Thank you, it's good to know you have people to share with, just makes things a little bit easier to bear. They were quite happy with how the wound is looking, they could apparently see changes that we hadn't notice. They said it will probably be at least 4 weeks, but we'll see. How are things with you at the moment?

Hi NGS, sorry I asked how are doing, then just saw your second post explaining how you are. Really feel for you as seems like you are going through several different kinds of pain. I really hope things start to improve for you soon. Is there any other meds they could try? They put something in my wound today to seal a little area that was bleeding  hopefully this might help. It was called something nitrate, it sort of burns it to seal it. Apart from that they seemed really happy with how it looks. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug. Xx

Thank you.   I've had a terrible reaction to the chemo.  Not eaten since Saturday.  Feeling extremely nauseous and finally diarrhoea.  Really no energy and stayed in bed.  Finally called 111 and oncology nurse but just told to take sickness tablets.  District Nurse very helpful when she called today for injections and I maybe turning a corner.  What do you eat because I have tried dry toast and ginger biscuits but can't eat more than a mouthful.  My polybalm has arrived too now.  Hope they can tweak treatment for next session

Hi ROBIN71, thank you, I do feel so sad that my mum now has to go through this. She has been through enough over the last few years, but we will get through it together. So sorry to hear that you've had such a bad reaction to the chemo. Hopefully your body will start to adjust as time goes on, or perhaps they may try some different meds for you. Not really sure what to suggest with regards to food  but maybe little and often of whatever you might fancy at the time. Good to hear your polybalm has arrived. I used it twice a day while on chemo and have gone down to once a day, as phesgo can still make the nails brittle. Be sure to get plenty of rest, when you need it. Xx

Hi Pippin,

Talk about hitting you when you're down. I am so sorry to hear about your mum. Have they told her what type, or stage of breast cancer, that she's got? This happened to my mum too, only she had hers' first and we sadly lost her, just before I was diagnosed. I can understand your mum wanting to get Christmas out of the way, before she considers whether or not to have surgery - sounds as if you'll al have some difficult decisions to make, yet again.

On a brighter note, I'm glad to hear that they were happy with your wound today. Was it possibly silver nitrate that they used to seal the wound?

Thinking of your family and hoping and praying for a less prolonged treatment for your mum, than you've had.

Jolamine xx

Hi NGS,

I'm really hoping so, as I have lost confidence in going out on my own, in case I collapse.

I am so sorry to hear about the pain that you're having in your joints and the pins and needles in your hands and feet. Have you mentioned these effects to your care team? I hope that you can find something more effective than  Amitriptyline to help.

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, still not consistently getting notifications, which is really annoying. Unfortunately my mum only got a message on her phone, which asked her to come to the hospital that day. She got in a cab and went on her own, normally someone would go with her. She doesn't know what type, of cancer, just that it is low grade. Myself and my brothers have recently got poa, so I just need to register it and will be able to make some phone calls to the hospital myself. She is insistent about not having any operation before Christmas and they said there is no rush. This works better for me, as my radiotherapy will be finished then, so will be able to give her the support she needs. It was silver nitrate, thanks for that, I'm hoping this will help it heal a bit quicker. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, it really is appreciated. Xx

Hi Pippin,

I am delighted to hear that  you and your brothers all have Power of Attorney. This makes a huge difference when dealing with these matters. Make sure that you register it as soon as possible, as there can be quite a difference between organisations in getting this put in place.

What a pity that your mum was given this news when she was on her own. It is good to hear that the cancer is low grade, as delaying her op until after Christmas shouldn't make any difference. It should also be easier for you to support her then, when your own treatment is finished. Depending upon the strength used, Silver Nitrate can look black when it dries, so don't panic if you see this when re-dressing your wound. The discoloration soon fades away and it is good for drying wounds up.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Will be redressing the wound in the morning, so thanks for the heads up about the discolouration, always good to know what to expect. I thought the oozing might have eased up a bit, but doesn't seem to be much of a change. It's still seeping through the dressing. I've upped my protein intake, as this apparently helps wound healing. Hope you're feeling OK  take care. Xx