Delayed treatment

Hi Louise. I went for my 5th Chemo last week and was told my chemo was being stopped and I would have to have my lumpectomy ASAP. I went yesterday and had it done and have to wait a week for lymph node results (everything crossed they are clear as a woman that was there for an op told me that even if clear in ultrasound that’s only 70 percent accurate?!) after that they will let me know my next course of treatment. Hoping radio and then hormone tablets. Hate all this unknown at the moment. As if we aren’t going through enough. Joanne. 

Completely agree we are going through enough. Sorry to hear your chemo has been stopoed. I have already had lumpectomy and further tissue removal but the cancer returned waiting for an oncologist apt. This resulted in chemo straight away, I finished 8 chemo sessions 6 weeks ago and told I had to have a mastectomy followed by herceptin, perjeta and tamoxifen but that has gone to pot with this corona. I was given the option to wait but no one knows how long it would be. I just hope this is over asap so everyone can get the treatment that they require and deserve. 

Louise

Xx

Bloody hell !  

Louise so are you still on list for Nuffield or is the plan now treatment and op after ? 

Think you were right to air your feelings / concerns  with regards coming to stop on a waiting list and need the treatment to start .when you discuss your plan with Onco ask how long you there for first Herceptin infusion ..it can be as long as 6 hours in case of reaction . 

Herceptin keeps you on high risk list ( antibody therapy ) . I'm sure you will feel better once something is happening .

which area are you in ..I wish this area would transfer chemo unit and cancer treatment to Nuffield . It unnerves me going every three weeks to the hospital where Corona patients go .

Keep in touch 

keep well 

Margaret x

Hi Joanne

I got my diagnosis just as we went into lockdown so things have changed - almost on a daily basis - with what I am and am not getting. I had a phone call on Monday to say the surgery planned for 22 April is now cancelled and "might be" in July. In the meantime I have to start taking tamoxifen and the GP will be in touch.

I am really struggling wih this and all the chances as to what is and isn't going to happen, I feel for you x At least it sounds as though you're getting some treatment and medical contact in the interim?

Hi Northerner

Apologies not been in touch just lost my aunt and they think it was covid. 

The plan is to start treatment week commencing 20th. I am in the East Midlands and I'm on the list for either the Nuffield or Burton hospital. I wil! Be having my treatment at Burton were covid is. So very scary every 3 weeks and tamoxifen injections at my surgery on a daily basis. Hope you are well and remaining positive in such uncertain times.

Thinking of you all

Louise

Xxx

Hi Louise ,sorry about your Aunt this virus is just so cruel . My sister now out of self isolation and back at the hospital working but at least they've now got face shield etc . Also although all her patients are Covid she is not on the ventilation ward as she physio / OHealth 

Her daughter a paramedic uni student is now on self isolation due out on Tuesday . Both have had the symptoms although have had no contact it's just the jobs .

I get so annoyed with people who ignore the advice and won't stay at home .

Just make sure you go overboard with self protection when you go for treatment . Go to a ladies and wash hands and lower arm with soap and water on way in and out .and no face to face ..that bit was hard with Herceptin injection in thigh the nurse so close . 

I wear easy wash clothes..  straight in washer .Then shower for me .  

For me the most difficult thing (apart from hospital) is the fact that hubby takes dog out for walk . It would feel so much better if he didn't need to do that . He is careful but at times I grate omyself with "have you washed your hands "

Take care keep welll 

margaret x

Hi Northerner

pleased to hear your sister and niece are doing ok. 

Im with you that some people are not taking this serious.  I have hand sanitizer in my bag at all times, constantly washing my hands and  have a mask. I do hope it won’t take to long to administer the herceptin and perjeta the sooner I’m out the better. 

My hubby does the shopping and I know he is careful, my 15 year old daughter walks the dog and she goes  through the woods at the back of us, she doesn’t tend to see anyone. My problem is my son works for the police so front line which is very tricky. When I clean his room I am gloved up as you never know and I would rather take precautions. My only issue is he goes straight to his room to change when he returns from work and I would prefer him to take his clothes off at the door but he won’t. He is 19 and I understand he would rather be in his room. 

Take care

Louise

xxxx

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That is difficult Louise but at 19 and is a very stressful job he'll find it hard ....as a compromise I would get your hubby to follow his route with a anti bac wipe or spray . My hubby now is really good on morning routine of wiping down all switches etc . 

 I leave a plastic bag at door for hospital clothes and a dressing gown for me . It is easier for me as only two of us in house and we have porch at front utility at back . So both areas are deep cleaned and have supply of gel ,spray, wipes etc . 

The frit and veg that was delivered yesterday is all out of paper bags and still in porch will come in house today .

I think it because of Sister, niece and also my daughter (key worker with children in school ) they all decontaminate when they come in .

So I do scaled down version . 

Unfortunately this level of cleaning etc seems to be a way of life going forward .

take care don't eat too much chocolate 

margaret x

Hi Northerner

just to update you. The hospital have rang me to inform me that my operation will be on the 22nd April at the Nuffield. They have told me I will be required to sign the form for covid and that it is a very grim form. I asked what my chances of contracting it and was informed slim as they have PPE. She also said that all patients are checked on arrival but staff not tested unless symptomatic. 

This is very scary and would be even more scary if it was at my hospital as Derby and Burton hospitals are full with Covid patients including staff. 

Take care and stay safe everyone 

Louise 

xxx️️️

Hi Louise

I can only imagine how your head is at the moment . Perhaps because of cancer we get it a bit more than others but I believe they will be doing everything in their power to keep you safe .

They would not do your op unless it was completely necessary and as I said before you have cancer and you need to get rid .

Covid is a risk all you can do us keep yourself as healthy as you can before op so your recovery is speedy .

Would imagine they won't keep you in long so make sure you rest get online shopping in So food sorted in fridge or freezer .

Glad they got PPE although have to say my sister look very scary in hers . 

take care 

margaret x