Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi all, especialy the ever lovely Helen, looking fab in your photo! The first person ever to respond to my very first post - and look at us now, 2 years on! Funny, I was thinking about Theresa, wondering how she was, and hoping everything was going fine for her. Please, send her my love, via FB, but I am still gonna resist!! I just seem to spend so much time on the old laptop with work, I just know, if ever I went down the FB route, addiction would be just a click away!! Also, with a student son at uni, on FB.......I have promised him I won't go there! He would feel like his mum is breathing down his neck....I'd rather not know too much about his goings on! Although, it is a worry how naive these kids are about what they are happy to put "out there" ....once it's there, it's there! I have lectured my boys on the subject...whether or not they've taken it in or not, well! Bit of a worry that so many of our young adults are going to have a completely new "computer identity" when they are in the big wide job market world, 'cos they been so indiscriminate about what they've posted when young/in drink!! Feeling old!! On that note, anyone read the new Allison Pearson novel - about being a David Cassidy fan back in the '70s? - called "I think I love you"....it brings back memories! Me, definately a Cassidy not an Osmond girlie - but the other David (Essex!) did it for me!! I do like her writing, funny, clever and strikes a note. Come on, girls.....all together...."Could it be forever..." oh! just me then?! Ha! Lizzy xx ... View more

Well HALLLOOOOOOOOO! Shouting from the distance! I've had a catch up, lovely to see old friends and hear how everyone is doing, in time for Carole's drinkie in Joe's! I have been keeping an eye on you all, but I just felt like looking in for a while to make sure everyone was fine, I feel I've been sort of trying to "put things behind me" - if that makes sense? Not the SRs, that is something far too lovely and special to put put away in a box, but just the rest of that bit of 2009. Like most of us now, I think, I've had my 2nd mammo, which was fine. I know I am unlikely to have repeat problems, with it being DCIS etc, but it was still a huge relief! Here's to spring (hopefully!) just around the corner, the snow was a nightmare with the horses, frozen water and so on, Christmas was a blur of very hard work and no income! Work is busy, as ever, but I'm OK with it, have a great boss which makes all the difference. And, on that note, best get in the car and get on with it!! I'm also on email, if anyone fancies a "chat" - and thanks for the Facebook requests, I'm sorry to ignore tham, but I have decided not to "do" Facebook, I looked at it out of curiousity years ago and decided it was far too scary!! Take care, my lovely SRs, Love Lizzie/Libby/Nancy ... View more

Ok, that's me - all work stuff done, admin up to date "Out of office" on the email..... Train tomorrow, and I really can't wait! I will be thinking about you all, and like I said earlier .....NO DRAMAS!! We have all had our share - just nice gentle healing now, girls! Good luck with the rads, Gennie, and stay happy and healthy everyone. Hope the low moods lift, and the sun shines for all. Soon be November - wonder if I can make my suntan last?! Signing off, Lizzie XX PS Isn't it FAB to have our lovely Helen back? ... View more

Helen!!! Lovely to see you posting, oh we've missed you! Take it slowly - and I know what you mean about A/Ds, but, agree with mary, don't completely rule them out - see also comment to Victoria. One of the key things is - does the low mood persist for over 2 weeks, and do you stop finding pleasure in things that used to make you happy. The ups and downs of everyday mood swings are one thing, plus everything you have been through, but if you still enjoy things, whether it's grandchildren, gardens, horses (that'll be me then!) - you are probably coping. I knew I was struggling a year or two back, when I didn't want to / couldn't be bothered to ride. Oh, that has made me day, seeing your photo again, Helen, I am sat here in tears - very happy ones XXX Lizzie XX ... View more

