Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi there Fiona I thought it would be a longer appt today and I was right, they were running late and I could hear them having problems with an old lady, she wouldn't keep still, they gave up in the end, poor old soul. My first booster went ok, it was so nice being able to keep my arms by my side. My skin is still fine, I must get some Aloe Vera Gel for when I finish. Is your skin back to normal now? I've had a lovely afternoon, went to see a friend who was babysitting for 3 month old twins. They were so sweet, I had lots of cuddles, I don't envy their mum tho as she has a 14 month old as well. I hope your little baby is making better progress now, it takes a lot of energy to get strong. I don't know how parents cope when their babies are really poorly. It sounds like you went through a tough time with Suzie. I had one stay in hosp with Rich, he got Steven Johnson Syndrome through an allergic reaction to Penicillin when he was 7, that was scary enough. Your living room sounds lovely, you can't go wrong with the natural colours, they look modern and clean. Your new suite sounds nice, when does it arrive? Hope your therapy session goes well, have they given you an amount that you will need? I'm off to babysit for George and Charlie tonight, they are usually really good for me so fingers crossed. 4 to go and counting! Have a lovely evening with Suzie Talk soon Love Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona Another quick visit today, boosters start tomorrow so just one zapping, should be in and out quickly but my appt is at 12 so I think it will be a £2.60 day. Glad to read that you're not climbing any ladders, stairwells are so high and scary, as you said no one will be looking too closely. What colour scheme have you chosen for your living room? It sounds like you have a lovely daughter, I too was lucky neither of mine were stroppy, and neither of them went out hanging about on street corners. Rich only started going out when he was 19 and this year is the first time he won't be coming on holiday with us. He is 21 now and has got his first girlfriend they they are going off together. Hannahs pregnancy was a bit of a shock, she was 18 weeks when I had an inkling, but now we couldn't be happier. My claim to fame is that I delivered my first Grandson on the back seat of my car on route to hospital, didn't think a first baby would come so quickly. I haven't seen Joseph, it's been to Bristol lots but haven't been. The last musical I saw was Mamma Mia in Dec the week after my dx, it was fab, really cheered me up. I bet you enjoyed your cuddle, it always amazes me how these prem babies battle on, I have a little boy in my class who was born about 11 weeks early, he would still be in nursery had he been born at the correct time. He is quite small in the class but really doing well. Hope you managed to keep your eyes open during your study day. Love from Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona Drove to hospital in snow today, didn't lay tho thank goodnes. Had a very speedy visit today, they said my tender spot was probably nerves and perfectly normal. Last full zapping tomorrow before the final 5 boosters, feel like I will be going into the final stretch on Wednesday. Sounds like you had a busy day decorating, best thing to do really with the weather being so horrid. I hope you're pleased with how your lounge looks, make sure you're careful painting the stair walls it's a bit tricky getting so high. I do hope you get to se Billy Elliot, I would love to see it too, will probably have to wait until it goes on tour tho. I've seen quite a few shows when they come to Bristol, I love them all and don't really have a favourite. I don't think the right Nancy went yesterday, she shouldn't have been in the sing off to start with although out of the two she didn't sing as well in the sing off. Suzie will love it in the chorus you get to sing lots of songs then. Do you have to help with costume making? Both of my kids were too quiet and shy to put themselves up for any shows at school which is a shame as I would have loved it, I think George will make up for them tho he is so confident already. Hope work went ok. Take care Love to you Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi ya Fiona Have had a lovely weekend, went shopping in Bath and got the christening presents sorted, not so lucky with the duvet cover tho. Went down to clarks village today which is a factory outlet shopping centre and managed to find a couple of tops at bargain prices. Trevs golf was cancelled due to the snow that we woke up to, he was quite pleased. We went off for the day as the roads were clear, the snow didn't hang around long the sun soon melted it, loked pretty tho. Had a good time at the party, I'm a white wine girl really but I'm trying to like red as it's supposed to be better for you, thats what I tell myself when I have another glass anyway. I'm glad that you were able to have a drink when you went out, hope you had a great time with your friends. Sounds like you're going to have a fab time in London, a champagne place sounds like my kind of place. What show are you going to see? What date is your birthday? Woke up on Saturday with a tender place below my nipple, it's quite tender to touch everywhere else is ok tho. My skin is fine, you can tho see where the rads hit, will mention about my tender place tomorrow. Schools are on holiday now for 2 weeks so there will be less traffic on the road. Will watch Nancy later on and tape the results so I can watch them after, sky plus was a great invention. What part is your daughter playing? I think it's great for children to get into am dram, wish I was brave enough to do it. Hope the right girl gets kicked off tonight. Going to cook the tea now. Love and hugs Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona Hooray!! The weekend has arrived, no zapping for two whole days lovely. Going to go to Bath tomorrow to shop not to go to hospital, that's a novilty. Need to get a couple of christening presents for the Grandchildren, any ideas greatfully recieved, George is 3 and Charlie 6 months. Also need to find something to wear, think I'll look for a top to go with some black trousers I've got. Got some M&S vouchers to spend think I'll use them to get a new duvet set for the bedroom. Keep going with your counselling I'm sure it will help, my friend had some when her marriage broke up. It brought up so many things going back to her childhood, she lost her mum to cancer when she was 9 and talking things through she realised she hadn't grieved properly then. Talking things through with a stranger really helped her through and she is a different person now. Still as lovely but she doesn't stand for any c***p from her x any more. Golf is definately not my idea of fun, I did try but I couldn't get serious about it. My OH is 5 handicap so is very serious, he likes to do well. You will enjoy going out with your friends, it will do you good to get out and relax with people who love you. We are going to a 50th birthday party tomorrow, it will be good to get out for a change, we don't often go out. Mustn't forget to record the "Nancy" programme I love all the musical shows, I don't care if that sounds sad. Going to try and talk my son into driving so we can both have a drink for a change. Hope your shift goes well, not too busy but not too quiet either. Go steady with your decorating. Take care Love Jackie xxxxxxx ... View more

