Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Rac83 You do not need to apologise for having a "Whinge" on this forum. The wonderful thing about this site is that we have all been able to unload our deepest fears, lows, highs, worries, problems, advice  - you name it- we've done it! I've found that just putting things down in writing is theraputic in itself and the surge of like minded, understanding responses is a bonus. As Catchpole says - try the helpline as they can "buddy" you up with someone in the same situation as you so you can share your feelings and experiences. You've been through a life changing experience and I hope you've been offered councelling and support groups. I've been through this sh**y experience twice now. The first time I thought I could cope on my own but the second time I took every bit of help I could get and it really did make a difference. I know one of our "Moxie Maidens" ladies on one of the forums is young like you and she belongs to a very active support group for your age range. Just keep posting whenever you need to. The end of treatment is when , I think, it all hits you hardest. Take care, Gill ... View more

Hi Ladies I'm so glad I found this thread and enjoyed reading your posts and your lovely senses of humour! I am also a reluctant member of the BBC (Beige Bandage Club) and thoroughly agree with everything you've all said. I've lost count of the no. of people who've felt free to ask what I've done to my arm - totally ignoring my more obvious visual defects (crazy hair re-growth, lack of eyebrows/lashes, pronounced limp throught neuropathy etc). I usually say it's lymphoedema and see their eyes cloud over , but if I'm in my more usual  c**p mood I snap that it's a side effect of chemo. Generally that's a conversation stopper! I met someone who had a black sleeve which was less obvious with what she was wearing so might see if I can get hold of one of those although I do need the gauntlet to match which might be a bit more prominent. On the plus side it might mean less need to wash it so often ! I also have lymphoedema in my breast and am having my first mammo tomorrow since DX  Feb  '14 so am dreading it . Not sure I will be able to cope as still very sore as I also have a lot of painful scar tissue resulting from central lines inserted for chemo that became infected.  Will need a very large G & T for medicinal purposes after !!! Best wishes, Gill ... View more

Hi Teecass, I am sending a virtual hug and hoping you hear something positive asap. You have all my sympathies as I know only too well just how worried you must be. If only there was a way they could fast track results for former BC patients ! All the best and with a bit of luck the next thing we'll hear from you will be you saying "it's nothing to worry about ". XXX ... View more

Hi Lolly. Similar experience as had BC in 2002 and again in 2014. Having 1st mammo since treatment next Friday and am terrified! Not sure how we can cope but have no choice ! Think I will be in bits. If only the results could be just a few days instead of 2/3 weeks it would help. xx ... View more

Hallo Ladies This second diagnosis is hard isn't it Elmers. I don't think I've coped with it as well as I did the first time round but I am seeing a councellor and I think it helps a lot. I didn't need chemo on the first occasion but had it this time. I sympathise with you so much knowing now what you'll have to go through. But you did it once and can do it again because as you say we have no choice.I really hope you have masses of support at home with friends and family.   Hope evereyone is doing as well as possible and enjoying this bout of spring like weather - even if it is very cold, Best wishes, Gill ... View more

Hi Daisykins So sorry to hear your shocking update. What a blow but really glad you have a supportive family and friends network. Boy, do we need them at times like these. I can't imagine how you must feel being diagnosed again  - so quickly after the first time too. I had BC 11 years ago and thought I'd beaten the bug**r but had another primary BC diagnosed last Feb,  but least I wasn't still recovering from treatment like you. All I can say is that I understand your fears and you grab every bit of help you can get hold of - whatever it takes. Big hugs and huge wishes for successful results and treatments, Gill x ... View more

Hi Misspiggy Good to hear from you and hope your eating regime is going well. Not sure how well I could stick to the no sugar part as have a very sweet tooth! This is a tough old time isn't it - coping twice with the same problem, treatment etc and I'm finding it very hard to stay positive for the future. Outwardly, to family and friends, I am able to make them believe I am coping really well, but inwardly it's a different story. Will get through this black cloud though - it's a case of having to! Onwards and upwards, Take care and best of luck, Gill ... View more

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

Thanks Kitt - no more really early alarms for you after tomorrow I hope. My husbands alarm goes off at 5.30 daily as he drives to London but recently I've slept through it !!! Soon be setting mine for work but not for another 3 weeks. xx ... View more

