Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Delly, I did mean Baltic as in a blooming freezing place up near Finland, Estonia etc. , I'd use brassic for bring skint. There's a clue in the Big Technology company... 📞 😉 Please send massive non-ER hugs to PeonyRose if you message her. That's one ballsy lady. 🤗 Have decided to do my massaging in bed before I go to sleep and when I wake up; anyway this morning I can get my arm fully upright in the air. ⬆️ And while my seroma is in the way, there's much more movement.   ... View more

Yes in slippers. I'm an internal communications manager for a Big Technology giant. My role is all about engaging our  colleagues outside the UK by sharing the best of the business with them as we transform and to help build a community of advocates for the business. Well you did ask! So, just spoke to my BCN... only had DCIS as well as the 34mms grade 3 main bit. All of that in a 84mm side to side space. 31 out of 48 nodes - she's never seen/heard of so many nodes. Only 66% as I said to hubby. She and my surgeon seem reluctant to tell me what the % risk is. Very high by the sounds of it. Can't wait to see those charts on Tuesday when I'm with the onc. consultant. Seem chemo will start within 2 weeks of that appointment so I'm not worrying longer than necessary.  Bone scan on Thursday.  ... View more

Been working from home for 20 years Delly! My little bedroom is my office/dressing room. Occasionally meetings in the office - never thought I'd say I wish I could have a long day or two down to London. I miss Kings Cross Station. 😂 Unlike the rest of the country/world, I started dressing up for work, as if I was going into the office, since March so my skirts and blouses don't 'shrink' in the wardrobe! 😉 Lovely day here too. Baltic though. Myrtle, my car, is in for service and her 1st MOT today so can't rally nip for a walk til she's back - I always do a collect and return.  Don't know what you mean about symbols. Did you mean the bell, message sign etc? I'd been logged out, when I logged back in they were there.   ... View more

Hi Delly Thanks for the check-in on Peony, I was going to message her today. Please send her my warmist best wishes.  Seems there is some drug they use for osteoporosis that has a good % of stopping bone cancer. I don't yet have any more details as not seeing the onc team til Tuesday. My surgeon just went through a list of therapies I'll be having - even suggested not to bother writing as it'll be all in my letter from her and from the BCN... expecting a call today.  I have a list of Qs as long as my arm around why no scans showed the extent and how will they know annual mammograms will be enough to check in the other side? And a few more...  Friday, wine day, though I think I'll have a beer tonight. Celebrate going back to work on Monday - I'm ready. I just need my colleagues to stop me chaining myself to my desk for hours at a time.  Happy weekend.  Gel X   ... View more

Hi Rosy I hope all went well yesterday and you're on the road to recovery today. 🤗 Any practical questions, please ask. I reached the top of the door frame this morning with my exercises - that's usually saved for last 'go' in the last 2 sessions of the day. Whoop, whoop! 🤭  Gel x ... View more

Hello ladies, well I certainly do not do anything by halves... cancer throughout Exbo (removed boob). Massive - nearly 9cm in total. 30+ nodes out of 40+ had it in. Don't know what grade, my consultant doesn't do grades, though BCN will tell me. Must admit, BC Tourette's kicked-in as she unveiled all. So it's the kitchen sink of chemo, rads (possibly on neck modes too) therapies for me incl that osteoarthritis drug trial and they are doing a bone scan just to be sure. Though should be absolutely fine as CT scan was clear. 🤞 Back on Tuesday for the plan from the Ocology consultant. Suspect from everything, % risk is high 🤔 - expect the details then, if I can't get a better idea from my BCN tomorrow.  Good news in so much as, just as well I didn't opt for recon at the same time as radiotherapy likely needed on nodes to and my scar looks fab - if such a thing can. I certainly wasn't shocked nor upset when I saw it. Any tips on massage? Was told to and use non-petroleum based cream (I have that).  And in other good news, my hubby is in the clinically extremely vulnerable and 70+ (much older than me!) has his 1st vaccine booked. I'm going to ask about me getting mine done sooner rather than later as I'll soon be in the vulnerable category. So that's me.  How's everyone else getting on? I do think of our little gang often. ❤️ 💪 Gel x ... View more

