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Original poster

**the 7th Tamoxifen Thread **

931 replies

MaryAnnSingleton · 20/12/2010 18:09

here we are...

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sandripples · 19/01/2011 19:12

Glad to hear from LJ (I'm amazed about you wearing a bra already) and that MAS is feeling a bit better.

Phil - I definitiely agree that you have to let the feelings out now and again. Crying is a great way to release tensions and if you manage to talk to DH about your fears that's a good place to be, IYSWIM. I do sometimes think about women who are on their own when dealing with BC (or any scare) and how different and difficult that could be.

Yes the war stories are facintaing aren't they? I feel very aware of that generation diminishing and very soon that party of our story will be really history that we can only access through books and media - there will be no-one left who actually experienced it. How awful to get that telegramme o f'missing presumed dead'. I wonder how long it was before that was corrected?

CXakes _ think the swimming pools are wose in January as lots of people who don't swim from February to December suddenly make up NY resolutions - so annoying. One guy in our pool ploughed very fast up and down for ages on Sunday, sending tsunamis over my face, then had the cheek to play with his toddler child IN THE MIDDLE OF THE POOL instead of at the edge as other families do unitl 10am when its officially family time!

But [virtuous emoticon] I went swimming again yesterday evening - trying to find a quietrer time really. And to get the scales going in the other direction. Think they must be broken actually Wink

Yes I'll report back about Slimming World next week.

Work very full-one so that's all for now. (plus I'm still recovering from the party Grin)

KurriKurri · 19/01/2011 19:33

I'd like to hear about slimming world SR - not sure I have the courage to go, but might try it if you say its OK Smile

My dog spends much of her time trying to squash herself into small gaps and spaces, recently she has been found asleep in my shopping bag, and in a cardboard box on its end inside another cardboard box (gap of about four inches to climb in Confused. And the ironing basket is her favourite hidey hole Grin

Hope everyone is having a good day today. I've just managed to burn the tea Blush.

LimeJellyforBrains · 19/01/2011 21:26

Just running in quickly to post: my mum just phoned, she went in today for her biopsy on lump in her bladder. They gave her the GA and put the camera in to prepare for the biopsy but ... the lump had disappeared! So good news there! In fact, great!

Had my dressings removed and wounds inspected today. Pronounced good. Advised to use acetone on the left-over glue from the dressings - may attempt that later. Looking forward to having a shower tomorrow am - was advised that a cool hairdryer is handy for drying underneath!

The bra-wearing is a bit touch and go to be honest, can only stand it for so long then ouch and itch. Changed into my PJ top after tea today again. However the BCN advised wearing one not only in day but at night too, but don't think I could stand it yet. Think I have a bag somewhere (in the shed or garage I fear) with some very old breastfeeding bras in, hope I can find them as I could let down the left side for relief while the right side still got a bit more support.

Have been loving your fascinating WW2 stories. What extraordinary times and circumstances. And the football story and the 'rat sniffing' are hilarious! MAS you are right we can learn a lot. I am sad for my boys that they have no grandads left (my lovely dad died July 09). I grew up with a much closer extended family and almost all our socialising was visiting relations. Now we are much more spread out it just doesn't happen.

Phil - try not to worry (I know, I know), and remember we are all here for you. As others have said, I think it's great you told your DH exactly what you were thinking.

My results meeting is next Weds, but today I also found out my lumps were positive for both Oestrogen and Progesteron receptors so looks like I'll definitely be on Tamoxifen (or similar).

Am very intimidated impressed by all this talk of exercise! Yesterday I walked all the way to the local shop (10 mins) and back, then had a good lie down on the sofa, so there!

Lots of love to you all xx

KurriKurri · 19/01/2011 21:34

So pleased to hear about your Mum LJ - that must have been a big worry for you.

I think the breastfeeding bra sounds a good idea, (or possibly a bra in a bigger size than you normally take?)- actually I think you are doing very well to be able to wear a bra at all at the moment Smile

Sounds as if your wounds are healing nicely which is great - enjoy your shower tomorrow - so nice when you can have your first proper shower after surgery Smile

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 19/01/2011 21:42

hooray for your mum LJ -that's brilliant.

I was told the hairdryer thing too. I did wear my bra the first night or two -in fact all the time as bcn had advised and besides I figured it'd hold everything together. The most uncomfortable thing for me and the sorest was the swelling and scar under my arm.
Celeste hopped into the grate to inspect the chimney but gave up pretty quickly !!
Enjoy your shower LJ xxx

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Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 09:51

Great news for your Mum LJ - and you still sound like you are doing great - a walk to the shops at this stage is a top achievement in my book.

SR - do tell us about Slimming World - like KK, I may give it a whirl if you think it's good. A woman I know reckons she lost a stone in 4 weeks at SW, and you could eat tons as well. Sounds like my kind of diet. So let us know what you think:I have taken a look online but baulked at having to pay out hard cash [tightwad emoticon] but I imagine it could be money well spent.

Jools Holland was truly magnificent: I think it may well have been the best yet. Can recommend if he is ever playing near any of you (unlikely for half of you as you are out in the sticks, but you never can tell).

Ladies - do you have any post BC experience of travel insurance? I haven't needed any yet but am off to the US and think I may have to risk going without. Any insights welcome!

KurriKurri · 20/01/2011 10:25

Cakes - type travel insurance for people with breast cancer into google and a few things come up. this is one company (no experience of it - just an example for you). You can get insurance, but you have to shop around to find something that's not extortionate.

Also have a look at some of the BC charity websites BCC for instance and search for travel insurance - you might find some info.

