Treatment imminent!

Hi Jools, no problem that you didn't reply earlier, we do have lives to live. Shame about the fundraising mix up, iI do a little myself as it is so nice to give something back. I do go to my hospice, over 6 months now started with counselling which is weekly for as long as i want, also do complimentary and diversional therapy which is holistic plus art and crafts eg painting, baking and making cards. I also do a little fundraising and helped with this years Christmas trees. Jools i do not mind telling you or anyone else anything even on an open forum. Going commando! has grown on me, the only alternative i can think of is Treat yourself, take care.

Eddie

I really enjoyed reading your post. You sound like a very chirpy person. I met with one of the hospice nurses a little while ago, and she said that counselling is available. I have one more of my six free sessions through Macmillan to go. I’m due to meet up at the hospice in a couple of weeks to check things out. I work in a shop run by the Red Cross, so I’m used to doing charity work. I’m working on an idea for a fundraiser for my local hospice. Time to put my feet up and watch some telly.

Hi 

I totally understand and respect your decision to withhold further treatment. I’m already fed up with constant appointments and I’m only 13 months in. I hope you fill your days with things that make you happy and get the best out of the time that you have to live fully

much love to you and take care 

Thank you so much for your kind words. Like everyone, I’ve had a couple of rough days emotionally, but I’m back on track. I hope you’re doing as well as can be expected. I’m assuming you’re going through treatment right now, but of course you might be referring to the appointments from tests to diagnosis? 

Hi there

I’m stage 4 secondary breast cancer with mets to my bones, I also have rheumatoid arthritis and I have had a lot  of appointments for that as well as the cancer stuff to cope with. I’m taking letroze and palociclib as my liver didn’t like ribociclib last year so I’m hoping this treatment keeps it all at bay! My cancer markers are at 55 and no real changes in a year so I’m keeping going. I’ve aays said I’d stop things if I get to a point where I’m not getting much from my life and the drugs were giving me grief. I was told that I have a handful of years but not sure if that’s both or one of them! I hope it’s both
take good care of yourself and all the best xx

I’ve taken a bit of time to respond to your post as I have been preoccupied! I find it hard to believe that we’re only just hearing about people being diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. I was completely unaware of this until it was mentioned on a tv chat show! I can’t imagine what it’s like dealing with the fall out of this, alongside other difficult health conditions. Your post has made me think more about my decision, and I’m glad about that. I think, although I can’t say for certain, that if there was an alternative treatment offered to me which didn’t require weekly appointments, I would consider it. Long may you continue to cope with your treatment. I wish you many more than a handful of years.

I have mets to the bones too as my primary  was lung. I have been on somastatin analogue lanreotide but it’s not working so it may be switched to chemo. It’s a hell of a battle and I feel very angry and upset honestly.  

Just a quick response to your post. Have you got a supportive consultant and cancer nurse specialist? I’ll check back later after walking my dogs.

hI Lindasue, so sorry to hear lanreotide is not working, is octreotide not an option. My treatment is losing effectiveness too, with no alternative likely, so can understand your feelings you have every right to be upset and angry, we all feel that way at times. If i remember you once said you go to Sue Young cancer support, would they be able to help you through this difficult time. I don't know if they do counselling, but i have counselling at my hospice and couldn't imagine where i would be without it, and would recommend it to everyone. take care.

Eddie

Hi Jools

Yes it’s been overlooked as it’s a negative outcome. The common misperception mainly due to the survivor vibes everywhere saying that people have beaten cancer means that people like me are overlooked quite a bit. I often get asked when my treatment wIill end and I have to usually reply probably a few months before I die. Many people are now being diagnosed with stage 4 straight away and some are really young. That must be terrible news.

I have noticed a bit more media cover now showing people who are stage 4 and living with incurable cancer. I am aware of Metastic breast cancer as my mum died of this aged 78 back in 2001. I think more treatments are available now so I’m keeping going as you never know what may happen with the research. I’m 66 now so I’d love to get to her age.
take care x