**TAMOXIFEN**the 6th

[MaryAnnSingleton]

here we go !

Thanks MAS! Off at 10.30....

KK - we can all nibble crispbread together. Yawn.

SR -the party will be fab. The venue sounds lovely and as MAS says, those ceiling heaters are pretty efficient. Hope it is wonderful.

An odd (but very nice) thing happened to me and DH last night. A friend of ours came to exercise class and suddenly said "I've got something for you". It turns out to be a large box of biscuits (interestingly, I think the ones your lovely Mum treated you to, KK, which bodes badly for the new diet ) and said it was for our support through her recent bad patch. I gave her a hug and said "You are very welcome" and came home puzzled. neither DH nor I can remember offering support, or even that there was a bad patch. Nice biscuits, though

how curious Cakes - thinking of you right now !!

Good luck today Cakes - we will expect all the gory details. Biscuits will be yum if they are the same as mine, and will be less calorific if you share them with DH and DD not scoff them all yourself like I did . Cardboard crispbreads here we come [sigh].

Sparkle - you do have a lot on your plate at the moment. Poor little DS, that is such a lot for a 7yr old to cope with, and so tough for you as his mum. From your descriptions he sounds a great little chap - and just the man for the job of protecting the world (with Smee's DS of course) I hope his appointments go well this week, and that they manage to sort him out a computer at school.

Pennies - I hope kitten-with-no-name-yet, is settling in, and had a good first night. I think I'd give BoJo a miss too but am sure you'll think of something soon.

SR - I'm sure party will be fab. and heaters will do the job. Hope you have a really good time. I remember when you joined the thread last year, and how you were determined to enjoy your Christmas. Goodness, look at you now - back at work and throwing parties.

We are having more bank problems. It is really a stress I could do without at the moment. I am so sick of our bank, they are useless. It is making DH very stressed too, which is not good for him, last time he ended up getting chest pains. (he gets messed around a lot by his work which doesn't help either.)

Does any one else have very achy legs with tamoxifen? (I think I might have mentioned this before)my legs are so achy - I had to go to bed at about 8 last night because they were so uncomfortable. Have mentioned it to oncologist, he wasn't alarmed by it, but didn't suggest anything either. It's a muscular pain rather than joint I think. All suggestions welcome

Thanks!

Am back - didn't hurt, but it doesn't look that different - because now i have a big red scab to replace the big red lump. Still, in a week's time when that drops off we should be on an upward curve. The smell of your own flesh burning is a bit of a trial though...

Cross posted KK. Yes, I do have achy legs - not terrible, just very heavy and tired feeling. Doing the warm ups at Pilates last night they just felt like a very very heavy weight, as if I was extremely unfit, which I am not any more. I agree, it does feel muscular, but I have no suggestions. I spoke to the surgeon about general achiness on tamoxifen and she did not have anything to suggest. Sorry.

Your bank isn't Santander is it? I've heard LOADS of complaints about them. Is it something you can talk to the Banking Ombudsman about? Or at least threaten them with? They can be a bit bullying: with apologies to Pennies, whose DH is a banker, I know, many of them do seem to be complete gits. You have my sympathy.

As regards my lump - the details are pretty ungory. A quick chat through the options, smart dose of anaesthetic to the forehead, and a few seconds of burning smell. If the lump returns we may have to think about cutting deeper and putting a stitch in - but let's hope not.

Glad lump is gone, without too much trauma (apart from the burning smell ).

No it's not Santander, it's Lloyds. They are supposed to be ringing me this afternoon, and I'm feeling stressed just thinking about it, because I know it won't achieve anything, and I'll just end up getting cross. DH is going to try to go in at lunch time, (and has told me not to answer the phone when they ring.

Smee - I think you asked how DD managed to tread on glass. - I don't know, - I haven't broken anything recently, and I do hoover occasionally. Mind you she walks about in bare feet, so if there is anything on the floor, she's going to tread in it! She did manage to catch her train though in the end.

Oh and DH has won another prize - a DVD of a French film called 'Leaving'. He had to write a caption to a still from the film. He's getting a bit obsessed with competitions, but he has always been good at winning things like that, unlike me - I'm hopeless.

Good for DH - he's on a roll. Buy a lottery ticket!!!

