Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, had to step back from forum for a while having just finished chemo needed a break from it all. Just spent ages catching up on posts, everyone seems to have been having a hard time recently whether it be ongoing treatment family members work worries hope everyone manages to resolve their issues  soon. I have been busy getting things ready for our holiday at center parcs we arrived last Friday and have had a lovely time my little boy loves the swimming pools and we go to see Santa tomorrow.  I always have so much to organise with all the animals to be looked after when we go away harder this time as we haven't left the pup before and he is used to more company during the day. Still its only for a few days so hopefully he wont have destroyed the kitchen before we get home. I had to have my herceptin Friday morning before we set off I dont have to wait at all after the injection this was number 4 its odd how different areas deal with these things but having a nurse hang round at my house for 2 hours would drive me mad !!  I noticed today I had slightly hairy legs and will have to shave them also got a sort of cockatoo look going on on the top of my head. Head hair seems to be thickening up but my remaining hair is so dry and straggly its driving me mad will have to go to hairdresser though dont want it cut short. Am still waiting for eyelashes to become visible can feel them growing but cant see any. Felt really down a couple of weeks back as starting to feel a bit better but look awful and realised it would be a very long time til I see the old me again - if ever. Decided not tomgo back to work until after Christmas despite going onto half pay next month. We are now mortgage free thanks to a critical illness policy I had so we can manage for a little while, when I go back will probably do just a 3 day week  as life gets so stressful trying to fit in animals child house shopping etc but I am already feeling guilty about it so know exactly how others feel about this. Must try and get some sleep hope the dads start getting better soon and the sons come through their difficulties,  good luck to all still having treatment. Sorry no individual posts  but just want to say thinking of you all and Jackie hope you're ok ... View more

Wow everyone seems to be super busy this weekend !   Rosie hope your family arrive safely and you have a great week.   Tlj your Paris trip sounds fab I went there many many years ago I think its one of those places that exceeds your expectations the atmosphere is wonderful  and the sightseeing so exciting. I felt the same when I went to Venice . I would agree Versailles is a must see if you can manage it though it really needs at least a full day to do it justice. A good excuse to return there soon perhaps !   Lovewine where did all that energy come from ? I had my first "stand alone" herceptin yesterday, of course they managed to make the prescription out for the wrong hospital and then had to bring it over in a taxi so my appointment was put back an hour but at least I got it. I also got a huge bruise on my thigh at the injection site which I havent had the last 2 times. Can't say I've noticed any side effects so far hopefully it stays that way as I have to have next one the day we go on holiday. My collies also live in hope whenever there's biscuits etc around though they tend to target OH more when he's around they obviously see him as a softer target !   I have one horse as well as the two donks, am looking forward to starting riding again now I am feeling so much better, at last my mouth seems to be improving and energy levels rising.   I cold capped and have quite a lot of hair though its quite thin on top and feels very straw like. I have coloured it twice since starting chemo in June, used Holland and Barratts vegetable based colur which has been fine . I have noticed my eyelashes are starting to grow back though my right eyebrow seems to be drifting away. Went to dentist this week for checkup apparently my teeth and gums have come through unscathed which is a relief. Decided to have my teeth whitened just hoping by christmas will have eyelashes white teeth and my hair thickening up.   Wildpurl I think your food sounds amazing even though I dont eat meat I shoved a shop bought pizza in the oven tonight, makes me feel quite inadequate I keep telling myself one day I will make more of an effort but I'm not holding my breath.   Hope everyone on holiday has a good time and those having treatments this week  are ok.   Must try and get some sleep. ... View more

Wrote last post this afternoon but forgot to post it I didnt leave my poor little donks out half the night in the wind and rain !   Wildpurl hope your appointment with consultant puts your mind at rest and glad to hear the job issues may be resolved in a good way.   I agree the stress of the diagnosis and treatment comes out later I know I havent begun to deal with my surgeries on an emotional level as I was dealing with chemo right after,  the whole thing is a nightmare I will talk to a counselor if needs be I want to move on and live life to the full and not in fear, hope I can do that.   Well got to do an online shop or we all starve tomorrow ! ... View more

