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Kiwi ladies who need encouragment, but all welcome.

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Comments

  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Oh joy, Nikki :( There's always something isn't there.... I hope you get it sorted soon.

    I'm over halfway thru rads now, 4 to go. I have to keep on top of the headaches with panadol & I'm tired thru lack of sleep (sleeping tabs don't work too well) and my digestive tract is really playing up (you don't want to know!)

    Looking forward to hopefully feeling a bit better in a couple of weeks after se's have peaked.

    I hope everyone else is well & enjoying the reprieve from the rain. I love to see the sun :)

    kt

  • Optimist52
    Optimist52 Member Posts: 144

    Hi just got MRI results - all fine! What a relief. Though I don't know how long I can keep up this 6 month by 6 month screening. The stress is too much. I saw Stan Govender for the first time and he was talking about a new fat transfer technique for reconstruction, involving liposuction, much less invasive than other recon techniques. Might consider it as I certainly have spare fat on my tummy but probably won't do it.

    Nikki, sorry to hear about your BP. I thought that if you usually have normal BP they would monitor you for longer to see if it continued to be high before giving you medication? kt hope you can get good pain relief soon. Is there something other than Panadol you could take?

    Hope everyone doing ok.


  • shazzakelly
    shazzakelly Member Posts: 620

    Optimist great to hear good Mri results. Stan did my surgery in 2007 and 2013. I really rate him.

    Nikki what a bugger re your blood pressure hope they can get itsorted for you.

    KT nearly the end of WBR for you. Hopefully you will get some relief from your symptoms soon.

    My foster kitten went to a good home but now I am fostering an extremely large lop eared rabbit. He is bigger than my cats. What a smoochie guy though he likes nothing better than cuddling up on the couch with me. I'm glad he is going to his new home tomorrow as I was getting far too attached. I can't have any more pets.

    I hope everyone is going well. Fabulous Friday tomorrow. Hope everyone has a great weekend

    Shazza

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    My blood tests were all normal except for my B12, which was low (I have previously needed injections for this twice in the last 10 years, so maybe?). Anyway its all very weird. Maybe I am mega stressed and I don't know it. Still, back to the GP on Monday to see if the beta blockers have improved things any. I have a pelvic ultrasound on Sunday to make sure everything is ok before surgery (if I ever get there).

    Nice to see you Shazza. I couldn't foster anything because I would definitely get attached too quickly.

    KT, I hope you are feeling ok. Nearly at the end.

    Yay for the MRI results Michelle!

    Friday tomorrow - Dog at the groomers, so he won't be talking to me for a few days but he really is starting to resemble a small sheep!

  • HelenWNZ
    HelenWNZ Member Posts: 404

    Hi everyone - good to hear everyone is nicely moving forward.

    kt1966 - hope your pain has settled and all the other nasty side effects are getting better

    Nik1966 - Hope your getting to where you want to be.

    Round 2 for me today. Was very apprehensive about the whole thing didn't sleep much last night even though I took a sleeping tablet. After a meeting with my oncologist on Tuesday we have lowered my dose by 10% and I will have an injection tomorrow which should help with the white cells. Hopefully this will keep me well enough. I also have stronger pain meds and at least now I know what I like to eat and drink so will be better prepared. Although I shaved my hair its growing back so I might have been a bit to quick of the mark for that but to be honest I would rather lose stubble than longer strands.

    I managed to go to work for a few mornings this so that kept me out of trouble so hope to do that more often.

    My work have been so good - last Monday 5 meals arrived and they have a roster right up until the end of August. Its a bit embarrassing but they all want to help. Plus they asked if I would like a cleaner for a couple of hours a week. I declined as I am so lucky to have a great partner who is OK with housework. And me I get busy on steroid days LOL

    Take care all of you


  • fizzdon52
    fizzdon52 Member Posts: 382

    Hi guys, glad everyone seems to be doing okay. Nikki yes my blood pressure went all over the place while I was on Letrozole/Femara and those Zoladex injections. I had such bad palpitations and such dangerously high blood pressure that I was on all kinds of medication. As soon as I changed to Tamoxifen I threw all my medication away, except for the Tamoxifen. Feel so much better although still not the same as I used to feel. Tamoxifen is famous for joint pain and weight gain. Take care everyone, hope you have a nice weekend. Looks like we are in for a cold spell. Donna xxx

  • Optimist52
    Optimist52 Member Posts: 144

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks to Shazza and Nikki for your comments. Really hope you can sort out the high BP Nikki. Hope the job's going well Donna. kt thinking of you and hope treatment is tolerable. Same to Helen as well.

    My son (22 tomorrow) has just got a job as a gardening assistant which is great because he's been looking for work for a very long time. He knows nothing about gardening but is very fit and strong so will hopefully get to learn more. His degree is in screen arts (film & TV) so not really related to gardening but never mind! It's above minimum wage and a boost to his self-esteem so we're really pleased.


