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Bone mets - please join in

rosie53
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Re: Bone mets - please join in

Hi Carolyn/FF, I get the whole tired can't sleep thing. It's like omg how can you be soooo tired but yet you still can't fall asleep! Sometimes though I think we can over think the situation, I go to bed thinking will I sleep tonight!
Well I've started on the accord letrozole today instead of femara, spent about an hour deliberating whether or not to, I can only give them a go though and see if helps with the itching.
Hugs Janette xxx
Carolyn52
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Oh funny face ..what a couple of stay awakers we are ...I don't drink caffeine after 4 pm, don't take any phone, tablet or device to bed and I even bought new duvet and pillows last week.
I always slept well till this cancer lark. Hubs always said I could sleep for England and through an earthquake !!
Well ..tonight try again with these pills ...
Xxx
funnyface
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Carolyn, I truly can't figure sleep out! I've been trying to go to bed and rise and shine at around the same times. I don't get an afternoon nap anymore since I work 1 to 4! Yesterday when I got home from work I could barely hold my head up. Hubby made dinner and I sat. I was like that all evening but wouldn't allow myself to sleep. About 45mins before bed I said OK you can lay down, relax and watch some TV, but if you start to fall asleep you have to get up. I did good and felt relaxed. Thought OK maybe this is whst I need! I need to unwind better b4 I get in bed. It was a no go! Went yo bed, Hi ceiling! You and I are staring at each other again. Wow, fantastic lightening display. Guess I will turn the radio back on! Look at that concern, I hope the spider hangings that made it. Maybe, I should get up and knock that down, b4 he gets me etc., etc., etc.!!!!! What happened to being tired!! Now, I'm up but ready for bed! I'm like a baby with my nights and days confused. I'm trying hard to readjust this old clock!! FF

Carolyn52
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Yawn ..zzzzzz. .so tired.
Took kalms as instructed. .did feel relaxed when got into bed ..thought I would supplement things with "Carolyns meditation plan" . This really consists of 20 deep breaths. .in and out....a drink of tonic water and a rub of my Buddha's fat little belly.


Still awake 2.30 am this morning .. but will try again tonight ..
Xxxxx
funnyface
Member

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Carolyn, Oh my!!! I will be nice. She was a little over concerned.

Carolyn52
Member

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Hello ladies .
Today I went into my local chemist to buy some Kalms ( herbal sleeping pills) and as I was handing over the cash ...here is my conversation.
Sales assistant:
Oh ....are you stressed. .
Me :
No just can't sleep very well.
Sales assistant:
Are you in pain then?
Me:
No ..not really. .I just can't sleep.
Sales assistant:
Are you depressed or anxious ?
Me:
No ..I'm a happy bunny.

Goodness knows what I would of been asked if I was buying condoms or pile cream!! In front of a queue of people ..if I wasent stressed before I went in chemist ..I certainly felt stressed by the time I left.
Anyway ...zzzzzz hopefully for tonight.
Xxxx
Carolyn52
Member

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Hello Maria
Reading other websites exmestance was very expensive and therefore cheaper options like letrozole and anastroze were prescribed but now it's out of licence ..it's a standard price like the others ..hence the reason not so.many ladies on it.
It's also used as a combo with everomus which is an affinator and Funnyface is taking at the moment.
So you will be fine. ...xxxx
Rose47
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Hi Bon

 

I have Zometa every 4 weeks as I also have a bone met in my pelvis.   Is there a reason for having Exemestane on its own if it is usually given in combo ?  

 

Funny face, Carolyn and Bon I cannot thank you enough for your support today and Mojan I am going to repeat your words every morning, I won't believe it won't work I will believe it will !!

 

Since being diagnosed and having treatment this is the first time I have heard the words progression so it's knocked me down.   I feel so well too that I wasn't expecting it.  

 

Anyway you all know what I mean and you are all amazing xx

 

 

bonariensis
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Hi Maria Louise

I have bone mets and I take exemestane and denosumab which is a bone strengthener administered by injection every 4 weeks. I've only come across one other person who is on exemestane on its own for sbc. You may experience different side effects from the ones I have, everyone is different though the se/s seem to line up with what the leaflet in the box says. In addition, it's hard to tell which drug is responsible for what you feel though I have tried to keep a record. I have numbness, tingling and shootong pains in my lower legs and feet. My feet hurt if i walk too far and when i get up from sitting or lying but this does vary during the course of a month. I get other odd aches and pains in my pelvis and hips. To begin with I had numbness and tinglng in my hands but this seems to have gone. I have had periods of feeling dizzy and I don't sleep very well which I think is the main cause of feeling tired. It's definitely a step up from tamoxifen. Having said all this it's not that bad. I have off days but lead a fairly active life.