Twelth of Never by Donny Osmond, think that was about 49p too. Loved him then and love him now.. ... View more

Hi Fiona Short and sweet again today, only one till the weekend, will be glad not to have to drive into Bath. Its good to do things that make you feel better, even if it does make you a little tired. Life needs to get back to some sort of normality, I'm a little tired of people thinking I must feel ill. I will be glad when the first thing we talk about isn't my health and how I'm feeling. I don't know if there are any support groups around here, probably wouldn't go if there was. You normaly find these groups are a bit cleeky, takes a long time to be accepted in. The KFC would have been tasty tho. My GP said I looked pale and he thought it would be a good idea to get a full blood count done, he said it might just be the Rads tiring me out, but I feel ok. We have a blood preasure taker at home as my OH suffers with high B P and takes medication for it, mine is usually low rather than high, will have to check it not done it for ages. Just finished watching West Side Story its one of my favourite musicals, never fails to make me cry, only wish they would change the ending so they could live happily ever after. I think our decorating will be put on hold now till the Autumn, I'm married to a golfer and the golfing season has arrived. I don't mind tho I'm happy for him to play as much as he wants, keeps him out of my hair. I really enjoy our little chats. Love to you Jackie xxxxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona Where do you get all that energy from to even think about all that painting, and working out in the gym. You really put me to shame, working out is something that enters my head but quickly goes. I always say my brother is the fit side of the family, he and his wife are fanatical. Steve is taking part in the Macmillan care sponsered bike ride from London to Paris in the summer so is training for that at the moment, he also ran the London marathon for Macmillan after we lost Mum. He gets my full support in fund raising. Had a quick visit today, got the timing just right to get a £1 parking day. My skin is slightly pink but feels ok, the Rad girl said it was as they would expect. Only got 4 more zaps on the whole area, then 5 boosters at the end. One good thing with not sharing your bed, you can get the matress of your choice, and the whole bed to yourself. Luckily we both like a firm matress, our new one is really firm I don't think many people would like it. Saw my GP yesterday he thought I was looking pale so had to go back for a blood test today, he gave me another 4 weeks off, I will be back to work then I'm sure. I only work 25hrs a week so I wont have to worry too much. Try and put you feet up sometimes and just chill! Look after that back of yours. Lots of love Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Fona 10 down 10 to go yahoo!! having an expensive week have had to pay £2.60 both days as I've been in just over the half hour, never mind it has to be done. A day with no patients, as you said lovely for the children but what a long day it must have been for you. Days always drag when you've not alot to do, I bet you had paper work but its not the same as working with patients. I popped into work today, had loads of hugs from the kids it was great to see them all. Looking forward to getting back now, will be starting to think about the new intake for September when I get back. We are so pleased with the furniture, It makes the room look lovely. It was so heavy getting it upstairs, good job I've got a strong son to help. It was lovely sleeping in my new bed, had a great sleep. problem is I wasn't brought my normal cup of tea in bed today, can't think why! Glad your back is better. My cold is better than it was and I am feeling more like it today. The weather here has been fantastic, I hope it continues. Love and Hugs Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Annabelle Good luck with your first session tomorrow, things will be fine. I find it a bit surreal really, I go in whip off my top, lie on the bed, get zapped, get dressed again and say see you tomorrow all within about 10 mins. Like Fiona I use aqueous cream, I put it on about three times a day also. I have been wearing a support bra, i put a cotton handkey over the cream before I put it on just because its a bit messy. I am not using anything apart from water when I wash, and I'm trying to drink plenty of water. After tomorrow I will be half way through, the days are flying by, I'm sure they will for you too! Take care Jackie xx ... View more

