Breast Cancer Now Forum

Ebim - oh you do make me laugh. Your Facebook name is your real name...........Evelyn R. See you Tuesday. xx ... View more

No Judy Egg. You have done it correctly and I've added you to the group. Blue is also there. Slowski I can't find your request. Beedot - the same. Xxxx Can you send it again? Xxx ... View more

I got you Blue. Well done. I'll add you to the group. Xxx ... View more

Hi all. Sorry not to have posted but I've been whacked by my radiotherapy journey. Blue I was so sorry to hear your news. I saw it when you posted, and I've been thinking of you ever since. I don't know what to say except please pm me if you feel like it, but know that we are all here if you want to rant/cry/scream. Slowski/Esther/Beedot/Lighthouse, I thought all my nails were ok, but my big toe nails have gone very thick, and white. I can't decide if it's nail fungus caused by low neutrophils, or they are going to fall off. My fingernails have 6 white lines, not exactly ridges, but I'm guessing it's the 6 chemo sessions. Chemo - the gift that keeps giving!  I am really wanting to be part of the Facebook group. If anyone wants to send me a friend request this is me:- edtited to preserve privacy But please put your BCC name in the message.   If all goes to plan, Ebim and I are hoping to meet up whilst she's on holiday - she's only 1 hour away from me, so if she agrees, I will take some pics of the 2017 Teddies on Tour.   My active treatment has now finished, but I would feel bad about shouting it out as so many of you have more trials to come. I'll just give myself the last badge.   Lots of love to you all.   ... View more

All the best Wtp for tomorrow. Will be thinking of you. Xxx ... View more

Hi EggG   Unfortunately I haven't finished rads just yet. I still have 6 to go (out of 25), but rest assured I'm crossing each day off. Thank you so much for thinking of me. xxxx ... View more

Dearest Wtp - about my mastectomy.   I can so understand you being worried about how you will look and feel afterwards...............our breasts are very much part of who we are, and you have every right to feel the way you do.   I was very much in the opposite camp. I was just SO glad to get rid of that boob, that in truth had given me problems for years, that I wasn't in the least concerned about losing it. I know I keep saying this, but I really DO think my age has a lot to do with it.   I'm 65. To those who asked if I was having reconstruction, I would answer, " What do I need a boob for? I'm not going out on the pull. I'm not planning on breast feeding anytime soon, and how incongruous would a lovely perky boob look next to my 65 year old gone south other boob?"   I was also very much against having any further surgery...................again my age. I don't know how many years I have left, and I didn't want to spend them having more surgery.   Life here in Spain is very much more relaxed than in the UK. When I worked I was booted and suited, and made up 24/7. Here I rarely wear make up...........it melts in the summer. I have felt confident enough to go out with my baldy teddy head - I wouldn't have been brave enough in the UK.   My mastectomy wasn't really what I was expecting, as my surgeon didn't leave me flat. He left all the pectoral muscles so I actually have 1 1/2 boobs, and wearing a prosthesis is almost impossible.   So I go as I am - almost Flat and Fabulous, and again, because of my age, I can say, "If anyone doesn't like it - they can look away".   If I had been much younger, say 40s onwards, and living in the UK, I am certain I would have felt very differently. I am also blessed to have my wonderful hubby who has been so supportive, and doesn't care if I wear a black bin bag, as long as I am well, and I am sure your OH will be the same. Surviving is the name of the game, and once you have had time to process this huge blow, I know you will arrive at that place.   I hold my head high, and say "This is ME". Deal with it.   Whatever YOU are feeling is right for you - there is no right and wrong. I have a lot of experience in bra and prosthesis buying if it would help. Please know you are in my prayers.   ... View more

Oh Wtp. So sorry you've had this sh*t news. I can't say I blame your plan of action at all. And crying, shouting and screaming are all good too. This bloody disease doesn't know when to give up. Just know that we are all here, virtually holding your hand, and giving you the biggest hug. And we will be there till you have beat the bugger.! ... View more

Oh Wtp. Praying hard that it won't be what you think, and for lots of strength for you. Xxx ... View more

Wtp - praying for great biopsy results. xxx ... View more

To all January 2017 teddy warriors   Group hug time again - and the party is on me later........no sausage rolls I'm afraid.               ... View more