Hello all, havent posted for some time as I have been feeling so ill since last chemo, side effects have lasted forever mouth still not right but the real killer was the stinking cold I caught just days after last treatment it completely floored me but I still had to do stuff for sons 3rd birthday and went to NEC as had ticket for Horse of Year Show, had bought ticket in February before recurrence of cancer found. Also was chance to meet up with mum and sister so dragged myself there, a 2 hour drive and tried to pace myself through the day. Unfortunately got really bad indigestion and had to leave earlier than normally would but overall glad I made the effort.  It did wipe me out so doing little birthday tea for son 2 days later was pretty exhausting.    Have had the cold 2 weeks now and chesty cough but definitely slowly on the mend and knowing I dont have to go for chemo on Thursday is a great feeling. Hospital managed to forget my herceptin treatment,  given I know how chaotic they are I called last week to check and no appointment had been made for my treatment. As I've already missed one treatment due to their ineptitude I was less than impressed if I am not proactive nothing happens. Having it Friday now.   Moan over sorry for being a pain, it sounds like everyone else has far more  on their plates than me what with Rosies expanders and radiotherapy treks, Wildpurls job worries and stress, Lovewines sons worries and Joans dodgy nails plus you're both also doing rads too.   Jackie I am ashamed of myself for moaning given what you've had to deal with recently, hope you have a fab holiday.   Lisa hope you find a better balance of work hours, stressful jobs like yours really take it out of you. Cassie you sound like work  has been hectic  I cant even think about going back to work I am a solicitor work is very stressful and demanding not up to that yet.   Hope life starts getting easier for everyone soon.   Well weather is awful today gales and torrential rain, best go and rescue the donkeys from the field before they start complaining loudly !!   Tulamo ... View more

Happy birthday Wildpurl, hope you enjoy your day and  your new plant. Dont get a puppy mine killed a jasmine plant last week I had had a good few years no point  trying to replace it until his plant killing phase is over.   Lovewine you obviously did fine with your herceptin injection I didn't notice any side effects from mine last time. Had second one today didnt feel a thing not even any stinging so not going to worry about next one s.   Rosie hope you're right about sailing through the SE's this time my relief at finishing chemo on schedule somewhat dampened by thought of 3 weeks more discomfort.   Unfortunately the chaos and delays ruled again today told them on booking in had bloods done yesterday at Southport waited 40 minutes for nurse to come and ask me had I had bloods done and where!! Another 15 mins wait for them to get that info and taken to ward, noone had told them about cold cap so machine not ready then they lost my prescription. Result was only started treatment over 3 hours after arrival so stressful and annoying especially as cold cap adds so much time anyway. Rant over I have done it finished chemo cant actually believe it and can start looking forward to really living again. Have plans to take son to Chester Zoo and  Farmer Teds a kids farm  Nursery took the kids back in July most of the mums went but it was the day after my 2nd chemo and I couldn't go. My son talked about it last week and said "you weren't on the bus mummy" he doesn't miss a thing so want to put that right. Also hope to ride in about 2 weeks and can start really looking forward to our center parcs holiday in November. That light at the end of the tunnel seems much brighter .   Well only had about 3 hours sleep last night am tucked up in bed with my little boy think I might just stay here.   Good night ladies from a very happy tulamo xxx ... View more

