Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Folks Congratulations on becoming a nanny and also for getting back to a bit of normal with a holidays...  We managed a lovely break near Ludlow at the beginning of October.   My journey has been very elongated because of COVID and it took me from November to June (many battles, telephone calls and appointments) to find out that I cant have my diep flap surgery for at least another two years! And it has to be at Nottingham which is 1.5 hours away  And they wont even put you on the waiting list until you reached an appropriate BMI.   So we considered going private.  Costs vary - from £18k to £35.... My parents are paying a huge chunk of it and we will find the rest.  So generous of them.  I was all set up for an op on 11th October and I got COVID having managed to avoid it all this time.  So I have a new op date of 1st December.  Send positive healing vibes to Lincolnshire!  My hair has grown back super curly and I have no idea what to do with it!!!    Lovely to hear all your news xxx   Jess ... View more

Just before I rang the bell! On Thursday 28 October I finally got to ring the bell too.  It felt great to do it - emotional and euphoric and I cannot thank the staff at Boston Chemo Suite enough for all their help and support.  Over the last 10 days the side effects have set up camp again, so in my head I keep saying, 'this is the last time' (fingers crossed).   I have phoned the Breast Clinic this afternoon as no one seems to know what happens next to me.  I had a mastectomy in April and now need reconstruction.  My Oncologist told me I need to call them to start discussions about it.  So that's what I have done.  I need to get informed about my options so if anyone has any websites that are useful that would be amazing.   I read all your posts and send out positive vibes for those having a tough time.   xxxx Jess xxx   ... View more

Oh no @GonnaGetThruThis  that is rubbish.  I hope you feel better soon.  I had heard in our area they take three months to reschedule after COVID so perhaps that's some consolation that its still quite soo but I know if you are hyped up to go in, its hard having it cancelled.  I felt frustrated at the start when my chemo was delayed before I had even started and the final one, when it was pushed back a week.   Hugs to you.  xxxx ... View more

Congratulations! I finished on Thursday… I’ll post my pic later.  What a journey we have all had. Be proud of riding this wave xxx   love Jess ... View more

Hi lovely ladies/wonderful warriors Sorry for no replies of late, I have been busy juggling work and feeling very tired.  I do read all your posts though.  Here is my latest update.  I was due to have my last chemo (my third Docetaxel) last Thursday but it was cancelled.  😥  A broken machine in the pharmacy meant only emergency chemo was proceeding.  So here I am today, with both trepidation and keeness to have my final session which is tomorrow at 11.30.  They have just phoned to confirm the bloods are OK and the covid swab is negative and the 'see you at 11.30' floored me a bit as they had booked me in for 3pm so now I need to rethink all my plans.  Is anyone else stressed by changes in plans or is it just me?  For lots of reasons I haven't been on holiday for a few years now.  So I am looking forward to a few days away in Pickering in late November and seeing my sister who has also been through BC (lumpectomy/radiotherapy) in December. Also looking forward to having my parents stay at Christmas - 90% of present shopping done as I felt I wanted it done early just in case.  I have to have reconstruction next but it seems I need to contact the breast team to get all that started and I know I need to do some reading up on whats needed but my brain isnt quite in the right place for that at the moment. The clock change is always a struggle for me but working at home has taken that pressure away this year.  I stopped setting the alarm months and months ago and wake when the dog decides its time to get up! Varying between 5.15 and 6.40... Hope this finds you all well or if not, improving from where you were.   Lots of love Jessica       ... View more

Hello lovely people! I have been keeping up with your news/posts but not managed a reply until today.   My last chemo was a change from FEC to Docetaxel.  Tomorrow is my next session.  I have found Docetaxel harder than FEC.  It seems to me almost impossible for the health care professionals to prepare you for this journey as everyone reacts differently and for some Docetaxel seems easier than their previous drugs.   But I found I was much more tired, I had taste changes (just ebbing away now), odd feelings in my fingers (but not tingling) and rashing between the thighs (although this could have been combined with hot weather).  I will be better prepared this time I hope.  Whilst I have not had any crashingly low moments I am super glad to be over halfway now.  I know I have to have more surgery - reconstruction and at the moment I haven't found the energy to research this part of the treatment in any detail and my breast care team didn't want to discuss it at the beginning of the treatment.   Eyebrows are hanging in there just but for the most part I havent used make up much, however when I do, I do feel better about myself so may be I should take the extra time.   I wanted to say just how well you are all doing, finding happy moments amongst the rubbish that this is.  So proud of you all. xxxx Jessica xxxx ... View more

Fantastic news! Everyone need a boost through this process and new life is the cream on top isn’t it? The skin and make up Look Good Feel Better session was great. Goodies to follow. Sign up if you feel you can x   J ... View more

Hi, just a quick reply… just watched this video which might help with makeup application? https://youtu.be/I5IzMMnPM2o  sorry it’s not been a better day xxxx ... View more

