Breast Cancer Now Forum

Nonny, So sorry to hear! Hope it went ok today! How long will you need to wait til the results? The waiting and not knowing is the worst. Wish the results will be good! Xxx ... View more

Ooh - sandytoes is living it large in the Maldives - I have been looking at resorts there over the last few days and I am just a little bit envious ... But I also hope you are having a great there! I had to cancel my holiday last Monday, since my bl**dy wound from the infection at Xmas *still*!* hasn't closed up - boohoo - whinge - annoy - getting worried about delay - whinge more .... So I *still* have not started radiotherapy and since there is no way I can start next week either, I will not be finished by the first week of April = start of school hols - for which I had booked a really nice cottage in Cornwall. When I booked it in the first week of Jan, I wouldn't have dreamed I d be delayed by so many weeks. Luckily the cottage owner understood and is ok with moving my deposit to a week later this year, when we ll go instead. I have had another course of antibiotics, as the district nurses said that probably some bacteria prevent it from closing - they didnt take a swab and those tablets didn't seem to make much difference either. After the course and a few days on, the hospital took a swab, discovered indeed some bacteria ( the antibiotics I took the week before have no impact on this strain - what a waste of 2 weeks that was) and now I am on an antibiotic ointment - which should affect this strain. I also had more liquid drained from my breast - from a new and different site than Xmas *great* ( it's still collecting 9 weeks after the op - it was only a small amount - but v uncomfortable) I know i am whinging - I was just so looking forward to a nice break away, at the end of radiotherapy. 😞 end of treatment, coinciding with school holidays, great timing that was. And now I am just worrying about not having started it yet at all... Right - looking further afield - regarding returning to work. Who has done a phased return to work and what did that look like? I want to get my head around it a bit - what to expect, how you dealt with it? Lorna - I hope you are having a good time this week! Take it easy!! Bertha - how are you doing after your final op? You will have radiotherapy, too, correct? Do you have a date to start that yet? Lots of love to the Junies, Rexi xxx ... View more

Lorna, so glad you also thought gym (sandytoes - wowh) is a bit much :). I can walk, but that also is the extend of my energy and enthusiasm. Mind you I do feel hampered by still healing. Katie, not sure about weights - maybe double-check with the breast care nurse? They seemed to be more with the real world. Saw the occupational health officer ( doctor) yesterday. He wanted the whole history of my bc and it turned out he was supposed to have seen me last summer / a few weeks after diagnosis - but somehow I was missed by the HR department and they were not aware of me ... When I said that I was in regular contact with my assigned HR person throughout, he didn't want to comment. Mmmh, wonder what has been going on there. Anyway, he says that my suggested 1-2 workshops per week of no more than 2h each is plenty during radiotherapy. I want to attend those workshops, the beginnings of a big project this year, and I want to be involved early. The phased return will be discussed later during radiotherapy. How were your phased returns structured? Rexi xxx ... View more

Lorna, I totally understand your anger and frustration. Rant as much as you like, it hopefully help a little bit. If they are trying to move me off my team or my role, I d be very upset.  I have been on regular contact with my line manger and so far we are still on the same page. Early Jan, my HR department suddenly has shown an interest in my wellbeing and how they can 'support me better'  - I was totally fine when they just let me get on with it - one of the things they wanted to help me with was re critical illness cover - jeez - they are months behind! The small print of that insurance says, to have to contact them within x number of weeks of diagnosis - I would have forfeited a claim months ago if I d waited for my hr department! Anyway, they arranged me to see the occupational health doc next week. For an hour.. I understand he is really there to figure out the phased return etc and write a report. I can think of advantages and disadvantages of this, let's see what happens.  And re 'all clear' comment - it's so very tedious having to explain this over and over again. Television has so much to answer for.  Katie - what did your onc explain re tumour marker? I asked my onc last week after you mentioned it and his answer was a bit fuzzy. It sounded like they can cause more heart ache with inconclusive results, bit like why they don't do regular mammograms on younger women. He said they have not checked them on me. As he was going to request some blood tests for me anyway (after the large amount of antibiotics over Xmas, during which a liver test went weird), he has also requested a marker result. What are the numbers that will come back and how should they be interpreted? Sandytoes, I have read the blog. Couldn't believe it! So so sad 😞 Not started with radiotherapy yet. The wound is Still open. I have just been put back on antibiotics on fri coz it's seemed to take to long. Can't start with RT until it's proper skin, as it's near or even in the area they want to treat. Getting slightly anxious with the delay... Rexi xxx ... View more

