Breast Cancer Now Forum

Fiona09, omg hun, such a selfless answer given what you have been through. No it didn’t get into my lymph nodes. Yes, like you and everyone here, I have “lived eaten and breathed” hospitals and treatment and am thoroughly sick of it all. BUT, your post has made me think in a different way and I thank you for that very much.  Much love,  Wonky.  ... View more

Thanks Kitkat. X ... View more

Ladies, thanks for all your input. First up I would never try to influence anyone else’s decisions about treatment and I respect everyone’s views. However, I decided last week, to give myself a little break from the Tam. I have no idea how quickly it depletes in ones ‘system’, but I am feeling better than I have in a very long time. Maybe it’s psychological (I feel like I have some control, maybe) but I certainly feel I have more energy and less anxiety. Plus the night sweats are dropping off, which is a joy in itself. I still have wacky sleep patterns, but have had a couple of brilliant nights sleep - woken up feeling really good.  As said, this is quite possibly all in my imagination, but certainly something seems different. I don’t advocate ‘googling’ but tonight I did and that actually led me to an article on here (Breast Cancer Now) about drop out rates, which if you chose to find it, you can draw your own conclusions from. As PJWWOO says, how bleepy awful this disease is hard to put into words. It’s SO TOUGH, and I don’t have kids/family feelings to factor in.  I’m going to keep going with my (personal) experiment a little while longer. Yes, absolutely I am probably playing with fire, but at this stage I’m pretty convinced quality of life is trumping the  worry of chances of recurrence. I’m always going to worry it will come back (does anyone not?) but I think I’d prefer to take my chances, if my old frame of mind has miraculously returned all of a sudden.  Please be assured that I’m not dissing anyone on here, I know many of you have had it far worse than me in many ways. Maybe it’s not a great topic to start a thread on, but I do appreciate having somewhere to ‘think outloud’ . Dawn soon and I’ll be outside wrapped up, with a mug of tea, looking at the hills I can see from my garden (they look beautiful at first light) and listening to the birds waking up.  Followed by some more (long overdue) weeding. Wishing everyone a good day. Wonky xxx       ... View more

You really should have an oncologist darling!  ... View more

Hi PJWOO, absolutely I agree that some of us (and the very sad reality is that it is only of us) have these meds. Totally agree that they become part of the treadmill. I’ve done two years on it and I am exhausted. Cancer has played havoc with my mental well-being and with my career.  I truly hope you fair better than me.  Wonky ... View more

Hi Sue, been there hun. I recommend ‘crop top’ stretchy (seamless) bras, you can get them in Asda and such like. They are comfy but enough support in the elasticity to do a bit of ‘adjusting’ so you look even. I think the trick to them is they are as wide across your back as they are across your front. Good luck.  ... View more

Hi Poppy, thank you for replying; what you said makes perfect sense to me. I am so sorry you went through treatment alone; I did too and it made it extra hard to cope. I do hope things settle down for you, as you said.   Hugs,   Wonky ... View more

Thanks Tili, good to know someone feels the same as me (everyone is different and I respect that) yep it is the feeling down from it all. Every day the tablets are a reminder. I think I’d prefer to risk forgoing a few years of treatment, for a return to contentment. Good luck lovely 💕 ... View more

Sunflower14, so sorry to read how bad it is for you. I’m trying to get work to understand, but I just wish that it didn’t take my GP to sign me off (with anxiety) to get them to take better notice of my position..... what I went through and that I could have had better overall support - though I accept COVID came along and changed everything and everybody.  Rest up my lovely..... I find rest is what works for me most. Not exactly a good fit with work, so maybe laws need to be changed to give cancer patients an easier reintroduction back into the world we had no choice but to leave behind. Hug x ... View more

