Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi I am 64 and 4 years post surgery. I was surprised to get the letter yesterday. I'm slightly more anxious now so will follow the guidance where appropriate to myself. My husband has to care for his 98 yr old mum during the week so, if nothing else, I hope to get an online slot for groceries. I currently rely on my daughter to shop for me but would be hopeless without her. So I say: embrace the letter as positive help. We have all been through so much it feels good to be cared about! I have registered online but told them I have help to get shopping. Reading the comments, I'm wondering if I should change that?? xx ... View more

Hi Lovely Ladies! I am recovering well from the knee op thank you Mishy - hope you can get bumped up the list x I wish you all a very merry crimblemess and a snappy yew near!! xxJak ... View more

Hi Helena, How are you? I'm OK thanks - staples coming out tomorrow and on to the next phase of physio. Had to shift BC follow up appointment because it clashed with dressing change - how priorities have changed! I've been enjoying having the time to sit and make Christmas cards instead of rushing them at the last minute. Hi to everyone else - hope all is well and that you are keeping 'abreast' of things! Jak xx ... View more

Hi Mishy sending a hug. I'm on ADcal for bones - calcium + vit D so a bonus I reckon. x ... View more

Will do. Had to cancel my 2 year BC appointment on Monday dont think i am up to that! xx ... View more

Hi Ladies! Thank you for your kind messages. Well that's me sorted again got home on Wednesday night after being assessed and passing with flying colours. Even though I am in a lot of pain and anxious about not having someone to tell me if I'm doing exercises right, it's better to be at home just a shock because hey had said 3/4 days. I am taking loads of pain killers so keep falling asleep! My mum is still insisting it's nothing because she knows someone who bla, bla, bla!! It's a lovely day here and I can see my sparrows and wood pigeons in the ivy 'tree' outside my bedroom window. xx Jak ... View more

Hi Mishy, Thank you for remembering. I got let out early for good behaviour! So am now in my own bed, in a great deal of pain doped up to the eyeballs but moving forwards. hope you get your date soon xx ... View more

Sh I haven't finished wathing Killing Eve yet! My knee op is 27th November x ... View more

Hi Janey, I'm OK thanks counting down the days to KneeDay. Glad you survived the colonoscopy. A friend of mine had similar symptoms & a clear colonoscopy (inc. polyp) they've put her symptoms down to irritable bowel. xx Jak ... View more

Hope all goes well Janey xx Jak ... View more

I'm glad you are getting through things too! x Jak ... View more

Hi Ladies, How are you all? Pre-op assessment in the bag 4 1/2 hours being questioned measured xrayed blood tests ECG consent forms etc etc - very thorough. Have decided to give the spinal aneasthetic a go as it means better after op painkillers - that's assuming they can find a suitable place in my degenerated discs to inject. I won't know if Ive half a knee or whole until I wake up. I'm currently resting because I twisted my knee again so that may have some bearing on the damage they find. The other knee is really suffering too. Any who the best news is - I have a date - 27th November, sooner than I expected so all being well... I have to stay away from anything that might bite, graze or cut me because they won't operate if there is any chance of infection - no shaving! I'm always bumping into things and catching my hands so I'm thinking an Ironman suit? Have started my bag for hospital - so weird to think it's exactly 2 years ago I was doing all this for BC - another new pair of slippers (need to have backs on) new PJs (short ones so I can show off my hairy legs). xx Jak ... View more

Hi Mishy, Glad things are moving along for you. Saw GP yesterday and he suggested I phone consultant's secretary in case my operation date has got lost in post. I'm a bit twitchy now as it could be just around the corner (or not) and I'm not ready! x Jak ... View more

Hi ladies How are you getting on Mishy? Helena - I hear you are 'done' hope it all went well and wish you a speedy recovery. I have my knee replacement pre-op assessment on 24th but no date for operation yet. Knee school was a lot to take in especially tha spinal anesthetic I didn't know about! AND that it's really going to hurt! Seriously they go to great lenghths to make sure you are fit and prepared for the op and are very keen to discuss what does and doesn't work for you, personally, in pain management (I can only take parecetamol!!). I've been doing the exercises but it is very painful had to have a day off them yesterday as I couldn't straighten my leg. It's all very different from how it was with the BC. Not allowed to do anything that might cause broken skin before the op as any infection will head straight for the foreign body (ie knee part). Have to go to the dentist too. pre op assessment is going to take 3-4 hours and I will be in hospital 3-4 days. I got to hold a knee replacement joint - very heavy and made from titanium (I know like the song!). Been trying to find bionic woman pjs! I guess I should mention the lymphoedema in my breast. Cancer-wise my mamo was clear so that's 2 years ticked. x Jak PS I WAS the youngest at knee school by the way- couldn't get a word in edgeways! ... View more

Hi Corrina, Have you accessed your account on the government gateway? It's quite easy to do and then you can look at your NI contribution record and it gives the steps to follow. I think it's about £700 and something for a year. That then equates to a lot of pension if your future is bright (hard for any of us to think so but it's the best way!). I am hoping I will be covered by ESA but will be paying it if not as it seems worth it. (I also need a year)   Hi Helena, I am sorry to see you had your operation cancelled - take it easy and get well soon.   I'm off to 'knee school' next week! My girls have kidded me that my fellow pupils will all be in their dotage as I'm considered to be young for a knee replacement!! Cheeky!   Hi Mishy, How are things?   xx Jak ... View more

Hi Mishy, Lovely to hear from you - how are things with you? Looking positive I hope? I have had my follow up appointment for MRI on my knee - going 'bionic' but have to wait months again so it's good that I don't have the added stress of feeling guilty about work. The plan is to do a partial replacement but if it looks worse when they operate it will be a full one. Apparently I have to attend 'knee school' pre operation - hilarious terminology! The other knee is starting to go as well so I'm trying to build up the muscles for support - bit difficult when there's pain but needs must. I have my 2nd post op mammogram next week - trying not to be negative. I had a friend visit from work the other day and I found it really difficult: got very wound up about it, silly really but then depression is one of the reasons I am not working anymore. Still suffering with post radiotherapy fatigue but not so often. Cancer-wise I still can't believe it won't happen again. Still, the sun is shining and I have loads of time for my self - tra-la-lah! xx Jak ... View more

I will try to remember the date Helena! x ... View more

Oh dear Mishy I'm sure there won't be a problem. Yes I can concentrate on me I'm getting used to the idea of not working and having time (when fit) to get all those things done I've not had time for. I was thinking of drawing my occupational pension but I think that does affect ESA - mind you it may not as I think you can have £85 week and I don't think my pension is anywhere near that especially taking it 3 years early. You may only be 47 but you are right- health first. If you want to work you will find it when ready. x Jak ... View more

Thanks Jill and Helena Yes that's right but keep thinking it can't be that straight forward!! Helena when is your op? x Jak ... View more

Hi Ladies, I have had a letter from DWP today saying I've been put in the support group for ESA. I am so relieved. The letter doesn't say how long for, or if I will need an assessment - I assume not. Does mean I get a bit extra money too. Need to get my knee fixed and get through the next mammogram. I hope things are going well with you all? x Jak ... View more