Oh no, I didn't Even think to see how the story continued. Off to her blog now ... ... View more

Ooh, and I had my first haircut today - to tidy up the wilderness on my head. My hair looks neat and almost as if I actually may have wanted short dark grey hair, almost 🙂 ... View more

Bertha - so glad you are out (again)! Why is your tummy a pin cushion? I only got the injections for thrombosis into my tummy... At Xmas time, I had a ladder of ever increasing blue marks up one of my veins on my right arm though, cannula in another vein. When they run out of space they started at the wrist - I can still see the shadow of that hematoma. 😞 On the general upside in my current rather lazy life, I finally emptied the 3 removal boxes in my bedroom this morning - they have been staring at me since early Dec. Have not quite organised my wardrobe yet, but these were the last 3 boxes from the move ( lets not mention the 10 sitting in the garage and then there is also a full storage room, that requires emptying. I SO have to become more ruthless about STUFF). Anyway, it has been the most energy I have displayed in weeks 🙂 Pam - it sounds so lovely that your oh is planning this for you! And the holiday next week! So sweet! Sandytoes, a cup size in one sitting? How many sitting will you have 🙂 SuperT - a C-cup seroma? Wowh! Hope it goes down soon! Mine was spread across a wide area, couldn't see it week from the outside - but I have reported plenty about that 😉 Lorna, must have mixed you up re work. Good luck for Feb instead 🙂 As I have been off since 1st Dec, which has been the longest since dx, I now can't quite imagine how to fit it in again. Have become so lazy :). Well, one step at a time, RT first, then I ll have a think about phased return. I was well positioned for a promotion next month, but bc put a stop to it. I will probably be considered for next year instead. I d like the recognition, but I am in two minds if I want to have the added stress that comes with it.... Have any of you read any BC books? I didn't realise they existed until a friend mentioned that she has read a couple to understand better what I am going through, by reading similar real stories, their thoughts, treatments etc. I thought that was really sweet. Anyway, I have now also read a few in the last few weeks. So far, I quite liked 'the c-word' ( nothing like the American series of the same name). Sandytoes, there seem to be parallels to you - well without having met you 😉 Rexi xxx ... View more

Hi, I posted in Dec expecting to have started with RT by now, but was a bit unlucky. I got myself a bad infection and ended in hospital for most days over Xmas and new year. They figured out I had a bacterial infection on Xmas day and on boxing day my lymph node scar, which was healed from the outside, burst and I spend the rest of the week in hospital. I was left with a big leaking hole on the side, which only now seem to fill with tissue), still leaking a bit though. As long as it's not completely healed they won't start radiotherapy. I am a bit anxious - I had a lumpectomy and node clearance on the 5th Dec and was told RT should begin 4-6 weeks after. The 6 weeks are over and I dont know when I can start yet 😞 How much delay is ok before the treatment is starting to be less effective? Happy zapping to all of you 🙂 Rexi ... View more

Oh - what's this thing about tumour marker? Nobody has mentioned that to me either, nor has anybody taken any blood from me for it... Bone density - I had a bone density scan last week - which has been the easiest of all checks/treatments to date - Low radiation, nothing hurts 😉 My onc suggested it, since I have not had a period since July and with my age (41) and hot flushes, it could mean the onset of early menopause. Well, I don't really mind in general, however it's about 10y to early and it could raise the risk of osteoporosis earlier too. So as a baseline, I had this scan. They gave me a copy of the results straight away, just showing a graph indicating how dense my bones are ( left hip and lower back bones) compared to people of my ethnicity and age, and also within a red, yellow, green diagram. The good news is - I am well in the green area and above average - which is a good start 🙂 check gets repeated every two years. Lorna, how is work? Didn't you start last week? On a phased return or full on? ... View more

