The operation

Ha ha Gail, I think we’re all probably a bit weird!!

thanks so much for your message, I will try a bit of boob samba and see how I go

regarding the bras to be honest after strapping myself into sports bras and getting nowhere I just wear whatever I fancy and at home in th evening often go braless and find it becomes a lot softer!

Hi Lymphodema gals 

Hey up samba moves another Strictly move. Not sure the judges would get it though.

My lmpho is minimal so weirdly I have resorted to the post op exercises. And guess what it is easing

If we do want to meet up I will start a new thread to ensure we are inclusive of anyone and everyone. There have been recent issues from people feeling 'left out' etc etc.

Bras ...... I've dropped the under wired ones but will go back to them and bra less is my evening default. So are PJ's. In fact it's time to dress down

OH has taken over the sick bed position due to stomach issues. Anyone know how you persuade a stubborn old BLEEEEEEP to go to the GP????

And breath

Leolady56

GRANNY59 and Jacmatholmad - thanks for the replies and advice.  It's ridiculous that you have had to make a private appointment, Jac, but I can understand it.  I went to the BCN as soon as it started for a referral as I didn't want it to get any worse. 

Gail - that is great advice.  Think my husband might be stepping forward sharpish as a volunteer for the boob jiggling :-)  I'm really glad to hear that you have finally made some progress with it.  14 months is too long.  I've found that they tend to give you the 'firm bra' advice, almost like compression is the thing.  But I'm glad you have found it makes no difference because that's what I feel when I either wear my soft bra tops or go without round the house. 

Linda xx

Hello all

I’m not sure whether this is the right place for what I’m about to say but I feel in need of advice. I’ve been following this thread since my diagnosis but posting very little as I’ve been in a rather dark place. I thought I was managing to come out of it but two episodes have thrown me back in. Firstly my next appointment with my oncologist, due today, has been shifted at the last minute to one six weeks hence, just when I need some reassurance that everything is going according to plan. I tried to get a earlier date but felt that I was just an irritation to the appointments team. Being treated like an object doesn’t make you feel any better.

Secondly I’ve been asked by a friend to counsel a friend of hers who has been diagnosed  with secondary breast cancer. Recurrence is part of my personal nightmare so I’m worried that meeting someone to whom it has happened and trying to be positive for her will just throw me back into the pit. I get the feeling that I’ll be treated as unsympathetic if I say no. Maybe one meeting to give her some guidance and to explain that it’s too early for me to be the ongoing support? I’m going backwards and forwards on this so would really welcome your advice. 

Thanks so much everyone. I shall continue to follow you all but may not post very much until I can be more positive. 

F

just dip in and out  whatever is best for you. Even though - not sure you know this - I used to be in education. Shock horrorWe don’t keep a register 

Being in a dark place is never good but admitting that is where you have been is a massive step in the right direction. Im sure you know there is help on the site through the 0808 number 

So .....  can you see some reassurance in the fact that  ; if there truly was an issue you’d be back in days not 6 weeks. If you truly feel you need an appointment sooner contact the secretary and gently but firmly put your case. You are NOT an object . And you should say to them actually with the greatest respect you are making me feel this way

This is so so true. We feel we are constantly looking over our shoulder for the next curved ball. I said this to Jacmatholmad just the other day. You must be honest to yourself, the friend and the one expecting some counselling . Maybe here is where you signpost her . Be honest and say I’m just struggling too and this is where I go

But above all you need to protect your emotional and mental health. Now on that part of the journey you may have to be blunt and rude and arsey. And don’t apologise either for how you feel and what you need to do to get through the poop

I’ve just put my foot down with a firm hand with a family member. And what did they do ..... they adapted the plans they were trying to force me to agree to. They weren’t the plans for me. So compromise it was.

 Right far far too many pontification from me. Hope you could join us in Sheffield in October

Gentle hugs lovely 

Leolady56 aka Lindsay

Hello

lovely to hear from you even if you are feeling down, don’t think you can’t or shouldn’t Post, we’ve all been there or are with you wholeheartedly. 

I echo Leolady56 words and thoughts/ideas, not much really to add other than I’m with you

all the very best wishes

Hi F, I wondered how you were doing. I have posted on here on many a dark day, that’s what we are all here for. Yes it’s great to be positive and relate good stuff but equally it’s ok to share anything else. 

I had a bit of a blip last week and I actually called the 0808 number for the first time as I felt desperate. The lady I spoke to was amazing, she just waited for me to be able to talk to her and we just chatted about what was going on. She gave me some contact numbers and an email for further places to get advice and said I could ring every day if I needed to. 

As to your friend asking you to counsel a lady with secondary BC, I think that’s just a bit too much to ask of you at present. You are trying to get over what’s happened to you and I think if you’re feeling the way you are at present it could make things worse for you. Maybe give your friend the Macmillan site details to pass on and let her know that there is actually a secondary BC group and a free phone number for help and advice. I know that you are worried  they will think you are being unkind but as Lindsay said you need to look after YOU and if that upsets them then they really aren’t considering your feelings. You aren’t the oracle on secondary BC but there are people that can help her that have the experience to do so. 

I hope you continue to post on this thread so that we can support you and maybe you can make the get together. Jackie xxxxxxx

Leolady56 

Lindsay I noticed that you’ve mentioned a new thread to arrange a get together however as I don’t get notifications I wouldn’t know it existed, at least on here we can all check in regularly. 

Is it Sheffield that’s been decided as the meet up point? I know it’s October which gives time to plan but need to mention that I’m involved in a big event for Macmillan on Saturday the 20th of October, hoping to raise £4000 plus, I’ve already got a £1000 in the bag for them. 

I fully appreciate that everyone will have things booked so if it is the 20th I fully understand  xxxx

jacks77

I was just dipping my toe in the water regarding a meet up. So we will definitely ensure we avoid the 20tg and as it’s my BIL’s 70th on 19th think that weekend would be an issue for us. 

Do tell what you are doing and send me a private message if you have a Just Giving page as I would love to contribute. As I am sure others might too. Need to be private as not always too sure what is acceptable 

Hows hair growth??? Hubby did a tidy up of mine today . Lots of wispy hairs.

The site has been absolute pain but things have been escalated to senior levels so fingers tightly crossed

As from here I’ll put a link when I get my bum in gear and more people saying yes to a meet up.

Take care 

Lindsay xxx

Mmmmmmm Sheffield may be a bit far for me but let me know if there is a change of venue as I would love to come. I am Basildon Essex