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Original poster

Tamoxigang -the 39th thread ***

996 replies

MaryAnnSingleton · 04/07/2013 10:53

cooee ! we're over here - just in case the current thread hit 1000 without our noticing Grin Bring the trolley !

OP posts:
malteserzz · 22/07/2013 12:19

Agree about the video gigs, lovely Smile
better than my 2 who argued all the way in the car this morning about whether to have the car windows up or down and who was hitting who!
Ruby sounds like doctor might be a good idea sorry about you're sore

smee · 22/07/2013 12:28

Malt/ KitKat, tattoo is like a pin head - really tiny. I've got 2 but you really don't notice them, and if you do they just look like tiny moles. They do it so they don't have to line everything up each time as that would take an age.

((((Gentle hugs for Gigs))))) I get why, and I'm sure I'd feel similar, but there's reason to think it's sinister is there?? Not too long ago that you had the last scan. Pain must be exhausting. Sad

Waving to Ruby. Can't they give you something for that pain? Sounds horrid. Sad

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 12:30

smee I'm hoping so, I have tramadol but it doesn't touch the pain. It's enough to make me cry when I have to go to the loo so really do need something but I feel like such a drama llama asking for pain meds for a sore bum!

Gigondas · 22/07/2013 13:15

It's not stupid at all ruby - I found tramodol rubbish so ask for something else.
MaltSmile at fighting kids- I don't fool myself that my two wont get to that stage.

I don't think there is any reason I know of to be paranoid smee but experience has shown bad pain may be nasty after my neck.

At least have nice air con in waiting room,

KurriKurri · 22/07/2013 13:38

Good luck and lots of love and hugs for scan and pain sorting Gig xx

waving to everyone, hope all is well, good luck to everyone having or just about to start treatment, ruby I hope GP can give you something to sort out skin problems - it sounds very uncomfortable, and as you say, the heat won't help.

Have a lovely time in Southwold MAS.

Sorry to have been awol - it's a combination of dog rather poorly Sad and some fairly major problems with my Mum's house sale. Also my Mum had a very nasty fall last week - she pulled the cooker onto herself, and has taken most of the back of her hand off, so is back and forth to hospital - they are trying to reattach the flesh - but having to have it constantly checked for infection etc., also she was very shaken by it all obviously.

But I'm thinking of you all and trying to keep up with posts, but not sure if I'm succeeding!

Any news of EMIN?

wrinklyraisin · 22/07/2013 14:19

Hi, I've been pointed in this direction and I'm hoping to get some advice/experiences from you :)

I've just discovered bloody nipple discharge in my right nipple. Only when it's squeezed, but it was quite a lot (I kept squeezing to see when it stopped, probably a bad idea). Now I'm terrified its cancer, my great grandmother and grandmother both had breast cancer. It's so hard not to panic and assume the worst.

I'm in the USA, uninsured so I'm currently looking for free or low cost breast cancer screening as I want it to be checked out ASAP.

In the meantime I would appreciate so so much any advice or anything that you could share with me if you've had anything similar?

Thanks so much. Thanks

wrinklyraisin · 22/07/2013 14:20

Hi, I've been pointed in this direction and I'm hoping to get some advice/experiences from you :)

I've just discovered bloody nipple discharge in my right nipple. Only when it's squeezed, but it was quite a lot (I kept squeezing to see when it stopped, probably a bad idea). Now I'm terrified its cancer, my great grandmother and grandmother both had breast cancer. It's so hard not to panic and assume the worst.

I'm in the USA, uninsured so I'm currently looking for free or low cost breast cancer screening as I want it to be checked out ASAP.

In the meantime I would appreciate so so much any advice or anything that you could share with me if you've had anything similar?

Thanks so much. Thanks

smee · 22/07/2013 14:22

Oh no, Kurri. Your poor mum! Hope bad-sis isn't adding to it all and poor old lady dog isn't wilting in the heat. I'm sure that can't be helping. Sad

Gig, air con is the least of your needs. Suppose all you can do is try and hold your nerve until the scan results. Seems ridiculous they can't sort the pain though. Hmm

Ruby, definitely ask for help. Tramadol's never that effective for me either, but there must be something else, surely.

I was wondering about Earth too. Hope they've sorted you by now if you're lurking, Earth. Come back as soon as you can. xx

KurriKurri · 22/07/2013 15:10

Thanks Smee - unfortunately bad sis is adding greatly to general stress levels at the moment, her behaviour has become even more bizarre than usual.

Hello wrinklyraisin, - sorry you are having a bit of an anxious time atm, obviously with your family history you will worry about any symptoms. I think as you say, the important thing with any breast changes is to get them checked out - it may very well be nothing to worry about, but if there is something that needs to be treated then you will be on the road to getting it sorted out. I've had breast cancer and did not have bleeding nipples as a symptom, but any changes in the breast always need to be looked at, and that is the first thing to do.

I hope you can get your scan sorted out soon, I'm not very knowledgeable on how the US health system works but hopefully you will be able to seen soon. Meanwhile stick around and we will do our best to hand hold while you wait for more information - honestly the waiting for some sort of DX is the worse bit, once you know what is going on, you will feel a little more in control. xx

Dear Earth, if you are lurking I hope they have been able to sort things out a bit for you so you are more comfortable xx

smee · 22/07/2013 16:24

x-posted with you wrinkly. Poor you of course you're worried. I had a friend who had nipple discharge - it turned out to be nothing to worry about, but I did a bit of research for her and have just found it, so look at this - might be reassuring. Hope so anyway. Hope you get your scan asap to put your mind at rest, but hang out here with us if you'd like to. We do get how scary it all is:

"Intraductal papilloma. These are noncancerous growths in the ducts of the breast. They are the most common reason women experience abnormal nipple discharge. When they become inflamed, intraductal papillomas may result in nipple discharge that contains blood or is sticky in texture."