Hello Jane Here's a recent thread where we started off discussing ANCs. I hope it helps you. In a nutshell, more uncomfortable than painful.  https://forum.breastcancernow.org/t5/Surgery/AXILLARY-NODE-CLEARANCE/td-p/1353023  ... View more

Hi PeonyRose You are the warrior.  🎀 🤗 Gosh, I feel tired reading that. While you do not want any of this, it's great that it's full steam ahead - even if it means the menopause*. I'm also pleased to hear you read content that's helped you. I've everything crossed and sending all positive thoughts for good news for your MRI scan.  🤞 Gel x *No idea if I've gone through it as I had a procedure in my 30s that stopped my stupidly heavy periods and I've had no symptoms - well, between us, the only thing in the last 2 years is when I got to go, I got to go!  🌊 😉 They are going to test when I go onto hormone treatment. ... View more

Nice seroma developing to the side of my exboob ( I think that's giving me a name for her - I'll call her Exbo - not far off expo!) where the end of your bra cup would be. Bear in mind I was still draining on Friday as the blooming thing had blocked regularly over the week it was in, so it's to be expected.  It feels a bit little bit tight and it's been helped by my first round of exercises today - I reached the top of the door frame last night. 👊 Not quite there this am. I'll keep an eye on it.  Got an ear worm - I keep, singing; "My seroma". And Delly - hopefully Wednesday. I've certainly a consultant's appointment then, let's hope the results are ready. 🤞 ... View more

Hi Rose With you on the post-replacement pain killers. Had a total hip replacement 18 months ago. I know knees are meant to be worse... I say meant to be as I had complications.  I'm expecting chemo as cancer in a swollen node (2.3cm) - it's that, that took me to my GP. No way could I feel what they found in my boob - even mammogram didn't show changed mass that under biopsy/CT showed only a couple of free floating BC cells. As difficult to keep an eye on in the future as it's difficult to see and the 12 o'clock location, this was the reason, with a 20mm BC lump deep at 2 o'clock, for a Mx.  BCN was saying yesterday how it'll be graded. Overall grade 3 then chemo. If not 3 then depending on number of nodes involved could be chemo. We know deffo in 2. If no more and not grade 3 then run through the predictors to work out % risks to see if needed or not. This is my understanding from the conversation I had yesterday - may not be 100% accurate as I didn't question, question, question - just general how do they work it all out. I did ask about stats but she said that my stats are unique to me so until they get my full histology, they can't be sure.  When I have the actual "what treatment is suggested for you based on your histology" I will question til I am totally understanding h ow they come to that plan. I will have hormone treatment as mine is ER+.  I may get seroma as drain was still draining but it'd been in the 7 days max. stated in my plan so they whipped it out. Don't forget they HAVE to tell you the side effects and they lay it on thick. Would only need whipping out if it was very uncomfortable or went hard. Happy weekend.  Gel x ... View more

Should be Wednesday Delly. Slight chance Wednesday week. I did wonder why my hip and ankle hurt this am. All that dancing. 💃 Mum not bothered ✋ - had her 1st Covid jab today. ... View more

Hi Rosy  Jan gave details of what can happen with an ANC. Here's my findings of the practicalities of the op that I had 8 days ago. No pain - pec ache (had a Mx too) like I'd overdone the gym and numbish underarm/tricep - think like when your dental injection starts to wear off I'm on 1 x paracetamol am and 1 pm Taken 2 ibruprofen in the week Drain - annoying more than anything. This was my one worry about the op... the leaflet was frightening! I can drain, clean and re-vac in minutes. Less if I had my glasses to hand to record the volume. Mine decided to play up and not click together, which a quick call to the ward talked me through. Ditto when it wouldn't drain I was given a little cloth shoulder bag to carry it around When I went out, I popped in the inside pocket of my gym-style jacket Sleeping with it was no problem Deft use of a big carrier bag as a shower cape protects my dressing A lanyard keeps the drain under the cape in the shower Drain came out today. Again, no pain, just a funny sensation I was warned about Exercises are helping with the movement - though I am a swimmer so strong in that area No stretching with that arm - it'll smart. If you have to pick anything up off the floor, crouch right down even using your good arm Talk to your BCN. There is no such thing as a stupid question. The more you use them/ask the better they can be with each interaction with you from the start as they get to know you. I am expecting chemo due to having an ANC - not confirmed yet. Follow up appointment is next week. I went to GP with a node lump, so knew it'd spread although I couldn't feel any breast lump. CT scan shows no other spread so the little darlings did their job. I hope that helps to answer some of your practical questions. Please ask if you have any I've not covered. Gel   ... View more

