Page 16 of I'm going to hospital today

Well, I'm all ready to start radiotherapy this week. I've got full movement back in my arm now after the surgery (been busy with physio exercises).

Finger nails are dropping off - delayed effect of the chemo - lost 3 now with several more on the way. It's not pretty but it feels better when they've gone and a fresh nail grows back underneath before one comes off, although it is only halfway up the nail bed each time.

I've put myself on a really strict diet. Apparently you can't have reconstruction surgery unless your BMI is under 30, which means you're not obese. This is because it is an 8-10 hour operation and they consider it too high a risk unless you are fit enough to face it.

I have about 2 and a half stone to lose to get under a BMI of 30. Luckily I have already lost one and a half stone since I was diagnosed, or else I really would have a lot to lose! I am determined to do it. I want to come out of this looking normal again, whatever that is! I didn't mind losing a breast, but I don't want to stay like this for life.

Sounds like you're doing really well - keep staying positive :)

I know you don't have a lot of choice with what you have to do, but you do decide how you take it, and your attitude is just amazing!


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Funny I was only thinking last night we hadn't heard from you for a bit.
Glad it's going well and you're still feeling positive about it all.

Snaps

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Glad it's going well and you're still staying positive.

Good luck with your weight loss, although with your seemingly endless positivity I'm sure you won't need it!

We still have you in our thoughts and prayers.

Saw my GP yesterday, and he is referring me to a dietitian. They will contact me in due course and then they'll supervise my weight loss and guide me through it so I stay healthy, and reach my goal sensibly. 

Hope everything is still going well smurfette :)

Yes, it is, thank you. Just 4 more lots of radiotherapy and I'm done. Final one is next Tuesday.

I was warned that the skin on the area being zapped (left side of chest and neck) might get sore, and even blister, but so far nothing. Unlike chemo, there are no side effects. I'm getting tired now but I think it's more to do with the 45-60 minute drive each way in heavy traffic than the treatment.

Going to have a few days resting when it's all done.

I'm meeting my dietitian a week after I finish treatment. Losing weight steadily already. Ooh, and I get a proper silicon prosthesis at the end of the month. It's ok having a soft pad in your bra, but it's always a few inches higher then the real boob next to it because it has no weight. This should make me look far more normal.

Thanks for keeping us updated, good luck for your final radiotherapy.

Do you get to choose the station they use? If you pick Radio 3 is it a nice slow gentle dose?

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

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Thanks for the updates Sue.

Ste

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We will pay the price but we will not count the cost..