Breast Cancer Now Forum

Great news Helen! Why do they think making you wait for 9 weeks is a good idea, when they can inform your GP in a much shorter time? Madness…. Great to hear from you Lizzie and I’m glad you’re still enjoying your work. Is your son still enjoying Cardiff? Is he used to the rain yet? Lol I am on facebook, but rarely use it. I only joined because my kids kept saying ‘the photos are on fb’. I wasn’t a David Cassidy, Donnie Osmond or David Essex fan. Led Zepplin etc was more my thing. It still is to be honest. Robert Plant’s recent stuff has been great. Well, not only did I get my mug in the paper last week, I got almost a whole page spread and a small pic at the top of the front page with ‘turn to page….’ Well, that’s my 15 minutes used up! Cancer Research UK wrote a press release and the paper printed the whole thing virtually verbatim. Easy stuff for them; I spoke to the reporter on the phone for a few minutes and the photographer took about 5 minutes, so not exactly difficult! They had a two page spread promoting the Race for Life, which was good. I saw the gynae three weeks ago and he recommended surgery. I asked him how long and he said 3-4 months so I agreed to go ahead. Got a letter last week giving me a date for 4th March. Great in a way, but I feel really bad about the job. I agreed to do to the end of March and now it looks like I’ll have to have virtually the whole of March off. The job’s likely to be ongoing, but I feel awful about not being around at a very busy time. I don’t want to put if off though, as I’m doing wedding flowers for a friend of my daughter at Easter and need to be fit for that. Pre-op next Thursday and once this is over, I hope my body will stop falling apart!! Love to all xx ... View more

Been to the clinic today, was mammoed, groped and ultrasounded and NED is still my friend!! Brilliant service, all done in one morning. I don't know why the rest of you have to suffer numerous appointments, waits for results etc. I've been asked to help Cancer Research UK to promote the race for life in this area. Had a chat with a very nice lady on the phone last week and she's written a press release and is sending it to the local paper. Yikes! Still, I got a free t-shirt out of it. Hee hee. Val, don't know what you're doing wrong, sorry. ... View more

I agree, it was lovely to meet up again on Saturday. I don't even want to imagine how many calories were contained in the afternoon tea, but I ate very little else for the rest of the day, so maybe the damage wasn't too bad. I started my new job today. I was offered the NHS bank one on Thursday and the other one was making a decision today, so I had to do a lot of thinking Thursday night. They were only second interviewing one other person, so I had a 50/50 chance of getting it , but I was concerned it would be very quiet, as it was a very small company. This one is more hours and in an environment where there are a lot more people. I enjoyed it today and I think there will be lots of variety, so I'm sure I've made the right decision, even though this one is only guaranteed until the end of March. Having said that, they are hoping to get funding beyond that and it may become permanent. I'm glad your trip went well today Linda. Rather you than me with 56 children on the tube!! I take my hat off to you. Eliza, I did notice my right hip and hand were worse (affected side), although my left foot was worse. Having said that, the drugs did seem to find their way to every part of my body where I have had an injury and make them painful. I have damaged two toes and had plantar faciitis on my left foot, so that could be relevant. Take care all. ... View more

Libby, I seem to recall some abdominal problems with tamoxifen. Trouble is, I can’t remember specifically how it felt as I’ve been off it 18 months now. I hope your ultrasound went well and they have put your mind at ease. I think these drugs throw up all sorts of aches, pains etc which can throw us into a panic. I’ve just stopped taking Aromasin this week as I felt I was heading the same way as I was on Arimidex - incredibly stiff, painful joints, lethargic, disturbed sleep, tiredness etc etc and I really can’t be bothered with it any more. Helen, good luck with the gynea, but I beat you to it! I saw a urogynaecologist in November and I too have a prolapse. I had a urodynamics test just before Christmas, which confirmed another problem, so I see the surgeon again in two weeks’ time, when I’m sure he will just confirm surgery (again). Groan. I’ve also got my two year check and mammo on 7th Feb, which seems to have come round incredibly quickly. We’re certainly getting our money’s worth from the NHS! Helen, I’ve been doing some bank work for the NHS and have two interviews tomorrow. One is for three months’ work with the NHS and the other is a second interview with a firm of financial advisers. Watch this space…… Thinking of you Jane. Sal ... View more