  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Great news re MRI , Michelle. Also re your sons job :) fantastic. It's quite hard out there for our youngsters. My son is looking for work for the rest of this year too- in the meantime he gets to be my chauffeur.

    Hi Shazza, that bunny sounds gorgeous :) I'm afraid I'm looking to give away our animals- actually our elderly cat may go to the big garden in the sky soon (he's arthritic, senile & smelly - love him but too much to handle at the mo) I think I'm just too tired to deal....

    Hey Helen. I hope this round has been better & the reduction in dose helped etc. Thinking of you. Be kind to yourself.

    I hope your scan goes well tomorrow Nikki, & that the BP is settling down.

    Hi Donna, hope you have a well earned rest this weekend, so much to learn at a new job...

    Only one more WBR to go. I can't wait till I can wean off the Dex & finally get some sleep. It's sooo boring lying there all night! Quiet weekend in order now. Good news yesterday- as soon as we get a decent break (3 days or so) from rain our earthworks can start for the house. Fingers crossed, so good to have something good to look forward to :)

    Have a good weekend

  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Hi everyone :)

    I hope you're all getting the wonderful sunshine that I'm getting at the moment. It's gorgeous, even managed a walk with a friend this morning.

    My rads are all done now, hooray. Another 2 weeks of side effects, then recovery begins. So far not too bad. Looking forward to start weaning off Dex next week (it'll take a month). My hair is starting to fall out (it's been hurting for a few days now) I hope it's just thinning, not all going!

    I'm booked in for an in depth appt (private) with my onc whom I usually see at Ak hospital to see what my treatment options etc are next Tuesday. It will be good to get a plan in place...

    How did you go with your appt Nikki? I hope the BP has settled.

    Take care all

    kt

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    image

    Stu staying in the pit this morning.

    Hey KT. I thought of you this morning not having to make that trek into the hospital. I hope that you appointment goes well next week, and that you can take it easy in the meantime.

    My BP is still all over the place. The highest has been 182/115. I am now taking 71mg of beta blockers and its down to around 137/89. I do feel a lot better - the headaches have eased a bit and nausea and dizziness has improved. So back to the GP on Friday to get my first B12 injection, zoladex (hopefully not for much longer) and go through my GP care plan. My Doctor suggested that I get myself enrolled so that they can keep a better eye on me. I asked her if the aromasin or exemestane could be causing the BP spike - she first said that she didn't think so then said it might ..... so who knows.

    I had my ultrasound on Sunday (internal). WTF I had never had one of those before!!!! It was certainly one of those things where I felt I left my dignity at the door. I am at at the breast clinic on the 11th for my annual check and apparently a mammogram - seeing how they're going to execute that will be entertaining!

    It was so lovely to see the sunshine today - I was stuck at my desk working but just hearing the birds chirp instead of the pouring rain was a treat.

  • shazzakelly
    shazzakelly Member Posts: 620

    Hi Guys,

    Cute pup Nikki. I'm trying not to imagine an internal ultrasound. I don't think I'd cope. The things we girls have to do.

    KT so glad you have finished radiation. Hopefully the side effects are over soon. Just not having to travel in everyday will be such a relief. I'm glad you are having a consult with Rubén privately. I did that too when I first got my Stage 4 diagnosis even though I ended up seeing him through public for treatment.

    The oral taxol is still going ok. Not to many side effects although my nails have started to lift and are quite uncomfortable. I see funky toe nails in my future. They were no fun sorting out last time. Still if that's all I've got to complain about I'm pretty lucky.

    My daughter is a couple of weeks in to her paramedic training and has come home with a stethoscope. She is forever taking my vitals. She is getting a blood pressure cuff this week and has promised she will be practicing daily on me. Maybe I can convince oncology I don't need clinic appointments as I'm being closely monitored at home.

    It was nice to have a sunny day after all this rain. Hope everyone was able to enjoy it, apparently there's a cold snap comin

  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Oh yeah, internal ultrasounds, I've had a couple of those- yuck! Stu looks very cosy there.

    Bummer about the nails Shazza. Takes ages for them to come right doesn't it, mine are still a little weird. I hope you can stop them getting worse. Fun that your daughter can practice all her training on you :)

    Have a great day

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    Skody nails (as my daughter would say) are not nice. I don't think that my toenails have ever recovered from chemo. I remember that lifting feeling - and leaving a few on the floor without knowing it.

    Shazza, your daughter sounds like she was made to be a Paramedic. Oh to have my younger years over again and to have the opportunities our young ones have now.

    My son has just announced that he intends travelling next year with friends and then wants to go into the Army the year after. I travelled at his age for years, so I think I understand it. My fear is that the world is a very different place now.