Morning all Good luck with the onc appt, Sal. Hope you can get the answers you need/want, so difficult for you when you are obviously super sensitive to drug side effects. it's the old risk / benefit / quality of life balancing act, not easy. Hi, Victoria, can't help with the specific tamoxifen question, as I luckily avoided it, but dealing with Dx, treatments and so on, could also have a big effect on your mood. See how you go with it, over a two week period, if it persists, I'd "have a chat" with a sympathetic doc. Mild depression, caught and treated early (whether medically or psycologically)responds well, better than letting yourself get worse. Been there, done that! Well, suitcase is just about packed - with sunny clothes for Tenerife and others for a slightly less predictable Edinburgh! To say I am ready for this break, doesn't come close! Went to see neurologist yesterday, she was lovely. There was a "something" on both CT and MRI scans, thankfully both in the same place! - which has been reported as most likely a bleed, at some point. Could have had it and never known, looked "old" - very unlikely to be connected with the severe headaches. They have been put down to the high BP, which is now under control. And the high BP? - who knows why! Probably life, particularly the last 6 months - fair enough!! Big relief, I'd tried not to dwell on it, as the unofficial early report was OK, but there's always the lurking doubt, isn't there? Welcome, Jordanelaine, sorry you've had to join us, but there is a great bunch here! I also had WLE as a day patient, really was straight forwards, hope everything goes well for you. Love and (((((hugs))))))to all - might not get on again before I go on hols (have I mentioned my hols?!) - so NO dramas whilst I am away - everyone take care and treat yourselves extremely well. Missing you already! Lizzie XX ... View more

Morning Really sorry to hear your friend is poorly, Val, hope things improve. Di - not surprising we have these ups and downs - my energy levels still all over the place - and I didn't have chemo. Take it steady - listen to your body. Yes, it's a cliche - but time IS a healer! Have a good day, all - off to sunny Scunthorpe today... Lizzie XX ... View more

Surprise surprise..........or not/ Bounced back - mailbox full. Well, hopefully with lots of our "Disgusted of XXXX" comments! ... View more

Oh, and a new picture of Mary! You go away for a few days....... ... View more

Thanks, Bertie - seem to back in the fold! Great picture, Clare. Seemed to have a missed a page on one of my "catch ups" - Gennie, missed the bit about your OH and your work --Gggggrrrrrrrrr!! I know it's hard when the two incomes become the norm - and only you two know what is possible - but......well. Not my place - but really feel you need a bit of slack, hope you can come to something that suits. Val, really hope your friend is OK. Our friend is just starting chemo and rads for throat cancer - whoever said life was easy? Makes you appreciate every day, I feel. Rotten without a computor, Carole - we curse them so often - but miss them when they're not there. Oh, or is that men?! - erm, well, yes, could be! ooooooohhhh, 4 sleeps till I'm on holiday! Helen, if you are reading - take care, will be scooping you up in November - we will have a ball (((((hugs))))) Hello to everyone else - feel I'm back in the gang again! Lizzie XX ... View more

Have also emailed - will let you know if it bounces..... She really is an absolute media obsessed / will do anything / piece of baggage, isn't she? massive misjudgement on the behalf of Asda. Makes my ponies in pink legwarmers (if you haven't seen the "Pink October" thread - don't ask!) look positively tasteful! Certainly not as tacky as Jordan! Lizzie XX ... View more

It is a difficult one. Have to say, before my Dx, I have arranged "Pink things" - in particular a Pink Day at a local riding school. Yes, we even had ponies wearing pink legwarmers - a pink fairy showjumping - we wore pink t-shirts.......I'll stop before the anti-pink brigade throw something at me.... And we raised around £1200, not a bad ammount from a small group, mostly children, who had a fun time. In particular, the teenagers involved had never done this sort of thing before, and had a real sense of doing something good, whilst enjoying themselves as well. We repeated it the next year - but with a green theme (as that's the colour our local hospice uses)- and raised around £1200 for the hospice. Which was very well received, as hospices are virtually self funded. And now? - yes, I admit, I am not coming at this from a secondary view point, and I do not, in anyway, wish to trivialise this at all. I can totally see how inappropriate "pink and fluffy" must feel to so many. But, and it's a big but, is it really wrong to raise the money in this way? I know £1200 is a "drop in the ocean" in some ways - but lots of £1200 drops eventually make quite a big pond when added together? And, yes, I would do something similar again. Lizzie ... View more