 

I hope it works for you and doesn't cause too many problems.

Bon xx

 

 

 

jazmia
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gosh ff 

just read your post ,my goodness hope i dont have two black streaks or will look like a zebra,which will be more hilarious to family ,

olove renee

funnyface
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Renee, My hair came back in after my primary cancer slightly curly, my normal mousy dirty blonde with two white streaks about an inch wide. One down each side of the head! Out came the box of bleach! Then I lost my hair with secondary and it was a drab mixture of different shades of blonde, brown, white,  and grey. My husband has never complained about anything I've done to my hair. Always said it was my hair. One day he looked at me and said I don't want to hurt your feelings, but your hair color is a mess!! He said have you thought about coloring it again or are you waiting for it to change?!? Out came the hair products again. FF

jazmia
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thanks ff

i am going to ring oncologist secretary when i get back on monday as he stated at last appointment he was bringing my next appointment forward by one month for his and my own peace of mind ,plus bringing the ct scan forward to correspond ,so why now cancel??

 

i noticed in one of your posts you were on about hair,well i am 76 and never ever died my hair ,always been a mousy colour until ,darren was born in 1969 and i went silver grey and always have kept it silver ,but i did lose some hair before i came of the chemo and still lost quite a bit on targeted therapy,however it is growing back in JET BLACK ,plus all curly in nape of neck,i dont like it but have to put up with it ,my family think it is hilarious and keep telling me silver grey with black streaks wwill be so with it ???they are on another planet

love reneexxxxxxxxxxx

funnyface
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Renee, I'm relieved to see your DIL is able to give you a lift to these appts. You amaze me with your strength to carry on! I agree 18 days will be a long wait! You will need some chocolates to get through! FF

funnyface
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Jellytot, I'm sorry you had a problem again. I'm sitting here praying and wishing for you to get squared away with a treatment plan that is effective with minimal SE's! You need a break emotionally and physically from this rollercoaster. Hugs, FF

funnyface
Member

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PMOL, I'm happy you found the escape door! Enjoy your sister! I hope you can have some fun! FF

funnyface
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Maria Louise, Ignore my previous post.I was catching up on posts from yesterday and responded. Then I read today's post. Now, that you have picked up your med I will tell you I'm not having any problems with it. Of course each of us is different. I was on metronome for 21 months and it killed my knees! At one point I was on crutches get some relief from it. This med is not harsh on my knees and has been such a relief. My hair has always broke a lot on all the drugs. I was just looking at my hair today and it seems like the broken areas are growing. I'm a bad one. I have never stopped bleaching my hair. I'm not advising anyone to bleach their's, I just hate how mine looks without it! Good luck!

funnyface
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Maria Louise, I don't blame you for being upset. They should not have changed yiur drug without an explanation!! Maybe others might disagree with me but I think that was unprofessional! I'm furious for you! Have you received the drug yet. I'm thinking it might be exemetsane which is also called aromosin. I am currently on exemetsane but in combo with evermolimus. Did you make any complaints about SE's of tamoxifen that he might have thought a new drug might be better? I hope you can get answers on Monday! I'm sorry you have to wait the weekend! FF

Rose47
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Hi Mojan

 

I think I must be post menopausal as the fec chemo stopped my periods over a year ago and I have not had one since.  My scan was 2 1/2 weeks ago.  My tumour markers were OK as I have them done every 4 weeks before I have zometa.  Maybe they are not an accurate indicator on some people.  

 

I am am just hoping that these new pills do their stuff and stop any further spread.  I had to look up where my adrenal glands were !!  Now I need to re group and be positive again,  I.believe in the pills.  Out of interest do you follow any particular healthy eating plan that helps with these little blighters.

