Arimidex

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

Thanks Bella.  My Daughter was feeling a lot better about it Today.  It is a shock when you find out you have a 50/50 chance and hope that you don't have it.  I felt bad because I carried it on to her but I wasn't to know at the time.  Anyway, there is a lot more help nowadays and it helps to know so that you can do something about it. xxx

Oh, your family is certainly going through a tough time.  It will certainly take some time for your daughter (and you) to come to terms with her carrying the Lynch syndrome as well as BRCA2, I feel for you both.  If it's of any help, I am sending positive thoughts and big hugs your way;  I can't do much else I'm sorry.  Bella xxx

So glad that I could help, Bella.  I saw the Breast Nure Yesterday and she asked me how I felt now that I'd had the masectomy and I told that I felt good about it because I knew the time was right.  It is very important to be accepting.  I just found out Today that my Daughter also carries the Lynch Syndrome and was very upset about it as she also carries the braca 2 gene.  This is one time when I wish she carried her Father's genes.  She now faces the decision of having a hyterectomy as both genes affect the reproductive system.  Love, Ruth xxx

Thank you Ruth, your comments have helped me a great deal, particularly about the time taken to make your decision.  I have niggling doubts at present, so I guess that should tell me the time is not right.   and thank you, yes, I had a lovely time in Sydney!  Love, Bella x 

Hi Pollyanne,  It was a big relief when I had the drains removed after two weeks.  I have an infection at present but otherwise I am fine.  I am going walking and just enjoying life.  I feel the same as you.  I am glad that I have survived and turning 60 next Month.  The experience has taught me to appreciate what I have and to be greatful for every day.  Love, Ruth xx

Hello Bella, I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding having a masectomy.  Although I had all the information from the genetic clinic and people telling me that iif they were me that they'd have a masectomy, I had to feel right about it.  When my surgeon recommended it and I had another lump, I felt that it was time.  It is no use having it done if you are not going to be comfortable about it.  I have known that I had braca 2 for 13 years and it took me all that time to make my decision.  It is important to have your check-ups and be on the look out but  you are the one who knows when you are ready.  I had an oompectomy (my ovaries) removed when I finished all my treatments because there was a history of ovarian cancer and it is very hard to detect.  I later had a hysterectomy.  I am not sorry that I had my masectomy and I can wear a soft prothetic bra and I have decided to put my name down for recontsruction.  It is your choice and you have to feel right  before going ahead with anything.  I wish you all the best and hope you had a great time away.  Love, Ruth xx

Hi Finita,  If it helps, I have found out that more cancers are caused by non-genetic reasons, than are caused by faulty genes;  but if you carry that gene mutation it puts you into a much higher risk category.  I have to say that when I was diagnosed by first thought was "oh, that's the type of cancer I got", because I always knew with our family history that I would get cancer at some point.  It didn't rule my life, and I wasn't even really conscious that's how I felt, but when I was told, that was my reaction.  My second was' how to tell the kids.  Anyhow, I digress.  I have gained weight from first Arimidex, now Femara, I have constant aches and pains, and other side effects;  but I just put up with them and figure at least I'm upright and breathing (mind you some days are harder than others).  I hope the Lovan helps you, the mood swings and irritability can be quite daunting, although I have to say mine don't last all that long, so far I can manage it (just dont come near me some days).  I have given up trying to explain the side effects to some people (including my GP), just try to manage.  Anyhow, off to have a lovely weekend with my cousins, won't be near a computer for a couple of days.  Take care, bella x