To EggG   I am more delighted than I can say to award our final teddy warrior chemo badge and certificate to you.                       For bravery and fortitude, well done!             ... View more

Hi Ladies, Firstly, sorry for the long non appearance. I'm struggling with the radiotherapy journey, and have developed radiation oesophagitis.................just a fancy name for feeling like there is something stuck in my throat. All fairly normal I'm told. I have 10 (out of 25) sessions left, and compared to chemo it's a breeze. I have been following all your comments, but have nothing to say, as your treatments are all so different to mine. I am however so sorry you are feeling so worried about your futures.................can't blame you. I'm nearing the end of my actual treatment plan, having started off with the mastectomy, so I can understand your fears. We will still be together, however long it takes.   Suze123 - I had been thinking about a Facebook group myself, so please count me in. It's a great idea. And I would be SO happy for you all to fly over here................at least we could get the cocktails and sun. xxxx ... View more

Blue Egg and Ebim, I'm having 25 sessions of rads, done 9, so by Thursday I'll be halway through. I've been better for having the weekend off. It makes a big difference. I don't think I've had it any worse than anyone else. My SEs have just been different that's all. So far I haven't lost any nails, or had horrendous experiences with lines and the like. I've not had any tremedous fear either - maybe beciuase I'm that much older and  my faith keeps me going, along with a wonderful hubby and son. I'm more worried at the moment about one of my dogs, a Standard poodle called Lulu who we have had since she was 6 weeks old. Now 12 and healthy as a bull until 2 weeks ago when she stopped eating and was in tremendous pain. Turns out she has pancreatitis, and my vet collected her this afternoon to put her on intravenous fluid therapy. I have another focus for my worries I guess. xxx ... View more

Hi Scotty, I had 15 taken out - if there were any left they didn't tell me, so I guess it was full clearance. The important thing for me was that I started my exercises as per the Breast Cancer Care booklet almost immediately after surgery. Having the axillary nodes out means your arm will be stiff for quite a while. Mine still is, 6 months on, but it's not a problem as long as I keep on with the exercises. Also I had lots of twinges for a while as the nerve endings regenerate - again nothing horrendous - just a nuisance.  Once the stitches are out you will be much more comfortable, and it's important to keep moisturising. Hope this helps. xxxxx ... View more

Hello ladies. Sorry for not checking in lately - the truth is that I am so tired from my rads treatment, and the 140km, 3 hour round trip that I have little energy for writing. I'm also thinking I must be the only person in the history of rads to suffer nausea and total lack of appetite. I lost 5lbs over 8 treatments. My rads doctor says they are just side effects...................has anyone else had them?   Anyhoo.......................... Ebim - your cruise sounds fabulous. Just the ticket. Like you I am now bare headed - it is far too hot here to have anything on my head. I am sporting my fluffiness with pride - it means I survived chemo. I have no idea about my op yet. I just know it will be when my rads have finished (9 July) and Ive reconnected with the clinical oncologist. Please don't be frightened by the possible side effects of Letrazole. My Tamoxifen had the same, but if we read, and were put off by the possible side effects of paracetamol, we'd all have permanent headaches. xxxx   Esther c - sure hope your chemo aches and pains go soon.   Blue - best wishes for your surgery.   Beedot- how your comment about not wanting to shave off your fluff made me laugh. My hubby is ex military so likes things ship shape. He wanted me to shave mine too, to make it look neater. Hell NO! I've fought for this fluff and I'm keeping it.   T anyone I have failed to mention individually, I'm sorry............I'm off for a lie down...............my brain hurts.     ... View more

For Esther c   Another brave warrior crossing the rads finishing line. For fortitude and bravery I am delighted to award this certificate.       ... View more

For Fen Hen   Wow! Another teddy warrior crosses the active treatment finishing line. For your steadfastness and bravery, I am pleased to award this certificate. Well done.   ... View more

For RobinJ   The third of our brave teddy warriors to pass the finishing line of active treatment. For resilience and bravery all through your treatment. Well done Robin.   ... View more

For nickyh   Another one of the teddy warriors passes the finishing post for active treatment. This certificate  awarded for fortitude and bravery in successfully enduring both chemo aand rads. Well done Nicky.   ... View more