Hi everyone, hope you all had a good weekend. How are you all doing at the moment? I'm starting my radiotherapy on Wednesday and will be so pleased to get it out of the way. My tummy wound is healing, albeit it slowly, hoping it will be healed by Christmas. Now all Christmas shopping is finished, thinking of starting the wrapping today. I usually have everyone to me at Christmas, but having a break this year and going to my daughter's. It will make a lovely change for me. What are you all doing over the festive period?

HI Pippin,

I am glad to hear that your wound is finally beginning to heal, albeit slowly. I had everyone to us for Christmas and New Year, but have now decided that it's time for the younger members of the family to pick up the cudgel. We are going to my son and his family, which we are looking forward to,

It'll be great to get to your radiotherapy, at long last and I hope that it all goes well.

Regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Pippin,

I take 150MG of Venlafaxine, but I understand that dosage can be up to 375MG in severe cases. I am glad to hear that you have left a message with the nurse and hope that she got back to you today. How did your first radiotherapy session go?

Jolamine xx

HI Greeny,

I am so sorry that you are having bother with your emotions and night sweats, on top of everything else. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon, but you will soon be back to your normal positive self. What a pity that you have two poorly children at home - hopefully, they'll soon be hale and hearty again. Hubby had a biopsy of his cheek on Monday, so we have an anxious 6 weeks of waiting for results, for a suspected Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

I am just keen to get my tilt test out of the way and then to hopefully get some answers. Yes, I've got my Christmas shopping finished, but still have the wrapping to do. I'll need to post many of them this year, as we moved down south from Scotland earlier in the year - another additional expense! I hope that you manage to finish yours soon.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, only just saw your reply, didn't seem to get a notification. I did speak to the breast care nurse, who was lovely. She said to ask tomorrow when I go for wound check in plastics department, to get a dr to check it for me as it's a reconstruction. She said if I can't get it checked there, they'll fit me into breast clinic for a follow up. She did also reassure me it's unlikely to be anything to worry about. With regards to venlafaxine, I have talked to receptionist at Dr's, who said someone will give me a call. I'm only on 37.5mg at the moment and want to increase it to 75mg, so hopefully they'll agree to that. Thanks for sharing your dosage, makes me think I won't have a problem. Radiotherapy therapy going well, just the journey is a bit of a pain, 3 1/2 hour round trip today, for a 15 minute appointment. Tomorrow I have to go for another wound check at a different hospital in the afternoon, so a tiring day. Hope you are feeling OK, your tilt test must be coming up soon isn't it?  Xx

Hi Pippin,

3½ Hours is a long journey for a 15 minute appointment, but I'm glad to hear that radiotherapy is going well. It's good that the nurse got back to you today. I hope that someone in plastics will check you over tomorrow and that all will be ok. As far as I know, it is normal to start on 37.5MG of Letrozole and to go on to 75MG after 2 weeks, so you should be fine.

My tilt test is on 18th December, so not much longer to wait.

Jolamine xx

It's actually the venlafaxine that I want to increase, I think letrazole is only 2.5mg, so many meds it gets confusing lol! I am going to message macmillan nurse in the morning, to check that oncology are OK with t. At least when gp contacts ne I can say I've already checked with hospital. 

Not too long to wait for your tilt test, hopefully they won't keep you waiting too long for the results. I saw on your post to Greeny80 that your husband has also had a biopsy. Six weeks seems a long time to have to wait for results. I think the waiting is the worst bit to be honest. 

Hi Pippin,

Sorry, my head is in the clouds tonight - I meant Venlafaxine. Hubby was diagnosed with Bowen's Disease, on top of everything else, when he had a squamous Cell Carcinoma removed from his back, 5 months ago. He had a number of lesions frozen off his head a couple of weeks ago and had a biopsy, on what plastics believe to be another Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his cheek, on Monday. It usually takes about 6 weeks for skin biopsies, but it is a long time to wait.

