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hopefulholly
Member
since
23-05-2015
108
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2
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12-06-2015
06:01
Hello lovely ladies. I did it - bit the bullet and not only did I shave my legs and underarm (just the one), I waxed my moustache and had my shoulder length hair cut very short in the same style as a wig I've chosen (yep, I'm having chemo). The cut took years off me, my son said I should have had it done years ago, I just hope I manage to keep it! Good luck to you all x
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09-06-2015
12:04
1 Hug
Hi Kilimanjaro - I'm sorry I haven't replied earlier but I had a bit of a meltdown last night, had a few tears and felt quite sorry for myself so decided to stay off this site and give my brain a rest! I asked my GP for a copy of the pathology report but was told he'd only received a praises so not much help. I'll ask the oncologist next week (Tuesday). It's interesting that your surgeon discussed radiotherapy, even if he did skip over it (broom cupboard made me laugh!), my surgeon just said you need to come back in for an ANC in 3 days. I was in shock to be honest and didn't question it. I felt like I was caught up in a series of treatments with no time to think. And this is how it's been since my diagnosis following a routine mammogram (a year later than it should have been but that's another story). Recalled on 7 April - mammogram, ultrasound & biopsy, results on 14 April with choice of MX or WLE; surgery on 22 April but postponed until 29 April as I had a chest infection, results 12 May, ANC on 15 May then results of that 11 days later. I appreciate that compared to others, my surgeries and results have been super quick and for that I am extremely grateful. However, it's now 3 wks since the ANC and I'm concerned about long term problems. I know it's early days but I'm still quite swollen on side of my breast (I am very big busted!), and under my arm. I'm managing to keep up with the exercises but keep getting a frozen shoulder. I have arthritis in my neck which causes pain across my shoulders, esp the side that has been operated on. I did mention this to the medical team but they didn't see it as a problem. At the end of the day, I would probably have opted for the ANC because I'm a worrier, I just wish I had been better informed. It's a bummer that one of yours was grade 3 - and the loss of your nipple - your 'farewell and adieu' line made me simultaneously laugh and cry. Don't know about you but I think a sense of humour is invaluable. With the warmer weather coming, it's time to get my pale and unshaved legs out. I told my sister that I'm waiting to find out whether I'm having chemo before I shave them ! I think we're alike as I do write things down as I think about them but don't always get time to ask them. I'm also a 'what if' kind but find that the nurses tend to focus on the next stage whereas I prefer to know the bigger picture. I've been getting info in dribs and drabs and I find that frustrating. I'm seeing the oncologist next Tuesday and, whilst I don't relish the thought of chemo, it is something that I need a full and frank discussion with the oncologist about and not simply a crude online tool as my fears will also need to be taken into consideration. I have remained positive throughout, and played it down to my children (adult boys) and siblings i.e. it's unlikely to be cancer; it's only small; it's unlikely to have spread to lymph nodes; it's only in 1 node etc My husband knows how scared I am and he has been the voice of reason. Being positive doesn't mean that I'm not scared. You didn't but I'm afraid I have waffled on a bit. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will continue to research in prep for next week and if you would like to pm me that would be great. X
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09-06-2015
11:41
Hi Vic, mine was grade 2 but I think it will be the positive lymph node / extracapsular spread and localised vascular invasion that could result in a question mark for chemo. My BCN said it was only a small area of vascular invasion, to which I replied that it only takes one stray cell to cause problems, that's my greatest fear right now. As you said, it may be a difficult decision if the benefits are low. I'm actually hoping that a more significant benefit might show up from Adjuvant Online so it becomes a no brainer! Thank you for taking the time to reply. Wishing you all the best with your treatment. X
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09-06-2015
11:41
Hi DizzyDee, thanks for replying to my post. I will certainly look into Zoladex and discuss this with my oncologist next week. I will definitely be having radiotherapy, followed by 5 yrs of Letroxole ( I'm post menopausal). Wishing you all the very best x
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09-06-2015
11:39
Hi, I've just found my responses from last week, even though they they weren't posted, they were saved, duh! I shall re repost and give an update. Thanks everyone x
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09-06-2015
11:03
Hi Blossom, that's wonderful news and thanks for posting a positive story. Enjoy the rest of the summer / your life! X
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08-06-2015
10:48
Hi Rosie ree, I'm sure you will feel better now you've made the decision. Have a fab break, enjoy the wedding and rest. Take care and best wishes x
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07-06-2015
06:42
Hi, I too had invasive ductal cancer. Had prompt treatment on NHS: diagnosed on 14 April, booked for surgery 8 days later but postponed due to chest infection until 29th, results 2 wks later on 12 May then further surgery just 3 days later on 15 May. The longest wait has been since surgery and appt with oncologist, wounds have to heal though before next treatment so that's fine. I know I've been lucky as it varies between areas. 2 wks until your relative's surgery is pretty good. It's a personal decision though. Good luck.