I wouldn't answer the phone to the bank either. Bs.

burning smell ?? eeee,that is nearly as bad as blood ! glad it didn't hurt and you're safely back - let's hope once the scab has gone you are bump free
Sorry to hear about bank problems - that's a bore , but well done to dh KK
Glad to hear that dd caught her train and hope foot is better.
Ds still very coldy...told my mum who is now on about it being time for him to have his spleen removed..to be honest I hadn't thought about it,assuming that it's better to leave in place- but mum pointed out that it's safer before he gets to exams/the NY trip (in case of a flare up of spherocytosis,though he is currently not unduly affected) Mum says he might feel better without it- but he always seems well and full of energy to me- she said perhaps he'd feel even better though-which leads me to think that maybe he isn't as well as I think - gah ! he has had a run of bad colds but he never seems too bothered- he isn't one for moping about-just carries on. Last appointment the paediatric haemotologist mentioned it which surprised me too- we aren't seeing them until Fab when it's his yearly blood test and check up,sdo I guess I should wait until then- but mothers do put things into your heads,don't they.

That's certainly a big thing to think about MAS. How does he feel about it all? (sorry to hear he's still poorly today by the way, hope he picks up soon).

haven't mentioned it to him (he will get very anxious)
Will talk to dh about it.

MAS, I didn't know your DS had spleen problems. Sounds like a big decision. So hard to be a parent when there's things like that to mull over. Hope he's getting better now and that he doesn't give you that cold.

SR, blimey that must have been a shock. How can they hire a place with no walls and forget to tell you?! Hot toddies all round maybe? Am sure it'll be fine though - those heaters are really good.

Cakes, that burning smell's horrid isn't it. I had an op under local to remove my implant port and they cauterised the skin. I couldn't get over the fact I could smell my skin burning! Fantastic it's done though. How big's the plaster then?? Does it have to stay on for long?

And not good timing on the mystical biscuits, seeing as you've just pledged yourself to a diet of crispbread. You're doubtless all going to hate me for this, but I actually need to put on weight. I lost a fair amount on chemo due to sickness and mouth problems, so look a bit like I've escaped from a camp or something. Not a great look it has to be said, but at least I don't have to watch what I eat for a while.

Kurri, sorry you're having bank problems. That sort of bureaucractic stress is bound to bring you down. Something to do with the powerless of it all I think. Good DH won the competition though - don't think I've seen it, so you'll have to let us know what it's like. Glad your DD's foot's okay too.

Minor cause for celebration here, but I have two eyelashes!!

YES!!! for the eyelashes. The rest will pop back in no time, now! But I am a bit about your weight loss: or I would be, if it wasn't the result of so much horror. maybe i should send you my biscuits.... Alas I think Dh has already started on them. So far I have held out.

MAS - Mums really can stick their oar in, can't they? No advice, but unless things took a downturn i think I'd wait for the normal Feb check-up, if it were me.

The plaster is not there at all, in fact. I just have a big black/red scab in the middle of my face. And i keep getting a whiff of burning skin . I've got to keep it dry, but sadly that doesn't mean I can't go to Aqua Aerobics. Apparently that should be OK. Sigh.

hooray for eyelashes smee !
ds has hereditary spherocytosis (red blood cells are round and can break down easily and can't pass properly through the spleen) -can lead to jaundice,anaemia,gallstones - he has 5mg folic acid a day to keep them nice & healthy. I have it too (as does mum and my brother) My spleen was removed aged 6 as I was very poorly- they do remove it these days in kids when there is a crisis - no ill effects after- am remarkably untroubled by ill health (except for the bc !) You are prone to infection after (hence the pneumoccocal jab every 5 years,flu jabs,meningoccocal) and must avoid malaria and anything like septicaemia I suppose.

Will wait until Feb Cakes- see what experts say ! mum ten ds to fret and I was just a bit surprised that she mentioned it today.

That's Mums for you. Try to pay it no attention.

Well done on eyelashes Smee. It feels good when things start reappearing, especially eyelashes because it feels so strange not having them. Now they've started, they'll soon grow back.

Good plan to wait until feb. MAS, then you'll have had time to think it all through, and can talk it over with consultant.

Wanted to say hello to Lixa, if you are reading, I hope the tamoxifen is still fine and you are feeling well in yourself

KK and Cakes - OK none of us want to reveal our weight (aren't we coy, considering the other things we post about!) so lets just record actual weight loss - say weekly? On a Sunday? I'm only suggesting this because that's my home weigh-day.

Smee - my friend who has Crohns also needs to gain weight. Do you think you'll have any difficulty with putting some pounds on? Several of us on here could make some suggestions I'm sure! My weight has fluctuiated rather wildly during the chemo - I am currently a stone heavier than at my lowest when on Epirubicin, but then I had dipped a lot at that point. To be more realistic I'm 2lb heavier than last Christmas so I really cannot blame cancer treatments for my size! Well done on your lashes.

