Hi, really glad to hear that the blooming infection is finally being seen off, and even better news that the margins were clear from round two. It must be a releif also to know that the tenderness and swelling is "normal" and that it is easing a bit for you too. As you say, things are finally falling into place for you now and I hope you don't have to wait too long to get the chemo started.

I am still struggling with after effects from the radiotherapy which I had hoped would have gone by now but am told I have had a stronger than normal reaction to it and it could take months yet so am gritting my teeth and plodding on in the meantime. Just to add to the fun my Birthday weekend was ruined by a 24 hour bout of Vertigo, of all things! Never had that before (or want it again) and have no idea why it appeared in the first place but, typically, I was fine to go back to work this morning!

Take care and do keep us posted on how you are doing.  Sue xx

Oh what rotten luck to be poorly for your birthday weekend! Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you anyway xx. Sorry you are still suffering from the radiotherapy, I guess I have that to look forward to .......

Look after yourself. Best wishes. Margaret xx

Dear Margaret, thank you for the birthday wishes, we had a lovely barbeque yesterday evening to make up for it so all was not lost, just a bit delayed! Most people fly through radiotherapy so please don't take my experience with it as the norm. After all you have been through so far I have everything crossed for you that things will go well from now on. Have you a date yet for the chemo? Am thinking of you.  Take care Sue xx 

Hi Sue, I have an appointment with the oncologist for 12 August so I suppose then I will find out when the chemo starts. It is getting perilously close to my holiday 5 sept, so I am still keeping my fingers crossed that we will be able to go away.  I am thinking probably not, so if I am lucky it will be a bonus! I don't know how long these things take, or what to expect from the appointment next week.  I am still quite sore and lumpy, slowly improving but crickey it is slow! I guess that it takes longer to heal inside, especially since they had two goes.  Thankfully the infection seems to have cleared up now.

i am busy knitting myself little 'chemo hats'.  I have visions of having a cold head, but mainly it is keeping the mind occupied. I think the hair loss bit is the part I am dreading most, but realistically I know it is a small price to pay.

We had some lovely weather this weekend, and like you has a barbie. Husband goes into his cheffy mode, which is great as I adopt the role of Supervisor whilst wrapping myself round a glass of red and observing from a distance!  Not so good weather wise today though, overcast and chilly but I am meeting up with a friend for coffee and a chat so the weather isn't that important.

take care Sue, hugs xx Margaret

Hi Margaret

I started my chemo 23rd July, the hospital delayed it for a week so that I could go to Cornwall the week before as planned which we really enjoyed even thought the weather wasn't too kind.  We didn't mind as it didn't stop us sipping champagne in the hot tub in the rain! 
I also had to have 2 operations so that they got a healthy margin, but the 2nd one went well.
I was very nervous when I got to the hospital but the chemo nurses were all lovely and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, although I expect I may be affected more each time.  I'm going back to work tomorrow, part time for 3 days this week and next week until my next chemo then I'm just going to take it a step at a time.
I, too, am dreading the hair loss, but I've already gone for a short crop so it won't be such a shock (that's the theory anyway) I'm just a bit fed up of the grey now showing (boo hoo) but I supposes it's a small price to pay.  I just want to have my foils done again - oh well this time next year! I've already bought a couple of scarves/headwear and I have got a lovely wig although that is still in the box where, at the moment, I fear it may stay!
I hope you get your holiday before the chemo starts.
Take care
Tracey x

Just been for my first visit to oncologist. Feeling rather scared at what seems the enormity of chemo, the list of side effects and the prospect of injections for a year. I guess everyone feels overwhelmed to begin with, hopefully when everything gets underway I will feel more optimistic with it all.  The real downer is having to cancel my holiday, so near and yet so far now! The oncologist was reluctant to delay the start of chemo as I have been waiting for a while what with having the re excision and then the infection.  I can only go with it and trust he knows best ( which obviously I believe he does) disappointment is hard to swallow though cos right at this moment I feel there is not a lot to look forward to.  

Now i am waiting for a phone call from the hospital for a start date.

sorry if it sounds as if I am having a moan, I think it will take me a couple of days to digest the enormity of it all.

I think it's ok to have a moan!  My 2nd chemo due last week has been postponed to this Thursday 20th August as my blood count was down last week.  Fingers crossed I get a good result tomorrow so it can go ahead.  My hair has started falling out, I think I'm fine with that but, oh, the mess it's making everywhere!   That's my moan today - feel better already :)    

Hi Margaret, I could have sworn I replied to your message last week. Can't see it though so must have been dreaming! So sorry you've had to cancel your holiday, that's a real shame after the year you've had so far, but I guess it is a good thing to begin the treatment as soon as possible after all the delays. I hope you get the start date though very soon and that once you know what's happening with it all things will calm down a bit for you...

Hi Tracey, hope all goes well for your 2nd round of chemo this week.

Will be thinkng of you both, Take care  Sue xx

Hi Sue and Tracey, thanks for your replies.  My first chemo is this coming Friday. I know no one exactly looks forward to it, but I am feeling rather scared. I keep telling myself that it is the only way forward, but up to now I have been "some time in the future" and now it is here. My lovely hairdresser has offered to trim my wig for me. I have thickish hair, but this wig is moppish! Needs styling and she has kindly offered to do it after hours one evening.  Thank heavens for that bit of tact anyway. I think I am apprehensive  of the unknown, cos the list of "what might happens" is quite long........

Luckily I have quite a busy week this week, and I mustn't forget the GCSE results are out on Thursday for granddaughter, keeping fingers crossed there although her place in College has been confirmed. Husband has been told his knee replacement op will be before Christmas, so we are going to be in a rather  interesting position - thank goodness for Tesco home delivery .

I have to see a nurse on Wednesday, presumably for pre chemo checks? 

Good luck with no 2 Tracey. Best wishes to you all xxxx