Ha! Don't know how, or why - but sneaked in! do nothing different - sometimes I'm in, usually I'm not! Well, hello everyone, hope all is well. Great news, Theresa, so pleased for you, and fingers crossed indeed for now more leakage. Carole - well done you - all cooked, and a haircut as well, milestones whizzing past now! Sending cheque later - really sorry, had slipped my mind. Work has been busy, not least trying to cope with "politics"! I am really enjoying it again, seriously did not think that was going to happen again. When I was off, I think I managed to convince myself I hated the job, but I think the most important thing is timing. Probably went back too soon the first time, the extra break when my mum died seemed to give me the extra time I should have taken in the first place. Said it before, Gennie, and everyone who works through it all, I have so much admiration for you. I can understand totally, the job satisfaction you got from your career change, Jacq, and I have promised myself I will do the same within thenext few years. Exchange stress for horsepoo in my case! Well, my baby has left home! - Drove to Cardiff, all by himself, on Wednesday, longest drive he's ever done, so tense day for us! He sounds really happy for his residence, and his dad and big brother are on their way down today with things he's forgotten! Don't call him Scatty Jack for nothing! Holiday soon - I really cannot wait! Going on and on about, really starting to hack everyone off - best apologise to you lot in advance! BP has come down with the tablets, still don't know why it shot up (maybe just life?!)GP was happy yesterday. I'm seeing neurologist on Wednesday, will be glad to get that out of the way.... Weather's looking good for the weekend, proper misty (well, OK fog!) here so far, but has that feel of a nice day later. Hope it's good for Mary wherever she's camping. Have a great weekend, all, hope you are coming on OK, Helen ((((Hugs)))) ... View more

Ah ha!! Fooled the system!! Don't know how I've done it - but here again! It is so random - sometimes I have to pretend I want to post on a different thread - and that lets me in......other times I just can't gat in at all! Been like that for a good few days - been reading all about you all, but left out! Anyway - very belated Happy Birthday, Di. Great to see Helen and Theresa back - loads of resting up, you two - we need you fit and well for November. That is going to be such a fantastic meet up. Shouldn't read the thread backwards - saw that Gennie had some piggies - bit of a shock, there, Gennie - 'til I read a bit further and saw they were GUINEA piggies! Carole - up in Edinburgh soon, prior to going to Tenerife for a week - (can't wait!!) - I'll give you a call if you fancy a meet - cup of coffee, or a glass of something chilled?! - Don't know if those fancy bars on George Street are ready for belly dancing - but, hey, - it'd be great fun!! Nikki - thinking about you, ((((hugs))))- hang on in there, we're all rooting for you.XXX OK - if you don't see me for a few days - I'm still reading and thinking about you all - just the system has decided my details don't match!.......are you listening, Bertie? Take care, all Lizzie XX ... View more

Oh, you beat me, Eliza! Lizzie ... View more

Morning all. Doesn't feel right, being first on - we are really missing you, Theresa! Hope things are going well for you, and we need our lovely Helen back as well. Glad it went well with the OH, Ros, keep on that phased return as long as it suits you. I was just about up to my normal hours over the last couple of weeks, and I have felt absolutely shattered. Cannot stay awake - completely with you on that one, Linda. Got the rest of the week booked as holiday, we have our annual inspection at the riding school tomorrow, vet and local authority bod come and check all tack, horses, stables.........the lot! I always do all the tack - 25 bridles and 25 saddles! - take some getting through. Nice when I can sit in the sun and do it, - sorry, Sandra! Yes, there has been a definate East / West divide in the weather lately, hasn't there? We haven't had anything like brilliant weather - but slightly better than a lot of what you look to have had! Gennie - must feel good to not be having the chemo - hope you hear soon about the rads - end is in sight! And I cooked proper food last night as well! Duck breast (huge - looked like they came off a swan!) with a yummy redcurrant sauce.Can do it, when I put my mind to it....... Favourite school dinners - definately the steamed puddings - the one with the gooey treacley bit in the bottom....loved it! And yes, to haggis, never had it at school, but with a scottish mum, we had it quite often. Have a good day, all Lizzie XX ... View more

