Arimidex

That fluid build up would have been incredibly painful;  I'm so glad that things are working out;  and your true friends have come to the fore!  Enjoy your Saturday night.  It's such a big step, and yet outsiders would have no idea what you're going through.  I also found  letting go and accepting help was hard, I have always been independent;  but looking from the other side of the coin;  friends and family are just wanting to do something, anything...they can't make it go away, but it helps them if we can accept help.  Small steps are good.  

Bella xx

PS - Is Saturday night your 60th?  

Hi Bella, I had trouble with a fluid build up.  The Doctor drained over 200ml. from my left side.  It is feeling a lot better and I am feeling better in myself.  I was just feeling frustrated because it seemed to be ongoing but hopefully things will start to improve.  It's made me realise who my true Friends are and that they are very happy to lend a hand.  I am hoping to go out on Saturday Night with Friends and to be able to wear my masectomy bra with no pain.  I have learnt to relax and go with the flow instead of trying to fight it and be so independant and it works a treat.  I able able to achieve small things and it feels great.

Hi Bella, I had trouble with a fluid build up.  The Doctor drained over 200ml. from my left side.  It is feeling a lot better and I am feeling better in myself.  I was just feeling frustrated because it seemed to be ongoing but hopefully things will start to improve.  It's made me realise who my true Friends are and that they are very happy to lend a hand.  I am hoping to go out on Saturday Night with Friends and to be able to wear my masectomy bra with no pain.  I have learnt to relax and go with the flow instead of trying to fight it and be so independant and it works a treat.  I able able to achieve small things and it feels great.

Hi Ruth,  I haven't seen your post about your setback...it seems hard to follow the "thread" sometimes of these posts;  but I gather things haven't been good.  I'm sorry to hear that.  It's hard, but hang in there;  and I agree - if you have friends who are willing to help .. let them.  It is hard to say "yes" sometimes;  we all like to be independent, but I think more importantly we don't want to be a burden on anyone;  but those true friends want to help;  and if you can say "yes" to them, it makes them feel better, and to be honest, is a practical help to us.    It certainly sorts out who your true friends are, that you can count on.  I know there are some people who still love us, but shy away;  they just can't cope;  but hang on to those who can!

Thanks Kathleen and Finita,  I am feeling a lot better about it now.  It was just so frustrating.  One of my Neighbours made me a beautiful, Cancer Angel bear and another put mulch around my rose garden.  I had another Friend take me to the markets so I am very fortunate to have Friends like that and my Friends on here who understand what I am going through and support me through it.  I am taking it much easier and resting during the day which I realise is necessary for my recovery.  There's always another day to catch up and my health is more important.  I am now looking forward to my 60th. Birthday at the end of the Month and by then I should be on the mend.  Love Ruth xxx

Darling Ruth, I am sorry about your setback and yes it would be very frustrating, and yes, you must learn to be patient as that is very important for you and your healing process. I am so happy that you are so lucky to have so many wonderful friends that are helping you .  It is very good that you have learnt not to be so independant and accept all the help you can get, because it will be for you own benefit, and you deserve as much of  TLC as you can get.  Sadly when I was caring for my sister , the biggest problem was her not letting go of her independence and that made my time with her very hard and difficult , as I also had to look after my two nephews and her partner. Do continue to take good care and plenty of rest ...must look after No 1  that being you because you are precious and there is only one of you !!

Lots of hugs and love ,

finita xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks Bella.  What you said is very true.  We know whart we are fighting.  I have had another setback with my op.  The Doctor drained over 2ooml. out of my wound Today.  It is feling a bit better but is filling up again.  It is just so frustrating when I just want to get on with life .  I am learning the word "patience" and having a rest every day.  I am very lucky to have some really good Friends around me who are willing to help me to get out of the house and go shopping and to the Hospital.  I have learnt not to be so independant and except their welcome help.  This has been a real learning curve as I realise that I can't do everything myself and there are peole ou there who care and are willing to help.

That's very true.  Knowing is half the battle;  I figure that we have the mutation anyway, so we're better off knowing about it than not;  doctors will take notice of a "label" or a name of something;  but tend to scoff if you go in there and just say "I'm convinced that ....".  Glad to hear your daughter is feeling a bit better today;  and don't go down the guilt path because you carried the gene;  think about all the good genes you gave her as well!  :) xxx