May 2017 chemo starters

[Mishy18]

Oh Jay just read your post fantastic news isn't it awful when our minds take us to worry land this seems to be the new normal for us bc ladies my surgeon did say to me that he was more pleased i went rather than sit at home making myself I'll in worry land or with a real problem festering away i have had the worst meltdowns ever since original diagnosis bit ashamed to say i was thinking the worst and was dreading doing all of this again so today i thank God i have lymphodema😨 💖

[Mishy18]

Hi ladies thank you for your best wishes update is i have lymphodema of breast the orange peel pitting is through fluid swelling under the skin surface ito say i was so relieved was an understatement i could have had an ultrasound to reassure me but was happy with surgeons examination he explained that orange peel texture is usually a sign of infection or inflammation especially after extensive treatment for breast cancer, he is referring my to the lymphodema clinic and is satisfied that my mammo which is nearly due will be a sufficient, he also check me for lymph node swelling and has discovered that the pain i am in is also due to Chostondritis which is inflammation of ribs and sternum cartilage another side effect from rads but a small price to pay!!!!

Daffodil glad to hear there also for you was nothing sinister as they say and it can be sorted i just wanted to update you all x
Treehouse im sorry you too are experiencing boob problems i hope the scans will resove everything and you too get positive news, who would have thought i woukd be happy to have some lymphodema I'll take anything over a recrrance and Treehouse i have been suffering a bit wuth anxiety which can cause a whole host of symptoms including palpitations which can be scary i hope this settles soon 💖 love to all of you ladies and thank you for your support always 👍

[Jay68]

Good luck for today Mishy x

[Jay68]

Time to share some GOOD news ladies - I went for my routine appointment with oncologist yesterday morning, I was in a "mess" - I'd suffered terribly from a panic/anxiety attack in the night previous and my head was seriously not in a great place.  However, bad quickly turned to good  - my red blood count is back to pre-chemo days and all is looking well, the great news is my recent echo scan shows my heart is back to 65% which is fantastic as it means my final two herceptin injections can go ahead with no delays - my final one being 14 June. The even better news.... my mono-mammogram result is all clear... HOORAY!   I had a concern over a small lymph node in my neck and the oncologist reassured me all is ok, it's really not unusual for lymphs to enlarge for all kinds of different reasons - the very fact it goes down shows there's nothing to be worrying about - the fact too that it is an extremely long way from the breast is also a positive - but she was pleased I mentioned it and I was so glad I did as I left feeling totally reassured me. My next appointment with her is 3 months time, where she is planning to be in a position to sign me off from the oncology department and handing me back in the care of the breast consultant for yearly check-up and mammogram - again, HOORAY!

I'm now preoccupied organising a big family/friend party for July to celebrate!!! xxx

[Daffodil54]

Thinking of you Mishy.

I had my follow up appointment with the BS. He confirmed that my swelling was not sinister but should be removed. As not sinister, he can do it, or the reconstruction surgeon can do it when and if I have a reconstruction in 9 months or so.  So all good. Will just wait to hear what they decide.

We all worry about lumps and bumps now so it is a relief when we get reassurance.

Saturday was fabulous and it was wonderful to meet the May Starter Wonder Women.

[Jencat]

Hope everything goes well tomorrow Mishy x

[treehouse]

Hi Mishy and Shi sorry had a busy day with MRI in the morning and GP this afternoon. Back to waiting for results. The scan was originally booked to check my implant wasn’t leaking but then last night I found another lump ( near my scars) so hopefully that will show up as nothing nasty. I will phone bcn tomorrow to let them know.
Gp was to discuss returning to work and fit note. Also mentioned my palpitations which he says is due to anxiety which is very common for cancer survivors trying to get back to normal. All in all a very stressful day.

I am going into work tomorrow to discuss in detail ready for Monday.

The Saturday meet up was overwhelming and very lovely. Feeling very connected to you all. ( also now I have met them I don’t want to worry them with my problems. It was much easier when you were just virtual)

Hope tomorrow’s appointment goes ok Mishy sending hugs x x x x

[Mishy18]

Its tomorrow Shi 😨 yes they must have had a good one haha!!! 💃💃💃💃💃💃👍

[Shi]

Mishy ❤️❤️Think the May ladies are still recovering from their meet up 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🕺🕺🕺💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻Hope your appointments gone well 😘😘😘💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Mishy18]