Jane, we've all been wearing our hearts on our sleeves on this forum for the last two years and that's what it's all about - being there for each other, sounding off, laughing together, crying together, getting advice, friendship and support. So don't apologise - it's what we're here for. Just make the most of your time with your Mum and appreciate that even this dirty great cloud has the silver lining of getting you and your sister talking again. You too Gennie. Don't feel guilty. We all have times when we have to step away from the forum and you've had your own worries. Happy new year to all. xx ... View more

Just a quickie to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful day, surrounded by those who are most important to you. Sal xxx ... View more

Jane I’m so sorry to hear your news. I understand completely what you are going through and how difficult it is at this time of year. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my own Mum’s death (yes, cancer) and I know how it feels. That was 34 years ago and she was only 46, but it’s true what they say – it doesn’t go away, but it does get easier. You will get through this, just like you got through your own dx and treatment. It will be a horrible time for you and there’s nothing we can do to ease your pain, except be there for you if you need us. As Di said, make the most of her time and be thankful for what time you have had up to now. I’m sure you have lots of good memories and it's good that she’s had a fit and healthy life up to now. Sending you huge hugs - you’ll be in my thoughts. You know how to contact us if you need to talk, cry, rant, Sal xxx ... View more

Jane, so sorry your worries continue. It's a horrible time for you and just before Christmas too. I'm sure your mum will be well looked after, whatever the outcome and I hope you are getting plenty of support too. You know we are all thinking of you and you also know how to get hold of us if you want a chat/rant etc. Don't hesitate if you need to. Glad your op went well and I can imagine you in recovery rambling on. lol. Funny how these drugs affect people. I have a friend who gets aggressive, but she's really sooooo unagressive normally. Very strange. Thinking of you too Nicky and I hope all goes well. Sheila, it sounds like the spirit of Christmas is sorely lacking at your school. What a shame that everyone has to take it all so seriously. I hope you're keeping warm and managing to get supplies in Val. It's still freezing here but thankfully the snow has gone as it poured with rain over the weekend. I'm glad everyone had a good time at the weekend. So sorry I couldn't make it, but I was worried about DH taking Polo for a walk, slipping on the ice and doing yet more damage to his knee. He's been told that the problems he has make him more prone to stumbling anyway and also that he'll probably need a knee replacement in about 5 years. I really don't want to hurry that along! Well, I've just been to the Jobcentre to claim Jobseekers. I know they try not to make it so, but it really is demeaning somehow. Anyway, just got back and I've been offered a couple of days bank work, so that's a positive. ... View more

Well, it’s winter wonderland time here – over a foot of snow and still falling, freezing fog forecast for tomorrow, so I don’t think I’m going to risk the 200 mile drive to Ross.  Anyway, I’ve got no chance of even getting my (very low) car out at the moment. I’m sure all those who make it will have a wonderful time. Nicky, sorry you had such a marathon on Tuesday with your sister and I hope she is coping with it all. Waiting – it’s the worst time. Wishing her all the very best of outcomes. I hope the outstanding mammo results come soon, but can’t understand why so many people have to wait for them. I have my mammo at the same time as my clinic check and the mammo is reviewed there and then, so I know the results the same day. Simple and very stress free.  Hugs to all who have concerns/problems at the moment. Difficult times for many, but we’ve gone through lots of those over the last couple of years and you know all the storm riders are rooting for you and wishing you well. We’re hanging on to that rope! I saw the onc last week and was sort of expecting him to just discharge me. However, I managed to get talked into trying another AI and came out with a prescription for Aromasin. I nearly chucked the packet in the bin when I saw the first “very common” SE was difficulty sleeping. I’d only just started getting enough sleep and felt so much better for it. Anyway, 7 tablets down and so far, not so bad, although I’ve had 3 nights when I was awake for ages in the middle of the night, so the jury is out. Keep warm all. x ... View more

AnneG, I'm so glad you have fewer SEs on Aromasin. I stopped taking Arimidex four months ago, because I couldn't stand feeling like an 85 year old at just 54. I saw the onc yesterday, half expecting him to just discharge me, but somehow he managed to persuade me to try Aromasin instead. When I got home and read the leaflet inside the packet I nearly threw them away - the first very common SE was difficulty in sleeping. I've have only just started getting enough sleep in the last few weeks after about 18 months very poor sleep. I feel so much better that I'm very reluctant indeed. Anyway, I decided not to think about it and just take it and see what happens. Hopefully, I'll feel the same about them as you. Sal ... View more