Jolamine xx

Hi Guys,

Gosh Pippin, 3 1/2 hour round trip is a lot!...thank god it's only 3 weeks so there is an end. Hope you're doing ok so far this week and that you can have a break this weekend from the travel at least. Hope you can get the right doses etc of your drug and peace of mind

Jolamine - so sorry to hear about your husband...6 weeks does seem like a long wait, hopefully christmas and festivities can distract you a little bit. Keeping everything crossed for a positive outcome...and glad your tilt test is coming up, thats good news.

All ok over here - i can feel things levelling out a little bit, still up and down but not feeling as teary/emotional as i have been - so hoping im on the right track..hoping christmas will be a good distraction too!!...and not sure what next year will hold but i'm definitely hoping that 2025 will be a slightly happier and healthier year! It's been a lot this year on so many levels so will be glad to see the back of it!

Kids have got one more week of school and then they break up for christmas - nearly done with the christmas shopping, just need to wrap so kids don't see anything!! Also need to do teacher gifts as well - i have put myself up for class rep this year for some reason!!!!

Anyway just wanted to check in - have a lovely, lovely weekend xx

Hi Jolamine,  so sorry to hear thst your husband has also been going through so much. It must be difficult when you both have appointments and worries.

I've had a bit of a day today and quite frustrated. Messaged macmillan nurse at the chemo unit to ask about increasing my venlafaxine. She replied that it was reasonable as it's still a low dose. Phoned and spoke to receptionist at gp surgery, as I hadn't had a call from gp. She said gp now wants me to have a phone call with pharmacist from the surgery, who's only in on a Tuesday. I explained that macmillan nurse said I was OK to up my dose. Apparently this wasn't good enough, so I asked for afternoon appointment on Tuesday due to radiotherapy. She is only on in the morning, so need to try and get back for 12 o'clock. I asked Macmillan nurse if they could email something over, she said wait and see what they say first. I told them I have some of the higher dose that I was given before, which I going to start asking while I wait.I was getting so frustrated. 

I went fir my wound check this afternoon and mentioned the breast lump, which they could feel. They said I would need to see the plastic surgeon and they asked if I'd received a 6 week post op appointment. I said I hadn't, so they checked, but nothing in the system. Went to desk to get appointment,  none avaliable until end of January, which will make it 3 months. Got back in touch with BCN who emailed plastic surgeon, who is going to arrange a scan for me. 

All that and a 3 hour round trip to radiotherapy has left me feeling knackered and anxious. Plus have irritating rash between my boobs from the radiotherapy. Sorry for the rant, but feel better now I've let it all out. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Xx

Hi Greeny80, glad to hear you are feeling a little better, I really think maybe it's just hit us about all we have been through. I have been feeling the same at the moment, yet felt so positive going through chemo and surgery. As you say Christmas will be a distraction and hopefully we'll feel better then. I bet your kids are getting excited about Christmas, I'm really looking forward to spending Christmas with the grandchildren. Well done for putting yourself up for clas rep, it's really good of you considering all you've been going through. 

I've had a rubbish day, which I've explained in my post to Jolamine. Won't put it all up again, but you can read on that post if you want. I've ended the day feeling exhausted and really anxious. I've decided I can't wait any longer to get back to my walking. Going to start again tomorrow and see how it goes with the wound. I need the walking to help with my mindset and know this will get me back on track. Hope you have a lovely weekend. Xx 

Hey Pippin,

How are you doing? How's it going on radio? Hope you're ok.

Have you managed to get out for some walks? I really hope so...Did you speak to the pharmacist? And any joy in getting a scan date? Really hope your'e starrting to get some answers.