Hi Ladies Kitt - all the best for the final zapping tomorrow. It's another tick in the box of completed treatments. I bet you won't miss your journey and the parking nightmares involved. The last time I had to visit the hospital I must have queued for three quarters of an hour and then when I was the next in line to get the next space a man from a car about 6 cars behind me banged on my window and then told me I was holding everyone up and to park in the main car park and not use an oncology space - me with my semi bald head looking everything like a cancer patient! I saw red and totally lost my temper and told him to F off, that I was going no-where and then burst into tears .He did apologise then but I couldn't speak to him ! I have never in my life said that to a total stranger but he was so horrible to me that I had the worst case of potty mouth! Made a right pig's ear of parking when my space did come up !!! How lovely to be using beautiful creams again Lesley. My skin is looking so much better now but I think I'll wait a few more days for it to recover totally then bring out the good stuff! When I lost my hair I put all the hair shampoo, sprays, conditioners etc out of sight. Still using baby shampoo and not sure when it's ok to use other products on the new growth. Best wishes all, Gill XX ... View more

Hi Ladies Kitt- the gel is called Intrasite Gel by Smith & Nephew. Brilliant stuff. Enjoying a lazy weekend. Your beach walk and scenery sounds beautiful Lesley. Have a lovely time at the Ballet Kitt, Best wishes, Gill x ... View more

Hi Ladies Glad to report that the gel seems to be working well and it is all starting to calm down thankfully. Thanks for all your supportive comments - it really helped. These various threads have all been invaluable over the past year  - so good to chat to others going through the same treatments, problems and emotions. Hope you are all coping ok with the itches and discomfort. My daughters have started to ask me to babysit now so seems I can be assumed to be a responsible adult again !!! Quite a good feeling to be doing something useful for them again. Going back to work in 4 weeks so will make the most of the time left with meals and drinks out with friends and relatives who have been such a help over the last year. After that the diet will have to start in earnest ! Not enjoying this cold weather but I think you Northern lasses are having to cope with worse than me in the South. Have a lovely weekend everyone, Gill XXX ... View more

Thanks Jannie, that's very reassuring. Must admit I have been in tears about it as wanted to sail through it and bring "closure" to this whole sod***g year of treatment ! x ... View more

Good Evening Ladies Feeling a bit sorry for myself as had to go back to hospital today to get my radiation burns looked at. The one on my clavicle has got very yucky so had it checked out and was told have had a bad reaction to it. Not unusual apparently and they've given me some special gel to put on it that forms a protective skin. I just hoped that once the rads were over everything would get back to normal. They did say that it has probably peaked now and shouldn't get any worse. Glad to know that something's peaked - not a lot else has!!!! Hope you are all doing OK. Bit too cold for my liking and really feeling it with only an inch of hair re-growth. Haven't had my ears exposed for  very long time! Best wishes, Gill XX ... View more

Hallo Ladies Hope you're all feeling alright and ticking off the days til it's over. There's a benefit to having rads done this cold weather -  the heat radiating off my breast and chest is keeping me snug and warm! Using the prescibed hydro cortisone cream twice daily to offset the itching and scarlet skin, slapping E45 on top, torn up pieces of husband's cotton shirt between skin and softee bra and knocking back piriton - seems to be doing the trick !!! Can't believe how red my back is where the rads went through from the clavicle zapping. 6 days post rads and certainly no worse (fingers crossed) even though they said it still goes on working for a couple of weeks. How are you lovely Scottish girls coping with your travelling in your snowy weather? Luckily in Farnborough we've only had a little flurry - didn't settle. Best wishes, Gill X ... View more

Good tip Kitt thanks. hadn't realised that or been given the info! x ... View more

Hi Lesley, Hope your Mum gets better soon and glad the Chinese was good. I have spent a fortune in car parking this last year. There is no free paring in the hospitals in our area no matter what your reason for being there. It must now be in the £hundreds as minimum charge is £2.40. for one hour - and it always seems takes longer than that ! So another reason to be pleased the trips there are coming to an end!! xx ... View more

Brilliant, Kitt x ... View more

Hi Ladies, Despite finishing rads I still have to go to hospital tomorrow to the lymphodema clinic and 2nd councelling session  followed by a GP appt - which she requested as she wants to review my repeat prescriptions! However, free parking at all these venues and free coffee and biscuits for first two appointments! Birdwatch count a disaster - they knew !!! Immediately my hour was up a flock of starlings descended along with several other species and polished off all the goodies I'd put out to tempt them in - I swear they were taking the p**s !!! Good luck girls next week with your appointments, Gill X ... View more

Hallo Ladies, Seems I was a bit early with my Burns Night wishes - 2 days in fact!!! Apologies and enjoy your celebrations tonight xx Hope everyone well and happy. I will be counting the birds this afternoon for the Great British Birdwatch. The cat will be brassed off as she'll be banned from going out! Hope you're all enjoying some sunshine Best wishes, Gill x ... View more