Hi everyone  I’ve been reading your posts and wanted to send lots of love. Having had my last FEC yesterday, I’m wide awake so I thought I’d send you all a quick message of support and solidarity.  Next is docetaxel in tree weeks time which I’m dreading. I feel a tiny bit less yucky than yesterday so hopefully things will improve by the bank holiday weekend. I've done two of the Look Good Feel Better workshops. One on nails. I think someone was asking about painting your nails dark.  They have done a lot of research on the dark nails theory and the conclusion is that it makes no real difference, however if you are maintaining your nails, this good. Use lots of cuticle oil and a base and top coat for the best results. Also, they don’t recommend gel nails or shellac.  The scalp/head care one was interesting too and the follow up notes had lots of useful links to products and hats, scarves etc. Let me know if you want any links. There was a link to the Cancer Hair Loss Charity with lots of useful videos on YouTube https://youtube.com/c/ChemoHairLossCoach. I’m booked on the skin care and make up one on Monday. in the meantime sending you all good vibes.. love n hugs  Jess ... View more

Hi everyone.  Most seem to be negotiating a tricky part of this treatment with one thing and another but you all seem to be finding faith in something to ride it out. Whilst my SEs have been mild (ever thankful) it’s been a stressful couple of weeks. Our oven and dishwasher have broken amongst other annoyances….  Still we are chipping away at solving them and it’s a distraction from feeling weird.  Despite the cold cap my hair fell out so my OH shaved it off. Yesterday was wig day. I wasn’t going to bother but a chance chat when having my last chemo changed my mind. She came in in her and looked so lovely and was buzzing from the boost I thought I’d go for it.  I put a few pics out on Facebook to drum up support for my sister’s charity brave the shave fundraising today and I had a lovely outpouring of support which has put the smile back on my face.  Here are some pictures. I read you comments every day if I can and think about you all lots x The lady I met also recommended Nozzeco for an alcohol free change from water, squash, juice etc. Normally I’m not a fan but nicely cold it was lovely and felt special and more normal.  Ringing the changes here to get through the weeks. ... View more

@Flower123  Hope you are starting to feel a little more like yourself. Sending love and hugs xxx 🤗 ... View more

Hi All So sorry, no time to tag everyone as need to catch up with work before tomorrow's chemo.  This will be my second FEC cycle.  Following the first one I have been amazingly lucky up to now and have appreciated this having read what some of you have had to endure.  I have a mild sore mouth and sporadic pains in my feet.  There was a worry about cystitis for a day or so but that was the advent of my period- three weeks after the last one (I am peri and was hoping that would all stop but its gone the other way).  My hair has started to fall out now.  To what extent I don't know so one more attempt at the cold cap tomorrow if my tender head can cope with it.    Thanks for sharing regarding mastectomy information.  When I had my results with the breast clinic they were happy it was healing well.  However, the area isn't flat and projects near the centre (I still have a mini cleavage).  I did ask about this and they said they could do more surgery if I was unhappy.  As I have no idea what to expect following surgery I thought this was a bit lame to be honest.  I wondered if it was post operation swelling but a few weeks on its the same.  I opted to do nothing as I am going to have reconstruction following chemo.  I think I should have looked at pictures of what it should look like before I had the surgery to be honest then I would know if this was below standard or just what it should look like. I have been following all your progress when I can but we have MIL trouble - she fell and broke her hip.  Sadly we live about 3 hours away and she isn't the easiest person to help so that has been a stress this household could have done without.  In fact she is rejecting every suggestion to help her stay in her own home at the moment, but still wants to go home... Monday saw us at the hospital for bloods and COVID swab followed by a journey down to Thame, Oxfordshire to pack up clothes etc and then a trip back up to Banbury to see her for the hour slot allowed (Not me, as I am isolating and they only let one person in at a time anyway).  Then a 3 hour drive back up to Lincolnshire.  I went to keep my other half company.  Sadly the provision of the mobile phone to keep in touch was rejected and so the whole drama will rumble on for a while.  Still its a distraction from thinking about side effects continually!   Booked in to a lot of the Look Good Feel Good sessions so might 'see' some of you there? It seemed a positive thing to do. I agree that its impossible to be positive 24/7 but finding a bit of joy in every day is the aim.  Today it has been picking runner beans to have with dinner! Here is a pick of me in front of the runner beans before my hair started to shed   Lots of love to you all xx ... View more

@GonnaGetThruThis so pleased to hear this news xxxx ... View more

What fantastic pictures! The wig looks fabulous! Enjoy you day everyone, but take care in that heat… ... View more