Hi Fiona That was a quick weekend, can't believe its Monday again. Rads went well today, but I am feeling a little tired, developed a cold yesterday so maybe that is why. My skin has started to look slightly pink now so I think I will leave off the bra now, problem is tho the aqueous cream, I do put on a bit and I'm left looking white, will have to wear an old t-shirt at home. My furniture has arrived so cant wait for the OH to get home from work so we can put it in the bedroom. The curtains look good, so fingers crossed the furniture will fit in well. We ended up not decorating at the weekend, we had a good sort out and had a trip to the tip with all our rubbish. Hannah came over with the boys yesterday and we sat in the garden, it was so warm outside, I'm lucky having a south facing garden enjoying sun all day. I have just eaten my lunch out there, whilst reading my book. Dont feel; like doing too much today. You are lucky that you don't have to do a nightshift until May, more time for you to get your strength back. How is your back? I do hope it's getting a little better. Hope your weekend went well, and you're pleased with your decorating. Chat soon Lots of love Jackie xxxxx ... View more

Hi Cathy I'm pleased you got through your planning appt and scan quite easily. Hopefully you will find it all goes well when you start in a couple of weeks. Like Fiona I didn't get a chance of a ct scan either as my hospital does not routinely do them. So far my skin is holding up, I've had 8 of 20 so still quite early days yet. I was putting on aqueous cream about 3 weeks before the start of Rads, I did check that this was ok, it was but all units are different so its always best to check. Good luck and take care Jackie xx ... View more

Hi Fiona, Another week has passed by, only 12 to go, quite surprised how quickly the visits are passing . What skin colouring are you? I was wandering if this affects how our skin holds up during rads. I'm quite dark and tan easily. My carpet is down and looks great, I'm so pleased, will put the curtains up at the weekend in readiness for the furniture. Cream must be the in colour, we have got a creamy colour carpet with most of the walls done in natural calico. It's good you've been able to make a start on your painting, you'll be able to take it steady now. It's a pain when you can't get away with one coat, we had to strip wallpaper then prepare the walls for paint which was a challenge. I think we are going to start on the hall, landing and stairs at the weekend, they really are looking abit shabby now. What a rewarding job you have, I have nothing but admiration for all nurses. They always get bad press but I can honestly say that every NHS member of staff that I've met both in Bath and Plymouth has been brilliant. The nurses on HDU in Plymouth were particularly brill. Two weeks will soon pass and you'll be back full time, it's good that you've been able to go back gently. You must be happy getting your life back to abit of normality. I'm missing my friends at work and the children, it won't be long tho and I'll be back too, the end is in sight. Have a lovely weekend, fingers crossed the sun shines. Love and hugs Jackie xxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona Yesterdays appt took an hour and half, they did mark me up tho for the booster sessions. It was good to get back to a quick 20mins today, and back to £1 parking. My day didn't seem right yesterday, all muddled. I'm glad your skin is now feeling better, mine is still ok but it is early days yet, only had 7. I was sorry to read that you're having a bad time with your joints, I do hope your onc can give you some help and advice when you see him. You want to be feeling well now your treatment has finished. I was lucky not to need chemo as my nodes were clear, I am on Tam for 5 yrs as I was ER+, PR+ but HER-. I sometimes wish I could have had chemo, as then I would know that I had had everything. I'm really excited as my new carpet is going down later on, and my new furniture is coming on Monday. You're right it does cheer you up to decorate, problem is you do one room then the rest look like they need a face lift. Sounds like you've got lots of decorating plans, but you're right to get the central heating sorted first. I'm not surprised you tire easily on your right side, you will have to pace yourself. Hannah has sorted the christening for 13th April, she doesn't hang around once she decides on something. I will have 2 more sessions left then so I hope I will be ok. Dad will be coming up, which will be nice. He continues to make good progress thankfully. Do you work on the childrens ward? I bet you enjoy cuddling the babies. I love it when my mums at school have babies, I'm always first for a cuddle. The sun is shining here and I'm feeling happy 🙂 Take care of yourself, make sure you rest if you need to. Lots of love Jackie xxxxx ... View more

HI Everyone My son had stevens-johnsons syndrome, he had an allergic reaction to penicillin. The blisters did start in his mouth but he ended up with them all over his body, they were called target legions as they were round and looked like a target. I've been on Tamoxifen for 8wks and fingers crossed not going too badly, feel hot in bed but it doesn't stop me sleeping. My period was early last month but not arrived this month as yet, not sure if this is anything to do with the Tam. Take care Jackie xx ... View more