Hello everyone,   Well looks like I have managed to swerve the cold bug feeling fine and weirdly oh so cheerful that ive actually got to last chemo. Just need to wake up cold free tomorrow and for my bloods to be ok. They were really good last time , 3 times highrr than when I went in for first treatment I have neulasta injection the day after chemo it really does the job re the neutraphils.   I havent ridden at all since March this year as had DIEP reconstrucion on 13th March when they found new cancer. I had 18 inch wound across my lower abdomen coulnt stand up straight for about 2 weeks then had ANC end of April lots of problems with left arm aand chest muscle afterwards so no chance of riding before chemo in June. Asked onc about riding during chemo he said no, fair enough its a high risk sport and even a minor injury could be serious with the chemo so I have been good as didnt want to delay any treatments. Will be back to it before I know it now have been mucking out the last 6 weeks nurses were a bit iffy about that cos of infection risk but ive been fine.   Rosie great you get to meet someone who has had same experience and come out the other side and that the car repairs less than you feared still a lot of money though.   I started herceptin last cycle I was expecting lengthy loading dose infusion but when I got there was the injection. It only took about 5 minutes didnt  feel the needle it was so fine the drug does sting going in but no big deal given all we have been through. I was told just hour and a half observations pkst injection and I was fine. I just have the injections every 3 weeks for next year am not having radiotherapy. That said I see plastic surgeon in 2 weeks time my reconstruction needs a few tweaks so not sure whats on the cards re treatment options1. So plenty more hospital visits for me.   Lovewine am sure your herceptin will be just fine dont hear of many ladies reporting bad reaction. Hope you get started on yours soon Rosie have to say it gives me reassurance. Lovewine looks like your son taking first step towards moving on thats the hardest one he will find he is stronger than he thinks.   Tlj sounds like your eldest has taken well to his school  which will no doubt give your younger son more confidence when his turn comes. Boarding is a big step are the schools on the Channel Islands really poor? I didnt realise chilren would come to the UK for secondary school.   Joan hope the nails are hanging on some of mine have little brown patches but to be honest with handling animals and their mess every day my nails are pretty horrible anyway always breaking  so I probably wont notice much difference if they all drop off together. Hope the afro hasn't made a return.   Jackie thinking of you hope you're ok.   Wildpurl take it easy back at work good you've got your reduced hours it really makes a difference I went down to 4 days after returning from maternity leave and will probably go down to 3 now.   Anyone I have missed sorry hope all is well.   Hopefully next time I post I too will have finished chemo thankyou all for your support especially as I am not an April lady xxx ... View more

Hi guys,   Gearing up for my final chemo on Thursday, my little boy has started with a cold so praying I can avoid it couldn't bear to get delayed at final hurdle.   Rosie after all you're going through now the car breaks down wouldn't blame you if you did a Basil Fawlty and beat it up with a tree. Hope you get some relief from the dreadful expanders soon.   Cassie your daughters effort is pretty stunning 26 miles is a very long walk. I always feel very humbled these days when I hear of people fundraising for cancer research etc as it feels very personal now. My mum and sister both did walks over the summer I was very proud of my mum she did two miles aged 86 and having had a knee replacement in 2007.   Lovewine hope your son is able to take the step of walking away from this girl. I remember having my heart broken back in my 20's felt like the world would end but at least you csn start healing , thats why I hate it when people dont have the decency to be truthful and string others along it is cruel.   Joan sorry to hear about your nails  hope the last three hang on in there. The afro sounds extreme funny how these things must play on our minds and come out super weird in our dreams.   Wildpurl looks like you picked the right week for your holiday as weather up here in north west due to get wet and windy not so great for climbing up Snowdon!   Jackie its tough being so far from family I am in same situation. It must have been frightening hearing the path results but hopefully the chemo did its job by stopping the  nasty little blighters in their tracks so surgery could then get them all out. Are you to have radiotherapy too ?     Lisa you seem to be taking your return to work in your stride a bit scary that primary school kids are messing with fire alarms I wouldnt have dared do something like that when I was at school what are the parents reactions ?   I've not even started on the steroids yet and can't sleep so annoying as I feel so tired. My mouth felt reasonably ok today for first time just as due back for next treatment. Think am going to try sucking ice lollies this time have resisted to date as with cold cap on last thing I fancy is an ice lolly but if it could reduce the severity of the yukkiness or shortened the time it affects me it would be worth it for the last cycle.   Hoping to get back on my horse in a couple of weeks time really looking forward to it but doubt "Mr Ed" will share my enthusiasm. He is however a gentleman and usually looks after me, we will be taking things pretty slowly at first.   Must say goodnight everyone and take care xxx ... View more

