Bad Bad Booby

The_Golden_Goose

Thinking of you KJ!

Beanie - sorry to hear the house news. Is it definitely the only solution?

kissjenn

Hello All.

Well the results are back...all thoughts and opinions welcome.

Good news first - it's not spread to liver, lungs or bones. Means its still curable.

Surgeon defended me in case conference this morning and has agreed that the most sensible course of action is chemo then surgery. He wants it shrunk so he can get good (cancer-tissue free) margins.

Oncologist (ice woman) piped up and said I couldn't start for at least a month as she'd no capacity. Seemingly there's a second almost identical case getting identical brush-off.

Now if he operates first while we wait for chemo he'll have to remove almost all my breast to be sure plus muscle from my side. Reconstruction will be 6 months later, non-urgent and subject to delays.

If he operates post-chemo it should minimise the damage to my side and any scarring will be under my arm.

I've asked if there's anywhere else I can have the chemo. Seemingly the Borders Hospital in Melrose offered up space last week but Onco turned them down because none of her patients would want to travel. I've pre-empted and they've emailed onco to say I'll travel...can I have it please.

I see her on Thursday, that gives her a couple of days to research options. I don't want mutilated because there's a queue. They only operate the suite Mon-Fri 8 til 5. Doesn't seem rocket science to extend opening hours a bit it there are so many people.

Interesting news on the Elaine C Smith campaign. Referrals have sky rocketed and cancer diagnosis has remained absolutely stable.

taxi73

Firstly great news on not spreading anywhere else..that's fantastic
Secondly,that's a hard one and can see where you're coming from and don't blame you wanting the chemo 1st what a shame you may need to go to another hospital for it especially if you won't be fit to drive with the chemo because of the anti histamines given with it....
what a lot to think about when you don't need the stress

beanielou

So very very pleased that it has not spread.
How would you get to the borders and back kissjenn?
I am really cross TBH that you are put in this position.
I thought that the NHS pulled out all the stops for people with cancer & I also that that the centre you attended was a so called centre of excellence.
I am uinimpressed big time.

The_Golden_Goose

Like you haven't enough to deal with already. Is the chemo daily? Would you have to go in and leave again the same day or would it be a hospital stay?

mooomin

How far is Melrose from where you are? What kind of schedule would you need to get the chemo done? Are we talking 5 days a week for a couple of weeks or on-off for a couple of months? Who can drive you there/back (You had better not be thinking of driving yourself, madam)

Also, !!!!!!?! I thought your hospital was meant to be excellent. Grrr...

kissjenn

Thanks Taxi and Beanie.

I've been looking at hotels near Melrose, just covering my bases.

I'm finishing work when I start chemo. Spoke to boss this afternoon. Maybe not officially but we'll plan for that. If by some miracle I'm well then we'll play it by ear. They've told me they'll do their damndest to get me another contract when I'm ready. Even try for part time after the surgery.

That's made me very happy.

kissjenn

Hi Moomin and GG.

I can only base it on last chemo which was 1 dose every 3 weeks. It's done as day care - one a chair not a bed. Jeez I'd bring in a deckchair if they'd just flipping do it.

Drove myself in and out to chemo last time no problems. They started later that night.

We'll work out a way of doing this all...lets see what she proposes on Thursday!!

Buffythedebtslayer

Phew it hasn't spread.

!!!!!! to hospital thing tho. Bloody hell. what a completely stupid system.

Is it at all feasible to get a cab? I have NO idea of the distances. Plus I doubt you'd feel that well at all................kinda thinking aloud here. Is there anywhere you could stay?

I am guessing the hospital don't lay on an ambulance?

so glad it hasn't spread to the scary places. SO GLAD.

Buffythedebtslayer

ooo we cross posted.

Hotel would be a plan? but I do hate to think of you alone.

xx