    Have a peaceful evening everyone.

  • Kruise
    Kruise Member Posts: 242

    hi ladies...wow such a lot to catch up on. Kt so horrible to read about your brain mets and what you have been going through. Absolutely keep sharing on here...we are here for you. As the others have said too, you are such a beautiful kind soul - always asking about others and always trying to keep positive, so honestly please if you ever need to share any down or depressing times just pm me. Helen best of luck with the rest of your chemo treatments. Often the first experience can be the worst. Nikki I hope they can sort out your BP issues so you get your op done. That Pipelle is very painful and the internal scan not much fun either, have had that a few times now. Especially as your bladder is normally full too! Donna I hope your Aussie trip goes well and once you know where to go with the driving it will be fine. Sorry to hear about your crook guts in the loo but it did make for a funny read with hindsight. Being guys they probably didn't notice as much as you think they did! Shazza great about your daughter doing paramedic degree. I am an EMT with St John, which she can challenge for at the end of her 2nd year though most do it in their third year as they need lots of onroad experience. Hi to Michelle and Woody, Terre, Alyson, Amber and Jesusgirl and anyone else that I've missed off..been thinking of you all. I have been following you Amber on fb. So glad you have had your op now and on the way to recovery.

    I started doing some casual caregiving at a local rest home recently for training and experience. Such an eye opener. It's also terrible for the work caregivers do that they only get paid minimum wage. They are dealing with human beings! I feel so sorry for a lot of the elderly in there, not much quality of life that's for sure. As there is a hospital part attached to the home, they have a small palliative care area. One of the ladies is in there because of bone mets from breast cancer. She is in a wheelchair to get around as can't walk. I spend ages talking to her about her past and her progression of the cancer and everything but she has no idea about my history. I decided to just keep it to myself.

    Anyway I will keep it short and sweet as need to drive up to Palmerston North today for St John stuff.

    Our puppy is growing lots...such a handful - especially when the two dogs play together but fun too! He has his last vaccination this weekend so will be glad to take them both out for walks.

    Love to everyone! You are all such amazing women in every which way...xx


  • Twofer
    Twofer Member Posts: 35

    Hi all. This was on the BCO Gallow/Black Humour page. Couldn't resist it ... Cheers, Anne


    image
  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Happy Funny Twofer. Hope you're going well.

    Hi Kruise, sounds like you're keeping busy with work & puppies etc. I'm with you on rest home care & workers. Understaffed & underpaid- no quality time to spend with the inhabitants :( We should treat our elderly better (may well be us one day

    Friday today! Nearly the weekend- hope you all have a good one.

  • Kruise
    Kruise Member Posts: 242

    it's just about snowing here tonight everyone!! Sooo cold. I guess it's the first time this winter it's been really really freezing. Snow on the Rimutaka hill tonight.

    Kt glad to hear from you...hope you have a wonderful weekend. At the end of the day we all have to make the most of every day that we are given as no one is guaranteed tomorrow. I would love to know what all those oldies in the rest home would change or do differently if they could. Maybe nothing but maybe lots. I love looking at all their old photos on the wall, their black n white pics of their wedding day, their children, their grandchildren etc. Massive lives and now here they are confined to four walls day in and day out.

    One thing I absolutely know for sure is that we just move onto another dimension. I've had too many spiritual experiences to doubt anything but!!

    As Kt said, have a great weekend everyone. Keep warm!!


  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Hi all

    I hope you're all dry & warm! It's been raining heaps here, the roads & drains, rivers etc are awash. I'm snuggled inside with the fire going.

    I hate to think what our section is like because they started the earthworks on Monday!

    I had my onc appt last night (1 hour!). So it's been decided I need a brain/spinal MRI & a lumber puncture (to test for cancer cells receptors) then we can decide on a treatment plan- chemo and possibly spinal radiation treatment too. Hopefully the scan will be this week.

    I'm officially not allowed to drive anymore at all, which is a bummer because I like my car & being independent! It will take some getting used to.

    I hope everyone is well.

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    Hi Everyone. KT I hope that you're feeling ok.

    My blood pressure is back down to a normal(ish) level of 137/80, so I am back on the list for the ovary removal. I don't know when though. They said it will be anytime between now and 4 months. Probably just in time for my 50th in November knowing my luck.

    I hope you're all managing to keep warm Heart

  • Optimist52
    Optimist52 Member Posts: 144

    Hi everyone

    KT I can see that it would be hard not to drive anymore. Your son will get lots of practice I suppose. I hope the treatment plan will be alright for you. Nikki glad your BP is normal now, that didn't take long. Do you need to keep taking the BP pills? Kruise your job sounds very rewarding. I agree that the way people are paid is so unfair, if you work with people you get the least pay, if you work with money you get the most.

