xxx

[Mai7]

Jo, I always thought you was a young mum and the pic was you and your baby! Didnt realise you're a gran. Well done.  Yes I too am grateful for everything I experience now.  My daughter graduated in the summer and I felt like one of those emotional mothers because it was a really big deal to still be here. x

Well done ladybowler.  As Jo said, little and often...... x

Thanks to both of you for your support ever since I first came on here in a bit of a flap!

[Jobey68]

Your going great guns Helena but slow and steady wins the race remember! 🐢🐰

[Jobey68]

Yes that's my overriding emotion too, have seen both sons marry and welcomed our first grandchild since my diagnosis and I'm so very thankful for this Xx 

[ladybowler]

Mai

I am 4 weeks post op today, yay.  I am getting better and stronger every day, although might have overdone it a little yesterday as I went for a walk with my friend, did 2600 steps but I didnt half sleep last night, did 6 straight hours then up for a wee, back to bed and slept for another 2, that is the most I have done at one time since my op. xxx

[Mai7]

Thanks Jo, in some ways it gets easier.  I have a consultation on Friday regarding recon (I was on delayed due to inflammatory factor and large diffuse tumour) but I'm just glad to be aliiiiiiiive!  xx

[Mai7]

Thanks Ladies, I hope you are both doing well too.  You must be at least high speed shuffling by now ladybowler? x

[Jobey68]

Getting that first year under your belt Mai is a huge milestone and does wonders for your confidence going forwards 💪 Jo Xx 

[ladybowler]

Mai

Well done and congratulations xx

[Mishy18]

Oh Mai well done 👍 im sure that mammo will be fine what a lovely milestone for you 💖

[Mai7]

Hiya, I just wanted to share that I am officially one year NED today.  A year since *the* surgery.  I am waiting for my annual mammogram results now.  Pessimism is always an option as you well know so trying to just not think about it!  xx

[rosietd]

Shi, your posts always make me laugh so much. You are a star. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mishy18]

Haha Shi don't apologise you get as excited as you bloody like after last years 💩 shop till you drop 🌃🌃🌃🌟🌟🌟💃💃💃💃🎄🎄🎄🎄 and sparkle sparkle sparkle 👍

[Shi]

It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the riiiigggghhhhttt, 😁😁😁put you hands on you hips 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪 and mishy, love any kylie tune she’s another inspiration for us all being a bc survivor herself 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Christmas stuffs in the shops and it’s ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨time big time ✨✨✨✨✨wheeeeeeeeee, sorry everyone it’s the ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨I just get so excited 🤪🤪🤪🤪💕💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Mai7]

Shi, how about a bit of Time Warp?  ...as long as time doesnt warp us back to chemo?   xxx

[Mishy18]

Good choice Shi 💃💃👻😈 a little bit of Better the devil you know 😈👿💃 love Halloween going to scare myself silly now and have a Netflix night xxxx

[Shi]

Well nearly Halloween, time for a bit of everybody by backstreet boys on the jukebox in club Tropicana 💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Rock your body right, backstreets back alright 🤪🤪🤪🤪💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Hope everyone’s doing ok 💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[ladybowler]

Mai

You got it in one but I am being really good.  The nurse was very pleased with the way the scar is healing and reckons after Monday I should be well healed so fingers crossed and I will not have to go again after that xx

[Mai7]

Ladybowler, thats brilliant news.  You can relax and look forward to a relaxing Christmas break now.  Hope you are healing well.  Slower than you'd like, I expect.... xxx

[rosietd]

Wonderful news Helena - so so pleased for you.

Love to all.

xxx

[ladybowler]

Shi

Thank you darling xxx