I'm doing ok. Feeling a little more level with regards the hormones but definitely not where I was...like you was so positive during all the big stuff, surgery, chemo, radio etc but just finding this bit hard for some reason..but i am feeling a little better...other than side affects from the abemaciclib which is giving me a dodgy tummy and feeling a little nauseaous at times??...it was worse over the weekend, oncologist thinks that's  becuase i had my zoaldex injection last thursday and the concoction of the jab and the abemaciclib just unsettled my stomach?..if feels a little better today so hopefully i'll be good now for a bit...until my next jab next month!!!

Anyway we are off to Canada for xmas so i just need to concentrate on that and make sure the kids have a lovely fun festive time even if i'm not quite feeling it myself his year!! Feel like a right old bah humbug!!!!!...but maybe a change of scene will be what's needed.

Husband still looking for a job.He's currently on gardening leave but we've been told the company might be going into administration so we may not get paid..which is a worry...not sure what else this year wants to throw at us but this year really can do one!!!!...really hoping for healthier and happier 2025!...to you and your families too! 

Sorry for slight rant but always feels better once you've aired it!

Hope you're doing ok and not surffering too much with your radio.....are you nearly half way now?

xx

Hey Pippin,

How are you doing? How's it going on radio? Hope you're ok.

Have you managed to get out for some walks? I really hope so...Did you speak to the pharmacist? And any joy in getting a scan date? Really hope your'e starrting to get some answers.

I'm doing ok. Feeling a little more level with regards the hormones but definitely not where I was...like you was so positive during all the big stuff, surgery, chemo, radio etc but just finding this bit hard for some reason..but i am feeling a little better...other than side affects from the abemaciclib which is giving me a dodgy tummy and feeling a little nauseaous at times??...it was worse over the weekend, oncologist thinks that's  becuase i had my zoaldex injection last thursday and the concoction of the jab and the abemaciclib just unsettled my stomach?..if feels a little better today so hopefully i'll be good now for a bit...until my next jab next month!!!

Anyway we are off to Canada for xmas so i just need to concentrate on that and make sure the kids have a lovely fun festive time even if i'm not quite feeling it myself his year!! Feel like a right old bah humbug!!!!!...but maybe a change of scene will be what's needed.

Husband still looking for a job.He's currently on gardening leave but we've been told the company might be going into administration so we may not get paid..which is a worry...not sure what else this year wants to throw at us but this year really can do one!!!!...really hoping for healthier and happier 2025!...to you and your families too! 

Sorry for slight rant but always feels better once you've aired it!

Hope you're doing ok and not surffering too much with your radio.....are you nearly half way now?

xx

Hi Greeny, radiotherapy is going well, I tend to get to the hospreally early, regardless of appointment times as travelling is easier. I told them I don't mind sitting an reading for an hour, but always get called in really quickly. My daughter took me today and we were home by 9.30am, after 3 hour round trip. We had a good old chat about spending Christmas together, so feel quite uplifted. I did get an irritating rash between my boobs in the first few days, but changed creams and it seems a bit better. I finish on Christmas Eve.

Finally sorted my meds after talking to pharmacist, who then needed to talk to Dr. Not sure why I couldn't just talk to the Dr last week  but at least it's sorted. 

No news on breast scan, but not too worried as BCN did give me some reassurance. She said it's very unlikely to be anything to worry about, as it's a reconstruction and all breast tissue was removed. 

I do need to contact oncology  as they mentioned at my appointment on 7th Nov that I needed to have a bone scan. I've heard nothing since, but get fed up having to keep phoning up about stuff.

How amazing that you're going Canada for Christmas, I sure this will give you a boost. The change of scenery will certainly do you the world of good. 

It's such a shame having your husband's job situation hanging over you. Especially when you're not sure whether he'll  even get paid for his current work. You really don't need this on top of everything else you had to go through this year. Fingers crossed, there's a new job on the horizon. 

I will also be glad to get this year over with and look forward to a better year next year.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas and  happier and healthier New Year to you too xx

Hi Greeny,

I'm sorry to hear about the dodgy tummy and nausea. Here's hoping that you get a few weeks relief before you're due your next injection.