I'm here!! Well, had the MRI yesterday afternoon, and it's OK! Hurray! Luckily, bumped into the neuroradiologist consultant, who was a very junior little doc when I worked there - and played the "do you remember me" card - he did, and looked at the images there and then. There is some odd appearance of some blood vessles, but he really didn't think there was anything to worry about, and certainly no nasties. Probably always looked like that. I've got an appt with a neuorologist in a couple of weeks, and the bp has started to come down. I do have a headache this morning - but it has more to do with a glass or four of wine!! And more news -had a text from Helen, she had the op on Friday, and she's OK. Bit of weakness on one side, they are going to scan her again, but she should be home very soon. You just can't keep a Storm Rider down ,eh?! Thank you all for the lovely messages, now we can channel all the positive vibes Theresa's direction! Lizzie XX ... View more

Thanks, must admit, head in total whirl. Back to, not wanting to tell the boys too much, don't want to worry them......could be nothing... Surely, surely, cannot be linked to the BC. It was "only" DCIS - clear margins etc. Of course, now I'm thinking - what if the suspect area seen on 1st breast MRI, which had altered enough by 2nd MRI for them to disregard it - what if that was "something"? The other mystery - chicken and egg - which came 1st - high BP or the "area" on the CT scan? Really unsual for high BP to show any symptoms - so in a way -"lucky" (oh yeah - so lucky!!)to go with the headache and discover the high BP. Is the headache from the BP, or the "area"? Told you my head was going everywhich way!.....and that thing about a little medical knowledge being dangerous... Right - enough! Stop trying to second quess; play with the ponies all weekend, and get the guns in the holsters Monday morning! Was in that hospital today, thinking about you guys, knowing that when I got home - I could tell you all, and get so much support back. It is a very lovely, powerful feeling to have such a bunch of mates. Lizzie XX PS Who pi*s*d on the gypsy's lucky heather this year, then?! ... View more

Had a "bit of a day" today............... Haven't wanted to voice my concerns, to anyone, thought it was good old Captain Paranoia..............especially with Helen's traumas... But, have had a stonking headache for a good week or so, feeling increasingly dizzy, bit nauseous. Then the headache got worse on wakening, really pounding - started to wake me up. Went to the GP this morning, blood pressure up to a mighty 190/110!! (my normal is 135 /80 ish) sent me straight to Acute assessment unit. Just got in, have had a CT brain scan, shows "an ill defined area of low attentuation", - unclear as to what. Have been allowed home, to go in Monday morning for a MRI. Um, really feeling pretty s**t right now! What the hell next? Very subdued storm rider right now, Lizzie XX ... View more

Love the pic, Martina! Yes, had text from Helen - if they don't do it today - she'll be sent home for the weekend. Like you say, Eliza, good that it isn't an emergency - but - what a horrible situation for Helen. In that sort of situation - you just want things to get going, don't you? Sent her a message saying we'd get the SR posse there to sort things out for her, and we were all thinknig about her and sending love. Val, wish I was nearer! - hope you are OK. We have just heard about a friend just diagnosed with throat / tongue cancer - nasty. He is getting organised for chemo and rads, sounds a pretty aggressive treatment. The surgeon had said to him that in the past, he would have lost his tongue. Going to be a tough few months ahead for him. Congrats on getting the part, Carole, and yes, completely agree - big thanks for starting this thread - whatever would we do without it?! LizzieXX ... View more