Hi

if you would like to talk about it message me and we can do it privetly

Erika xx

Hi Ladies (and Tony)

I thought it was about time that I checked in...... lots of things have happened to me in the last year.

I have really struggled since losing my mum, and seemed to have more bad days than good........ but that finally seems to have turned around now.

Let me give you the short version

I had reconstructive surgery April 2011 and unfortunately the left side rejected..... I then had to wait 10 months before they did it again..... this time it didn't reject, but the filler port went missing..... after 3 or 4 appointments, the surgeon finally sent me for an ultra sound.... and then they found the filler port, but it had collapsed under the bottom rib, causing the implant to flip over, so when ever i took my sports bra off, my left breast slipped down my chest about 6 inches (looking back now i can see the funny side ) but at the time i didn't.

I was supposed to be going on holiday to Portugal on the 13th of this month but I had to cancel because I had more surgery scheduled for 11th May..... The surgery seemed to go well and I have 2 boobs again, but it now looks like the surgeon has used a bigger implant in the left side than the right (deep joy) So I'm sat writing this with a chest full of stitches.... but I feel whole again for the first time in 20 months...... and the holiday has been re booked for last week in august, so that will give me something to aim for.

I dont know if i have to have more surgery until i go back to the consultant on thursday..... I will keep you all informed.

Another plus is...... I am doing the race for life on the 24th June..... in fact we have a team from my local pub "the corner pin girls" there are 7 of us doing it so far, my daughter, her best mate (landlady's daughter) a young barmaid, my friend and her daughter and our friend Ann, a pensioner who is a regular in the pub...... we have raised quite a lot of money already................... All the youngsters are jogging, and Ann got a bit upset because she said she was going to walk it..... I told her i was walking it too, so we would walk together...... to which Ann said "I will probably come last"..... so i just smiled and said "Ann, you're a pensioner and i will be a month out of surgery, as long as we finish, that's all that matters"...... so that is something else to look forward to.

I think I have rambled on enough now..... I am glad to see so many people doing so well

Love to all

Caz Xxx

Hello everyone,

Its times like this that remind me of what we have all shared together, the good times and the bad, my heart goes out to Tonys family and close friends, he truly was an inspirational man.

I often think of you all and from time to time read through the messages to see how you all are keeping, mostly its great to see you are doing so well but now and again we bond together to have one almighty cyber hug, so to all you ladies out there Im sending you much love and a heart felt hug xxxxxxxxxx

Hi Colly

not sure if you or any of the other ladies are still chatting on here but just wanted to touch base and say hi to everyone and say that Im still doing fine just had my mamogram and it came back clear, hope everyone else is fighting fit, much love to you all

Lee xx

Hi lee, don't come on here very often which is a shame as I'm sure there are women who prob need our help and advice. I tend to keep in touch with mist of the women on here through Facebook, if you have it, please add me-Colette Jameson. I was away to Canada there in the summer and then my daughter got married on 8th sep which was an amazing day. I'm assuming you've heard the sad news about Tony? He was such an inspiration to a lot of us. Glad you're going well and that mammogram was clear, I'm doing well also. Hope to speak soon. Lotsa love Colette xx

Hello everyone - I can't believe I am going to say this but I am 300lbs. I feel really terrible.  I had a lumpectomy last year and then just as it was coming up to my first mammogram after the year I was informed that I had the BRCA2+ gene.  So I was back at the hospital for a meeting with the Consultant with a view to having the double mastectomy and a hysterectomy.  Well - the Consultant said she would like to do an MRI as well as another mammogram and also meet with the Gynecologist (cant spell).  So off I went round to the MRI Department where I had to fill in a questionaire - WHAT WEIGHT ARE YOU?  I stopped smoking on 11th March this year and since then I have put on 20lbs.  Once my weight and measurements had been taken - the rather embarrassed Radiographer informed me that because of my GIRTH I would not fit in the machine and if I did fit in the machine then the table wouldn't take my wieght and the baskets would be too small to place my boobs in .  So the Consultant has asked me to give her time for a re-think.  I've not felt so low in a long time.  My mammogram is to go ahead tomorrow.  What I can't understand is - why do I need the MRI - I didn't have one last year.

I am much healthier than I was before as I have taken up walking and swimming as well as stopping smoking.