 

Carolyn thank you for your explanation and I hope you those tablets keep you chemo free for many years to come.  You and Jeanette seem to be doing so well on them.  Xx

Carolyn52
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Hello Maria
There are 3 common used hormone pills ...letrozole , anastroze and exmestance. ..they all work very much the same but from reading the threads I think exmestance can be easier for side effects...I'm on letrozole which is doing a good job after nearly two years.
Most of these do cause more bone aches ..so don't panic if you feel a bit stiff when you get up etc. My knees almost play a tune if I bend !! You might find you shed a bit of hair more than usual so try to avoid hair straighteners and harsh colour .
All the very best with it and in general we all want to stay on these pills as long as possible to stop out mets partying in the body !!
Hugs xx
Moijan
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Oh, our posts have crossed.....now we know....i Havent personal experience of it, but dont google....you can ask the nurses or call the helpline for a chat. Just stay on this site.  and dont worry, it wont make any difference...just take the drug, try not to imagine awful things...and chat to the bcn on Monday.

Moijan
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Moijan
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Hi Marie,

 

bon is obviously the ideal one to help you with getting used to  this. The aromatase inhibitors work in a very different way to tamoxifen. They are brilliant drugs and they usually work...tho the length of time might vary from one person to another. You havent said wether you are post menopausal or not or if you had a recent scan  but it coul d just be that the doctor just decided you would be a better candidate for exermestane.

 

at any rate - you could call the brrast care nurse on monday and have a chat....ideally you wold see the doctor...i have never had a change of drug like that without a chat first.......its a new one on me...but maybe if you either live a long way away or arent very mobile, he thought this was the ideal thing to get you started.

 

dont assume it wont work...assume it will !love and best wishes, Moijanx

Rose47
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Me again .......  Well a letter has just arrived from hospital and it says the scan shows a slight increase in liver met and a small deposit in my adrenal gland.   So my question is does anyone have any experience of the adrenal gland ?  Xx

Rose47
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Just picked up prescription and it is Exemestane.  I will have to look it up.

 

xx

Rose47
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Morning Mojan and Bon

 

Thankyou so much for your replies and positivity.  I am going to pick up my prescription from the chemist in a lilittle while so will see what it is !  Maybe a letter will arrive today with an explanation?... It's just the unknown isn't it that takes you into the "dark place".  

 

I suppose if if tamoxifen has stopped working it doesn't mean that this new one won't work.

 

big hugs M xx

bonariensis
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Hi Maria Louise

They don't think do they? All you can do is try and find good things to keep you occupied this weekend. If the drug begins with 'e' it might be exemestane. I've been stable on it for nearly 2 years.

Hugs Bon xx

Moijan
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Jellytot....I also understand about why you are feeling anxious xx

 

Eribulin( my drug), too can cause a prolonged qt interval....means some of the heart action is slightly delayed.

im not exactly sure about this, but some drugs cause this whilst you are taking them ....so whilst you are off it, you can try not to worry.....lif you do get anxious, if say your heart starts thumping or beating feels irregular, go to A+E asap....and they will definitley do an ecg for you.

 

best wishes, love and hugsxx Moijanxx💚💚💚

Moijan
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Hi Maria Louise,  I totally understand why you are worriedxx

 

. However, it might possibly be due to your individual circumstances....we dont know, of course, but one thing I thought might be that theyve changed you to an aromatase inhibitor? i was not a candidate for tamoxifen as i was menopausal...could the new drug be arimadex? Or something? Or letrozole? 

 

Either way, they are obligied to inform you if there has been progression, and discuss the treatment options, so try very hard to look on the bright side...I know its not easy, but unless your gp has a Saturday am surgery

( in which case you could go in and ask to see a gp and get some answers)  you have no other option....you might as well try and enjoy these two days.....as you cant do anything about it.....xx

 

sending you lots of hugs xx  this wretched disease is soo very good at leaving us anxious.....

 

Moijanxx

jellytot83
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Hayeswen, I must have you fooled! I'm a panicky person too, the fact they've taken me off the drug is terrifying for me, I'm already worrying about what if I can't go back on it at all, what if the QT thing gives me a heart attack, what if it's damaged my heart permanently, what if, what if, what if. I guess I think all of those things in my dark moments and then just try to get on with it so maybe that's where the positivity may seem to be!

