OR + HER2 + diagnosis

Hi Talbot,

It might be because you’re still waiting for some results. That’s the worst part.

I felt more in control when I had my treatment plan.

Don't beat yourself up. Everyone will take their own time.

Bluebell xx

Hi everyone,

wondering how you’re all doing today? I went to get a marker put in the tumour yesterday so I’m a little sore today. I’m also getting my Covid jag tomorrow which is a relief.

Hoping I’ll hear from the Chemotherapy nurse this week with a date for the treatment to start. I’ll feel like I can start to plan everything a bit better then. 

Sending hugs and thinking of you all.

Ruby x

Hi Ruby,

That’s great you’re getting your Covid jag. One less thing to worry about.

Hopefully you’ll hear from the nurse soon.

My wig fitting appointment for today has been postponed until Monday. At a loose end now!

Bluebell xx

Hi Bluebell,

Thats a shame to have your appointment postponed! I think my wig has to be totally organised online so I need to start thinking about it. I ordered a little hat but my daughter was horrified! She’s 16 and opinionated! I’ve ordered some headscarves now in colours that I like as I’m not sure how much I’ll want to wear a wig.

Hope you’re still managing ok after the first treatment. Hair staying put for now? I’m doing daft things like looking forward eyebrow stencils. It’s stupid but I’ve really looked after my eyebrows and am probably more sad to lose them than my hair! It’s the little things that get you I find.

How are your family coping?

Ruby x

Hi Ruby,

I’m still doing well after chemo. Occasionally I’ve felt very tired but that’s about it. 

Spoke to my BC nurse on the phone today. She said my second (small) tumour is the same as the first and very close to it so not a problem (as such!).

My tumour is OR neg and that’s why I’m going straight on to chemo and not Herceptin. Will be starting IV herceptin, and something else, at my 3rd chemo session. I said that my breast and armpit/arm had been a little bit sore at times. This is apparently common and indicates the chemo is working!

I’ve bought some bamboo headscarves. They seem good. Bamboo is supposed to stop your head sweating. Still got my hair. I don’t think any has come out as yet. At the moment I don’t seem to be too bothered about the prospect of my hair coming out, this may change! 

My (adult) kids were probably more shocked than anything (a bit like myself) as my health has always been good. My daughter was upset but she seems OK now. What about your daughter?

Longer answer than I thought!

Bluebell xx

Hi Bluebell,

My kids are 16 (daughter) and 13 (son). They’re ok as I’ve explained everything as carefully as I can. My son tends to be a bit more sensitive so he’s up and down a bit. It’s difficult on top of dealing with lockdown and not really able to see their pals. 

My husband doesn’t really know what to do with himself. I’m not sure he’ll cope that well and hates any kind of routine. This will sound mean, but he doesn’t really understand the concept of other people’s needs until his own are met, so it could be a bit of a challenge! 

I’m also having Herceptin in the last three doses, they said it doesn’t mix well with the first EC cycles. Did you have a CT scan before you started?

Getting a bit anxious waiting for news on appointment - how quickly were you asked to go in when they called you? Trying to get work all planned and organised too and just feel a date would help. Fingers crossed they can let me know soon ish.

sunshine here today though so that’s nice. I’m up in the north of Scotland and we don’t get much! 

Ruby xx

Hi Ruby,

It must be really difficult with teenagers. It’s sometimes hard to know what they’re thinking at the best of times. And men! Hopefully your husband can adapt. You’ll have to try and put your needs first sometimes...I think we all will. My partner is in the middle of starting a new business venture so he’s busy. Which is good as I want him to continue with it. He has supported me though and I think this will continue (out-with his work!).

I had my mammo and biopsies. Then waited a few days for a CT scan. The CT scan was to show if there were any metastasis (beyond local lymph nodes). Luckily there were none! I was given this great news within half an hour as we were asked to wait at the hospital for the results.

The following week I had a breast MRI. This was to give a more detailed picture of the breast but wasn’t checking for spread as this had already been done at the CT scan. It took about 20-25 minutes. It did show what turned out to be a small 2nd tumour which was clipped. I’ve got 2 now! 

I didn’t have to wait long for any of the scans really. I had my MRI on the Monday and my chemo on the Thursday (with an extra ultrasound and biopsy thrown in on the Thursday morning).

Everywhere seems to be different but they weren’t going to talk about a treatment plan until after my CT scan so the fact that you have a treatment plan sounds very positive to me.

I’m in North Ayrshire. Lovely day here too

Bluebell xx

Hi all,

Just had news that my first chemo will be on 18th March. Nervous but glad to have the beginning in sight.

Emie, I’m so pleased to read that your scans came back clear, I hope you’re ok.

Bluebell, I hope you’re still doing ok and feeling stronger each day after your first Chemo. 

I had my Covid jag today too so I’m hoping for minimal side effects. I’m also going to use homeopathic medicine alongside the treatments to see if it can help and reduce side effects.

Hope you have a good weekend,

Ruby xx

Hi 

Just a note on the homeopathic medicine - if you are having chemotherapy you must tell your oncologist what you are wanting to try, mine explicitly forbade taking anything except vitamin d, any medicine can cause side effects or interfere with your medication. Good luck with your treatment, you will be out the other side in no time.

Jo x

Thanks Jo,

I did check with the oncologist and she said it was ok, but gave me a list of things that I absolutely had to avoid. I was quite relieved as it has really helped me with other issues before but definitely wouldn’t want to put the chemo at risk. 

I really appreciate your message

Take care,

Ruby xx