Hope you ladies all had a lovely time at the meet up sorry I couldn't come and meet you all but too far away!! I bet you had so much fun how lovely 😊
Yes i echo Shi thank you all May ladies for helping us later chemo ladies along with yoyr reassuring words when needed practical tips and for being so 💪 and of course introducing us all the the 💃💃💃💃 for the bloods haha enjoy being post BC everyone 💖
Wolffee im there this Wed putting it out of my mind till then xxx

[Trisha69]

Looks like you all had a smashing day xoxo

[Shi]

Jay, I’m glad you all had a great meet up 😘😘😘thank you mai7 and all the May thread and tatyana and mishy18 once again for taking me and the beautiful Oct thread under you wings we ❤️❤️You all and words can never let each of you know how much it’s meant to us all having your kindness and guidance with everything, you are an amazing bunch of ladies 💪💪💪💪💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Jay68]

Ah Shi sorry you couldn't make this meet up - maybe next time - your name came up in conversation a few times today - hope your ears weren't burning...!  x

[MJK]

Sorry I won't get to meet you Shi. X

[treehouse]

Will miss you Shi your sparkles ✨ have meant a lot to me this year 😘😘
❤️🧡💛💚

[Shi]

Have a brilliant time everyone, sorry I’ve not been able to get this time ❤️❤️❤️❤️You all 💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[WolfEE]

Can’t wait 2 see you all later. Xx
Mishy18 sorry 2 hear your having panics. What day is your check up? I had some funny lumps and had to wait a while it turned out my implant had problems thank god but I had spent a week or more convinced it was something else. The surgeon will put you at ease so many things other than our worse fear that it can be. 🤞

[MJK]

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone. Sorry I haven't been on for a while. I'm back to a full workload and my hubby is commuting into London so life's a bit frantic. I think it's really important to get concerns checked out even if it isn't a problem. We all need peace of mind. X

[Jay68]

Whoop Whoop ladies - our meet up date is almost upon us.....!  Excited....! x

[Mishy18]

Thanks ladies for your kind messages, yeah the old anxiety monster came back to me a couple of times this week and took me into worry land tbh i know im there on Wed and will get a thorough examination so i will know whats what so to speak then, Trisha you sound like you are going through it atm it does also reassure me to know someone else has the orange peel type thing and its being associated with lymphodema or fluid build up but i do hope you get it resolved soon, sleep deprivation and early bird chorus seems to be the new normal too doesn't it i find when im struggling a few drops of lavender and chamomile essentials oils on pillow help and my hot milk with cinnamon and honey help me nod off started this during chemo days haha!
Treehouse good to hear from you hope you are well you sound like your recovery is going well you are definitely fit!!
Annie hi thanks for the nudge sometimes i need one ti bring be back down to earth
Meeting the ladies from Maggies group for a cuppa and catch up in morning a lovely bunch of ladies they are
Have a lovely weekend everyone xxx

[treehouse]

Hi ladies looks like lots of early birds today. I too am struggling with sleep. I really hope they check you out soon and can give you some reassurance. We must check everything. We are survivors.
Today is my final cardiac rehab level 3.
I can continue to level 4 but have to pay.
These sessions have given me so much strength and stamina after months of just battling to survive. I still creak and ache but I’m here and grateful. Moving seems to be the best thing for me.
Just wish I could sleep 💤

[Trisha69]

Hi Mushy. My orange peel skin on the opposite side of breast to where they did lumpectomy and quite swollen. BC nurse said trying rush me thru to an appt with lymphodema nurse. And a CT scan been down because of pain. Cant stand up for more than a few mins and walking have to stop every few yards and try stretch my back out x

[Anniej]

Ok, Mishy, you're being ridiculous! Come on....life can't be that sh**€! But...you are quite right to have it checked. Fingers crossed, and toes, for you! X

[Shi]

😘😘😘I know, you get told it’ll make things feel different but how do we know what normal different is and different different 😳😳😳like before, we don’t so I know us Oct lot are straight on anything now and the units would rather us be vigilant and get checked out. ❤️❤️❤️now where’s that famous Geordie 🖕you get that out and me and mai7 will be up with some 🥊🥊🥊🤺🤺🤺🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🥊🥊🥊too 😁😁😁💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Mishy18]

Yeah Shi it does help thanks 😚😚 its like Jay says about the scar tissue after rads someone suggested breast lymphodema but i got a call today from bc clinic to say i will be seeing my bc surgeon next week to get it looked at and it made me panic!!! Im sure once im there i will be given a good old examination and hopefully it will be down to bloody rads!!! I just wish they would tell you in more detail about the different things that can happen so we wouldn't worry as much xx

