**Tamoxifen** the 30th thread !

[MaryAnnSingleton]

Am wheeling the trolley over....

This has got a teenager in a bus shelter feel if we are passing drinks round smee. And while we are talking dresses, I may need help for gigs christening next week.

jchoc have you got blues in? Magic

Hi all!

Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I saw the oncologist a couple of week ago. It was a post - operation/ therapy, and how-is-everything-going chat. Subject to yearly mammograms etc, that's it, or so I thought.

My doctor has invited me to be a guinea pig. Ie to test a well known non-cancer drug in breast cancer. Is anyone else on a trial?

I hope everyone is well and cheerful. I've read a few pages of news. How is everyone's Christmas preparations going? I seem to be spending slot of money but not achieving much.

Waving to guinea pig invicta - sounds interesting
How exciting about the gig christening ! Tell us more.
I think good hairdressers v important - love mine- she's been off on maternity leave twice since I started seeing her but fortunately had another who is also fab - she cuts t's hair too - apparently he is v chatty with her She's young and pretty and v good.
Year 11 parent consultations tomorrow - fingers crossed.

Ooh crime de menthe !!! Used to swig advocaat with my best friend when students

Gig, teen in bus shelter is sadly far more me than dressy grown up.

Waving to Invicta. How are you feeling then?? hope okay. I'm not on a trial. What is it? Have they listed potential side effects? I think I'd be forensic in terms of asking as much as I can and finding research papers, before saying yes. Could be great though?

Budge up in the (trolley?) bus shelter, I need a drink, I think there's some dregs of raspberry vodka and Limoncello in DD's secret (she thinks ) stash

I too was out searching for dresses today, for my Dad's 80th at the weekend. Thankfully late night shopping has started and John Lewis was open until 8 although that probably just prolonged the agony, little niggle about not having reconstruction currently an ocean of sadness at all the dresses I had to put back because they were too low or showed the pocket of fat at the end of my scar, or the large pocket of fat on my stomach. I wonder if I could get plastic surgeon to chop out all the unwanted droopy bits, from the cheek jowls and double chins down and put them into the symmetrical boobs he is so keen on, though they would be ENORMOUS

Oh well in the end I got a nice sack dress that makes up in lacy navy over and nude silkness for what it lacks in sexiness and and hey ho it is all about celebrating that Dad and I are still around to enjoy each other

also for MAS and her Dad, hope he feels better soon. I've seriously thought about enrolling goon dog as a PAT dog, he is actually quite good at being calm and looking lovingly into old people's eyes whilst being patted, he seems to know when someone is old or very young that he should cap his exuberance, he often gives a lot of pleasure when we are out. Trouble is they have to go through a test with a non old person first and he might mistake them for Colin Firth....

Loving all the stories about Christmas concerts, miss that now that it is just an excuse for DDs to make exorbitant demands for electrical goods and clothes and get legless with their friends. DD2 has a lovely voice too, but being dyslexic just couldn't cope with all the added stress of learning involved in her singing and drama whilst doing serious exams ( me neither, I could now get an A in Religion and Ethics whilst playing Arial in The Tempest ) . L6th used to be such a great year for that Still saves on the tissues... and it will be there for her for the rest of her life like Ned* .

KK that squishing was the opposite scenario, a diminutive size -2 Chinese nurse looking aghast at having to reach up and deal with all that gweilo flesh, her eyes were level with my nipple ... I know how it feels to be a giant.

Invicta - I did a trial when I had my chemo, - it was for accelerated chemo (at least that was the category I was assigned to - other people on the trial had different things) - I thought it was worth doing - they tend to take good care of you when you are on trials and you see trials nurses etc. - I found that quite comforting when I was doing it - just being able to talk to medical types more often (and my trials nurse was lovely - as good as my BCN - she'd sort out any problems for me, and chase things up)

And on a more altruistic note, its good to be able to help out with research. I did give it quite a lot of thought, and it took me a while to make up my mind, but I'm glad I did do it. But have a good read of the info and decide if it's for you - don't feel pressured into doing something you're not sure about.