Sorry about this - I'm just feeling sorry for myself again.  I think I'm just embarrassed about the whole thing and now I've got to go back tomorrow and face them all.

I'll be fine.

Thanks for being here!!!

Joanne

Hi Joanne, I've not been in here in over a year which is bad as when I was going through my treatment there were plenty of people on here to help and give me advice along the way, unfortunately some of them haven't been as lucky as me and haven't won the fight. I'm sorry that you're feeling bad just now, but try and stay positive, lots of exercise and healthy eating xx

Lee my darling how are you?

Colette xx

Hi Colly

Im doing fine working really hard at the moment studying for my level 5 in health and social care, my own hair is getting really long again - but my how curly it is lol xx

I completed the race for life again this year in Rhyl it was a beautiful day.

Im loving the weather but miss being able to sunbathe, lovely news about your daughters wedding - you must have been so proud, Im still trying to get used to the fact my son turns 22 this year, guess I still think Im 22 in my head shame the reflection doesnt agree he he, well Colly if you ever fancy a holiday in sunny Wales you just drop me a line it would be lovely to see you. Im so glad you are doing well keep in touch xx  Lee xx

Hi Jo

tiny steps is all we can take, one day at a time, you have faced a dreadful illness that claims the lives of so many innocent and wonderful people and are taking steps to beat it ... well done 1st step.... You have given up smoking - huge sacrafice and test of willpower....well done 2nd step  now you are tackling your weight gain... lord knows thats a hard one that all of us have had to face during out battle with medication, lack of exercise and indeed motivation but you are doing it! and you will succeed ! because right now you have all of us right behind you motivating you when you feel down, kicking you up the bum when you feel like giving up and cheering you on as you loose the weight so Jo its going to be a long battle but battle is what we do and you are no longer doing this alone xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx lee

Hi Lee, I'm so glad you're doing we'll, I think of you often and wonder how you are. Do you have face book, I'd love to see how we'll your looking. If so add me Colette Jameson. I'm doing really well, my hair really thick but I decided to keep it kinda short, as I like it and suit it. I can't believe we are 3 years down the line. I'd love to catch up with you and some of the other girls. Take care and keep in touch cx

Hello ladies

Hope you are all well, it has been a while since I have been on here but as we have all said in the past we are a family on here and I am hoping for some support again, yes I have it back nearly four years clear cannot believe it.

Well here is my story I found a lump in my left breast ten or so days ago went to see my oncologists as had an appointment already booked to see him and my worse fear was confirmed, had my operation on Tuesday but home now waiting for my chemo to start in the new year, this may all sound very matter of fact but believe me I am as scared as I was the first time maybe even more as I know what to expect, unsure of what chemo I will be having at the moment but will let you know when I do.

What has shocked me more is I have never missed any appointments and I had one four months prior and given the all clear but was told it as a grade three and very aggressive, had quit a few lymph nodes taken as well, any support more than welcome

Speak soon

Little Sis (Linda)

oh LInda I am so sorry and just before Christmas, but you got through ot before and you will do it again, my cousin had it back 10 years later and has got through it so keep fighting girl you can do it.

xxxxxxxxxxx

oh LInda I am so sorry and just before Christmas, but you got through ot before and you will do it again, my cousin had it back 10 years later and has got through it so keep fighting girl you can do it.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Hi Anne

Hope you are keeping well and thanks for your kind words, I have to fight it as I became a grand mother this year to two lovely boys both my son's had children they are my world my everything, please keep in touch

Little Sis

(Linda)

Hello everyone. Hope you don't mind me joining. My Mum has just been diagnosed with breast cancer if you have a look at my other posts you will see what the doctors have said. They have put her on hormone tablets until her op as first she needs an mri because the mammogram and ultrasound are showing the tumour as different sizes. The mri is on the 27th and then the results and to talk about her treatment plan is on the 7th january. Seems so long to wait her consultant said he can get rid of this but I am still so scared the cancer is grade 3 and either 15mm or 30mm, depending on which measurement is right. I'm just scared the hormone tablets won't work and we will go back and the tumour will have grown. I think all of you are so brave on this thread. My Mum is being very brave right now too. Carrying on as normal. Sorry for the lack of paragraphs I'm on my phone xx

Hello Bumblegirl

Glad you joined our conversation as we are here to help and support you for as long as you need it, as you can see this thread has been going for a while and full of good information if you care to read through it, we all need the support at a time like this whether we are going through it or have a loved one doing this journey.