[Shi]

Mishy 😘😘👭👭👭it’s natural darling to be 😳😳till you know for sure, but you’ve not done all that chemo and rads for the 💩to be back my lovely. You are doing right thing getting checked out, have a look at our Oct thread, we’ve all had a 😳😳😳these last few weeks and all been back to get checked over and been told it’s the rads that’s made things different. I hope that helps you a bit my beautiful 💪💪💪amazing mishy 💕💕💕✨✨✨Shi xx

[Mishy18]

Lovely to hear hear that you're problem was caused by scar tissue Daffodil what a relief ti hear jay you are right about the anxiety it causes im panicing like mad about my boob now my app is a week today and wish it was here its the orange peel area im worried about its the other side of breast not where the original tumor was i know it can be a symptom of bc so im 💩 no matter how much i try to reassure myself that surely it couldn't be so soon after completing an arsenal of bloody treatment tell me im being rediculous ladies 😨

[Jay68]

Such a relief Daffodil - I think the scar tissue (which no one really warns you about before having the treatment) causes us quite a lot of anxiety!  Great news on the clear mammogram too.  Onwards and upwards! xx

[Trisha69]

That's great news Daffodil x

[Daffodil54]

Good news. Ultrasound done on swelling near mastectomy site. Apparently likely scar tissue so nothing to worry about. Also mammogram of remaining breast clear. 

[Trisha69]

Herceptin no 17 done. Just having the Zolendronic now. Been Oncology clinic and am to keep off the Anastrazole til had a CT scan get to bottom of my pains. Said be within 2 weeks. Being rushed thru to see Lymphodema clinic. Not happy with Breast swelling.
But it's a sunny day and have a nice cuppa x

[Jay68]

I agree Shi - listening to a child's laughter is a real tonic - that's the best bit about my job working in school - that and watching their innocent play especially this time of year on the school field - just lovely x

[Jay68]

Ahh ladies talking of babies - I've met my great niece today for the first time and she's sooo gorgeous!  Just 3 months old and a bundle of sheer joy!  My nephew and his wife organised a family meal (20 of us) at a local Harvester to welcome her to the family and we all had a really fab time - and the weather, WOW what a bonus! 

This time last year was the same Nephew's wedding day - just before I started treatment! - can't believe where that year has gone in one way!! 

Two more weddings this year - Niece in September and another Nephew in October - so exciting! 

[Shi]

Mishy, that’s lovely 😘😘😘so nice for you to have baby time 😘😘😘I heard a child laughing it’s head off in town yesterday and isn’t it a beautiful sound, children’s laughter 😁😁😁hope everyone’s having a beautiful bank holiday ❤️❤️❤️💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Mishy18]

Ah Shi shes just gorgeous has the mist beautiful blue eyes she does still have that smell too!! Shes coming for a sleep over tonight her mammy's freind is moving in their new house so having the girls round for a bit of a sleep over! So I'm on baby sitting duties i don't mind though i love having her shes my little baba love her 💖 yes i will take your advice Shi haha!
Ladies isn't it a beautiful day today i love this weather good for our minds isn't it everything always feels better when its sunny i think I'll be in garden later when Ella goes down have a fab Bank Holiday ladies 💖

[Shi]

Mishy 😘😘what a faff you’ve had. Lay it on thick at your appointment I did when I phoned my bc nurse when I had a 😳😳and they ultra sounded me 👍👍it’ll give you piece of mind. How’s that beautiful grandchild of yours doing 😁😁😁still got that baby smell? 😘😘😘💕💕✨✨Shi xx

[Anniej]

Good you got it sorted, Mishy. Fingers crossed you get an answer to the orange peel conundrum! X

[Mishy18]

Hi Annie the nudging went ok the screening dept were at fault not secretary as i expected she was a star git it all sorted out within a 5 min call to them however i did find out there is a five week back log due to high demand probably due to the fall out from the screening scandal!! I would be more inclined to get annoyed about delay but i have a clinic appointment with my bc surgeon on 16th for the swelling and orange peel area so im sure if shes concerned i will have a ultrasound Im pleased you are accessing support from maggies in group i have just finished mt where now there but we are keeping in touch xx

[Anniej]

Mishy, how did the nudging go? At the secondary BC support group meeting at Maggies we were told there was a five week waiting list!! The numbers of people being diagnosed is increasing exponentially and so waiting lists are up hugely. Also, if you are waiting for a CT scan one of the scanners is being refurbished so a wait there,too! 😡

[Mishy18]