Hello ladies,   Just a  a quick hello day 12 post chemo 5 fewer SE's than last time but still got horrible mouth dont know why I find it so hard to tolerate certainly not worst thing to have but it really bugs me. Hair had a bit of a fallout flurry too nowhere near as drastic as with the FEC but has made me feel like I am almost bald on very top of my head with a comb-over. Weirdly one of my friends said to me I must be delighted at how much hair I have at this stage of my treatment ! It looks ok from the back then again so does the rest of me !   Got enough energy to brave Smyths toy store sale today got very excited when I found some "Peter Rabbit" figures my little boy loves the animation on tv and re-enacts the stories so our downstairs loo is now Mr Tod's lair where he cooks bothersome bunnies in my vegetable steamer. He will love having the figures to play with, his birthday is 2 weeks tomorrow, he will be 3. He told me tonight at bedtime I am his best friend  I love him so much it hurts. Hope the chemo has seen off this horrible disease I have to be here for my baby.   Lovewine very jealous of your wine and curry (though mine would have to be veggie) I cant wait to enjoy foodand wine again.Re your son, s girlfriend she doesn't sound depressed rather more like someone who wants to break up but ddoesn't have the decency to be honest about it. Could be doing the girl a disservice but time will tell. Your son needs to know where he stands so he can start to deal with it but if she won't even talk to him and uses Facebook to thank him for the flowers the poor lad mustnt know what to think. Hope he gets some answers soon. Rosie don't know how you cope with those awful tissue expanders they seem to do everything very fast in Cyprus I thought the point of the expanders was to slowly stretch the skin over time so implants can then be fitted so inflating yours every couple of weeks must be putting tremendous pressure on you, like Wildpurl was saying hers were inflated every few months. Hope you get some relief soon at least the weather will be getting more bearable some time soon. Hope being back home gives your dad enough of a lift that he feels stronger soon.   Lisa you're obviously happy to be back at work , getting back to a bit of normal. Hope your workplace is more considerate than mine and let you take it slowly.   Looks like Wildpurl got lucky with the weather should be a lovely holiday.   Really need to go and get some sleep, apologies for not mentioning everyone but I am such a slow typer would be up all night doing it properly xx ... View more

Hello ladies   Havent been posting as sooooo tired since chemo last week. The steroids hit me hard this time found myself cleaning thr oven at 1.30 am! Barely slept for 5 nights then when finally did feltmeven worse  just can't win sometimes.    Chemo went much better than usual it was actually well organised and I was on my way home in less than 4 hours usually there at least seven.   Still finding tax better than fec re side effects and not as low emotionally thus far. My mouth is awful though tongue feels scalded and usual horrible taste.   On happy note booked holiday for November at center parcs in Cumbria and can't wait we've not had a break since June last year.   Just collected our new hardwood driveway gates we've had on order for weeks, eyewatering price but a no brainer for our little boy's safety.    Rosie hope you had a lovely bitthday weekend we went to Kyrenia four years ago it is a lovely spot. Sorry your expanders are still so uncomfortable we are just expected to get on with the problems I havent been comfortable since surgery in April am hoping once chemo out of system body can get on with repairing damage from surgery.  You had so much treatment so quickly your body's probably still trying to catch up !!   Wildpurl not long til your holiday hope its even better than you anticipate.   Lovewine great news re surgery results, hope things improve for your son I was married for a very short time to someone with depression he had other issues too  they couldnt sort with drugs (like being a complete a**e) it was a long time ago but al my family were beside themselves not knowing if or how to help. When I needed them they were there for me which I eally appreciated . Affairs of the heart are so complicated I am grateful my sons issues are simpler, like not wanting spaghetti for tea.   Jos hope your last week with your sister is good I really feel for you.    Rolicarpit you sorted out your admin people they are the most powerful people in my organisation and call all the shots hope work goes ok I never want to go back at all but will have no choice.   Joan hope you are ok and feeling better now you've had time to digest results   Have to go now son wants to watch tractors on my computer !! ... View more

