Sometimes things chug along nicely and sometimes things gum up the works so that nothing goes right. Not sure where I'm at, at the moment but things could be better. The last week in June I put my house up for sale, the 3rd of July having found a lump in my breast i went to the walk in clinic and saw the doc, she referred me for a fast track app't at the hospital, saying- I should have an app't within two weeks. Two weeks later I phoned the surgery to say that I'd not heard anything - the receptionist phoned the hospital then called me back to say they'd got a bit of a backlog and it was taking two to three weeks. To cut a long story short - that went from three to four weeks, then at four weeks, it was "we're working on a 45 day turn around", at which point I decided it was time to dip into my rainy day savings and go private. I also accepted an offer on the house during this period.
I saw the consultant, had a mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy on August 6th - although even that didn't go as planned. The plan was to take three samples but the local anesthetic didn't work - (it felt like I'd been shot) so they waited another six or seven minutes thinking it was taking longer to work on me. The second snip added to the pain considerably so they stopped at two samples. They seemed as shocked as me, and embarrassed because they didn't know what had happened but the whole batch of Lanacaine was removed from the fridge and a marker was put on it.
They were able to tell from the mammogram and ultra sound that I have cancer but had to wait for the result of the biopsy to find out about the type and treatment. Last Friday I saw the consultant again and I'll be seeing her again - (this time on the NHS), on the 30th of this month when - after a dexa scan, I'll begin treatment with Tamoxifen. After four to six months, depending on how the lump responds I'll have either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. So, fingers crossed!
At the same time as all of this my house buyer has got cold feet so 'maybe' I've sold the house, and maybe not. Plus - one of my grandsons has passed his exams with flying colours, getting A* for both maths and further maths plus A's in physics and (I think) computer science, or IT ? He's off to university in September and has already been accepted as an apprentice by a Birmingham company so not only will his tuition fees be paid but they'll also pay him. I'm sooo happy for him.
Also, my younger son, Mike has been on a 4000 mile ride to a HOGs (Harley Owners Group) rally in St Petersburg, visiting ten countries in fourteen days😮. And - I had my 80th birthday on Sunday. I had a lovely day with the family - I didn't have to lift a finger, well - except to tuck into all the lovely food, thoroughly enjoyed it!
No idea how things will go, but then - we never do have do we, so in that respect at least, nothing's changed. Just thought I should put you all in the picture- but please don't worry, I'm in good spirits. Love, Magpuss xx
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Magpuss
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Oh my love, you really are going through it, with, thankfully, some brighter moments to lighten things up. Your attitude is exemplary, so positive in the face of all your tribulations. I’m so pleased you had a good birthday with your lovely family. Take care, try to keep that brilliant outlook of yours, I’ll be thinking of you. XXX
Oh my dear Magpuss what a performance and that 45 day turnaround is pretty piss poor for the Nhs and it is a dammed good job you went privately though i am sorry to hear that whatever they pulled out of the fridge was probably rose water or something other than anesthesia.
You sound pretty much like you normaly do,strong and resolved and i do hope that the lump will not only respond to treatment but that you may be spared the discomfort of the lumpectomy or even more and somehow i know you are going to be alright.
House sales are notorious for fickle buyers and peole mucking around.lets hope that all sorts itself out.
All the other stuff is a nice distraction and you must be chuffed to bits with their achievemnts.
Love and the gentlest of hugs Ski's and Scruff's
P.s sorry i almost forgot.............Happy Birthday
Bless you dear Magpuss, all the highs and lows of life are happening all at once it seems. I really do pray for your recovery and thank goodness you went private. Our daughter-in-law is doing well and is on injections and tamoxifen I think.
Stay positive and belated birthday greetings to you. I’m glad you had a great time.
Love to you and all your wonderful family. Take care. Xxxx 😘💖
Oh you lovely people, thank you so much for your kind words and good wishes. I forgot to add - my NHS app't for a scan finally arrived - I've had one phone call and two letters telling me that it's tomorrow🙄, seven weeks to the day since my doc phoned them. I know I can always rely on you folk for support - and of course a chuckle when needed, thank you. xxx
What a good decision to go private, though it's disgraceful that you had to. Waiting that long is not acceptable, especially when every day counts. I'm sorry to know you've been having such a difficult time of things but I hope your treatment goes well and the successes of your family will lift your spirits. And happy birthday 🎂🎁🎉🎈😊
Oh Magpuss how awful for you to go through all that pain. I wish the outcome was different and it was benign. But it sounds as though you are getting the treatment you need albeit all the hiccups on this journey. We all are rooting for you and are behind you.
Well done to your grandson. Very good news indeed. And happy belated birthday. Sending hugs and love,
Oh Magpuss, what a rollercoaster you have been on. Your positivity is incredible. Belated birthday wishes to you and congratulations to your grandson. I hope that you won't have to wait too long for the scan results and that you will soon be able to start your treatment. Best wishes x
Mixture of good and bad news really. Congratulations on your birthday and your grandson’s results. Not so good about the lump, but I hope they can sort things out for you as quickly as possible xx
Goodness, what a story. And how wonderfully you have told it without a scrap of self pity, amazing woman. Disgraceful treatment about the so-called ‘fast track’ referral.
Don’t these grandchildren make a difference to our lives?
Kate xxx
Oh my poor Magpuss, what a mix of good and bad. It’s a good job you such a toughie. 😘💐
A belated happy birthday to you. What such a mixed bag of news, some great news of your family but clouded by the lump you have found. I am sure that your positivity is going to help you no end. It is good that you are soon to start Tamoxifen treatment as well.
Dear Magpuss, what a horrid time you have had and terrible that the nhs made you wait so long, really not acceptable, and even worse paying private to go through so much pain, I do hope they reduced their fee after giving such bad service. On the plus side now that you are to receive the correct treatment fingers crossed things will improve and quickly. Really good news regarding your grandson and so pleased you enjoyed your birthday party with family. Belated birthday wishes xx
Some great news and some challenging news. Keep up the action and the positive mental attitude, and that should help you face whatever is coming next. All the ebst.
How stressful for you. Hope your treatment goes well. Sounds like you have a lovely family who who can help support you. You take care, thinking of you x x
A big thank you to you all for those lovely responses. Positivity is a must, the alternative would only make me miserable, that wouldn't help and anyway, I'm a Leo - I don't like feeling miserable🦁😊.xxx
Dear Mags, You have certainly gone through an Awful Time, made me weep reading your Post. Then a smile for your Grandson & Son, Congratulations to them Both. You will be very proud of them. My Daughter went through Breast cancer, I must say her Diagnosis was far quicker and Treated immediately, Times have changed with our NHS. She is now fully recovered, there is light at the end of the Tunnel, So hang on to that Thought my Love. Happy Belated Birthday, wow 80, I bet you could tell some stories. The Housing market is very Fickle as Ski's has mentioned. Stay Positive Hun and Please keep us all Updated. Love n Gentle Hugs. Carolina XXXX
That is terrible that you had been put off so long and had to go private. I pray the cancer is in early stage and a lumpectomy will be all you will need. I hope too that your house buyer will go through will the deal as that will be one less thing for you to worry about.
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