**Tamoxigang counting down to Easter eggs- thread 48**

[BetsyBoop]

throws some hot cross buns on the trolley

[Speedypenguin]

Out in the garden too under a very big umbrella that work got me.

Hope all the operations and scans go well for everyone.

One thing at a time mrs , although I know from experience that is much easier said than done.

[ConsiderablyBiggerBuns]

Glad the op went well wee and you are well enough to post. I did find that the side with the node clearance did need the drain for longer than the side with just a mx. That was annoying but one drain is much less of a tangle issue than two.
Hope the lovely weather holds for your weekend at home really.
Thinking of all of you waiting for ops, scans and results and in the middle of a chemo cycle.
wren that is pants about the lymphodema - how do they treat it?
I'm still waiting for bone scan results and have been waiting for a CT scan appointment for nearly 2 months. Will chase that up at my first oncology appointment next Thursday.

[Wren48]

I do the hat with headscarf look. It looks a bit odd to be honest.

[Wren48]

Mummywheel, I think it was you asking about periods? I mentioned to the oncology registrar today that I was relieved that my periods had finished as it meant fewer hormones sloshing about, and he said that in fact it was good to have the cancer growing vigorously through chemo as the chemo could take more effect. So in one stroke I have moved from worrying about too many hormones to worrying about too few....

[Wren48]

Ooh. I missed this page. Sorry.

Good luck with the op, Mrs. Yes, the results appt is tough. We'll be ready to hold hands here.

bigger buns, fingers crossed for good results and a CT scan date. It doesn't sound like they're too fussed, which is good! Yes, I'm a bit downcast by the lymphodema. I thought (was told) I was low risk, and I'm not sure where it sprang from. The bugger is that lymphodema falls in the manageable rather than the curable category - and I've just heard that I can expect it to get worse with radiotherapy. There are worse things, but it's kind of demoralising.

[Chatelaine123]

mrsrhodgilbert - Hello, I've read all your posts and just want to say you sound really sensible in the circumstance you find yourself. It's not easy coping with the emotions and strain of waiting for an appointment/follow up after diagnosis. Sounds as if you have good support. Don't be shy of accepting offers of help. I had a sentinel node biopsy and thankfully they were clear. It is standard practice I believe now. It is a good sign that it is only a biopsy, but I know that doesn't help with the mental anguish of the wait. Be kind to yourself and if you can, distract yourself. I remember you have a DD taking exams and that can be a busy time.

[weebarra]

Wren - that's a real bummer about the lymphodema. With the mx and rads my onc reckoned I had about a 20% chance of getting it. Massive list of things I can't do from BCN - gardening with gloves only, no saunas, no shoulder bags...

[trice]

I have had lymphoedema for five years Wren. It gets much worse if I put weight on or if I have a bad cold but is only slightly annoying on a day to day basis.

Gardening, saunas, hot baths, weight training, dressmaking etc are my favourite things so I blow raspberries at anyone thinking I would give them up! I just have to be careful about infection and put antibiotic ointment on cuts and not get sunburn that breaks the skin.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

Thank you chatelaine, although I feel a bit of a wuss because there are obviously ladies on here who have had to deal with way more than me so far. I'm amazed by the dignity and resolve to just get on with whatever is thrown at you all.

Dd2 is now half way through her AS exams, luckily they are all early and she will finish the day before surgery. She's being a typical stressed teenager and my tongue is constantly bitten as the last thing I want to do is fight with her.

The treatment I'm getting seems to be standard practice now, I just hope they get it right most of the time.

Now what's this I hear about no shoulder bags weebarra, I have a bit of a bag habit. I hope you're not feeling too sore tonight.

[weebarra]

Thanks mrs, not too sore. Think my breast care nurse was just being thorough, but DH bought me a lovely Radley tote for finishing chemo. Also, a changing bag would be difficult to carry...
Argh. It's good to hear that lymphodema isn't as doom and gloom as my BCN would have me believe!
So tough for you supporting your DD when you're having a hard time - you sound like a great mum.

[Wren48]

Thanks, wee and trice. I love to garden, and have been quite responsible about gloves, but I must remember about the shoulder bag thing - I just keep doing it. Trice, it's really helpful to know that you're just getting on with things; I have been worried that it will impede me from doing the things I love.

[IamtheZombie]

And so the cascade of hospital appointment letters begins again.

Zombie received two more just now.

Oncologist on Thursday, 22nd May at 4.30pm. That's two days after her CT scan so all will be revealed quickly.

Surgeon on Friday, 14th November at 9.15am.

She's also waiting for a call back from her BCN. Serena Seroma needs draining again.

Onwards we go!

[Chatelaine123]

mrsrhodgilbert - Yes I agree, lots of ladies here have to deal with the whole works. I am grateful that I got off lightly so to speak. It didn't feel like that at the time and I had no way of knowing the outcome, so emotionally it's the same. People react differently and some have the knack of confiding which I think must help.

I hope the exam period goes smoothly. After that has finished I think you'll need to talk about yourself and your needs.

[weebarra]

Zombie - good that there isn't much of a wait between having your CT scan and seeing oncologist.
I am up and dressed and drains are out. BCN has been by to give me my temporary prostheses and I'm just waiting for DH to collect me so I can go back to my babies.

[OnlyGirlinmyHouse]

Hi all, i have been to the hospital this morning, and thankfully my biopsy results came back clear. I have lumpy breasts apparently, so may have to go through this process again.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind & reassuring words, and for letting me hang out here while i waited for the results. I wish you all the best with your treatments xx

[Speedypenguin]

Good news only

[Chatelaine123]

Very good news Only, what a relief!

[zippyswife]

great news only I was thinking of you today.

[malteserzz]

Very pleased for you only ( and a bit jealous ! )

[ConsiderablyBiggerBuns]

Excellent news only and enjoy being happy to have lumpy breasts!

[mrsrhodgilbert]

Happy news only and I admit to feeling very jealous. But I am pleased for you.

[IamtheZombie]

That's wonderful news, Only.

Zombie is off to hospital in a few minutes so her lovely BCN can drain Serena Seroma. She's hoping Serena takes the hint this time and doesn't come for another visit!

[MomOfTwoGirls2]

Ditching the wig today. Not the most flattering style! And not sure about the colour, will go darker next time. Only 8 weeks after chemo, so it's coming along...

But have to say I'm nervous about turning up at school gate without wig... At least it's sunny so I'll be wearing dark sun glasses!

[yotty]

Mom of 2, good for you. It's pretty warm here today so I'm sure going without a wig would be a lot cooler. Your hair looks great. Go for it.