Hi Alice  Had a fab chat with my BCN earlier - we really drilled down on attitude and change curves. It's sort of something I do in my day job. Telling fear to do one sounds fabulous as it's not the stay positive, fight it clap trap people think is well meant.  I had my drain out today. The nurse was happy with everything else and topped up my softie for a better fit. Gonna take my Nora Batty's off. Even survived my husband driving (that I always hate) in the snow. Took an hour to get the snow off the car. Delly, yes Yorkshire, Leeds - we had 4-5". My BCN nurse explained next steps and possible outcomes depending on findings.  I'm having a 🍷 . Cheers to you all. Gel x     ... View more

Happy Birthday Delly. 💐 🥂 xx Might have to pass on the dancing - can certainly feel my pec/wound/armpit today. That's pushing a small shopping trolley with a few items in it for you and I was doing stuff with my left hand.  What a good excuse to be (extra) lazy today with coffee, wine and blueberry muffins - especially given the snow. And, have more hugs for PeonyRose. 🤗   ... View more

Deffo party time. I went out today - wine and cake went in the shopping trolley. So lovely being out even though the weather was pants. No one stared at me. Well, no more than usual due to my supermodel looks. 😂 🐷 ✈️ ... View more

Thanks for asking Evie. I'm good thank you - can't believe how well I am sleeping. For someone so paranoid about sleeping on my back. Don't think I'll EVER retire my V pillow. 💤 I'm getting a few shooting twinges across my wound and down my arm. ⚡ Odd thing is my foot's getting in on the act too - I had complications with my hip replacement. 😯 Going to have my first trip out later - fine wine and a new house card is essential shopping for a good friend who's been extra supportive.  ... View more

Oh PeonyRose, I was thinking about you all day yesterday. Oh my love*, what absolutely horrendous news - very pants indeed . My thoughts are wit h you. Sending you hugs. 🤗 Gel x ♥  *Funny, we don't know each other and have only been in each others' world's a few days, I feel I know you already. I'm here if you want an ear to rant to. x 👂 😱   ... View more

Hi Bookish Here's buckets of tea and lots of sympathy and a (left) shoulder to cry on. I can't imagine what you're going through as we are all different - and I'm one Mx and two days behind you. What I can say is: you've had a massive op. Really, it's 4 huge ones. Hello - all the drugs/meds involved with that is enough to set anyone off. Add in the 4 types of ops you had - enough to make any sane person question the life, universe  and everything. And you said you are on your own at the moment.  Except you're not. So let it all out, say/think what you want, when you want. And one day/hour/minute soon you'll be in a better place. I don't to say I'll be the same because this is your thread with your worries. What I will say is that any journey has dips in the road - some bigger than others, some we didn't even see, whatever they are, we get there in the end. How do your like your tea? Biscuit or two? Bit of cake? Hug. Gel x ... View more

Aw Titch that's a bummer, especially when you psyched yourself up. 🤗 Are you a everything happens for a reason type of gal? I am, though not in a god's/universe will type of why - p00p/good stuff happens. It might  yet be for the best - giving you more time to clear your chest. Think I'll pass on the cow - we had chickens for years, they were bad enough. They are feathered, lean, mean pooing machines. Hope your day improves. I'm going to attempt to wash my hair without getting my dressing wet. Gel x       ... View more

Absolutely everything crossed for you tomorrow PeonyRose. And sending loads of good vibes. 🙇‍ ♀️ 🙏 🤞 🍀 🌠 Thank goodness it's an early appointment so you're not on tenterhooks all day. Gel x ... View more