Evening everyone,   Jos good luck for tomorrow, the plastic surgeons can do amazing things hope you're pleased with the outcome and discomfort is minimal. As for the other stuff, what rotten timing, at least it wasnt acrimonious and if it feels right maybe you can get things back on track some time in the future .   Joan your picc removal sounds pretty horrid reminds me of my drain removal post mastectomy, district nurse didnt devac bottle properly so developed into a tug of war session very unpleasant. At least its done now   Hope your husband liked his surprise camel wish I'd got one but they're probably only available for big birthdays I suspect it was a delicious cake though !   Rosie I would be going totally stir crazy not driving for 2  months  though you've probably been so sore you've not been tempted hopefully things will improve for you soon and you can do more without any discomfort Ive had all kinds of issues with my left arm and chest muscle since my ANC surgery my recon often feels tight like its been strapped onto my chest so I have some understanding of what you're feeling just now    Wildpurl  your holiday sounds good but a little too energetic for me at the moment and you are so organised planning menus etc they do say the key to everything is preparation so I am sure you'll all have a great time. I am keen to get next treatment done now although I am only just starting to feel SE free from last one, just want to reach point where I dont have to go back again for more poisoning and the SEs will go for good, soooo fed up of the yukky mouth and sleeplessness.   Lovewine sounds like you're getting your strength back now and starting to do some nice things again will you be getting back to work soon I think you have your own business?   Apologies to those Ive missed need to post this before it disappears into cyberspace.         ... View more

Hello everyone,   Thankyou all for the birthday wishes, had a nice quiet day, up early as my little boy was very keen to help me open my presents he was hoping I would get some nice new toys (tractor or digger variety) kept telling him they would be boring mummy type things , got plenty of chocolates so he was happy !   Actually really enjoyed meal out  went early so was pretty quiet and to my amazement my little one ate a meal from the childrens menu a bowl of pasta followed by ice cream. First time ever !have to say it was best present of the day he sat for over an hour and a half and was so good I was very proud of him though did wonder if I brought wrong child home from nursery on Friday !!   Sounds like everyone have had good weekend I am trying to get bit more rest in preparation for tound 5 on Thursday so will say goodnight and best wishes to all x     ... View more

Morning ladies,   Today is my birthday decided earlier this week I couldnt face it looking like a rather sad scarecrow so despite all the cold cap blurb I got an organic vegetable base hair dyebfrom H&B and it worked a treat looks really natural and no adverse reactions (did do a skin allergy test day before). So feel much more like my old self.    Still have slightly yukky mouth so although going for meal later with OH and son not expecting it to be great, not that relaxing anyway with a toddler in tow who isn't interested in food !   Jos you sound like you're in a lot of discomfort I didnt get seromas from any of my surgeries but know all about the shooting pains they can be really intense, I dont think any painkillers really help with it anyway. Unfortunately I found the taxotere appears to have homed in on my poor damaged nerves in my reconstruction and had lots of pain for about 10 days after treatment. Hopefully your pains will settle quite quickly and you dont have chemo to aggravate them.   I really know how you feel about your sister , my younger sister lives in California I havent seen her for over 5 years  visits are lovely but then they have to leave. Definitely going to see her next year when all this is over. My other lovely sister lives over 250 miles away near Portsmouth so I only see her about 4 times a year if I had my way they would both live no more than 10 minutes away I miss them.   Rosie what a day you've had, I think after waiting for results the next worst thing is getting told different things by medical people.  Its really scary when one consultant pretty much trashes what another has said who are you supposed to trust ? On the plus side at least you have lift off with your inflatables !   Are they sending you for a heart scan now ? I had one earlier this week its just an ultrasound takes less than 10 minutes.   I had to ring breast nurse to check if it had been arranged she told me 9.30 Wednesday, I didnt get a letter from hospital turned up to be told by sonographer I should have been there for 9.15 , said sorry was told 9.30 and can't drop my son off at nursery til 9.00 so couldnt have made 9.15 anyway. She made big thing about fitting me in I saw my file on her desk it clearly said 9.30 and next day  my appointment letter arrived in post (really useful - not)it said 9.30, felt like going back and asking her where she got her time from. To be fair think she is the first snotty medical person I have encountered so far everyone else has been lovely. She didnt say anything about the test, hey I'm just the patient, so opened the letter she gave me with the report in and everything was normal so should start herceptin this Thursday round 5 of chemo.   Looks like I have done something weird whilst typing this so am signing off before I lose the whole thing.   Best wishes toeveryone for a good weekend ... View more