I'm Envy of your Jools concert. I will look out for him coming anywhere near us (although I can't think of any concert type venues in the vicinity) Glad you enjoyed it Smile

Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 10:43

I'll do that, KK - and thanks Smile

He was truly on great form. And he always has loads of fab guests - this time, Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Alison Moyet - always people who can really belt out a tune. And I think Alison Moyet and I have swapped bodies somewhere over the last 20 years. She is teeny tiny now, whereas she used to be pretty well upholstered.

Oh dear I don't feel at all like working today.

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 20/01/2011 10:53

it sounds fabby Cakes !! am toying with the idea of seeing Eddi Reader and Boo Hewerdine (am big fan of his) at the Union Chapel in April- the only thing is it's in N London which is one of my least favourite places...

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Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 20/01/2011 10:57
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KurriKurri · 20/01/2011 10:57

Can I ask everyone to have a look at 'I think the waiting is the hardest part' just above us, - a gentleman very worried about his wife - I've invited him onto our thread, but in case he doesn't want to come here, people might be able to add to what I've said to him Smile

LimeJellyforBrains · 20/01/2011 11:03

Oh blimey another thing! Thanks for bringing it to my attention Cakes.

We have family annual travel insurance - assume I'll no longer be covered by this then? Bugger if we need to get me insured separately. Would never have thought of this...Not that I'm planning on going anywhere soon...Will obviously have to tell car insurers about my op but had no idea would impact on anything else (except health insurance obviously - premiums will deffo be going up there!).

Are there any other companies/officials that need to be informed?

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 20/01/2011 11:08

KK - your post on Worriedd's thread was just right -have said so too Smile

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Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 11:45

MAS - go and see the concert. Sounds lovely and nothing beats live music.

KK - have already posted a bit of support there: I can't add anything to what you said, it was great. He does sound like a fab bloke, I must say.

LJ - I may be wrong about this, but really I saw no reason to tell anyone at all, and wasn't advised to, except when I started chemo, to tell the car insurance company, just to be on the safe side. To be honest, I didn't Blush. Really I can't think that you are obliged to spill personal medical business to anyone except, as you say, health insurance type folk.

LimeJellyforBrains · 20/01/2011 12:28

Well my plumber and hair dresser know already, so that's them sorted, just in case! Grin

Yes I see no need why it should affect travel insurance unless you are planning a very long trip, but they do like to use this kind of thing to raise premiums and/or wriggle out of claims unfortunately, don't they?

Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 12:36

I have to look into it but received wisdom tells me that travel insurance for people with a cancer diagnosis is astronomical. No reason why it should automatically be so at all: it just is. I shall look at KK's suggestions, but can see myself travelling without, TBH. I am only going over for a week or so to a wedding.

KurriKurri · 20/01/2011 12:44

Is there any let up do you think once you are a certain number of years away from treatment? - or is it once a BC patient always a BC patient as far as insurers are concerned?

I was forced to tell the bank (they asked me directly if I'd had any serious illnesses) and was instantly told I couldn't have any life insurance with them. The bastards.

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 20/01/2011 13:04

blimey- I hadn't thought of any of this :-(

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Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 13:15

I bet there is no let-up at all. I think this is our future from hereon in. But I will look into it and see what I can find out, and report back. (Not now, though, I have wasted a lot of time today messing about on a highly entertaining thread about a Belgian policeman. Hold on I think he may have been Dutch, which is somehow even funnier - or at least pervier Grin

Original poster
MaryAnnSingleton · 20/01/2011 13:26

ooh,don't tempt me to look for that thread- am meant to be working Grin

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Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 13:36

Go on, you know you want to Wink

It's in Chat and it's called 'A black car keeps stopping outside our house'

KurriKurri · 20/01/2011 14:28

Just had yet another salesman at my door - it must be the season or something, I've had one every day this week. This one wanted to coat my roof in plastic to prevent moss growth or something, he was almost unstoppable.

Yesterday it was Zenith who have been told never to come to my door again, due to a nasty incident with one of their reps. when I was having chemo. (He pushed the door open, shoved past me and came in the house, and wouldn't leave until I'd signed a thing saying I'd have a quote - he was very intimidating. And his parting shot was 'I see you've got cancer - my nan died of that' Shock)

When DS came home he phoned Zenith and made a big fuss and got them to write a letter of apology and promise they'd never come here again. (phew got that off my chest after all this time Grin)

Off to read the thread in chat Grin

philmassive · 20/01/2011 14:35

Hi everyone, in work again so just a quick one to say hello, and thanks for not telling me off for being too blunt with poor dh!

Good to hear everyone's news - Jools Holland - Alison Moyet, very jealous of that! And good to hear that you're relaxing LJ.

KK made me laugh re:dogs in boxes. Our pooch (labrador) is only 7 months old and still quite barking mad (Grin at horrendous pun) but she tries to sit on our laps and be babied, despite being a massive big lump! She sits with her bum on our laps and her front feet on the floor. Obviously discomfort is not an issue to her! A few nights ago there was a small earthquake, as you might remember. I didn't even feel it but she backed into the tiniest space she could find and was quite cowered for a while, and it was only when we heard about the earthquake we put two and two together and wondered if that was why. Clever creatures they are, really.

MAS - I amazoned your pictures and they are great - are you also responsible for the poetry in some of those books?

Hope everyone is doing well, it is so nice to have the sun shining isn't it?

philmassive · 20/01/2011 14:38

KK - Shock at hideous zenith man! I feel that a good kick in the nether regions would have suited him, that and the sack. Feel Angry on your behalf.

Cakesandale · 20/01/2011 15:15

KK Shock