Jane, I'm so sorry to hear this news, but do try not to think the worst. It's all too easy to imagine things are worse than they really are. I think we were all guilty of that at times when faced with our own diagnosis. I remember all too well the visits by Captain Paranoia a 4am. I don't know about you, but after they took my biopsy I was seen in a separate room by the BCN. My diagnosis was definitely not certain, but I was treated in the same way as if it had been. Remember also that today treatments are very much better than they used to be and how successful our own treatments have been. It's also bad timing when you have concerns of your own, but I'm sure you'll be fine and your Mum will be in good hands. I'm not a religious person, but I will be thinking of you and your Mum and sending positive thoughts to you both. And you know we don't mind you off-loading. That's what we're here for. I just wish we could all be with you physically to give you a big hug. (((()))) Sal x ... View more

Yabba dabba doooo. So glad for your good news Clare. Time to take a deep breath, relax and look forward to the meet. Anoth yabba dabba doooo for Granny Jane. Such great news for you. Don't worry about the polyps - you'll be fine. Casey's a tough nut who can cope with anything!! Debs, as Lizzie said, there's not much I can add. These things happen and often for a reason, which we don't discover until later. I'm jus glad you've got friends supporting you. Make sure you do things that make you happy and maybe consider joining us for the meet next month? I'll give you a lift. Go on, we'd love to have you join us. Shame you need surgery for your shoulder Di. I sympathise. You don't realize how much you use your shoulder for until you have problems with it. I hope this will finally sort it out for you. Why do we have to put up with these things for so long before they are dealt with? Lovely to hear from you Lizzie. Nicky, DON'T READ THE STUFF ON THE INTERNET! And give them hell when you finally get seen next week. Eliza, love your tale about the letters - you're a woman after my own heart. Can't stand it when I get letters that are littered with spelling mistakes etc. Mind you, it would help if I received copy letters. I've given up now, as I always had to ring to request a copy, despite having signed the form requesting them right after my dx. Well, a busy weekend ahead. Love to all. xxx ... View more

Yes, Vickie, I am hot at night, but thanks to hormone therapy, oophorectomy and therefore menopause, not in the way I would wish!! Sal ... View more

Just a quicky to share something with you. I decided I needed to replace my very old duvet and in my research I came across a Climarelle duvet. This is NASA technology and the fibres detect when you are too hot and draw the heat away from you. When you cool down, the fibres release the stored heat. Anyway, I ordered one and it arrived about 10 days ago. It's brilliant! I don't get anywhere near as hot as I used to and when I do have a flush, I cool down in a matter of minutes. Bliss! The duvet wasn't cheap, at over £100 for a king size, but it's worth every penny, as I'm finally getting enough sleep. Good to hear from you Carole, but a shame about your cholesterol. I would suggest low fat cheese, but having tasted it once, I'd personally rather go without. Eliza, I'm sure that was a shock for you, to hear you had osteopenia, especially when you haven't thought you were at risk from it. However, if the bc experience has taught me anything, it's that just because you're not in the at risk group, it doesn't mean it won't happen to you. I'll see you Friday and we can catch up. ... View more

Rosie, sending you hugs and my very best wishes at this difficult time. Sometimes there seems to be no let up does there? Losing both parents in so short a time must be incredibly difficult, but as you say, your Mum is at peace now, so that's something to be thankful for. Hopefully you will soon be able to get your life back to some sort of normality and put the last few months behind you. Sorry to hear about your sis Nicky, but sending hugs your way too. And fingers firmly crossed. Keep watching the rubbish telly Di - at times you just have to give in and rest up. Just got back from walking Polo. Any tips for cleaning up a very dirty, long-legged dog? Call me a luddite if you like, but I don't think I could read an e-book. There's nothing like a real book - I don't think I'd get the same pleasure without that tactile element. A couple of years ago DH bought me a book at Christmas that was hardback, with its own little ribbon bookmark. It was such a pleasure reading that book, partly because of how nice it was to look at and handle. ... View more