Hello ladies,   Hope you are all feeling well today, Jackie and Joan sorry I meant to send you both best wishes for your respective challenges today but managsd to trip over my puppy yesterday at the stables hit the concrete floor with a good old thump . I landed on my knees fell forward an headbutted a nearby bin. Interestingly I didnt put my arm out to save myself as I cant take the jarring to my reconstruction and left arm.   Luckily it was a plastic bin !!   Then I had to drive into Liverpool to drop off a file my OH had forgotten a round trip of nearly 40 miles then rushed back to take pup to vets - only for vaccination not crush injuries?   Got back from vets in time to collsct son from nursery.    Felt rather knackered especially as had mucked out horses stable for first time in months prior to pup sabotage. Took son to bed and crashed with him, no computer for me last night.   Joan glad funeral went as well as it could these things can be so difficult. Your SIL will probably need even more support in next few weeks now she hasn't got the funeral to focus on  thats when you notice the big gap your loved one has left.   On a lighter note your comment zbout your many hats made me chuckle,  think I would have done the same if not cold capping I couldnt bring myself to go and look for a wig even though the breast nurse advised me to just in case. My sister sent me some beanies I wear them after cold cap to hide manky hair and warm me up.   Lovewine you are clearly made of strong stuff but try to take it slowly  the furniture can just get shabier til you make it tres chic !   Jackie hope you have a decent nights sleep I find hospitals too noisy for much sleep but am a rubbish sleeper anyway - I didnt notice any difference to my sleep pattern when on the big dose of steroids fot TAX you will be home tomorrow and able to start healing. Plus all the pre surgery worry gone.   Rosie you must be relieved not to have to travel to Limassol again this week what a massive undertaking your rad sessions will be with all that travelling  I dont know anyone who has had so much to deal with respecting their treatment you are a trooper.   Wildpur I would recommend a 4 day week I did that last year but took Wednesday off to break up the week you obviously love your job not many people can say that especially these days. I havent workrd since March and while I miss some of the lovely people I work with I dont miss the job. I dont intend rushing back after chemo finishes as once I am back it will be the same old treadmill , I really must buy a lottery ticket !   Well off to check on my multi coloured knees, feeling rather tatty and past my best at moment with grotty hair stubby eyelashes etc waiting for nails to turn brown and drop off. Did get excited today when found I had a hair on mychin have decided to keep it for a while out of respect for its fortitude in growing whilst I still have 2 tax to go and drawing comfort from the knowledge  that if all else fails I shall be able to grow a beard post chemo give up work and run away to join the circus. ... View more