I'm delighted to hear that you are all off to Canada for Christmas and hope that you have a wonderful time. I'm sorry to hear that hubby is still job searching and that you're now worrying about the company going into liquidation. It truly never rains , but it pours! -  fortunately, there's not much more of this year left for you and here's hoping that it'll be onwards and upwards for 2025!

Jolamine xx

Hi Greeny, totally missed out about how you are feeling, so sorry. It's a shame that the abemaciclib upsets your tummy and makes you nauseous, can't they give you some anti sickness medication to take alongside it? So annoying that the zoaldex makes ir worse, ow long do you have to have these injections for? Really hope it doesn't affect your time away and that you have a wonderful time. Xx

HI all

Sorry for the radio silence.  Work has really picked up and I don't get 5 minutes to myself these days!  I have a quick break between meetings so thought I'd drop on to say hello. 

Greeny80  Sorry to hear you're feeling so poorly on your meds.  Hope they can come up with something to help.  And that's amazing you're off to Canada!  Pack your thermals, it will be chilly lol. 

Pippin24  Goodness what a time you've been having too.  Glad the new creams are helping with the radiotherapy rash.  Not long to go now.  It is exhausting though going through to the hospital every day, especially with such a long journey and on the M25.  Urgh.  I remember it well. 

I went radical yesterday and got my hair coloured for the first time since chemo started and ended.  My whole skin tone seems to have changed, so instead of going light, I've gone red and chocolate brown!  It was a bit of a shock when I first saw it (only had it done yesterday) but am gradually getting used to it.  It's quite radical lol but I love it.  Better than looking at the grey ...  

I'm looking forward to heading to Sussex for Christmas to see the family.  I didn't see them last year as I was too poorly to travel.  We are going horse racing on Boxing Day - a tradition we haven't done in a few years!  So I've got myself some fleece lined leggings in preparation of being very, very cold (though probably not as cold as you Greeny80 !  

Not much else to report really.  Just enjoying getting back to normal, getting my strength back and feeling fitter all the time.  I have my first Christmas party tomorrow evening that I'm very much looking forward to.  There are 14 of us going out for dinner and (hopefully!) a dance.  I'm looking forward to getting dressed up.  I'll be driving, so no alcohol, but it will be fun regardless. 

I hope everyone is doing ok and looking forward to Christmas. 

Carol xx

Hi Carol, it's sounds like you have settled back into a normal routine really well. That's so great to hear! Your hair sounds fab, I can't wait to get back to putting a colour on mine again, maybe in the new year. How long have you waited before doing it? It's great that you're feeling fitter and now getting your strength back. Hopefully we'll all have a better and healthier year next year. Have a great tome at your Christmas party tomorrow, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Enjoy Christmas in Sussex with all the family and the horse racing on Boxing day too xx

Thanks Pippin.  It's so good to feel relatively 'normal' again!  Though I have to say, if I stay up much after 9pm, I do struggle!!  I'm hoping that will get better as time goes on (and as we move into lighter evenings etc).  

My last chemo was in March, so I guess I waited about 9 months before I had my hair coloured.  The recommendation is at least 6 months.  I was a bit nervous, but it's all ok.  Though my pillow case is covered in red and brown dye!  That's in the wash with the rest of the bedding as we speak, so I'm hoping it comes out ...  

I am looking forward to getting all dressed up tonight.  I can't remember the last time I did that.  I won't be drinking though as I'll be driving, but just being out with friends and celebrating a Christmas I wasn't sure I'd see, will be amazing.  Shame I have a 3pm meeting to put a damper on today's excitement lol. 

Enjoy your weekend and I'm sure we will all speak again before Christmas. But if not, have a wonderful time and here's to a happy and healthy 2025 for us all!

I can feel all the positively coming through when reading uourpist, which is amazing. Thanks for info on hair dye, think I'll give I a little while longer. Have a fab time tonight! Xx

That was meant to say your post lol!!!