Hello my name is Heather I have just been diagnosed with brest cancer last week for the first time (and last I hope) Both my sisters have had cancer,one died seven month ago Im a bit scared of what to expect with the chemo. Can anyone tell me how soon after the treatment do you start to feel ill? How soon do you lose your hair?
So sorry you have been having a rough time, Sam, but glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better now. Hopefully you will be ok to have your next chemo.
I think most of us have found that the hair really does fall out in great lumps just before the 2nd chemo.
Chrissi, not the news you wanted to hear and I am so sorry that you have to go through all this again. However the new chemo would appear to be a bit kinder to your body and you won't lose your lovely hair again and the really good news is that your vital organs are not affected.
You sound very positive and that is a good thing.
As Kev said, keep strong and keep posting to let us know how you get on with your appointment with the onc. As you said, they do keep changing their minds about things.
To everyone else, HELLO and I hope you are all coping with your various treatments at this moment in time.
Hi everyone! Chrissi, I am so sorry the news wasn't brilliant but like you say it could be worse and you sound positive and upbeat enough to deal with it as it comes. Just remember we are all here if you need us, and even for a laugh if you don't xxxx Sam I hope you get all your benefits sorted out, this is the last thing you need on top of all this xxxx Well, off to Portsmouth tomorrow to shop till I drop!!! Chemo wore off and I am up for a serious day out, can't remember the last time I enjoyed shopping!!! I am meeting my twinnies who will no doubt kidnap me and make me buy them some new gear lol Chelle, Jean, Steff and everyone else hope you ok xxxxxx
went to the hospital yesterday and had my dressing changed again. its all healing ok, she took my stitches out of my nipples, got to back next week too. I have still got to have radiotherapy but just on my breast ,not lymph nodes. for 3-5 weeks.
my hair is growing back . it looks like its going to be the same colour as before dark with grey....... until i can colour it that is!!!
im looking forward to my retreat at Penny Brohn now, on the 9th august.
I have just read your post Sam and am a little bit confused. Are we entitled to Disability Living Allowance if we have had breast cancer for other ten weeks. Also, does that pay more money? When I ran out of sick pay I went onto employment and support allowance...I am now thinking maybe I went onto the wrong thing.
Chrissi, I was so pleased to hear that the cancer has not spread to any of your organs. You have to remember that the drugs are improving all the time. I think my grandad takes a daily chemo tablet and he does not find it too bad. How long to you have to take it for? Also, was your story in the Daily Mail? I am sure I saw it about the time I got diagnosed and it gave me lots of inspiration.Also,what type of reconstruction did you have and how does it look?
Thanks everyone, I do feel positive about it....it will have to do better than that to get me down. Initially when I found the lumps I was very scared but having had time to rationalise it all and go over it in my head actually being told its back wasnt that much of a shock. Also I am hopeful it will respond to the chemo and theres no reason it cant be kept at bay for a lot longer.
Marian yes I was in the Daily Mail!! I did a little story for my local paper about a Macmillan Coffee Morning I had last year and it kind of spiralled and I got approached by some mags/newpapers to do my story. I got paid which was a bonus but being able to give hope to younger women with breast cancer is why I did it. I havent had my reconstruction yet unfortunately as it seems to be the one thing that never actually happens (through no fault of my own as I am desperate to have it). I was due to have a DIEP on the 3rd July but it got put back due to the now new diagnosis I have had. It is still on the cards but I need to see my onc and the plastic surgeon again to discuss when it will actually be.
As for the chemo I dont know anything else other than what they are proposing I take. I see the onc on the 27th July so will know more then. I'm just praying it doesnt make me sick...I had a rough time with the last chemo and with the kids and everything I found it a real struggle. More so because I am very independant, too much for my own good sometimes, so I hated not being able to do anything for them/with them, it hit me that hard!
I hope everyone is else is doing very well and I send you all my love. xxxx
Hi Chrissi - you are an inspiration! So positive - it is good to look at the pluses, and the new chemo sounds like it's going to be kinder to you. But I'm sorry that the cancer has spread and I will be thinking of you.
Hi Jean - I do hope your meeting went well today. I know you will keep us posted.
Hi Blossom - so pleased you are healing well and that your hair is growing back - whatever colour! I've heard quite a bit about it Penny Brohn. I must find out more about it.
Hi all Went today for results good news the fuzzy bit on my liver has gone,i will be seen again in 3 months time and will be having another ct scan (4th this year) couple of weeks befor hand to make sure of any changers.
Chrissi so sorry you have had bad news again you still so young but sound so strong ,hope the new chemo will be kind to you so you can get on with your family life without to many side affects.take care xxx
Have alot to catch up on about 10 pages to read up on.
It’s all very confusing. I rang the Macmillan Benefits Helpline and have to say they’ve been fantastic. It was the advisor there that told me that I wasn’t at this time entitled to DLA as I had not been diagnosed more than 13 weeks. From what I understand, you can be on both DLA and Employment & Support Allowance, you will need to ring either the Macmillan benefits or the Job Centre Plus – my advice is ring Macmillan Benefits their number is 0800 500 800 and they’ll go through everything with you.
i have been claiming DLA for a few months now. In my hospital we have an office called cancer and support information. I spoke to a CAB rep, and she filled the forms out, and did any appeals that were needed, (she was fantastic). i was awarded the Care component first £17.75 a week, that was when i was having my chemo. Then when i had my operation, CAB let them know. Then i was also awarded Mobility component a further £17.75 a week. As far as im aware you are entitled to this, what ever your income, and it doesnt matter if you are any other benefits. its not means tested.
I found that having someonelse represent me was brilliant, as its hard to get into doing these sort of things when you are in the grip of chemo.
Remember when you fill the forms out that your answers should reflect how you feel and what you cant do on a bad day.