MAS - I didn't know about your son either - what a lot to cope with.

I don't have the same achey legs as some of you, but my knees do ache, esp coming downstairs and this is new since starting the Arimidex. However my knees would be happier if I lost a stone or two, I'm sure.

Thank-you everyone for reassurance about the party venue. I need to phone a few more folk and explain now.

Sunday is fine by me SR. I too lost a lot on chemo and was maintaining a healthy weight for about 9mnths after I finished, then the thyroid problem kicked in. I seem to feel much hungrier than I used to these days, - I don't know why but like you I think it could only improve my aches and pains if I lost a bit.

How are you getting on with the arimadex?

goodness,please don't worry about my boy- he is healthier than most and full of energy - it's just that one day I know he will have to have the operation.
Lots of luck with weightloss quest - it wouldn't hurt me to eat less rubbish. I will refrain from talk of fancies and minstrels.

Sunday works for me too, though occasionally it may tip to Monday morning. We've got quite a few jollity-filled weekends coming up: I shall have to make sure they aren't food and drink filled as well.

I am coy about the weight thing - never weigh myself usually, and always look the other way when the hospital weighs me. But they did say I was a bit overweight when I had my pre-op a couple of weeks ago. I was a size 10 for many years and am now a largeish 12 - as I am only 5ft 1 I really do look much too big as a 12.

I also think losing a bit would help with all the achey symptoms.

KK- I agree, sometimes I feel so ravenous these days I can't think of anything but food. I went through a phase a few months ago of waking up in the night and HAVING to come downstairs and eat. That has only happened once in the last 2 or 3 months though, thank goodness.

size 12 even for 5 .1 isn't big Cakes !!

It's not vast - but it looks bulky, especially all around my middle and the tops of my arms. And both my GP and the pre-op nurse have both told me off...

Cakes, how's the scar today? Is it healing?

• MAS is DS back at school yet? Hope he is. He does sound mighty cool with those mags.

SR - did you mean you're only 2lb heavier?! That doesn't sound worth dieting for, so am confused. Hope your friend with Crohns is okay. Is her weight loss treatment related? I don't think you have much chance of piling it back on until you're through it all really, but seeing as I nearly am, the aim is for Christmas to pile it back on for me. Am mightily looking forward to a foodfest, accompanied by much liquid cheer. Did your friends all agree to wear wooly jumpers?

Kurri, so far I don't have Tamoxifen aches. Early days for me though, so will have to see. I know my Onc told me to expect them though and not to be alarmed if I did get them. Still must be annoying, especially if they're so bad that you want to go to bed that early. Hope it improves for you.

KK - BTW well done for your son re the Leaving film. I saw it when it came out and enjoyed it.

KK and Cakes - hope you are having a good day far re not ove-eating?! (I won't nag every day - its just that I'm not at work today so can boast that I haven't eaten any 'naughties' and have been for a walk!) I have the incentive this week of trying to look my best for the party of course. Always good to have incentives. Actually a longer term incentive is a family wedding in April so that's useful for me to recall.

I'm pretty much OK on the Arimidex - generally I feel wonderful actually, compared to the past year and I think most of the chemo has drained out of my system Tell-tale signs of this are (TMI warning)

-I feel much more energetic
-I don't wake up thirsty in the night or feel constantly parched
-My wee has lost the weird smell it had for months and months!

BUT my joints are rather achey at times, esp knees eg when I get up after sitting for a while, or get out of the car. This deos make me feel a bit of an old woman. So if I could lose some of the flab I really think it would help - seems we all have this common thought!

My guests seem quite relieved at not having to be glamorous on Saturday (due to the cold) but I'm going to look for a couple f glam AND warm garments now. See you later.

MAS - am glad your DS is generally well.

RWU - have you been out riding today? Very frosty and bright and sunny up here, but cold!

Smee - sorry X-posted. Yes I'm not much heavier than before Dx but the thing is that I was overweight before that you see. So now that I feel I'm recovering well from the treatment I feel I should make an effort, esp as being lighter would reduce risk of recurrence, according to some schools of thought. (Because fat produces oestrogen I think, esp for post-menopausal women such as me?)

Hi - I think the wound is healing, thanks, although I do look like I have taken a high velocity bullet through the head Doesn't hurt though, so that's a big plus.

KK - how are you feeling now, post-op? Do the stitches come out or just melt?

SR - thanks for the 'nag' - haven't been too bad today so far, especially as it is so cold and I have 2 exercise classes later. I fear last night's wine was a mistake though...