Still here

Hello Ratty

Good to hear that you are still here and doing fine by the sound of things. Long may that continue. 

Thank you for letting those of us behind you on this path know.

Wishing you al the best

WallyDug

Hello Ratty, good to hear to you are still here and doing fine, long may that continue. I am going through a similar journey, cancer in one breast, had surgery first, now will have chemo and herceptin. Abit worried cuz will be starting chemo abit after 10 weeks after surgery but my tumour was removed with margins, my cavity shave was free of cells and lymph nodes was clear. Can I ask the grade and size of yours pls  sounds like yours was er positive as well mine is also.  Any advice regarding chemo pls  best wishes xxxx

Hi Shaz,

so nice to hear from you.  I had Her2 positive /ER negative in my right breast...(the chemo completely got rid of it). and a 17mm cancer in my left breast Her2 negative /ER positive and 5 of 15 lymph nodes removed....and given the all clear by my surgeon after our appointment. Have since been back for a check up and all ok....

As far as the chemo goes. I had chemo before surgery. And then some weeks later  after recovery the radiotherapy.  The chemo was tough. I found that for a couple of days after the chemo I wasn't too bad and then it kicked in and from day 2/3 - 10. .during which time I had a weekly filgrastim injections for 7 days for the low blood cells..... I felt rough......but manageable.....tiredness....and fluctuating constipation and diarrhoea. My main issue (being a cook and foodie) was the loss of taste and everything tasting dreadful....but that is just trying foods that you can cope with, but hopefully you won't get that.....I found really cold food, cold sandwiches, yoghurt ,ice cream etc ok.....the hospital is really good so if you get anything just give them a call.....

After day 10 I was starting to recover and went out for a meal and could eat better...which gave me the confidence for the next round......

Please keep in touch to let me know how you get on......I am on Letrozole for 5 years to prevent any recurrence. so although I get all sorts of aches and pains (which panic me a bit...but I am not a spring chicken anymore)....well I am in my head).......still here to tell the tale and see my family.....

All the very best to you Shaz......xxxxxx

Thank you so much, so the chemo completely cleared your breast cancers in both breasts. Amazing. You are such an inspiration, thank you for your advice. Best wishes to you xxxx

Hi Wally, thanks so much for your message. I do hope all goes well for you to...I am taking Letrozole for another 3 years and keep  my fingers crossed..All the very best,

Ratty .. xx

Good morning, thank you for your positive post! It gave me such a boost. I'm struggling with my terminal diagnosis - trying to put my best foot forward every day.....xxx

Hi Ratty. Just checking in as tomorrow I get my post op results , so I'm pretty stressed right now. Your post was a tonic, thank you. I'm hoping I just need the radiotherapy and letrozole which was the plan so sincerely hoping for good news tomorrow.  I've had a double theraputic mammoplasty,  they took a kg from each breast. Healing well but the swelling has been hard going. 

Hi I can understand what you are going through as I got my results a week last Thursday. Even though I was giving out this brave face inside I was going through what I'd they haven't got it all out, can I go through another operation, will I need chemo. Which after reading a lot of posts on here appears to be quite normal.

Anyway to cut long story short I'm all clear they have removed it all, and I'm now waiting on radiotherapy and I'm on hormone tablets for the next 5 years.

Another thing that keeps me going is I'm alive and have a life in front of me, as I have lost lots of female family members to cancer.

Good luck and big hugs. 

Hi Elephant Lady,

Thanks so much for your message. Really hopeing you get good news tomorrow....Please let me know how you get on...

The waiting for results is always so hard....if only we could switch our minds off for a time...try to keep busy, tomorrow will soon be here and you will then be able to get on with your treatment plan.

My fingers are crossed for you. 

Good Afternoon to you TalkingListening,

So sorry to hear that you are having a struggle with you diagnosis.......a recurrence is something we all dread and the worry is never far away.    Try to stay strong and please keep in touch and let me know how you are. Always happy to have a chat. You are in my thoughts.....xxxxx