Hi Sunflower14,  I haven’t logged on in ages, but did so tonight as I want support with Work Stress. I have been trying to cope with being back to work for 18 months. Obviously Lockdown has had an abnormal affect, but pandemic or not, I feel that there is a long way to go, as regards empathy to cancer victims, in the workplace.  There are old friends on here who might recall my ‘mantra’ that sponsored runs etc to raise money are great, but what needs raising is understanding of what it feels like to go through cancer. Any human being with an ounce of sense should realise that it takes a long time to recover. Not just physically (they get that because it’s visible) but possibly more importantly, mentally.  I have been signed off from work by my GP on basis of stress and anxiety brought on by a lack of understanding around my cancer. It really should not have come to that and my position is there is definitely ignorance in the workplace, which holds back full recovery and return to ‘normal life’ we all so much crave, after the side-blow.  Hope you are ok Sunflower14...... hug from Wonky.  ... View more

Hi Dolally Doolittle,  Don't forget about their other extremities, such as their tails. I'm thinking "free matching tail warmer with all booty orders". Could be the clincher for you at Dragons Den. Lol. Happy New Year Del. And anyone else reading this, also.  Wonks.     ... View more

Hi Delly (and everyone), First up, beautiful white cat in photo. I know we have talked about this before, but maybe you should think again about being a humum again, there are so many fluff-cadets out there who need very little other than lots of love. And adoration! I'm seriously thinking about adopting a third; plenty of room at the inn, here.  On internet - I discovered "Simon's Cat" on Utube recently. Very entertaining - check it out!  Cars - because of lockdown I hardly go anywhere, so loving the tiny petrol costs of these days.  Storm whatever it was called (I lose track) was raging all day Boxing Day, so perfect excuse for a 'duvet day' with a furry friend and Netflix.  Lots of love & hugs and Happy New Year. Wonks X    ... View more

Hey Delly! Glad you have got in touch. Hope you are ok Hun. Crimbo on your tod is a bit rubbish but the wonders of modern technology mean no-one is ever truly alone. So keep posting if it helps darlin.  I look back over my time on this website and truly think 'could I have ever got through it?' without so much help from everyone on here. Answer is 'no I couldn't have' !!! Update on the cats - her ladyship remains aloof, but content. The younger puss is becoming dafter/ cuddlier day by day. God bless all animals say I. Also a huge hug and fondest wishes to everyone on this website. Happy Christmas everyone. Wonky XXX ... View more

Hi 11tolo, First up well done you for getting through your rads. I felt similar to you about that :had rads worked/ not worked. It seems a VERY long wait to your next mammo. I totally get where you are coming from. Work on basis the wonderful people who specialise in cancer aren't going to put you at risk and if for a second they didn't feel you were ok, they wouldn't abandon you. I can only speak from experience; hoping has helped to some extent. Hug, Wonks ... View more

Hey Jaybro, I'm always here for you. PM me!  You have been a stalwart on here girl! Ladies...,..  ... View more

Thanks so much. These clips seem to be something which is a bit of a secret. Would like to understand more, before I brave an airport!  ... View more

Hi Tansy, although the whole 'kit n caboodle' is scarey, if your onc has prescribed rads, you must give them a go. Ages since I posted on this thread, but four weeks ago, I was glad I went through the rads as was told nothing "worrying" to be seen anymore in the boob. That news convinced me that all the worry and putting up with the side-effects of the treatment was worth it in the long run.  Hope this helps a little. Wonky  ... View more

The ladies on here have a wealth of advice, support and love to give which hopefully makes a difference.  Agree that your priorities should be quality (no roughly sewn seams) pure cotton PJs, and baby-wipes . You will probably feel physically better sooner than you think, I get your tizz, I too thought I would be struggling to manage.  Emotionally prepare yourself hun, books, movies, favourite snacks and such, rest & recuperation is the name of the game and far more important than  fuzzy armpits.  I found baths easier than showers - waist downwards all as normal. Waist upwards gently does it for first few days. Thereafter popped a drop of dettol into bath water to keep wounds clean and kept with nurse advice as regards no highly perfumed products - I bought Johnsons Baby stuff. Wishing you all the best Y -: as hard as it may seem, it'll be easier than you think. A Wonky hug X    ... View more