    I've had lower left back pain for two weeks for no obvious reason and have seen an osteopath three times now. Today is the first day I've felt some real improvement. You probably all know what I mean that this pain has been worrying me, however the osteo thinks it's fairly run of the mill which is a relief. Is anyone noticing more joint pain on AIs with the cold weather? I'm certainly experiencing a bit more - ankle, wrists etc.

    Apart from the nuisance of getting washing dry, I actually don't mind winter weather now because of hot flushes being easier to deal with!


  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    I hope you managed to get your scan this week KT. I can understand the driving thing. There's a lot to be said for getting out when you want. It's good that your son can get you around and good practice for him.

    I had the Breast Clinic yesterday. The Surgeon who did both my mastectomies has decided that I need revision surgery. I have fairly horrendous dog ears on both sides, and she wants to fix them before summer. Unfortunately they can't combine it with the ovary removal so that's 2 ops in 4 months, the revision being only day stay. I am glad they didn't make me choose between them.

    Michelle, I know that worry when a new pain arrives. The AL's are doing a job on me with aches and pains as well, not to mention tiredness. I agree that the hot flushes are a bit easier to deal with in the winter. Last summer was brutal for me - hopefully the oophorectomy doesn't make them any worse.

    I hope you had a great time in Sydney Donna. Hi to everyone. I am looking forward to the weekend and a bit of a sleep in.

  • HelenWNZ
    HelenWNZ Member Posts: 404

    Hi everyone - hope you are all doing well and coping with what ever has been thrown at you this week. Round two for me was hard but doable I am pleased to say. So now I know that days 3 - 9 pretty much are my not so flash days which is good to look out for, ready for next time.

    The only thing lingering is cracked lips and an that is driving me crazy if that's all I have to worry about then I can cope with that.

    On Wednesday this week I had a really nice after noon at our cancer society - Look Good Feel Better. Not that I am much of a make up person much to the disgust of my 20 year old daughter I must admit I did have fun. Plus to sit in a room with others in my predicament was quite special. A 70 year old and I had a real giggle about our moving "boob" that starts off sitting normal and ends up around our shoulders before long.

    Thought I would attach at photo of the end result.

    image

    I also did the facebook coming out. I wasn't going to but have had a few people out of the blue contacting me so put it out there. Very positive feedback.

    Take care everyone.

    Helen

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    You're looking good Helen!

  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    You look great Helen :) I'm glad you had fun.

    Nikki, shame you couldn't tie both the surgeries together but at least they'll both get done.

    Wow, Sydney already Donna- I hope it's good.

    I'm at acute oncology at the moment. They did my spinal MRI and lumber puncture this morning on the Shore, but didn't manage the brain MRI (next week now) and sent me straight here. I'm awaiting a planning CT for radiation to my mid-lower spine as I have a tumour on my actual spinal cord... Very scary :(

    I'll be having treatment today, sat, sun, wed & Thursday. Then prob chemo & later poss rads to rest of spine.

    They said I can go to Wanaka if I like- I hope I feel well enough to. Fingers crossed!

    Have a good weekend x

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    Do you have to stay in KT or can you go home between treatments? That all just sucks x

  • kt1966
    kt1966 Member Posts: 1,021

    Thankfully I get to go home.

    Yeah it does suck tho!


  • Optimist52
    Optimist52 Member Posts: 144

    KT, glad you get to go home in between. Great that you have a Wanaka trip planned. You've certainly been through a lot, my heart goes out to you.

    Nikki, were you given a good reason why the surgeries couldn't be combined? That would be so frustrating.

    Helen, LGFB is a fantastic organisation. Glad you got to do that.

    I think my back pain is improving, it comes and goes a bit, but have never had back pain that lasted this long before.

    Thinking of you all, Michelle x

  • nik1966
    nik1966 Member Posts: 402

    Michelle. The reason that they won't or can't combine the surgery is that it's too hard to arrange a Gynae & General Surgeon and theatre time. Seems perfectly doable to me but then I am not a surgeon (although now I bloody well should be) I am an analyst lol.

    The Auckland Cancer Society are using my story again this time for daffodil day. The pictures are old now, I look a bit rougher than I did then so I m pleased that they don't have any recent ones. Singing

    https://auckland-northland.cancernz.org.nz/en/how-to-get-involved/make-a-donation/our-appeals/

  • shazzakelly
    shazzakelly Member Posts: 620

    Poo, bum, tit, wee wee, KT what awful news. Just when you were getting over the brain radiation. Fingers crossed that's the last bit of crap news you get for a while. I hope you a feeling well enough to go to Wanaka, it's so beautiful down there and a great tonic.

    Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I'm having a lazy one after a busy week of visi

  • Manda1982
    Manda1982 Member Posts: 7

    Hi ladies, just wondering if there is anyone from Hamilton on here?

    Thanks

    Smile

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