Hi NGS, I was thinking of you today. Hope everything went well with your treatment and that you're feeling OK. Xx

Morning everyone. 

greeny hoping your continuing to feel brighter with every day.  Lovely that your parents are coming to stay 

In terms of ovary removal I remember the genetics team telling me that removal before 45 added another preventive for breast cancer ( although maybe not successful in my case but they just be because the BRCA1 stacked the odds against me ) 

pippin - how are you feeling ?   Glad yesterday went smoothly.  

My treatment went well. Just a long day as had to waited several hours for my take home meds - poor planning by pharmacy at hospital 

I had reduced dose at 75% and injections now in days 3/5/7/9. Also prescribed muscle relaxants to try and help with bone pain 

feeling god so far.  Fingers crossed that continues

i also had call from doctor to say CT results clear - no evidence of blood clot and no abnormality or cancer in chest / heart / lungs which has given me huge positive boost 

so one more chemo to go   Then surgery 3-6 weeks after bone infusions every 6 months for at least 3 years and bone density scans  and letrazole for at least 10 years 

I'm meeting genetics on 6 th June for next stage of  cascade testing for my family and I'll be asking about any other tests / trials    The treatment for BRCA1 is imminent in next 5-10 years which is encouraging for my children 

Carol - lovely to hear your doing well   Good luck with next part of treatment    

wishing everyone positivity for the days ahead 

no baby as yet -   Midwife appointment today and likely being offered a sweep as 2 days overdue now   Watch this space 

xxx 

Hi eveyone,

Just wanted to check in to see how you're all doing this weekend. Hope you're ok and finding rest when needed.

Just wanted to pop on to say hello really. I'm in my "good" week so not much to report, just always enjoy when energy levels are back! My husband has gone to a wedding in London today, which sadly i said no to going to. In hindsight I probably could have made it but was just slighlty worried about immunity and going on tubes etc before my next cycle...it's a shame though as i LOVE a wedding!!!!!

Anyway sending hugs and strength for those that need it today xx

Hi Greeny80, great that you are in your good week and your energy levels are back. Mine have just started to drop a little and I'm feeling a bit tired. Did get out for a walk this morning, but did struggle a bit today. It's a shame that you missed out on going to the wedding, especially as your feeling OK. Think it was for the best though, going on the tube is probably not the best thing to do. We didn't go to the Ideal Home Exhibition this year, for exactly the same reason. We have a party coming up to celebrate my Dad's 90th birthday, really looking forward to catching up with all the family. It's the weekend before my next treatment  so will hopefully be at my best by then. Hope you continue to stay well before your next treatment. Xx

Hey Pippin,

Just wanted to check in to see how you’re doing? Really hope you’re ok. Xx

Thanks Greeny80, feeling a bit better now. I just became really anxious for a little while as everything seemed to get a bit confusing. Hopefully macmillan nurses will phone tomorrow, rather than texting and will be able to reassure me. I'm sure they must be getting fed up with me to be honest. All I wanted was a letter confirming ct scan results. Now it seems I'm getting an appointment with oncologist. Also not sure what BCN meant by they couldn't see my lymph nodes on breast scan. When I got those results over the phone, no-one mentioned that. Have a bit more energy today, but taste gone up the wall. Hope you are feeling ok and sorry for all the moaning. Xx

Morning everyone. 

just catching up on posts. 
how are you feeling now Pippin.  The waiting worrying and mixed messages can be really hard - I do think communication is key to offering reassurance.  But how good does it sound when you say in 5 weeks chemo will be over.  I agree with carol.  Chemo is the hardest stage. im doing much better this cycle.  I’ve just got 4 injections on days 3/5/7/9 - last one tonight.   The day after I feel rough with lots of bone pain but I’ve managed to keep out of hospital this time.  
I have Horrible metal taste in mouth and am off food.  Tummy feels quite delicate.  

but all this is made better by the safe arrival of our beautiful granddaughter Wrenley Robin on Saturday 1 st June at 13:58 weighing a healthy 8 lb 4 oz. 

I feel so very spoilt having them live with us.  Nanny cuddles are on tap.  

Wishing everyone a positive week 

xxx

Hi NGS, I'm feeling ok thank you. I did not get a call back from anyone yesterday regarding confirmation of ct scan results.  I've decided to forget about it for now and might speak to the person who phones for my review, before next chemo. It's so good to hear that you are feeling much better this cycle, only one more to go and you're done yay!!!