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06-06-2015
07:27
Hi rosie ree, I'm so sorry to learn of your situation and really do feel for you. I'm afraid I can't offer advice on fertility treatment or deferring chemo but I'm sure others, with more experience will advise. I had to cancel a holiday scheduled for last month. My consultant said that 'advised not to travel on medical grounds' should only apply from the date of diagnosis, not investigations. However, the insurance company said I needed to provide written proof that I bought the policy BEFORE I received a recall letter following my routine mammogram screening, which I was able to do, and learnt yesterday that the insurance company have agreed to pay out. I don't know your circumstances re dates you purchased insurance / was diagnosed but I was prepared to fight the insurance company if needed. I know that may sound silly to some, what with a bigger battle going on with my health but for me it was a point of principle. After all, this is the reason we take out insurance. My husband has access to free legal advice for him and his family and I was prepared to use it. Of course, my week in the sun doesn't begin to compare with being a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding. I honestly don't know what I would do in your situation. I think I would ask the medical team for an honest opinion regarding the delay in treatment then weigh that against how well you feel, if you could cope with the delay emotionally, and the benefits of attending the wedding / relaxing in the sun. At the end of the day, it's only you that can make the decision (it can be a lonely place to be). I'm sorry that my comments aren't as informed but felt that my experience of holiday insurance may get be of some small help. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you and either way, you'll feel better once a decision is made. Wishing you the very best. Take care x
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06-06-2015
06:33
Thank you Kittkatt for making me laugh out loud! You're right, I live in the south, I'm sorry you can't share our sunshine. Hope the weather improves for you. Best wishes to you and keep up that sense of humour x
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06-06-2015
01:43
Summer's knocking (well, nudging) the door so it's time to get my milky white and hairy legs out! Now I have a quandary, do I wait a few days to find out if I'm going to start chemo, as this will surely save me the task, or just get on with it?!! It's Saturday, the sun is shining so it would be nice to keep this thread, as it's intended, light hearted with a sense of humour x
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06-06-2015
01:25
Thanks missmore, I've added you as friend (my first one yay!). I will rewrite my replies over the weekend when I sit down and relax with a glass of wine!
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05-06-2015
07:45
I've written replies to DizzyDee, vic55 and Kilimanjaro but none of them posted. Just checking this one works.
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04-06-2015
05:38
Hi Kilimanjaro, apologies for stepping into this post but I noticed that your medical team strongly recommended chemo because of 1 lymph node positive. I've posted in chemotherapy section as I will probably face the same decision (posted earlier this afternoon). I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on this. Btw, your post to Jill was helpful for me. Thanks you x
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04-06-2015
04:00
1 Hug
Thanks for the info La La, it makes sense now but I still don't know if 1 positive node will result in chemo, I just have to be patient and wait to see my oncologist. That's fantastic news about your tumour shrinking. Best wishes x
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04-06-2015
02:51
Hi Jill1998, that sounds very peaceful and you're right about returning to this scene in your mind's eye whenever you need it. Before my first op my anxiety levels were sky high so before my second op, whilst I was being prepared in pre op room, I closed my eyes and transported myself back to Mauritius, snorkelling in the warm Indian ocean surrounded by beautiful sea life. This helped control my breathing and I felt so relaxed I hardly needed the pre op tranquilize. Good luck to you x
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04-06-2015
01:00
I would be grateful to hear from others in a similar situation as I think that I may be faced with making a decision about chemo. My story in brief: 11mm IDC with Intermediate DCIS within measurement. Had WLE & SNB, clear margins but 1 node positive. So had ANC with remaining nodes clear. Here's my concern, I learnt last week from BCN that in addition to small area of focal vascular invasion there was extra capsular spread in the nodes and the node that was affected had 6mm of cancer in it. Presume that makes it macro? I'm ER+ (8) & HER2 neg which I know is good. I keep learning more about my pathology report in dribs and drabs even though I've said from the very start that I prefer to know as much detail as possible. I've asked for a copy of my path report but told I have to request this in writing from medical records. My BCN thinks it unlikely that I'll have significant benefit from chemo (1% over 5, 2% over 10 years) but also that I'm in a grey area. I'm meeting the oncologist next week so researching and gathering as much info as possible in preparation. I've used Predict but it doesn't include vascular invasion or extra capsular spread. I felt better when I was told I would 'probably' have chemo as whilst it wasn't something I was looking forward to (!) I felt it would be a belt and braces approach to prevent recurrence and spread, both of which I'm terrified of. I have been very positive throughout this and don't want to lose the plot now. I'm 54 and in good health. I have had excellent treatment in a short time frame just feel overwhelmed by having to make big decisions (I chose WLE not MX). I would appreciate any thoughts from you lovely ladies.
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03-06-2015
02:58
Hi, daisyj1- just came across this post and wondering why a positive lymph node is a reason for not having the test (mine is 11mm grade 2 with 1 lymph node).
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03-06-2015
02:47
Just 2 days ago my BCN advised that the Oncotype DX test was trialled on the NHS and as that trial is now over, it's only available if paid for privately at a cost of £2k plus. I'd be grateful if this could be clarified as I appear to be one of those in the grey area when it comes to chemo so might benefit from the test.
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30-05-2015
04:08
Tricia and Redbev - thank you both for your advice and support. It's reassuring to know that what I'm feeling is to expected at this stage. It's also comforting to learn how much your symptoms have improved in a relatively short period of time. Wishing you both all the best for a full recovery. Xx
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