Gig - what sort of recipe did you want? - I do a Chestnut Wellington for our Christmas dinner - which is quite fancy and takes a bit of preparing (but you can do it the day before and stick it in the fridge overnight) or I have a fairly plain chestnut roast I sometimes do. You could tart up the plain one or tart down the fancy one to get something in between. (It's all basically the same recipe but the Christmas version has stuffing and cranberry sauce layers in it and is wrapped in puff pastry) Anyway - let me know if you want either of them - I'll PM you the recipe.

jchoc - shame you have to get used to a new hairdresser. I've had the same one for a while now, and I really like her - she knows how I like my hair done (and she tells me all the lurid details of her love life - she's very young so she has one!)

My parents had a cupboard in the hall which contained a bottle of advocaat, one of creme de menthe, and one of cointreau - I don't think they ever drank any of them, not sure why they were there - in fact they may still be in the cupboard in which case they've been there at least 45 years - must check when I'm next down at mum's!

DH (when he was a fairly new DP years ago) got very drunk on blue bols at some party. I walked him back to my flat and propped him against the door jamb while I looked for my key, then when I looked round he'd slid down onto the ground and was just lying there. Had to get my flat mates to come out and help me drag him inside

DD's wrist seems a lot better now, which is good because she has a concert this weekend, which we are all going to. She is very put out because she's been given a bright red nylon scarf to wear as this is part of the Choir uniform, and it's hideous.

KK My friend's parents had a similar cupboard. I wonder if they ever found out it had turned from sweet sherry, advocat etc into 90% water?

poor dd having to wear nylon scarf - not a good look...hope wrist will be ok for concert.
Dad playing at the yuletide festival in town on sunday - concert band performing - he says there aren't any interesting parts,just playing along together -also it'll be very cold..but we shall trudge along.

at teens drinks solutions!

Copthall, my surgeon's nipple height and I'm not overly tall. Have often wondered if her height made her choose breasts as her speciality. What are you doing for your dad's 80th? Dress sounds good. Bet it's not at all sack like.

at the red scarf, Kurri. I'd bet there's all sorts of dodgy ideas on festive dressing for choirs. DD'll have to get used to looking naff.

Cold here. I also seem to have a sty or something. Have never had one before, so not sure what you do. Might have to nip to the chemists and ask. Better do some work first.

poor smee i think you apply a warm compress to it ? ow.

smee - I can only ring if 4 weeks goes by without me hearing from them.

Fab. How annoying. How long's it been now? I'd play ignorant and call anyway.

Just googled 'stye' and apparently they're most common in 'young adults'.

MAS, how are the hands today??

Fab - meant to say yesterday, I'm glad you got some good news at your appointment, but grr about the four week wait.

Copt - your dress sounds nice, I am not a great dress wearer - I tend to go for trousers and a top, but its nice to dress up occasionally - hope your Dad has a lovely birthday
I remember my sister and I had a sneaky glug of the advocaat in the cupboard once, when parents weren't looking, - but it was so disgusting we put it back sharpish

Smee- styes are painful - I'd go with MAS's warm compress advice too, there's probably some ointment you can get at the chemist as well. I'm sure I've read somewhere that you can get rid of them by rubbing a gold wedding ring on them - but that could (just possibly) be an old wives tale

MAS - your Dad's concert sounds fun, hopefully the rain will hold off. DD used to do quite a few outdoor Christmas things when she was in a brass band - and they were always freezing (our local market town does a Dickensian Evening, for the arrival of Father Christmas which is quite fun, - FC is piped along the main street by a Scottish Pipe band, who lead him into the market square and then carry on marching into the pub at the end of the street )

DD is off to lunch and the cinema with a friend this afternoon, and staying in to see the Christmas lights in Norwich this evening.

DS coming over tomorrow night for the evening as he is working in Norwich tomorrow, will be nice to see him, and see photos of the house he is helping do up. He and DDIL are planning to move in on 28th Dec. - there's still a bit to do, but they've got the kitchen and bathroom in, so it's liveable in. It will be great for them so much more room. (I feel all excited for them getting their first house together - currently they are living in DDIL's rented house - DS moved in with her, this will be one they've chosen and done up together)

how lovely for ds and ddil - when are they getting married ?
Hope it's not too chilly for dad- he will complain that the weather is affecting his reeds
Hands seem quite stable thank you smee - bought more Aveeno.
Brrrr - chilly here-trying not to turn up thermostat.