Hi Folks, I am checking in daily to see how you are doing and think about you all during the day.  I did struggle to get on the forum for a couple of days but that glitch seems to have disappeared. After my chemo I was on edge waiting for the side effects to rush in and floor me but so far I have been extremely lucky and been able to keep busy and by keeping occupied I don’t think about the ‘off’ feeling I have.  I am just going to ride this wave until things change.  Every day feeling OK is a blessing.  I do feel tired but have been managing to do some household tasks, a little gardening, cooking and some knitting (I am making hats for The Big Knit https://www.thebigknit.co.uk/join-in) Although I am reasonably IT savvy I appear to have zero ability with this forum!  So, thank you to whomever’s idea it was to copy and paste the tag names, however the fact most of us are called one thing in our @ name and another in real life seems to fox my little brain so my efforts below at trying to match up what is happening with each of you may have gone awry… apologies if so. With regard to all the follow on medications, I did wish my partner had been able to come in with me – I went straight from the discussion in to the FEC.  So I promptly forgot to tell him that the needle retracts which caused a mild panic when he did the first one (funny now… not so much then!)  I haven’t been brave enough to do them myself yet – normally I am brave as a lion but this seems a step too far, so he has been fabulous and done it for me. @Impatience  hope the cheek is healing.  I did this just before I started chemo and was so worried about it.  The trouble is when you bite it once it’s so easy to do it again.  I just tried to put faith in the magical healing abilities of the body but it is hard not to worry @Louise65  Glad you are feeling more human (well this was Sunday so hoping that’s still the case) @GonnaGetThruThis  Did you manage a workout?  It sounds as though you are coping with the early starts none the less @hopeful1974 Hope you are a little more rested today.  I think the football affected everyone, fan or not  @simplyeve thanks for your lovely comments @Flower123 Hope your visit to see your granddaughter gave you a huge boost!  Loved your pictures @Trowster Mega impressed you are getting out and about and getting your make up sorted.  I have not bothered since the day of chemo.  Did go wild and venture to Tesco on Saturday… first time in a shop for three weeks! @Fairie  How are you doing, I know you were dreading your next session.  Sending hugs @Heels to walking boots You seem to be getting to grips with all these stats.  I notice from post to post the information we get differs depending on where we are having our treatment.  I do have a book but no one gave me information in relation to my bloods, so I will try to remember to follow up when I go for my second cycle. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone. I am on my own on Friday pm, Saturday and Sunday am so hoping I will feel as OK as I am now.  Do you find you improve the further away from the chemo and medications you are? My sister was diagnosed with cancer last October, she has now had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy so we have been travelling this road together a little.  In solidarity she is ‘Braving the Shave’ and having all her hair shaved off to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.  She is up to nearly £300 now.  Isnt that just so brave and supportive. I think it’s time to do some ancestry.  Looking at the past might be a good distraction from the future. Hoping you all have a manageable day Love Jess x   ... View more

Afternoon ladies!  My session went well mainly thanks to all the kind advice here. Here are a couple of pictures, one of me with the cold cap. Fingers crossed it works a little.   Hope you are all finding little wins each day xxx ... View more

@Impatience Thank you! love your little rhyme. 😊 @simplyeve Good luck today.   Hope everyone else (sorry not tagged, as once you hit reply all the other names in the thread disappear! Must get better at this...) has a good day and remember we are all one day closer to nailing this! Love Jessica ... View more

Hi everyone! So glad to see some of you are having some days with improvement and sorry to read that some of you aren't 😞  It really is a roller coaster. The book link is great - I was given a diet leaflet but not as comprehensive as that so its really useful to share. I think I am ready as going to be.  Actually feeling quite up beat and in a positive mood, perhaps as things are moving on now. I have no doubt that will change but everyone but everyone who I have spoken to says a positive attitude is the way to go. Re bloods - when I visited pathology they weren't trained to use my picc line (neither are my local surgery) so had to use the other arm but any lymph node clearance means no tourniquet apparently so they have to get a vein without which can be tricky.  As my chemo was delayed the bloods expired so I had to go to the chemo suite on Thursday where they did use the picc line.    Planning a glass of wine or two with dinner tonight as it will be the last for a while!   Lots of Love Jess ... View more

Hi Peeps I just wanted to say I am thinking of those who have been so poorly and hoping you are feeling a little better. 🤗 For those having your sessions today I hope it goes well. 😍 I have news now!  My impatience finally got the better of me and I rang for an update.  The MRI results were fine and the treatment can proceed as planned. 🙄 So I am all booked in for Thursday.  It seems to have been a very long (but thorough) journey to get to this point.  My first mammogram was on 18 February, Mastectomy on 26 April and now chemo on 8 July.   I tried so hard not to read too much but wanted to be prepared - such a fine line really.  I had my hair cut off at the end of May thinking chemo was going to start and now I am off to the hairdressers again for another cut! Are any of you using the OWise app for tracking of your symptoms? Take care of yourselves, lots of love Jess x 😘   ... View more

@GonnaGetThruThis Sadly Kim, still waiting for results from the MRI.  Had a picc line wash on Monday.  I feel like a fraud because I won't be a June starter really, but I feel a real connection to this little group.   @Flower123 Sorry you are having a tough time, but the advice here is good.  Be kind to yourself and rest up x I am wondering how many of you are working during your treatment.  I was off for four weeks for my mastectomy but back at work now.  I do find it hard to concentrate at the moment plus with lots of appointments everything is a bit disjointed and I need a secretary to keep track of everything! TTFN  Jess ... View more