I was given my first pack of Anastrozole in March but as I was still having radiotherapy I decided to wait until I'd finished treatment before taking them. Then we booked a holiday and I decided to wait (again) until we'd come back before I t...
So my sicknote ran out on the 3rd April. I could've extended it but felt I was delaying the inevitable so I decided to go back to work on the 4th April. It also meant that my pay would go back to full pay (it had been half since February). So my ...
I checked with my oncologist that I'd be ok to go on holiday after my radiotherapy had finished and she actively encouraged a break.So we duly booked 10 days in Sharm el Sheikh. It was amazing booking a reasonably priced holiday after only being ...
So today - on International Woman's Day, I finished my 5 rounds of radiotherapy. It's been a breeze compared to surgery and chemo. I've felt a few twinges in my boob and it's felt tender but so far all is good. The staff did say today...
I'm now 2 weeks post chemo and beginning to feel more myself. Fatigue is lifting slowly and I've got more energy. I decided re-join the gym as I'd not been since before Covid. I've been a few times now and initially found that walking...
So today I had my 12th chemo, 9th paclitaxel. All went to plan, my nurse was mega efficient and it ran like a dream. I watched 2 episodes of Call the Midwife and one of Emily in Paris. I had a sandwich courtesy of the NHS. No chat in my pod, 2 older ...
So I have 2 weeks until chemo finishes and it's now time to start planning my radiotherapy. I met with my oncologist today and the plan is to still have 5 sessions of radiotherapy which will commence 3 weeks after chemo finishes so roughly 7th Ma...
My cancer is HER2+ so there is a drug called Herceptin that is given to breast cancer patients (& some stomach cancers) that suppress this cancer from reproducing.
Its give via an injection into the thigh every three weeks and I'll cont...
So after my truly awful allergic reaction, last weeks treatment was postponed as they wanted to review my case.Sadly because of Christmas & new year plus bank holidays they didn't meet in time for my treatment to go ahead on the 5th Jan...
So I spoke too soon. So confident that I was going to continue sailing through these treatments but then they come along and throw me a curve ball.
To start with as I driving to hospital my son whose 18 rang to say he'd got Covid. Just brilliant....
Cycles 5 & 6 went by in a Christmas blur. In fact its 12 weeks since I had my first chemo back in October which is amazing when I look back. The time has flown.
These 2 cycles were very boring and nothing to write home about really. The mos...
When I first found out that I'd be having chemo I began to research what to expect and I came and read some blogs which really helped me, so, I thought I would do the same.
First of all, when you read the list of side effects that people get with...
So cycle #4 is moving into the unknown with paclitaxel given weekly for the next 9 weeks and Herceptin every three weeks.
Arrived at the cancer centre at 9.45am for a 10am appointment, they were running late so I didn't actually get a chair...
So I had my third and FINAL EC on Tuesday. Anyone that knows will understand that the red wee is now a thing of the past.
Blood pressure was ok today, bloods were ok too so chemo could go ahead. Yay! So happy to be pumped full of poison .
As usual t...
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, one the first things the breast care nurse gave me was a medical exemption certificate.This allows all cancer patients free prescriptions for 5 years. There aren't many perks to having cancer but t...
Nothing is ever simple is it?
I decided to have a PICC line fitted to save my veins and to stop being constantly stabbed with a needle, so I had my PICC line fitted 2 weeks ago via ultrasound.
Friends who have them, have said how easy they are to get...
During September Breast Cancer Now launched a fundraising campaign to walk 100 miles during October. I was starting my first chemo on 1st October and would be completing my second towards the end - I knew it could be a challenge but I just needed a f...
So I had a PICC line fitted the day before my second EC chemo. It was a weird experience, the nurse was truly amazing. She explained everything so well and was really kind. It was inserted using ultrasound and she did skim a nerve which wasn't pl...
I've been to see my oncologist this morning for a review after my first chemo. Apparently I may have something called Gilbert's Syndrome as I have raised bilirubin levels. Because of this my first chemo dose had to be reduced slightly. I'...
I'm now on day 11. Wow! What an absolute roller coaster of feelings this is.
I've described chemo as the worst hangover you've ever had that lasts 3- 4 days. Those days, so days 4 - 6 of the cycle for me, were the worst. Total and utter f...
So I had my first EC (1 of 3) on Friday. The actual experience in the cancer centre was ok. The staff were so lovely and patient. I was there for about 2 hours. I had a cannula fitted this time but I'm having a PICC line fitted for cycle two as i...
So yesterday I met my oncologist who is a lovely, funny dr from Turkey. He went through my history with me regarding my cancer.
35mm tumour + 4mm little extra tumour connected to the larger one, mixture of lobular and ductal (this was news to me as t...
I don't have many down days, 99% of the time I'm positive, upbeat and very practical in how I think. Cancer will not beat me and I'm going to survive this and come out the other side.
Yesterday I had it confirmed that my teaching sa...
I've found the Macmillan and Breast Cancer Now websites and community pages a brilliant resource over the past couple of months.
BCN are doing a charity walk 100 miles in October so I thought before I get really fatigued with the chemo (due to st...
Although the death of Sarah Harding is a very sad loss and raises the question about breast screening under 30's, I think it's also good to remember that there are numerous celebrities who've had breast cancer and are still singing, actin...