Don't you get Aveeno on prescription, MAS? Good that it's working though.

Kurri, yes when's the wedding? we'll need to laugh at your hat

Talking of Christmas, I have just been writing some of my cardsc . I was looking the drawer for something else and just found myself doing them .

Only 9 days since my mammogram so a bit soon to ring. 4 weeks doesn't seem so bad when I waited 6 weeks for the results I got yesterday.

smee at the thought of all Breast Specialists being nipple height, come to think of it mine is a good head smaller than me, always a bit disconcerting when we stand up after he has been sat behind his desk being all authoritative. Now our imaginings of our Consultant at conferences just had a new dimension!! I imagine the men all having tall wives and swinging around the dance floor, nipples at eye height

Dad has insisted on organising himself a do in the village hall, 50 coming including a minivan of cousins, half of whom, the next generation, I haven't met but maybe a bit wild from their Facebook pages . It will be good for DDs, get them out of their South West London bubble.

Re stys I remember the gold ring wives tale too, my Nana called stys and splinters "spells", because they were sent by evil fairies, it helped when I was 6 (I used it on DDs too) not sure if it is much comfort now? I think the chemists do modern medicines though.

KK That's so romantic Of course your hat is going to have to be worthy of being a MIL, don't hold back, confectionary is the name of the game.

MAS Enjoy your Dad's concert! What a brilliant way to get festive. I'm also really glad this dose is going better. Hope it isn't so chilly that you have to put on gloves and no one will see your nail varnish!

I think my Dad has been practising "I've been a wild rover" for his party which will make a nice change from "Danny Boy", though I think "Danny Boy" is something of an inevitability. DD's thoroughly enjoy encouraging him at dos, and are already plotting.

Waves to everyone else. at all these health authorities not to give people who have had BC peace of mind after mammogram. Ridiculous way of saving money. Here you definitely get a letter, and mine actually came within 10 days, in fact the whole thing - it was the routine over 50 mammogram at the local community hospital (Teddington gigs) was really well run, (though the nurse was very tall and looked like Nurse Ratchett which was a bit of a shock after The Marsden where everyone puts on a reassuring smile with their uniform) .

I think Hot Chocolate is in order especially after all those e numbers and artificial colourings and flavourings in last nights teenage drinking binge

Your dad sounds great Copt - I hope he does the 'Wild Rover' - it sounds as if it will be a great family bash.

fab - you are very organized writing your cards already - well done.

Glad the hands are a bit better MAS.

The wedding is sometimes next year apparently - we don't have a date yet.

My sister and I told DS we were going to wear enormous hats and matching outfits (possibly in Lilac) - he said 'you haven't been invited to it yet'
Actually I think it is going to be a fairly informal gathering - register office and then a reception back at their house is what they seem to be planning.

I imagine they will make more definite plans once DDIL has had her gall bladder op. she's just been put on the waiting list.

At least it gives me a goal for losing weight, - don't want to be person everyone points at in the photos and says 'who's that old bloater?'

Should I go and ask my gp for Aveeno do you think
?
I love the Wild Rover
Just got T's interim report - Maths and chem below standard but good results for music ! Am thinking he needs to put a bit more effort into some things.
Parent consultations tonight - he has neglected to make appt with chemistry teacher

Yes definitely MAS, go and get a prescription. Ridiculous that you're paying for it.

Love the idea of you and your sis in matching outfits, Kurri. Low key sounds far less stressful. I will naturally be encouraging DS to live in sin, though last time I checked he still wanted to be a lesbian, so I think he needs to work out a few things first.

Copt, your dad does indeed sound fab. My dad would rather die than sing at a party. He's v.good at sipping beer with though.

Love the idea that my stye's a spell from an evil fairy. Will I turn into a toad next??

DS's class's cake sale tomorrow, so guess who's baking? Will give you a clue, it's not DS.

oh I do love junior smee !
Good luck with baking- I always used to cheat and buy cakes
All well at parent consultation - T could do very well if he remembered important things,like handing work in...

will make appt. to see GP and ask him...

Well done to your T then, MAS. I bet they said lots of lovely things about him which you're not telling us.