Here I am again !

[petalnumber2]

So much has happened in my life since I last chatted with everyone on healthunlocked. But I have often read posts to keep myself in touch. Just a little bit of my backround . I was diagnosed with RA 6 years ago and got so much comfort and info from everyone on here.

I went through many of the demard medication and then was put on Enbrel injections which seemed to suit me well, that was about 3 years ago.

We moved from Northamptonshire to South Wales 6months ago, to be nearer to family. Well, at the age of 69 the upheaval took a lot out of Ian and I, let alone new doctor's, a new dialysis unit to get used to for Ian and a new Rheumatoid Clinic for me. But, all has gone very well and we are settling down nicely. The only fly in the ointment, so to speak has been that I was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks after our move. So, I had a mastectomy and am recovering well.

Of course I had to stop my Enbrel injections a couple of weeks before my operation and was on no rheumatoid meds for a total 3 months. I couldn't continue with Enbrel because of it's side effects, so I have just had my 3rd injection of Methotrexate and so far, so good. My, how glad am I to be back on some meds. I really had forgotten how painful RA can be.

So, it was reading a post about Methotrexate injections by someone here that prompted mevto write with my own update, so, I'll get back to writing a reply to that post. Lots of hugs and well wishes to you all. June xx

[allanah]

Brilliant , glad you are doing well and settled xx

[petalnumber2 in reply to allanah]

Yes, all is going well allanah. All down to the breast care team, who are wonderful. And my lovely careing family. Nice to be amongst you all again, and I appreciate all the more, the fact that there is in existence a brilliant site like this where we can share our information, feelings and our pain with people who understand. Xxx

[Leonwp]

Bless you June your bravery and determination are inspiring, i hope being near family brings your rewards.

[petalnumber2 in reply to Leonwp]

Thankyou for your kind thoughts. You know, none of us know how we are going to react to something as serious as cancer. I have never pondered on it, but I imagined I would be in dreadful state, but, I just became very calm and the family were shocked at my reaction, bless them. I'm still here with painful feet which I hang out from under the bedclothes most nights because the cooler air seems to help a bit. And I never thought I'd hear myself saying that I'm so pleased to be back on Methotrexate !! Take care xxx

[sylvi]

Well congratulations on coming through the cancer treatment and i hope you continue to recover and your hubby gets his treatment sorted well and settles down.xxxx

[petalnumber2 in reply to sylvi]

Hello again Sylvi, I hope you got your hot water sorted out, and found the jumper you were looking for. Frustrating when you can't find something grrrrrr

Anyway, thanks for your reply. Ian is doing very well since coming out of hospital himself. (What a pair we have been in recent months). Our family have been brilliant, very caring and helpful. And we have a new little grandson Silas who is 9 months old and he makes us laugh so much. The family live just 5 minute drive away, it's brilliant. I hope you are doing a bit better than when I last caught up with you. Take care xxx

[Rosebaywillowherb]

Hello June,you often wonder, what else can life throw at me,and for you it's trying bloody hard to knock you over,but I'm so pleased to hear you are recovering well from your op.Good luck with your meds,I hope they give you some much needed pain relief.x

[petalnumber2 in reply to Rosebaywillowherb]

What a lovely name Rose bay willow herb :))

My pad has just separated your user name out ha ha.....

To be honest, I lost my eldest daughter with Leukaemia 20 years ago (where has the time gone !!) Nothing could be worse to my mind than that. Throughout life we take knocks and we get back on our feet and carry on. Well most of us do. Being diagnosed with RA is a bit of a shocker for most if not all of us, but we learn to cope and live with it. Health unlocked is an amazing site which has helped me a lot, especially in the beginning. I feel it's time for me to help others a bit more, if I can. And have a bitnof light heartedness along the way if poss. Take care xxx

[popsmith1874]

Glad to see your coming through your other illness ones bad enough never mind two, keep fighting xxx

[petalnumber2 in reply to popsmith1874]

Yes it has been a bit daunting. It was difficult not being able to take any RA meds for a few months. But, I'm well on the road to recovery and the breast care team are so lovely which really does help to keep positive. Xxx

[petalnumber2 in reply to popsmith1874]

Hello popsmith, thank you for your positive reply. The old saying

" you never know what's round the corner" certainly has played it's part in my life !! But, I'm still here alive and kicking. Xxx

[nomoreheels]

Welcome back to the fold June. My you've been through a lot, I knew you'd moved but not about the mastectomy, happily through the other end though. Take care & hope to see you around more. x

[petalnumber2 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you so much for your kind words. There are times in all our lives when we are challenged or even severely challenged, and that's the times when we find out how strong we can be !! I just went into calm mode when I was diagnosed, the family were jumping up and down with concern. But, none of us know how we are going to react to a situation. Anyway, it's lovely to be back with you and everyone else. Xx