Sorry to hear about your mum she will be fine while waiting to see the doctor and she will be treated accordingly, I assume it is hormone based with what you have said once she has the Mri and ct scan they will know more, has she had an ultra sound and mammogram yet? How are you feeling through all of this, we are all here for you whenever you need us, this is the second time around for me went through it nearly four years ago, my two sons are born worriers so I understand your feelings fully.

Please keep in touch and let us know how things go take care

Little Sis (Linda)

Hi Littlesis, So sorry to hear that you are having to go through this s**t again and as you say probably knowing what is coming with the chemo is the worst but then again at least you have the arsenal of remedies for the side affects ready to help.  Personally I haven't touched a ginger biscuit in the last four years. As the 'girls' have said we are here for you to rant, winge, cry, off load what ever is worrying you..we are all strong!   I am sure that you will get through this.  Love Patricia x

Hi Bumblegirl,  Sorry to hear about your mum.  If you have the time try and read this thread from the beginning. You will find some useful information and some funny stories but on the whole you will find a little community that has stuck together through thick and thin.  We have been here for each other and have continued to stay in contact after four years.

Yes your mum will be worried underneath that brave exterior but we all have our own ways of coping with it.  Myself at times I wanted to talk about it and other times just wanted to be normal.  This site also gave me the opportunity to talk to people who initially I didn't know but had the same bond and understanding.  Any time you need to talk we will be here.  love Patricia x

Hi Patricia

How are you and hope you had a good Christmas, thank you for your kind words really appreciate it, it is so good knowing my little cyber. family are here to help me again  as we all know we need all the help we can get going through this nasty despicable disease and so pleased I found the thread again, when you read through it does help to ease your mind believe me, well enough of the past now for the future and a new fight begins

Speak to you soon and stay safe and healthy

Little Sis (Linda)

Hello All

Hope you all had a good Christmas with your family's, well I am having trouble sleeping and haven't even started the Chemo yet, although I have been through this once I slept quite well except when I was on the steroids after each lot of chemo, I now find that I just can't  sleep and wander if anyone else is the same, yes I know it can be understandable but what can be done to help me any suggestions welcome.

Thank you all

Little Sis

Hi first time on site i have just been diagnosed with breast cancer every thing happening so quick have had masectomy been told I will have to go back for a further op to remove more lymp nodes now so scared and i am not sleeping well and very emotional.

Hiya ladies

I think you both need to see your Drs to get some sleeping pills. I was the same n still am but I have zopiclone nightly. Some find diazepam helps them to relax. I haven't found anything natural to help. Bless you both, your thoughts will be driving you mad. I'm so sorry to hear your news Kaleah. It all does happen so fast. Try to take it in stages. First op is over, get through the next one n then think about treatment.

Sis, family are doing well n all growing up. Lil one is 5 now. Unfortunately I think this is the best I'm gonna get. 1 in 4 people that survive cancer treatment end up with a chronic illness. At least I know why I haven't got better. Good news yesterday, I got my 4 year clear. Was talking to Bon jovi last night n she had to fight it again last year. Heartbreaking for you all. Wish you lots of love n be thinking of you.

   Leonie xxxx

P.s did a fundraiser for cancer research in September dressed as superheroes. Raised £1200. Don't forget that there are people supporting research n them top scientists will find a cure. Stay strong. Xxxx

Hi Lonie

Thanks for getting back I have thought about seeing the doctor but I am trying not to take sleeping tablets as will have enough things to take soon enough as you know, had a good night's sleep last night so fingers crossed lol.

Well I saw the breast care team on Friday as surgeon on holiday but they are pleased with the healing and phsyio also pleased so far so good, am going back on the 2nd Jan to see surgeon and Oncologist so hopefully they got it all and I will get my plan for chemo will keep you updated.

How is Bon Jovi doing now would love to speak to her again as she will know if things are different second time around any chance you can contact her, I will try on here though

Well take care my dear and speak soon

Little Sis (Linda)