Update

Hi Dot

The plastic surgeon did the areola at the same time as the tissue expander replacements!  I was lucky because normally I would have had to wait for a while after the op but it worked out that where they had done the original cuts for the surgery wasn't where the centre of the new nipple would be - so I could get them done in the one operation.

I know what you mean about "What happens after 5 years and no more doctors and coming of Tamoxifen?" - I will be really worried then I think....particularly as for me it was 7 years between my last round of breast cancer and this one!  Anyway, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

I went for my blood test this morning for genetic testing so it will be interesting to see if anything shows up.  I'll put that in a separate blog though as it might interest others.

Take care,

Louise x

Hi Dot

The plastic surgeon did the areola at the same time as the tissue expander replacements!  I was lucky because normally I would have had to wait for a while after the op but it worked out that where they had done the original cuts for the surgery wasn't where the centre of the new nipple would be - so I could get them done in the one operation.

I know what you mean about "What happens after 5 years and no more doctors and coming of Tamoxifen?" - I will be really worried then I think....particularly as for me it was 7 years between my last round of breast cancer and this one!  Anyway, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

I went for my blood test this morning for genetic testing so it will be interesting to see if anything shows up.  I'll put that in a separate blog though as it might interest others.

Take care,

Louise x

Hi Louise, great to hear all your tests have come back clear.  Also great you have completed all your reconstructions.  I knew you had the tissue expanders out but when did you actually get the aerola made. 

I have had my tissue expanders out and the surgeon said that I need to wait at least 3 preferably 6 months before making the nipples. So this would give time for the silicones to settle down (sag) in place.  I wonder if there is a different set of procedures for the different reconstructions.  I was not able to have reconstruction from my tummy or back.  Only implants. 

I also understand what you say about worrying if the cancer has come back.  One of my fears is what happens after the 5 years when no more doctors and after coming off Tamoxifen.  I think that all of us will always have some doubt in our minds.   Hopefully it does ease with time. 

Take care

Dot xxx

Hi Louise

I so know what you mean about the worry - I went to my surgeon today and there is no cancer showing in tests done 2 weeks ago - woohoo amazing how those goal posts constantly change - I have been worried for weeks that I had bone cancer - i still dont quiet believe it  - but yeehaa.   On a bright note I went out with friends last friday, dinner, music and lots of laughter - what a top time I had - one more appointment tomorrow - chemo info session and I kick off on monday with treatment - is this the hardest thing to get yourself ready for or what girls? Still havent bought a wig and wonder how quick my hair will go. 

Gail

Hi Louise,

I had my checkup today too with my oncologist.I had to wait over an hour and then I only saw his resident. I asked him about the hot flushes (I am way through menopause)and he said Tamoxifen is the cause and didn't think increasing endep would help.At least it helps me sleep.I have to go back in 6mths for a checkup- I thought I might be off the hook with that department but they don't like to let you go.It's 3monthly checks with the surgeon for another year- full time job ay!! The doctor did say that Tamoxifen can exacerbate aches/pains but should settle down in time and so should hot flushes.I have been on it for 10mths now and he said that was early days!! If some of these male doctors had hot flushes I reckon a remedy would be invented quick smart!

                                                        Tonya xx

Hi Girls

Well the appointment with the oncologist went fine.  She didn't really know why I am getting hot flushes as she said that because I am still having regular periods I must still have adequate hormone levels!  It must just be my body getting used to the change in hormone levels and the tamoxifen.

I went for the tattooing yesterday.  It was a different lady who did it than the one that I got done in 2004.  She was a lot better too!  This time it doesn't look nearly as dark as it did last time.  I didn't have any feeling there either so no pain :)

The aches and pains must be just muscular as I had a bone scan (which the oncologist reminded me of) before I had my BC treatment and that was clear.  I'm just getting old, I think (at the grand old age of 43!! LOL)

Take care ladies,

Louise x

Hi Girls

Well the appointment with the oncologist went fine.  She didn't really know why I am getting hot flushes as she said that because I am still having regular periods I must still have adequate hormone levels!  It must just be my body getting used to the change in hormone levels and the tamoxifen.

I went for the tattooing yesterday.  It was a different lady who did it than the one that I got done in 2004.  She was a lot better too!  This time it doesn't look nearly as dark as it did last time.  I didn't have any feeling there either so no pain :)

The aches and pains must be just muscular as I had a bone scan (which the oncologist reminded me of) before I had my BC treatment and that was clear.  I'm just getting old, I think (at the grand old age of 43!! LOL)

Take care ladies,

Louise x

Hi Louise

Good to hear how you are travelling. I asked the oncologist about my aches and pains and she thought it was due to the lack of oestrogen. I have to say they are much better now (about 3 months) and have been taking fish oil, glucosamine and Vit D not sure if any of it was the reason or that my body is now just used to being oestrogen free. I am also on tamoxifen and have the same problem as you at night with the bed covers on /off/on now it is colder I am much better, it's worst at work (I'm a nurse) when I come out of the shower room with a patient I look like the one that had the shower!! It can be a bit embarassing but my colleagues are all great. Haven't resorted to any meds yet and will talk to my oncologist when I see them.

Hope the tattooing goes well.

Sarah x

I thought the hot flushes would go away in winter but not so.The tablet I take helps with sleep and a little bit with flushes(endep).I keep iceblocks on hand cos it's a quick way to cool down at home.My husband just shakes his head as he sits by the slow combustion heater and I sit on the farside of the room sucking an iceblock.Good luck with the tatttoo- hope that's the end of it for you. I've got aches and pains everywhere too-most likely old age! But I know how you feel-twice around shakes your confidence.We just need to get a few years distance from 2010 don't we.

                                                   luv Tonya xx