Well Jacq, you don't do anything by halves!!! I certainly hope the mega antibiotics are doing their stuff and your appointment tomorrow goes well. Clare, all the very best for you too tomorrow - you know we'll all be there with you in spirit. Val (SL) thinking of you too. It's hard when you're worrying about loved-ones, as you feel pretty helpless. I hope the bank gets its act together Rosie. I used to deal with probate when I was a legal exec, so I know what you mean. I hope your Mum settles in well to the home. Victoria, you sound as though you really need to slow down. When you're tired everything is harder to deal with. Have you considered going part-time? You too Lizzie - don't run yourself into the ground. Carole, glad you'r expansion plans are proceeding! What part are you doing for the panto? Helen, you sound like you're really enjoying your retirement. You really deserve it. I hope hubby continues to recover well. I know how you feel about the not sleeping though. I'm sleeping badly too at the moment (darned hot flushes). So much so I took a sleeping tablet last night. I feel sooo much better today after a good night's sleep. As anniversaries go, 5th Nov is the 2nd anniversary of my first routine mammo. I dashed out of work, did the business, dashed back to work, without so much as a second thought. Blissful ignorance! The job hunting is going - well, it's going. Absolutely nothing out there that I feel even slightly tempted by, apart from a couple of full time jobs, and I'm determined I'm not going back to full time. Goodness knows where Cameron thinks all those people he's going to get off benefits are going to find jobs! Love to all as always. x ... View more

Just popping in to see how everyone is and I see we've hit 10,000 comments! Debs, sorry to hear your news and I'm thinking of you. It's especially hard when something like that happens after a dx of cancer yourself. You are not only mourning your loss, but also being made aware of what can happen. Sending you hugs ((())) I'm with you on the myth that healthy living will prevent cancer Val. Healthy living helps you have a better quality of life, but there are no guarantees in this life. Fab news about being nearly being a granny Jane. I think I'm going to have quite a wait..... I'm spending my spare time job hunting at the moment, but there ain't much out there, so I could be jobless by the time I get to the December meet, as my contract ends on 30 November:-( Can't remember anything else, but love to all as always. xx ... View more

Belated birthday wishes, Di. I'm glad you had such a good day. Gennie, I'm so sorry you're having trouble with cellulitis - it sounds horrid. Here's hoping that you've had your last dose of it. Theresa, you sound a lot more patient that I would be - I think I'd be on the phone every day until it's all sorted. Love the dress Eliza. I never did get round to ringing about the Lebed classes - I don't know where time has gone the last couple of weeks. Glad everything was tickety boo Nicky. Three weeks will soon fly by and you'll be dashing around as usual. Take it easy Victoria - don't go wearing yourself out. People certainly sound as though they are getting their lives back on track and that's brilliant! I hope the Manchester meet is enjoyable. I'm sure it will be. I've started job hunting again as my contract ends in November. I had an interview last week and was offered the job, but the pay was abysmal, so I politely declined. I'm not that desperate - yet. We're off to Dorset for a week on Saturday, so keep your fingers crossed for the weather. B is doing a half marathon in aid of breast cancer the day after we get home, so I'll be going up to London to cheer her on her way. Love to all. xx ... View more

Carole, what on earth did you do to puncture the implant? No, don't answer that, maybe that would be too much information. Seriously though, that's a b@gger. Time for a bit of good luck for you I think. Vibes heading over the airwaves as I type. Glad you had a good holiday Victoria, but don't undo all the good by working too hard. Talking about working too hard, take it easy Val and definitely no ironing! You too Rosie, rest up after your mad few weeks. Great news about your retirement Helen and I hope the lightheadedness is only temporary. After 5 weeks off Arimidex, I feel back to normal. Joint stiffness and pain gone, Achilles tendons normal, energy levels returning - whooooppppiiieeee! Rejoined the gym this weekend, so hoping to regain the fitness I've lost over the last few months. Note to self - don't go crazy and wear yourself out! Booked to see Les Mis/overnight stay in Oct with friends and Sister Act with B the previous week. We're having a day at the Sanctuary (my Christmas pressie - a bit late organising it but never mind) and then the show in the evening. Sooo, I'm heading out of Haven and heading for the border too. ... View more