I too have had that horrible metallic taste in my mouth for the last couple of days. Last time it only lasted 3 days, so hopefully will be gone by tomorrow. I also had a funny tummy for a couple of days, but seems to have settled down now. 

Congratulations on the birth of your granddaughter and what a beautiful name. How lovely that they are living with you, enjoy all those cuddles. 

Hope everyone else is doing OK  xx

Hi Everyone,

For some strange reason i've stopped getting notifications when you post a reply on here so was starting to worry that i hadn't heard from you.It's not like you to be so quiet!...anyway just jumped on here to message again to see how you all were and then saw some missing messages!!...

The taste thing is very odd isn't it. Mine lingers for ages, i'd say around 10 days or so before it lifts...great that yours was only 3 days last time. let's hope more of the same. Sorry about all the confusion with communication, It's hard when you just want info and to know. really hope you get to the bottom of it and get some clear info soon but hope in the meantime you can try and forget about it. Hope your tummy and other side effects are ok.

NGS - Ahhhhhh congratulations! Gorgeous name and amazing that you get to give her lots of cuddles! Ah lovely, happy news. Hope Mummy and Daddy are doing well too. Glad the boneo pain seems to be a bit more manageable and no hospital visits this time! AMAZING ONLY 5 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i've got my penultimate round on Tuesday...and then last one on the 2nd July. Not the best timing as it's my daughters end of year speech day. She leaves her school after being there for 5 years so there's a big leaving party too and i know i'll be feeling a bit rubbish BUT it will mean end of chemo so i'll be celebrating inside!! I've got a meeting with a Dr next Thursday to talk about radiotherapy and how much i have to have and timing etc...feels good to be moving onto the next stage.

Hope you are ok today and Pippin hope you manage to get out for your daily walk!..and really hope the taste comes back soon both of you.

xx

Hi Greeny80,

I just saw your comment about not receiving notifications - if you haven't already you can select to 'Bookmark this thread'. You can then go to your notification settings (the bell icon at the top of the page), select 'Notifications', and then ensure that 'Replies are added to threads I'm subscribed to' is checked. You can then choose to receive an email each time a reply is added.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Ben
Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Greeny80, I've had that happen with the notifications on some occasions too. I've had a  couple of bad days with the taste thing, but think it has started to improve now. I found eating salad leaves was awful, tasted really bitter. I've decided to put the confirmation letter about results out of my mind now. They said that all was OK on the phone, so that will have to do. Ended up going yo gp this morning, due to bleeding from back passage. Turns out I have a hemorrhoid, as if there isn't enough to deal with lol! A shame that your last chemo clashes with your daughter's end of year speech. But as you say, you'll still be celebrating the end of chemo. My last one on  the 9th of July is on my wedding anniversary, so I know how you feel. Going to try and go for my walk this afternoon, as missed it this morning. 

Wishing you all a lovely day. Xx

How’s everyone feeling.  Wishing you all the best for treatment this week Greeny.  
ive still got a horrible taste in my mouth and terrible heartburn. Also feeling incredibly tired again at moment.  
I have one more week of my PICC line - it will be so lovely to have a proper shower 

I had my meeting with the genetics team last Thursday which was very positive.  I am being considered for the vaccinations to prevent recurrence and potentially pancreatic preventative testing as well.  
wishing you all well xx 

How’s everyone feeling.  Wishing you all the best for treatment this week Greeny.  
ive still got a horrible taste in my mouth and terrible heartburn. Also feeling incredibly tired again at moment.  
I have one more week of my PICC line - it will be so lovely to have a proper shower 

I had my meeting with the genetics team last Thursday which was very positive.  I am being considered for the vaccinations to prevent recurrence and potentially pancreatic preventative testing as well.  
wishing you all well xx 