 

I'm so glad you had good news xx

Rose47
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Evening ladies x I am in a major panic ! Just had a phone call from my surgery to say that on request from my hospital (I had a scan 3 weeks ago) my doctor has changed my prescription from tamoxifen to another tablet which I think began with an e !! (I went into panic mode and couldn't take it all in. Does this mean I have had progression ?? Being a weekend I can't speak to anyone until Monday and I feel sick with worry. Xx
Hayeswen
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Jellytot

I just want to hold your hand and must say admire you as you are so positive not like me as I am a complete stress head. i want your treatment to work quickly so that you can enjoy some respite like the rest of us . Fingers crossed for a good nights sleep Wendy
Hayeswen
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Hi all

Have been thinking of you all whilst I was away and keeping an eye on what has been happening.PMOL glad you are ok. I have just had the most wonderful week in Greece. This week came back to washing and ironing and a visit to ENT dr as persistent sore throat and swallowing causing pain in ears. GP referred me for chest c ray which was clear but wanted me checked out so me Me andhubby were petrified I had some other sort of cancer but got the all clear today 😄. Am off out now withfriends from work so will have glass or 2 to relax before my next Onc appt where I need to mention my hip. But torrential rain aside today is a good day. Have a great weekend all. Wendy
jellytot83
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Hi Girls,

 

PMOL, glad you're home!

 

I've just had my two week check for my first cycle on my trial drug. Common issues other than the normal side effects at this point are low bloods, rarer are issues like heart problems. I was supposed to be there for 3 hours and was there for7.

 

I had bloods done, weight (have lost even more, it's now nearly 2 stone since diagnosis) and an ECG. My bloods are ok but my heart rhythm isn't. The QT something or other is too high (they did two ECGs) so they've taken me off the trial drug for a week 😪 I have to continue the letrozole though.

 

My oncologist said not to worry and that at the start they will always play around until they get the dose right. Easier said than done though. I guess it makes sense, as why would a dose for an 8.5 stone me be the same dose as say a 15 stone woman... I have to go back in a week for a repeat ECG and then they will look at what to do. So probably reduce my ribociclib dose down.

 

They gave me something to help me sleep (zopiclone), as I've not slept properly in about a fortnight so will be starting that tonight xx

Carolyn52
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Hello.pmol
So glad u home so you can enjoy the weekend and you will need to just be careful what u eat ..no McDonalds or vino !! Most hospitals kick out as many as possible at weekends so they can half the staff.

Renee
Wow you have been busy with sorting out hospital appointments but it's the waiting that's worst ..we all have to deal with it at one time or other but that's our life now ..
Try not to worry too much as cancer loves stress .
Hugs xxx
PMOL
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Hi girls! i'm home!!!! 😁😁😁😁

 

still didnt figure out why had been sick but the promise of chocolate cupcakes to the jr doc that was on my ward might have helped send me home 😂  Anyway, it was all clear and although they eanted to do some sort of scopy down my throat, I'm glad they didnt as I'm fed up of being proded. 

 

So now to enjoy my sister's visit for 2 weeks (although I do have lots of appts) 🤔

 

Big hugs and thank you for understanding xxxxxxx

jazmia
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hi ff 

got some sorted ,have treatment at cityhospital on monday  followed by scan for radiotherapy, and then ct scan at newark hospital on wednesday,my daughter in law has just said she will take me monday as its a 52 mile round trip and of course with ambulances much much longer as they pick up in every village ,then the wait when finished treatments ,so appreciate she is doing that .

will get all others sorted hopefully next week ,but cancelling my onco appointment gives me a full eighteen days of worry for scan results ,not good at all.

love reneex

funnyface
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Renee, You will be mad after all this! FF

jazmia
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hi carolyn ,just had my oncology appointment cancelled ,and have tried ringing the nurse and receptionis but no reply ,just the answering machine ,typical ,the thing that worries me he said he wished to see me in one month rather than wait two and now its been put back two weeks ,plus have had no word at all about radiotherapy which he also said i would be scanned before actual procedure,so not having much luck at all ,but it doesnt say because we have so many hospitals that they are all good ,some are brilliant ,others just so so.

yes i agree they think we have gone back to our childhood or senile ,

i remember my mum being ill in 2006 and the doctore doing this test to see if she had dementia,he asked her all these questions and she answerd them ,he then asked her who the prime minister was and she said winston churchill,he lookedat her ten at me and shook his head ,mum piped up and said ,now you tell me who is going senile,,she also always told nurses etc she was 92 but all there and not to treat her like a child ,

best go as son has arrived to paint one of my cupboards out ,

love reneexxxxxxxxx

Carolyn52
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Hiya Renee
I think for some of us having cancer eating away at us makes our brains sharper and I hate it when people patronise me too ...yep I might walk with a stick but I'm not deaf or senile yet !!
Living here in devon ..everything is more compact ..one hospital really but a good one ..oncology and chemo adjacent so hardly any walking between.
Hugs xxx
jazmia
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hi ladies ,