Annie so lovely to hear from you your mammo experience sounds surreal i think thats partly what im dreading the first one and all that, I am so pleased to hear of your results that is fantastic news you definitely have to paint the town red watch out Newcastle here comes Annie 💖
the staff in our trust i have to say are fantastic and as you point out Mai they are so massively overstretched in all however delays can make things more worrying and tense for ladies in our position i am going to ring tgem today with a gentle nudge so to speak 😊

[Mai7]

Hi Mishy, yes the screening system sounds a bit messy. No doubt services are overstretched due to lack of government funding and msnagement over-streamlining and the poor nhs staff have to do the best they can. It's not like a parcel delivery service where streamlining might result in late deliveries, no this one results in death and it sucks so I'm glad it hit the headlines. Hope you had a lovely weekend . Xx

[Mai7]

Lovely to hear from you Anniej and I am so pleased about your positive news. You keep whacking that nasty cancer and paint the town red, then green, then purple, then orange........ xxxx

[Anniej]

Poor you, Mishy. I agree. There's enough to worry about without checking on medical procedures. Had my first mammo two weeks ago at RVI. Experience not great as it was same room and same radiologist! Unbelievable ! Bit of a melt down, but she was wonderful . Apparently it is quite normal to feel emotional the first time. Also that same week had my first CT scan after three cycles of Palbociclib. Two weeks of hell waiting for results at clinic. I was convinced it had spread further as I have a few aches and pains now, plus a little dry cough I can't seem to get rid of. Great news though. My lung mets have shrunk, and there is no sign of further spread. Painted Newcastle red that night!! 🍷🎉🍾🙃. Hope you get appointment sorted. X

[Mishy18]

RANT alert 😨 To add I will be highlighting the importance of mammos being on time for us ladies and computer errors which can cause unes especially in the light of the terrible screening cock up which has been addressed in the house of commons today some of those poor ladies who lost their lives due to problems in the screening programme, ladies we will have to be on the ball re app etc.... Rant over 😉👍

[Mishy18]

Evening ladies a lovely night in Newcastle windy but sunny which is main thing, got call to say have an app with bc surgeon on 16th to check boob i think they are more concerned about the orange peel dimpling in skin rather than swelling hopefully its just rads effects so surgeon wants a look, any way my main rant is about mammo been expecting a letter with date should be due this month to discover tgat my bc surg secretary hasn't sent the request card down to screening department which currently has a 5 week delay so it could be July by i get it im fuming im niw going to have to chase it with her tomorrow as she was off today thank goodness the bcn rang me or i wouldn't have realised and just been sitting like a lemon waiting, i explained i was all psyched up fot it and really its not good enough having to chase these things up myself thats the second time ive had to do this, it makes me look like a pain in the 😨
Rant over!!!! Looking forward to the weekend as we are being promised warm weather and sunshine which is great news when most of last summer was lost due to treatment looking forward to summer 👍😎

[Jay68]

Appointment with GP today at 5.15 - to check the rampiril is doing it's job and to ensure it's not affecting my kidneys whilst repairing my heart!!! 

Herceptin again tomorrow, then just 2 more to go.........!  x

[Daffodil54]

Jay, thanks for the info. Lots to think about.

[Mai7]

Thanks Jay, I'll have a look at those. Xx

[Jay68]

Mai and Daffodil - there are two very interesting threads on here regarding reconstruction.  I highly recommend you having a read.  First one is under "Moving forward after treatment" "Recovery after treatment" "A flat way of life" and the second one is under "Going through treatment" "Surgery" "to reconstruct or not".

I'm still very much undecided.  Like you Mai I'm keen to let sleeping dogs lie and in another way I'd love not to have to think about prosthetic etc when I get dressed in the morning!

[Mai7]

Aww, thanks ladies for the lovely words.  I am deeply moved.   Likewise, you have all been amazing and whilst I shared all knowledge researched you double checked and sense checked it too and just knowing there was someone else out there feeling as crappy and isolated as me was a great comfort.  I'm sure we will be friends for life now.  I think our shared compassion and sense of humour has been a great distraction from some pretty harsh realities we've faced! xx

I had my lymphodema check up last week and all good, only a 2% difference so Im considered low risk for lymphodema.

Binocular woman!!! thats funny Shi. x

Daffodil, I still have my head in the sand on the recon at present but would be interested to hear what you have to say after your appointment.  I feel a bit nervous about the prospect of the tissue in that area being disturbed again - let sleeping dogs lie and all that...... but want to feel balanced and symmetrical again! :-? xx