Journal Live - Blog Central

I swear, if I jump around I will rattle

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:12:03 +0000

September 1st
I took my steroids this morning and my brain is not able to function on any one thing at a time! My complimentary therapy does not work as well again today so it is definitely the steroids. Out with the girls tonight and had a great time and decide this is what I need before each chemo to cheer me up!

A bit of pampering and a trip to Whitby

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:00:03 +0000

15th August
Cant get out of bed at all, am in pain up to my hips. My mouth is so bad I am sick when I get up with the saliva/secretions and suspect I have really bad oral thrush.

Is this chemo - or a hangover?

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0000

3rd August
Had a good weekend, went out for lunch on Sunday and am feeling good.

Having to admit I'm not Wonder Woman

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:30:00 +0000

22nd July
CHEMO DAY
It took a few attempts to locate my vein which was very painful and upsetting. The nurses are all being very upbeat about the fact I am half way through my treatment and my blood results are very good.

Why chemo is like the world's worst hangover

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:17:32 +0000

1st July
CHEMO DAY
I did not sleep much last night and feel sick to my stomach. I don't know if it is worse knowing what is going to happen to you over the next few days or not.

Finding some advantage to wigs

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:22:27 +0000

26th June
Got up this morning 20 minutes later than usual as did not have my hair to wash and dry - I can see some advantage to wigs.

I decide to wear the second wig which is a little shorter and this feels much more comfortable on my head.

Taking my wig for a wander

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:17:07 +0000

22nd June
At work today and feeling much more settled. Caught up on work and feeling more like myself. I noticed my scalp is not tingling as much today.

Time to collect my wig

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:09:11 +0000

19th June
Not at work today as have my heart scan to check everything is okay for the chemo regime.

After the scan I went to see Sarah to collect my wig.

Going back to work

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:26:28 +0000

16th June

Feel great apart from reflux and belching but decide it is time for action - I ring my boss and ask if I can come back to work TOMORROW and she is so happy to hear this and can't wait to see me.

I had only been in my job six weeks when I was diagnosed and she has been so supportive with phone calls, visits etc as have all the girls in the department and I feel very lucky to be part of their team and cant wait for tomorrow.

Side effects of chemo

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:24:39 +0000

13th June

Still in pain and now my taste buds have gone and everything tastes metallic. The sun is shining so try to sit outside under the parasol but am very restless, just don't know what to do with myself - I cant sleep, cant eat, cant be bothered to read or watch TV and my husband is annoying me by fussing around me so much!

It is going to be a bloody long day.

First days of chemotherapy

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:22:18 +0000

10th June

I met with Sarah who has many wigs and catalogues of wigs; I got very upset when she asked if I wanted to try one on. It is finally dawning on me that I am going to get worse before I get better and that a wig is going to be a reality which I have to deal with.

I have to pick a colour from a swatch like you would pick a paint colour! Sarah was very supportive and we arranged to meet the following week.

Preparing to start chemo

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:19:31 +0000

3rd June

I telephone my oncologists secretary to see if an appointment has been made for me as I was told I would be seen this week.

She informs me that I am due in clinic tomorrow but also have an appointment to see my surgeon tomorrow, I speak to the surgeon's secretary who informs me that he would like to speak to me (feeling very nervous at this point).

I speak to my surgeon who tells me he arranged for me to see him and then my oncologist to discuss my 'options', I asked what this means and he says my results have not changed they are excellent, don't worry and we will see you tomorrow.

The road to recovery

Sun, 31 May 2009 16:15:07 +0000

26th May

My husband went to work for the first time since my diagnosis and I am looking forward to some time alone but get a phone call from my surgeons secretary saying the ward have made a mistake with my appointment and I should be seen in out patients tomorrow now next Wednesday.

I go into a blind panic as she says it is nothing to worry about it was just a mistake but I have been a medical secretary for ten years and now all the tricks - she is calling me in early because it is bad news but is trying to make light of the situation. I phone my husband in a panic and he arranges to take time off work to come with me, I also call my aunt for support.

The operation and aftermath

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:09:40 +0000

Night Before Operation Day

GP asked to see me regarding diagnosis and was sympathetic with the touching of arm to show me compassion and head to one side saying how sorry she was I had this illness. When we left I told my husband this is exactly what I don't want - to be treated like a cancer victim and to be shown sympathy.

I WANT TO BE NORMAL ORDINARY LEANNE!

Initial appointment and diagnosis

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:02:29 +0000

My name is Leanne Chambers, I am married to Barry, we have a 13 year old son called Thomas and we live in Ashington.

I saw my GP about a lump in my breast and was given a referral under the '2 week rule' to the breast clinic - this means the GP suspects a diagnosis of cancer. I was stunned to hear this as it had never crossed my mind, I assumed it was a thickening of breast tissue, I thought I would never be a victim of this disease.

I have worked in the NHS for nearly 12 years, primary care and now secondary care, and was diagnosed with breast cancer on 11th May 2009.