Hi Girls! Every day is better for me - post infection :). The wound was leaking like a tap at new year ( double dressing soaked and leaking out), but since yesterday only half the single dressing was wet after 24h - what a progress! The hole has granulated, so its almost level with the skin area. The district nurses, who still come by daily, have been very good. I went to my GPs surgery last Friday and suggested that I could now be coming in every morning to get a fresh dressing, but they couldn't accommodate that?! So I am staying at home in the morning and wait for the nurse to come to me still. I thought it would help to go there, but apparently not? Anyway, It just has to heal please, proper, so I can start radiotherapy. BB - I cross all fingers for you - the op is on the 12th, right? Sandytoes - total shocker on that first 'fertility expert'. What an inconsiderate idiot! I can barely imagine what you have been through emotionally - additional to the bc rubbish. Great big hugs for you and your oh and a little cheer for the reoccurrence of the periods! Pinkypam - congrats to finishing your rads! And holidays to start next week! Sounds fab! Katie - I agree with sandytoes - it seems like you have been away for weeks and weeks! How long have you been away for? Sounded like a great holiday. Wasn't it weird to not be at home for the Xmas and new year time? Lorna - you are almost done! Yeahy. Totally agree with you - I am bit scared of losing my treatment crutch, too. However, I still have the whole of the radiotherapy still to go - did I mention I am anxious to start ASAP, please... Rexi xxx ... View more

A happy and healthy 2012 to all to you! Nice quite evening for us 🙂 Yes, I have escaped 🙂 I just hope it will stay this way. I don't have any unblemished vein anymore, i don't want to think about where they would want to stick a needle in before it's all healed up, so I have to stay out 😉 The district nurse has been today for new dressing, which I really needed as the fluids started to escape. Yuck. She said I should be eating protein, which seems to help the healing process.. And something about 'packing' the hole to help the healing. Argh! She didn't do anything, maybe I should be asking on the surgery threads. Anyway, Linda, I won't be in London on Tue. The children are also not back to school yet. I ll be in london daily from whenever radiotherapy will start - no idea yet, need to fully heal first. I wish I could fast forward to that stage. Sorry about your arm pain 😞 Sandytoes, I may be in London bridge Hospital, if my surgeon has a slot avail, he has been on holiday during this ordeal. I ll find out on Tue and pm you 🙂 You are going to see the fertility expert, right? Good luck! Happy New Year! X ... View more

Hi girls, Still in hospital and they were thinking about keeping me in until New Years day. I do appreciate the free hotel room in london on new years eve, but not really keen. They listened and have now decided they can let me go home with more oral antibiotics from tomorrow, and the district nurses need to replace the dressing daily. It's time anyway, because I am running out of space on my arm for bloodtests :(. Even more grateful for the port over the months! I had my portacath removed today, deffo easier than putting in :). My wound is open and still weeping fluid, but the seroma area looks and feels much better now. I am getting my normal appetite back. So it's looking up. Sandytoes, Cornwall and beach sounds fabulous. Busy next week for you, too. Thank you all for your good wishes :)I wish you all a good and health for 2012! Rexi xxx ... View more

Girls, I really hope you don't get to bored with my step by step account of this - just step over it, if so :). It's feels good to write the details down, nobody else really can relate. Boxing day - one of the liquid filled areas had become bright red overnight and was suddenly leaking! I thought that can't happen, once the wound is healed?! I noticed only at the hospital and was getting a bit upset, I must admit. So here I am - in a reduced staffed hospital - they got a radiologist in extra for me (and one other patient) to drain as much as he could - needed to be done with ultrasound, still couldn't find the stuff without. Drained another 400ml. They have found the bug from blood through the port as well, so is the port the source of the infection? Anyway as I don't need the port anymore, the removal date has been brought forward to this week, as soon as the admin department is open and we know when it can be done. Silver lining? Temp seem to be under control, I can properly rest and don't feel guilty for not being able to do anything ( way to painful to move, however Tremadol in hospital sorts the pain out, yeah), I don't feel totally exhausted anymore and my spirits are on the up again Rexi xxx ... View more

