Hi Michelle, don't worry I've been there and done that too! I think we probably all have. I was in our local bakers with a headscarf on and could see the ladies looking at me (side glances you get the picture) and I just blurted out .." oh I've got BC" and whipped off my scarf to reveal a bald head. Don't know why i did it, just had to do something, they didn't know what to say.. well one did. she then told me how her sister in law had died from it!! Cheered me up no end... I wouldn't worry, we never know whats going on in other peoples lives, who knows he may know someone who has just been diagnosed and was thinking... "wow she's been there and look at her now"... there's no guide book of how do deal with all of this is there.
Glad you got the Karate Kid reference too... always makes me smile... just need to catch a fly with chopsticks now.
CDC - how are you? Have you had the appt with the hosptial yet? My friend is having her tummy diep right now... she was very excited last night!!
Kip
xx
Hi Michelle
I did write a message to you but it's disappeared! I also tried to PM you but also to no avail. By all means you can PM me. I seem to be having probs with computer so you may get this twice!!
Julie x
Hi everyone...
Good to hear everyone is starting to make inroads into the next stages of this journey, whether training for a trek, preparing for next surgery or making those lists... it all matters...its the next step forward! I've started a healthy eating plan this week (well yesterday actually)... trying not to listen to the biscuit tin calling me. I really need to shift this extra weight, can't be helping my achy joints. I have been using the hopsital exercise DVD doing a couple of sections a day, its really quite good, very gentle and now I have my pilates ball I can do all the exercises. Its basically just for shoulders, chest and neck, to loosen, stretch and release the tightness, but seems to help. Some of the exercisees are similar to the ones I was given after surgery, like walking the finger tips up the wall but they have been pushed further by facing the wall with the pilates ball under your outstretched palm and then you roll the ball up so that it moves down your arm and you do this up and also out to the side at an angle and it really gives it another dimesion... sorry not explained very well but seems to help. Lots of other little exercises to do which only take a few minutes at a time. I have even managed to hula hoop and do some arm exercises at the same time! One is called "painting the wall" and reminds me of the film Karate Kid (not sure any of you remember it)... where you extend your arm out in front and basically move it like you are painting up and down, flexing the hands... really helps my tight forearm!
Feenix you were right I have my lyphomdeam appt on 18th Jan so still another 10 days, will be glad for an expert to take a look and tell we whats what. Its still sore when I reach forward and I get a funny twanging feeling around my elbow, although I don't this its very swollen. How are you doing? Hows the ribs?
I also managed to get the same brand of Tamoxifen this month so will see if that helps sticking to the same one...so far its not too bad, just the aches (not sure if its that though) and hot sweats during the night but am sleeping pretty well I think, well not any worse than before anyway.
Hope everyone is getting back into the swing after xmas.
love
Kip
xx
Thanks Clare. Sounds like you’ve found a good group to get info and support about Diep. I’m in the Flat friends closed group which I find really supportive, informative and I know Im not alone in my attitude. There was an interesting interview on woman’s hour today about mastectomy although I didn’t catch the beginning. I might have to catch up with it. I do hope you got as much info as you could at your appointment today and feel informed and confident with your team.
Kip... hope you’re doing ok. You’ve still got a wait for your appointment with lymph nurse if I remember correctly. Hope work is going ok.
Michelle .. hope your training is going ok. How are you doing in general ... just came to mind you were having counselling. If you’ve continued with it I do hope it is helping. Keep on walking, running and anything else you can do to help as well.
Weather has been rubbish today so I’ve been rather lazy, apart from being round the shops.... I’ve done some ironing !!! 😂 .... Lists rule ok. Got myself a diary with a yearly planner and large enough (a5) to write my lists 😊
xxx
Belated birthday greetings Jean! I think the lists and daily activities are a really good idea. It has helped me to have a bit of a routine when I’ve felt low. I’d love to get in to Tai Chi at some point too, Sorry you’re side is still sore- I can imagine you must have to be extremely supple for some of the yoga moves on the DVD. Not sure I could have attempted some of the positions I’ve heard of even before surgery!
Michelle fantastic you managed 7 miles and so glad you found someone to Chat with, Its so wonderful that you’re raising money too.
Linda- I spent a day in Cairo on a mini-cruise from Cyprus some years ago and absolutely loved it but we did have to have an armed guard at one point due to issues with security, Have you had any other ideas of places to go? I’m going to be looking for inspiration as I also intend. To have an amazing holiday once all the treatment is over.
Kip how are you getting on? Hope you’ve had a good weekend.
I came across a closed group for people on Facebook who have had or are going to have DIEP surgery. I’m now feeling slightly less nervous having read their experiences. Also feel better informed about what to expect. Hopefully my apppont,ent with the surgeon tomorrow will also help.
Sending best wishes to everyone sxx
Linda .. my niece has just been to Egypt and loved it. I was there 1990 ... I’d always wanted to go.
Michelle .. I use the wii fit yoga as a warm up. My side isn’t 100% yet but the stretching helps... at the same time as making it more sore 😂. We were looking at some yoga dvds my OH got when he did some training in India ... I’d have to be uber flexible to do some of the moves. The follow on team here have various things on offer and there’s weekly yoga which I may consider. Pilates is supposed to be good too. Going to get back to tai chi at some point. My mood has improved but think I’m still on a low level at times hence I’m making to do lists on a daily basis and going to incorporate different activities eg. House stuff, me stuff, creative stuff, OH stuff etc. I may then be more focussed, motivated, productive and balanced. Sometimes I just can’t be bothered and I know it’s a mental thing. Maybe I’m in hibernation mode !! Sounds as though you’re doing good...getting out with your trekking group and doing 7 miles ... well done. Good to be able to chat about both your experiences with the lady trekker.
Kip .. hows the exercise dvd going ?
Clare ... hope your appointment goes ok tomorrow.
xx
CDC 12 down 8 to go! Not sure where we will go yet. Was thinking of Hurghada Egypt but there was a bomb at the pyramids although not been to the pyramids but did think about going to the pyramids this time. We are thinking about a night away to celebrate the end of treatment first. Am thinking about you!
I mentioned I was thinking about an op in May on my other boob last week at my rad's review and they said to ask re a mammogram in October a year after my op as you have to leave it a while after surgery. I last had a mammogram in March on my good boob so that will be a year and 7 months from diagnosis. The surgeon said he would see me in April which is actually my wedding anniversary to discuss the op for symmetry as am lopsided at the mo.
x