What about infection?

Hi, the breast surgeon told me, not the oncologist, though she was aware as they had spoken.  I know it was ductal not lobular, grade 3 which is fast growing and Herceptin and Estrogen positive, which I also understand makes it fast growing.  I have no idea what stage it is…..that's ok by me.   Glad you found the blog helpful and good luck with starting treatment x

I have a question for you now you have finished the chemo how long will you have to wait for the operation and did your boob reduce in size and did it get less painful during chemo? Hope you don't mind me asking I'm curious x

Hi, my operation will be 9 August, so 4 and a half weeks since last chemo.  The surgeon said it needed to be at least 4 weeks.   My lump has never been very noticeable or painful, though at times during chemo I did feel it kind of tingling, apparently some people do experience this.  Hope this helps, no problem in asking x

Great thank you, I'm trying to plan the year ahead, good luck keep us up to date please x

Hi DebbieMay, I understand your anxiety totally and had a mini meltdown myself about socialising, life etc and I called the Macmillan helpline who were amazing. I’m also lucky I have two friends who are gps and a friend who is a senior haematology nurse and gives chemo to her patients. This is the advice I’ve taken from it but please I’m not telling you what to do, just what I’m doing given those conversations:

Do not go into superstores. Go into smaller shops with small numbers of people or preferably few people in, with a medical grade mask on and do not touch things unnecessarily, sanitise and socially distance should be ok. Garden centres, outdoor places etc good!

Always look for ventilation, doors and windows.

See your grandkids, preferably in the garden but if not in a well ventilated space. Ask the parents not to visit you directly after going somewhere like a theme park, busy place with lots of children and shared facilities. Take the kids temperature before they come. Consider meeting in parks, national trust etc if viable, have picnics, Then enjoy them x

Ask people not to come if they are ill in anyway or have an unexplained temperature. They should check their temperatures too.

All visitors actually in your home preferably double vaccinated and always wash hands on entry. Clean toilets fully when they leave.

Go to pubs and restaurants that are high ceilings, well ventilated, open bi folding doors are great, or have garden seating. Socially distanced, if toilets are upstairs so you have to go into smaller well ventilated spaces, use the disabled ones down stairs. Medical mask inside, sanitise, socially distanced.

Get big food shops delivered if you can or click and get someone to collect.

Observe if somewhere has recycled air conditioning, the ones you often have in a hotel room abroad, long and thin, wall mounted, avoid! 

Cinema and theatres big groups inside a bad idea.

Avoid public transport, invest in a few FFP3 masks for extreme high risk situations if you’ve no choice.

I think that’s it, I’ll post again if I think of more. My sister had chemo 20 years ago and actually these were still by snd large her guidelines too without masks of course!

Seeing people you love is vital. If a situation makes your gut question it avoid it. Otherwise you can only do your best. I am also LFT testing twice a week as is my 12 year old daughter, I obviously have to take her into account to so also can’t avoid kids! I have also asked my family and friends who are entering my house to wear masks in shops and public places and be honest with me about high risk events so we can mitigate them and they’ve all been happy to do that. I’ve rambled now but I hope that helps a little! Take care and good luck x

Oh and walk the dogs and make hubbie or a friend do the poo! I also have a dog xx

I can’t sleep. It also ask people coming into the house to LFT test twice a week. 

Good idea! Didn't think of that thank you x

I think you have covered everything there thank you so much, it's not just me over thinking it is a worry thanks take care and if u think of anything else please let me know x

I will and it’s not over thinking, it exactly what we should be doing in our position and it’s essential but we must remain active and take care of of our mental health, it’s a balancing act. Typo on the long list I meant upstairs/downstairs toilets in pubs that are less well ventilated!! Take care x