Hi NGS, sorry to hear you're still having taste issue's, so annoying. Mine seems to last for about 3 days, then goes back to normal. I feel quite tired today too, did have a busy weekend though. Went out for dinner with hubby on Friday evening, which I really enjoyed. We spent Saturday with my daughter, son-in-law and the grandkids. Went to their local fire station open day, which was great fun. Yesterday was a visit to my mum an dad, hubby did a few jobs for them, that needed doing. This morning I went for my covid jab, which caused me a little uncertainty. The pharmacist seemed reluctant to give it to me. First mentioned I wasn't the correct age. I told him it was because of being a cancer patient. He went off for about 1/2 hour to make phone calls. Then came back and was talking about my heart. I told him my heart is being monitored due to phesgo injections, but there was nothing wrong with it. I had to get in touch with chemo unit, who sent text to say I could have it. I ended up in there an hour, but eventually had it. Left feelling a little unsettled though and wondered if I should have left it. Hope you had a nice weekend and enjoy this week before your last treatment. You must be so happy that it will be your last one. Pleased to hear that your genetics meeting was positive, that is good news. Xx

Good luck for tomorrow Greeny80, hope all goes smoothly. Xx

Hey!!

oh that’s amazing you have your pic line removed in a week! Yay! So nice to be coming to the end of  Chemo! Amazing!! Sorry taste is still off, mine has been pretty bad during chemo, usually it’s bad for about 10/14 days and I still don’t think it’s quite right..I went out for dinner on Friday night to this amazing 8 course taster menu but my husband said one of the courses was really salty and to be it tasted a bit bland!..think my taste buds just seem to dampen any flavour. Hopefully they’ll return after chemo! Sorry about the heartburn too - can you take anything for that??

Glad you had a good meeting last week though with the genetics team. Keep us posted on the vaccine, I didn’t know such a thing existed for prevention or recurrence. Amazing!

gearing myself up for tomorrow! But after that I’ll only have one more to go!! Whoop!! Have an appt with radiologist on Thursday so will hopefully find out next steps and timings etc after that!

Hope the last round goes ok for you!! Just think last one!!!!! Hurrah! Xx

take care and have a good eve!!  

Hey Pippin,

im not surprised you’re tired! Sounds like a lovey but busy weekend! But so nice doing normal things isn’t it! Going out on Friday was so nice and my parents were staying with us this weekend so that was lovely too! I actually went to London last week too to see my best friend which was really fun and nice to have a change of scene! Took my dog on the train for a little outing!!

Have been trying to be super productive today before Chemo tomorrow getting all the admin, laundry, errands done before next week when I’ll be feeling below par!! But after tomorrow I’ll only one more to go!..yay!!! I went to get my bloods done today so hopefully tomorrow won’t be such a long day! 

Sorry you had to wait an hour to get your Covid Jab but glad you got it sorted…Hope you’re not feeling any side effects from it. 

when’s your next one Pippin? Do you have two more? 

have a good evening and hope you can have a few restful days after your busy weekend! Xx

Hi Greeny80, sounds like you have been pretty busy too, lovely that you got to spend the weekend with your parents. I do exactly the same as you, loads of cleaning on the day before treatment, so I can rest afterwards. Amazing that after tomorrow, you'll only have one more treatment to go. I'll be in the same position next week, it's fanastic that we are nearly through this. I'm feeling fine so far after the covid jab, hopefully that will continue. Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Xx

Morning all

That's great news you're all coming to the end of chemo.  It's such an amazing feeling when you get there.  A massive relief washes over you. 

Sorry NGS that your taste has been off.  Mine was bad with the docetaxel but ok with EC.  Everyone sounds like they're keeping up with busy lives which is great! Good luck with your last treatment @Greeny80.  That's amazing. 

I have 4 more immunotherapy sessions to go.  So far I've been feeling ok with them.  Bit of stomach cramping, but nothing a little lie down and some paracetamol can't handle.  

I'm heading away this weekend, the first time I've ventured away from home since all this started.  Am a little apprehensive and wondering if I can have a drink! Don't want to get hammered, but would be nice to have a glass of wine with dinner or a cheeky gin lol. 

I have my radiotherapy consultation next Wednesday (19th).  Then it will apparently be 3-4 weeks after that that radiotherapy will begin.  I'm expecting 15 days of radiotherapy, but my consultant said it would be anything between 5 and 15 days.  I'm pretty sure it won't be 5, I'm just not that lucky lol. 