Merry Christmas! The hospital let me go home on Christmas eve, with oral antibiotics. I had to phone them this morning find out the results of the cultures. The cultures showed a same bug in my blood and in the seroma fluid, so I had to come back in in the afternoon to get more intravenous antibiotics, and tomorrow again. It interrupted the day a bit, as there are no trains today or tomorrow and the hospital is an hour away, but I am glad they have found the problem. I am still sporting a temp every now and then and am in quite a bit of pain. One of the area is now reddish, too. I hope it doesnt mean it gets worse 😞 and I really don't want to move at all - which can't be good for mobility. I don't quite understand how and why it has developed. It's quite annoying also because I phoned the bcn several times last week about the liquid, and can it turn into anything nasty if we don't do anything, I didn't have any of the obvious signs other than lots of accumulated liquid above my breast, on the side to my armpit, on the side of the breast, towards my back and literally on my back, too. The wound is healing quite nicely. I felt such a fraud when I asked to see her on Monday, even got the surgeon to look at it and they said it will go away. The unwellness started the next day. Just shows they don't know everything... Other than that we had a really nice Christmas so far and I hope you all too 🙂 Regards Rexi xxx ... View more

After much sleep, a drip and more iv antibiotics, I woke up and definitely feel better. More with it. So hopefully they agree and let me go later. ST - you are at home with the drain? Sounds creepy. Who checks it and changes it? When was you op and how long do you think you need to keep the drain in? Totally understand about the separate room. BB - I feel for you. I feel hard done by when they try to put the needle into my port 4 times - but having 3 operations sucks! I wish your next operation will be successful and you heal just as nicely. Virtual hug coming your way - *splat*. 🙂 Rexi x ... View more

I am in hospital! I seem to have some infection - have cold shivers then temp of up to 39 degrees! They are not quite sure what the cause of the infection is, however they did drain the Seroma - with the help of ultrasound - The bcn tried to drain it, but couldn't get any out. Turned out the liquid is deep and in several pockets and it was very gloopy, not liquidy - that's why the ultrasound. They drained 345ml. - it feels so much better Hope you are all doing well! Rexi ... View more

Hi Ladies, I am starting rads in early Jan, too - not sure about the actual date, as need to heal and get rid of swelling and seroma from my op on the 5th Dec - lumpectomy and node clearance, had chemo Jun-Nov, no tamoxifen for me as have (or do I say had already? ) tnbc, so no hormones involved. My surgeon and the bcn suggested not to interfere with the seroma as long as i can handle it - mmh - only just - it's a right pain. However they said that removing liquid just tells the body to produce more and there is always an increased infection risk sticking a needle inside there. Anyway, my radio onc has 6 1/2 weeks planned for me, and I ll have a 3h round trip each time, so i expect the side effect Tiredness is definitely on the cards. On other threads they are talking a lot about the preparation of the skin - and which aqueous cream is the best. Apparently the one from boots isn't, but my onc couldn't confirm that. I haven't read every posting though, does anybody know? I do have the Aloe Vera 99.9% already for after each session, that seems a good investment. Rexi ... View more

BB - glad you are out and ok. Will cross my fingers for you for the results in a couple of days! Hugs, Rexi ... View more

Hi nooshka, I would definitely get it looked at. My sloshing has turned into a huge bulge ( i cant cover it by my whole hand) above my breast and towards the arm crease. That showed up on Friday night. It has not turned red, or hot, nor is it strictly speaking painful - but doesnt feel nice at all, quite annoying and it makes me feel vulnerable ( and even more useless, since it really handicaps me - sorting things in the new house and I have handed over Xmas dinner coking to OH and daughter). I am moving my arm gingerly and it feels it would hurt if I am not careful. The physio exercises are not comfortable at all - when I do them - not as often as I should, I am sure 😞 . The surgeon and the bcn had a look at it today and they both agreed - it doesn't look infected and if I can cope, then they rather leave it be. Apparently, if they remove fluids, my body will just produce more and refill. There is always an added infection risk of sticking a needle inside - and eventually my body should get the message... however, if I don't cope, I can come any time and they ll take some out - which after what they said earlier, I don't see the point of. I feel much better now, that the professionals have had a look. For me it looked massive and weird, but they were not impressed at all 😉 I will just stick with it and hope it doesn't get worse. Rexi x ... View more

Day 11 of Seroma watch: Now I do know where the water has collected. It looks huge. Unfortunately it's Fri evening and a whole weekend is now ahead of me. Why did it wait till now to show itself. I am still hoping it will stop and go down by itself. Can it burst the scar still or do we think it's healed up well enough after 11 days? Ninja and lorna, resident seroma experts, wha tdo you think? BB - are you out of hospital yet? How did the op go? ... View more