Hello ladies, Thanks for all your encouragement I am usually a very positive person and hate myself for moaning I am so lucky they found the new tumour during my recon surgery  if not I wouldn't have had much chance of seeing my little boy grow up  and I keep reminding myself how fortunate I am the treatments are available  to me. Determined to be more positive from now on and stop moaning. I have never been a very good sleeper so knew I would have a bad time through chemo. I have sleeping tablets but only take half a tablet or I am too muzzy next morning to deal with my son he will be three in October and I do use most of the little energy I have making sure we play games and have fun every day I want things to be as normal for him as possible. I am cold capping lost a lot of hair after 2nd fec but nothing catastrophic since I had lots of hair to start with and still have a reasonable amount so havent had to buy any wigs scarves etc. I am very relieved I haven't  had to explain where mummy's hair has gone to him and fairly confident I wont lose much more on the tax (hope that doesn't come back to bite me on the bum!!) Hopefully all went well for Lovewine today and she is having a restful night without too much noise disturbing her. Rosie you must be relieved the doctors happy to let you heal now cant imagine how uncomfortable you have been with all the stitches and dressings in all that heat. Cyprus is a beautiful island last time we were there found lovely place called Pissori had lovely lunch in a shady bar wish I was there now ! Last year I sewed my softies into the cups of my swim suits for my hoidays it worked brilliantly as I just pulled out the fuzzy stuffing after swimming so it could dry and I never had to worry about my "falsie" escaping and bobbing off across the pool I didnt want to buy mastectomy swimwear because it is really expensive and not the sort of costume I would usually choose I bought costumes from tesco and bhs and am happy I have swimsuits I willwear again now I have my reconstruction.   Wildpurl I really envy your creativity I would love to be the sort of person who grows lovely things intheir gardenand actually knows how to use it but I am a rubbish gardener and a lazy cook although I have promised myself I will make more effort in the kitchen when I am better. I have quite a few animals, a horse donkeys and three dogs border collies so lack of time is my enemy. I love all my fur babies and wouldnt be without them and I have amazing friends at the stables who do so much to support me.. I hate the dentist too though dash to the surgery at first hint of a problem good you needed no treatment youve had enough bad suff this year. Am determined to get more sleep tonight and very slow typing these posts so will say goodnight everybody have a good weekend x ... View more

Good morning everyone,  sitting up at stupid o'clock, can't sleep even though feel totally exhausted all day. Lovewine best wishes for today, a few more hours and another hurdle out the way. I am lucky in that I am not facing any more major treatment after chemo had all my surgeries and not having radiotherapy I am HER2+ so will be having herceptin for 12 months but  from what ive read that doesnt seem too awful compared to surgery and chemo. I should have started herceptin last week along with my first tax but  I was not given heart scan so I couldnt have it. I was really annoyed the consultant came to see me on the chemo ward and apologised that I had been let down but insisted missing one treatment wont affect the overall outcome. Easy for him to say he's not the one with the evil disease.  Oddly although I have had fewer SE's with the tax I felt more toxic and hit a real low wondering how I can go through two more treatments not made easier by people now cheerily telling me how I've nearly finished now "just" two to go.... I know they all mean well. Joan so good that your results were positive especially given you had to wait so long the waiting for results is the worst thing in this whole process I dont think they have a clue what we go through. Must try and get some sleep my little boy will be up  with the larks  hope everyone has a good day ... View more

Hello ladies, Sorry to but in on your thread I started chemo in June but started reading your thread some weeks ago to see how you transitioned from fec to tax. Have been hooked on your thread ever since feel like I know you all  ! Anyway just wanted to post to the ladies who are worried about surgery in next few days, I had mastectomy last year , DIEP reconstruction in March this year when they found more cancer so had ANC 6 weeks after recon. The mastectomy was the most straightforward and believe me a total doddle compared to all you have gone through with chemo.. I only took paracetamol for a couple of days for pain relief  and at least every day that passes you are healing and getting stronger (with no return visit in 21 days.!!) Hope all goes well and thankyou to all you lovely ladies on here you are an inspiration ... View more