Pippin24 , glad you were ok after your Covid jab.  Thankfully I was ok after mine too.  Sounds like we're all on the up and up!  Long may it continue :) 

Carolxx

Hi Carol, glad things are manageable with the immunotherapy injections. What is the reason for the immunotherapy, if you don't mind me asking? I've recently been told I'll be starting bone infusions, just wondered if they're going to drop any more surprises on me! Hope all goes well with your radiotherapy appointment, it's good to know what the plan will be. I'm staying out on Saturday night, first time since starting treatment too. Just at my brother's though, he's hosting a party for my dad's 90th birthday. Have a lovely weekend away, I'm  sure it will do you good. Xx

Hi Pippin24   Immunotherapy is given by infusion, same as chemo, but it's much gentler on the body and shouldn't cause hair loss etc.  Immunotherapy is given to help prevent the cancer returning or spreading.  I've been having it alongside chemo all the time, but it's continuing on its own for 6 treatments (2 down, 4 to go!). I feel like I've moved into prevention mode now rather than treatment, if that makes sense.  

Goodness, bone infusions doesn't sound pleasant!  Are they injections or cannula?  I wonder if it's a similar treatment to the ibandronic acid tablets I will be taking after radiotherapy (another prevention medication!).  Like you, they have drip fed me treatment info.  At first it was just chemo and surgery, then they added immunotherapy, then it was radiotherapy and now ibandronic acid.  You start to wonder what else is likely to be added!  I can only assume they drip feed you so as not to overwhelm you at the beginning, when you've got enough to deal with at initial diagnosis. I'm quite worried about the ibandronic acid as the possible side effects sound horrendous.  But I guess if I really can't manage them, then they will either have an alternative option or reduced dosage or I just stop taking them.  I just want my life back!  I so need a sunshine holiday lol. 

I'm off to Kings Lynn for the weekend which is just over 2 hours away.  I think the furthest I've travelled since diagnosis last year is 30 mins!  There are around 7 of us going, so I'll be in good company and they all know what I'm going through so I'm sure I will be taken good care of. 

That's great you're heading to your brother's.  Hope your dad enjoys his 90th too.  I'm sure a change of scenery will do us both good.  Enjoy! xx

I started phesgo injections at the same time I started the docetaxel. This is a targeted treatment because I'm HER2 positive. I suppose depending on the type of cancer, we all have slightly different treatments. I know I will be starting hormone blockers at some point and be on them for years. I think this is to help stop any recurrence, but they too have side effects to deal with. The bone infusions are every 6 months, for 3 years, it's called zoledronic acid. I have to visit the dentist before treatment starts and have any work that needs doing. You can't have any extractions while on it as jaw won't heal, as far as I know. Apparently a rare side effect is necrosis of the jaw, which sounds pretty scary! I think your right about drip feeding you information, so it's not so overwhelming.

I'm sure you'll be well looked after while you're away, have fun. Xx

Hi Greeny80, was thinking about you today. Hope all went smoothly with your treatment and that you're feeling OK. Only one more to go yay! Xx

Ah thank you Pippin!

I’m doing ok! Yesterday was a lot quicker as I had my bloods done the day before so from that side of things yesterday was much better. Feeling pretty nauseous but trying to stay on top of my meds!

we got an email yesterday saying our new sofas we had ordered were arriving first thing this morning which meant we had to move the old sofa out of one room and upstairs into a spare bedroom (the sofa is a sofa/sofa bed) so using that temporarily as a guest bedroom bed..so a few hours after I got home from Chemo my husband and i were lugging a huge sofa up the stairs!!!!! Not quite what I wanted to be doing and never sweated so much!!!!..but we got it done!!

had an ok sleep, woke up at 5am feeling sick but took my meds. Managed to get out for a 6km walk this morning but this afternoon have just woken up from a 2 hour nap!!!! Feeling queasy and a bit out of sorts but ok! 

my kids are in a residential with school next week so need to sort out all their kit etc this week. Also have a radiologist appt tomorrow so will hopefully know more about next steps which will be good! Can sense the end of Chemo! One more!!!!!!

my oncologist yesterday said I would then be on monthly zoladex injections, letrozole and abemaciclib. Slightly worry about side effects but will just have to wait and see. I was chatting to a friend of mine who is having a hard time on that cocktail so I’m feeling apprehensive!…BUT just need to get through Chemo, then radio and take one step at a time and keep positive that side effects will all be ok!!!! Fingers crossed!!

How are you doing?