Morning,
I’ve replied to some posts in the last couple of days but thought I’d say Hello to everyone .
I’m 52 and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hormone Pos BC in Oct 2018. I had the full works , mastectomy, chemo , radiotherapy and Tamoxifen. For a couple of years I was then in and out of hospital due to infections from Radiotherapy including sepsis . i went on long term antibiotics and eventually the infections stopped around Nov 2021.
I got around 18 months with a break and then in July 2023 was rushed to hospital with pains. After an ultrasound they said I had a gall bladder infection but had seen a shadow on my liver and sent me for a cat scan as a precaution due to my history . They thought it was just inflammation but it was obvious it was cancer when I had the CAT scan. 5 weeks later after several appointments and a Liver biopsy, I was diagnosed with BC in the liver stage 4 with a prognoses of 2-5 years. It was a huge shock as I’d had no symptoms and one of the tumours was 9cm!
I have since been on the targeted drug Verzenio and Letrozole. The first scan in November shows that the tumours had shrunk by 25% which was great news and all the side effects were worth it.
Just before Xmas 23, the gall bladder problem flared up again and I ended up in hospital for 2 weeks with sepsis and had to have my gall bladder removed . I was lucky to survive the ordeal and it was touch and go . I even got a visit from the priest at one point!
Anyway , I have just had my second scan and everything is still stable which is great news ! I am now trying to enjoy life while I can on good days and have just been to Portugal on a mini break. I intend to travel as much as I can this year . I’m taking it scan by scan and trying not to think too far ahead as you don’t know what new drugs will be available in the future . I ‘m also determined toutlive my little doggy Alfie as he’d be lost without me along with my hubby!
That’s good Eddie , I can’t wait now, work took my mind off it at first but I can’t do it any more even in short hours at home and just want to focus on me and sleep when I need to! Alfie will be very happy!
it’s took a while to sort out being under 55 but they’ve given me a good med severance package as well which I need retiring at 52! Hopefully, I’ll get a few years to enjoy it! X
Wow Eddie, I’m so glad you could do that , not many people can retire that young ! Good on you! It’s a shame Sheila couldn’t earlier but yes the hit is huge going early with a private pension. Mine is only good because there’s no reductions due to the cancer and they’ve boosted it as well but it’s took a while and toing and froing between the company and doctors. The doctor had to answer specific questions because I’m under 55 for HMRC 
but we got there in the end! At least Sheila will join you soon x
Morning Eddie, aww it was sad to hear you say that but suppose we have to be realistic 
️ it could be years off though!i I’m all sorted now. Logging on soon but feel so tired today . Can’t wait to finish . Have a good day xx
I am now ! 3 weeks on Tuesday ! 
My sister retired at 56 and says she doesn’t know how she fit work in! X