Hi Fiona Easter came and went really quickly, I enjoyed a relaxing weekend mainly spent at home. We had a lovely day on Sunday, the lamb was cooked to perfection which makes a change for me, not being the best cook! I hope you had a relaxing Easter, and your back is getting better. Can't be your age you're a youngun!! Your skin sounds sore, you are lucky working in a hospital lots of things to help on hand. I'm beginning to worry about my holiday, I do hope my skin won't be too bad. I'm hoping the rads staff will give me lots of dressings, cream and advice before I go. Are you on Tamoxifen? if so how are you getting on? I've been on it for nearly 8 weeks now and fingers crossed things are going ok, get hot in bed but nothing to stop me sleeping. My period came early last month but nothing yet this month so not sure if anything happening there. Am used to taking it everyday now. Your living room is going to be really cosy with your new suite and double glazing, I bet it cheered you up going out and chosing it. I am waiting for some new bedroom furniture to come, our bed was 25yrs old in April so thought it was about time we treated ourselves. We decided to decorate the bedroom when I found out about the bc, thought it would help keep me busy over Xmas whilst waiting for my surgery. Hopefuly the new carpet will go down this week then the furniture can come, I can't wait to see it all together, got new curtains waiting to go up but I won't do it until everything comes. Had another quick visit today, going later tomorrow so it won't be so quick, but I will get a lie in! I need to be marked for the booster rads at the end so was told they might do that tomorrow as I will be there later and a doctor needs to check the markings. Hope your shift has gone well, been thinking about you. Love and hugs Jackie xxxxxx ... View more

Hi Fiona, I was pretty amazed myself with 16 mins, I don't expect they will all be like that. It was lovely not having to get up yesterday and drive in, and it will give my skin a rest. I'm slapping on the aqueous quite librally so hope it will help, bit messy tho!! We don't really celebrate Easter either, but Hannah is bringing her lot over for tea on Sunday which will be nice, I have got a leg of lamb in the freezer which we will have. I hope George will have room for some after all his chocolate! I'm glad you're pleased with your double glazing, you will notice a difference in your heating bills, which can only be good, costs a fortune to keep warm these days. Glad to read that you had a bit more of a restfull day, you must look after your back tho, can't have you hobbling about for your birthday! Any snow up there? we had a few flakes earlier, gone away now. Hope you and Suzie have a good Easter. Make sure you rest on Sunday ready for your shift on Monday. Love to you both Jackie xxxx ... View more

HI Fiona, Had my quickest visit yet today, back at my car in 16 mins, pretty good I thought. I think going early is a bonus as they haven't had chance to get behind, so another £1 parking day. You were really lucky to get a parking pass, you get nothing from Bath and it's expensive. Still slappig on the cream and trying hard to drink more water, would prefer more wine but never mind! Lots of housework not really what you needed at the end of your shift, make sure you're not overdoing things you must rest. I hope you're pleased tho with your new double glazing. It will probably make a big difference in your house. On the work front, I think I will probably go back the Monday after my holiday. My school has been brilliant with me, I have been there for 14 yrs and hardly had any time off. They got cover in for me and told me not to go back until ready. Hopefully when I go back the weather will be better and I will be able to play in the garden with the children. Dad is going great guns now which is good, gives me one less worry. My daughter is planning a christening for my two little grandsons in May, my Dad will be able to come up for that which will be nice. George is 3 1/2 and Charlie is 6 months it will be a nice for us all to get together. I can't wait for her to be planning her wedding, I don't think that will be for a few years tho, unless I win the lottery!! I hope you have a bit more of a restfull day. Love and hugs Jackie xxxx ... View more

Hi Wish I could have a blue badge. If I can get in and out from rads in 1/2 hour it's £1 if not it's £2.60!! 3 down 17 to go!! Good luck with your treatment. Jackie xx ... View more

Hi Fiona Nearly through my first week of Rads, it's quite good starting with two 4 day weeks because of Easter. The journey has been going well, I'm home again within 1 and 1/2 hours of leaving. I've even managed to get away with paying £1 for 1/2 hour parking, over 1/2 hr it goes up to £2.60. I see the same team everyday which is nice. I am going to ask if I can have some dressings and anything they can give me at the end of my rads so I can take it on holiday, I am a bit worried about going but also I'm really loking forward it, we are off to Madeira. I hope you have a good birthday, what show will you be seeing? I love all the musicals, have never been to London though to see one. It's good that all your treatment is finished for it. I'm 44 now and had a quiet 40th with my family. I think it's a very good idea taking a friend on holiday for your daughter, you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself more if you know she's happy. My brother took friends for his children last year and he hardly saw them, so it worked! 12 hour shifts must be quite hard going, I hope you're not getting to tired. I popped into my work yesterday, I'm a classroom assistant in a reception class, it was lovely to see all the children. It makes me miss them all though when I pop in. Hope your skin is feeeling better. Lots of Love Jackie xxxxx ... View more