The operation

I had a left mx too deb, although only a slnb not a full clearance. Although i have virtually full range of movement, I'm certainly still getting twinges when lift anything too heavy, which is annoying as I'm normally active and play sport a fair bit. We all certainly heal differently no matter what we did/were like beforehand.

Appoint this morning went as well as could be expected, fairly on time for once, and a good 20-30mins so didn't feel like it needed to be rushed through. Onc took time to explain everything clearly, even got an actual physical half a read at my path report, wonder if news has filtered through that i was wanting to see it in its full glory, certainly didn't feel i was being fobbed off with sugar coated easy listening info for once.

Only thing that did annoy me again was the old its not a breast cancer routine, so why does all info given from reliable sources, including here, describing my tumour, all say a malignant one is a cancer. Grrr rarity value in my mind does not degrade it and its possible effects. Just because its not the same cancer of the breast as the next person, or the next or in fact the 100th person next to me with a 'more standard' BC, if cells can mutate and change so dramtically in that space of time, then surely it is a cancer, even using a dictionary definition of the word, it ticks the sodding boxes, and it develops within the breast............

Right off the soap box, thought we could do with a team one, although i seem to rant long rants when i get going.....sorry!

Anyway, back on track now got that off my chest, along with lenny, the awkward big sod, you'd think after a mx I'd not have a lot left to get off my chest

So am to get a CT next week, then 3 weeks of RT will begin shortly after that. Looks like CT is being done at local hospital, then RT will be at local cancer centre in the nearby big city, approx half hr drive away.

Lennys margins against skin were no more than 2mm and margins against chest wall were no more than 5mm, hence the RT route, max margins anywhere were no more than 7-8mm, i believe with a PT they don't  ideally want margins less than 10mm. 

The rollercoaster has set off again at full speed once again.....

Hi Jolly

Glad appointment went ok and sounds like the news was pretty much what you expected. RT won't be a barrel of laughs I know but belt and braces always best approach. Not surprised they didnt get required margin the size of Lenny, he really was making himself way too comfortable in there. Hopefully the drive everyday wont be too bad and perhaps they will be able to schedule it to suit you a little. If I have chemo it'll be at my local hosp 5 min away but RT for me will be in Leeds. Only 25 min drive but I dont drive so will be 2 buses each way, patient transport or lifts! Cross that one when get it anyway. So yes sounds like you are definitely back on the rollercoaster, take good care of yourself and get plenty of rest thrses next couple of weeks as I imagine RT will be tiring.

And you get today's "the operation" thread bingo jackpot star prize for being seen nearly on time. The prize is....an evening off all mum/wife duties. Get a nice bath and feet up.

Think to amuse ourselves we should start a game of NHS bingo...things like:

- Notes mislaid.

- Consultant AWOL seen by a 12 year old instead.

- Spent over a tenner on parking.

- More than 3 people looked at boobs in one appointment. (I had nurse, consultant, health care worker and 2 students once!)

Sorry Jolly I digress but pleased things went ok and everything crossed for your scan and RT.

Take care lovely xx

I need that box for my next rant so big thanks for supplying it

Today the rash was hideous now creeping over shoulders and back

Called GP surgery 

Receptionist  'No appointments so go to the chemist.

I was told to call if it got worse

'so what do you want me to do'

Please ask on call doc to call me

'she's busy'

OK let's top trump and I have breast cancer and an op on Friday

'I will see what I can do'

I was measured, polite and honest'

10 mins later very very polite receptionist and very apologetic called back to say

'Your GP will see you.When is it convenient to you'

So my GP when I got there was so so lovely. polite and apologetic. Apologised for GP who gave me a phone diagnosis

and for the rude receptionist

So I am here with more anti histamines and steroid cream

Then we discussed yesterday's poo day and the registrar's comment yesterday and she told me to complain. She was disgusted

She also said I am in a very very small % of people who have this happen and 3 ops is very rare But I must chat to the Consultant.

Also I private messaged the lovely Toxophile and she has been grand

So thanks for the box I will now step down and allow others to use it.

Tomorrow has a better outlook as I'm off for coffee and chat with a good friend. I think new meds will remove rash as already less itchy and red

Chat later no doubt

Please tell me you have all had a better day. I always feel it is a good sign when I don't see you online as you are living and not existing

Take care

Leolady

Put me down for the bingo I just howled with laughter. £10 were you only there 30 mins???????

Someone I met yesterday had some one else's notes and bloods list. NO I AM NOT THAT PERSON. The joke was no one would believe her

Temperature of the rooms ranging from FROZEN to VOLCANIC

Surely we all have an endless list

Leolady I must sort supper

Leolady - I think every Drs surgery in the country has a good cop bad cop receptionist. The goid one at ours told me that if I say "I'm a cancer patient" at the start of every convo with them they will make sure don't get messed around. She was well meaning enough but I took that as an acknowledgement they mess everybody else around! Besides I like to do battle with bad cop once in a while....if I can carve out a victory and get her to let me actually see a Dr (you know the Drs who work at the Drs surgery that people tend to want to see!) I can that same glorious feeling as I do when the 7 yr old eats something green.