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 16:58

Hello wrinklyraisin and welcome, sorry you've had to join us, hopefully it'll be something harmless like smee has found. Fingers crossed you can get seen ASAP :)

I've just seen GP, she had a good look Blush and has prescribed a cream. I have to up my tramadol dose to eight a day and if that and cream don't help I can have some morphine. I think I shall give it until Thursday then if pain hasn't eased at all I will ask for the morphine :) fingers crossed the cream does the trick though as morphine makes me rather loopy.

Kurri your poor mum! I hope she makes a quick recovery and that your sister backs off!

smee did DS come home happy about teacher? Hope so :)

Love to EMIN, I hope you're more comfortable now.

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 17:01

PS wrinkly no experience but I'd hold off on squeezing as if it's something like smee suggested then squeezing might be aggravating it and making more discharge :)

malteserzz · 22/07/2013 17:14

I've had my talk and tour it was ok
Bit shocked that they said id have to be on my own for chemo and dh would have to sit in the waiting room. Is that normal ? I cried and she said that if I really wanted him there he could be
Saw the chemo suite it was huge must have been 40 people all having chemo this pm, just chairs all next to eachother no privacy
Everyone was just reading and chatting I know I will be upset and look a right idiot

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 17:20

Hi malt that's a shame about DH although good if they'll be flexible, is he able to get time off work for it? I read and all sorts during mine. It was really boring! Sounds like a larger version of the unit I was in, there were about twelve at a time although we were allowed a friend/family member, some people had two. I liked being in a room all together, it was nicer than being on my own I think, didn't really think about privacy! :)

kitkat1967 · 22/07/2013 17:25

Malt - I'm suprised they said you'd be on your own. On the other hand having the chemo is actually quick and painless - any SE won't happen at that point.
Did you ask about the cold cap and a line or was it all too much?

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 17:25

PS you won't look like an idiot! :) I'm sure others might be upset or will certainly understand if you are.

malteserzz · 22/07/2013 17:25

Yes he can get time off ruby as he works for himself,just privacy for being upset really maybe after the 1st one it will seem a bit more normal and routine
I have a number to phone with any concerns 24 hours a day, she was like ring if you are sick or don't feel well I said I was expecting that to be normal on chemo
The main thing seemed to be a temp above 38

malteserzz · 22/07/2013 17:30

Cold cap fine she said they have loads. I asked if I needed to do anything before and she said no, I thought you had to put conditioner on ? No line will just be back of hand
The being alone thing was just a shock I hadn't expected she said it was a recent thing due to space

GoodbyeRubyTuesday · 22/07/2013 17:44

You might find it's not as upsetting as you think, it's all quite clinical and calm. Hopefully they'll give you a private corner or something though :) the side effects are normal part of chemo but are treatable which is why you need to phone, there's looooads of anti sickness meds available so they should be able to sort it out, also meds for almost any symptom you will get, so no need to suffer in silence :)

KurriKurri · 22/07/2013 17:57

malt - it's a shame they said no partners, - but if you feel you want him there, then I would say you do need him. You may very well find that after the first one or two, you would rather just get on with it on your own. But at first a bit of moral support is good.

The chemo unit does look daunting at first, - it's scary and it makes it all start feeling very 'real' which is scary. I thought I'd never be able to cope with walking into a room full of people with cancer having cancer treatment - I was terrified, but by the end i was one of the ones sitting chatting, eating my snacks, reading my mags and joking with the nurses. And all those people you saw today will have felt exactly like you at first too, - honestly you get used to it and get into a routine.

Try to take some things to make yourself as comfortable as possible, - things to occupy yourself, music to listen to, favourite drinks and food, comfy clothes etc etc. You will be fine sweetheart, really you will Smile xx

Yes to keeping an eye on your temp - that one is very important, don't put up with anything - always tell them about S/E's, however minor they may be, chances are they will have something to help. Have your important phone numbers (chemo unit, cancer ward, hospital) next to your phone. Smile

Hope the cream works Ruby, and you feel more comfy asap. xx

kitkat1967 · 22/07/2013 18:06

Malt - if the cold cap if being used it has to be done properly. So on for an hour before chemo starts and 2 hrs afterwards. Where I am they provide the conditioner but I had to bring a towel. If you do this you will need your DH with you until comfortable - I do not normally take DH to anything as I am (too extreme) very independant but for this I insist he stays until i say he can leave (then he potters off for lunch and a walk and comes back near the end).

malteserzz · 22/07/2013 18:29

Thanks Kurri and ruby x
Kitkat I do hope they know what they're doing but I asked about conditioner and it was as if she'd never heard of the idea. Hopefully won't be her actually doing it on Thursday !

kitkat1967 · 22/07/2013 18:37

Malt - have they said it will take 4 hours?

smee · 22/07/2013 19:00

Malt, if you want him there insist. Must have been lucky at mine as they expected you to bring someone. You could take a little radio or iPod to plug in too, then send him off for a wander if you feel confident maybe? That's what I did with my DH, as he's so useless at sitting still. I didn't put conditioner on before cold cap. Confused

smee · 22/07/2013 19:02

Ruby, drugs sound sensible, though agree on morphine. Sends me loopy too. If you're still in that much pain though you must. At least it knocks you out and should let your body recover. Sad

Malt, meant to say everyone else looked calm probably because it wasn't their first one. It does get tedious and routine once you've done a couple. xx