thanks for kind replies ,yes we have plenty of hospitals to choose from ,we have 6 different ones ,but does make it awkward as i attend three of them, one to see oncologist ,one for treatment and one for scans,the reason being i am under one for oncologist ,but the herceptin and perjeta that is my therapy are not allowed to be given at this hospital,hence i attend three of them ,but they get in such a mess over appointments and then try and blame me ,i am 76 but not mad or even slightly mental ,as yet ,but soon will be if this carries on,so i guess nottinghamshire are lucky in the respect of hospitals and amount of them ,and i most certainly would not be here if not for one of them ,but that makes me having attended five out of the six in the past 18 months from having my leg amputated ,and they did save my life ,no doubt there at all and so here to tell the tale .

thanks again 

reneexxx

bonariensis
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Hi Renee

Three different hospitals all in one day! That would challenge a twentysomething given that appointments are not always as prompt as they could be. Perhaps we are lucky here down in Devon in that there are not many hospitals to choose from.  My grandchildren are only 6 and 8 but I started late producing children. Boys seem to need hugs more.

 

Good luck sorting your appointments

Hugs Bon xx

funnyface
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Wow Carolyn! Two sets!!

 

Renee, That is a lot of arranging! I don't know how you do it! I  hate picking up the phone to make appointments or handle problems! Lol after 12 years of mets appointments and problems exhaust me! You are amazing! I'm rooting my horn bc you have impressed me. FF

Carolyn52
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Oh Renee
You poor love ..all those hospital trips to sort out when you have to rely on transport too...thinking of you. Xx
Crissy
The 12 year olds are twins and so this is the 2nd set. ...I shall have to make sure son gets " doctored" after they are born.I call twins buy one ..get one free ! Oops.
Hugs everyone xxxx
crissy
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Evening Carolyn,

 

My youngest grandchildren aged 8 & 12 still tolerate my hugs and kisses, although they have no option as I grab hold of them. Yes money does work better.

We have a great grandchild, a boy, due on 2nd December. Can't wait for munches and feeling those lovely chunky legs as they get older.

 

Been a lovely sunny day here in Brum.

 

Sending love to you all and loads of nanny hugs,

Crissy xx

jazmia
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hi carolyn,

how lovely to have twin grandchildren due ,twice the trouble and worry ,but worth every minute of your precious time with them 

mine are two girls 21 and 26 ,plus two boys 21 and 26,the boys always have hugs but not the girls ,[strange ].

 

i have not been on here much as trying to sort all my appointments out as have two scans plus my treatment all on the same day but at three different hospitals,and can i get any sense out of them ,not likely,they think its me thats an idiot at the moment ,but will try again tomorrow ,

take care reneex

Carolyn52
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Hello ladies
Quiet here so guess everyone is busy and enjoying the last of the summer ..can feel winter creeping in already.
Crissy ..glad u get loads of nanny hugs ..mine at 12 and 13 arnt keen unless I dangle their pocket money and then I can maybe steal a hug !! But I have twin grandchildren due November and they won't mind! !
Hugs xxx
crissy
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PMOL, so, so pleased that the scan was clear.

Thats the best news.

When one of us has bad news it affects all who keep up with whats going on on this forum, but it is so, so good when bad news turns into good. 

Hope you are home tomorrow and get to recover in your own surrounding, 

 

Sending big hugs and my grandchildren say I give the best biggest hugs, ( its mybig arm that has Lymphodema that envelops them and my big boobs)

 

XXX

 

funnyface
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Babsy, Sounds lovely and peaceful! Enjoy!

 

Carolyn, That would be something I would say! 

 

FF

Carolyn52
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Hiya babsy
That sounds lovely ..nothing like the beach sounds to relax ....obviously it's a permanent lodge you can live in all year round and not seasonal .
Pmol
Good news about the clear scans and hope the sickness is stopped now ..ugh we all hate being sick. .I remember with my primary chemo ..I was sick for 24 hours non stop . I remember saying to my hubby can't go hospital. .too ill !!
Hugs xx
Babsy
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Haven't checked in for a while.  Good to catch up with what's going on. Well seaside lodge purchased outright and we' re moving in next week. Can't wait , so excited. We are literally just across the road from the beach. Cant see from lodge as the beach has a bank above it and our place has a bank at the top. But you can hear the sea from our decking. Like most people I absolutely love the sea and it is a dream come true