Back on the soap box it really does add to the stress of BC having to argue just to see or speak to a Dr. (And whilst on it another NHS cock up with dad has come to light..sorted now but mum and I had to make 7 calls today to get him a perscription they "forgot" to  give him when he was at regional hosp for a procedure before xmas and they now have to do 4 bus journeys to go get it!) Anyway Leo glad you got some  medication in the end and you will be able to enjoy your day tmrw,  you certainly deserve a stress free day

My day not too bad....District Nurse came out and said wounds all fine and dont need to see me again so with good luck and a following wind, no appointments or anything till 19th now.  Nipped into town and got Libby new pjs and dressing gown for her pamper party on Friday then had coffee at mum and dads. Trying to make most of being off work where I can....altho on that subject going to meet my manager tmrw for 28 days sick review, joy of joy!

Jammy, nhs bingo, love it! Although have to say i am lucky as no parking charges at hosps near me, exception i believe is for RT as in the city, but get a pass or something to get me in.

Your RT trip doesn't sound a barrel of laughs as and when it comes round, nightmare, have you got any good friens close by that can help on a daily basis or will you be able to get assistance with transport there and back?

In a way i want it to start asap, as it'll be running into YS's 11th b'day and i always bake and decorate their cakes, looks like i might not be up to it this year, which will be sad loss of tradition.

Leo, the box is for anyone who requires it, which we all will at some point.

Like a game of top trumps too, but shouldn't need to play that with the gp surgery receptionist. Ooh go your gp, quite right to complain  about the 12yo registrar bod too

Glad you got seen and hope the new meds kick in and sort the rash out, trust its not mushroom coffee you're meeting friends for tomorrow!

Right i had better go and practice my breath holding techniques, otherwise nice onc might not be so nice with me if not done my homework

Yes I'm told I can get hospital transport but it does mean would be picked up way too early and would have to hang around afterwards so not ideal. Its a little way off as prob have chemo first but thinking I'll try combo of bus (if up to it) and lifts...if timings are right hubby would be able to drop me off or pick me up and I have lot of friends who will help. The hosp is only few minutes from my work so colleagues have said they will always pick me up if needed. Thats good you get free parking...we spend a fiver for each consultant appt if take car, generally if hubby doesnt need to dash off we walk there and back...its up a big hill but burns of the nervous energy!! When Ive had surgery they do us a 24 hour ticket for £2 so that helps a lot.

That will be a shame if you cant do your sons cake. Maybe if you arent too tired out with it you could  buy a cake and just do the decorating bit so it's personal. I can bake but have the cake decorating ability of a toddler so pay a nice lady to make ours which reminds me need to despatch hubby to collect our birthday girls before Friday!  

Take care xx

Yeah, hosp transport wouldn't be great in that case, fx it all clicks into place as and when the need arises. I truly understand the multiple bus journeys and asking favours of friends for appoints as i went through that when i was unable to drive due to knee surgery and injury but had to get to hosp for physio etc, hosp here is 10 mins in car, bus took me an hr or more, and norm meant hanging round either before or after appoints, so for a half hr appoint some days it took over 3hrs getting there and back. 

I had cake decorating skills of a toddler 15 yrs ago, but have got better over the years, tbh the decorating part is harder and more tiring than the baking part, maybe I'll manage to bake but not decorate, or if come up with a plan i could maybe get some of the icing parts done before i have rads then other than covering cake those bits can just get plonked on......hmmm, must go and put a plan together

Oh my goodness , my god you poor girl . How can this happen ? The one thing I have learnt from you all of is that you are in charge and have to be . Call and speak to someone and DEMAND an answer to this massive c..k up . Shout , scream and make sure they know your name and that you will not be messed about . They need to know you know they’ve done wrong . We are all human but for goodness sake  this is your life and the next poor girl in the que for treatment.  I am a nurse who has worked for over 30years and my advice is MAKE them earn their money and shout about what you expect . You have friends and people that love you , theses people don’t need to like you , just be bloody good at their job . Xxxxxx

Ok right you know I suggested  in a years time we all get together and party to celebrate well....., getting there

I’m worried coz there are some serious kick ass ladies on this thread. And as an OAP and a delicate English rose I’m worried if I could cope in a room with you all. In fact I’m thinking of therapy for just being on this site!!!

Leolady using a brown paper bag to breathe

Oh and I attempted birthday cakes . But was told proper shop ones were better. see previous post when I attempted to bake with daughters