Further Project Theresa Update

Theresa_F

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I had the results of my cancer back. I am one very very lucky person. The second area was cancer so I was correct to ask for the whole boob off. The two areas have been contained in the boob so no need for radiotherapy. The hormone tests came up trumps too.

I still look as though I have been bitten by a great white shark, but have full movement back, though must remember to still do things carefully and not do too much. I can start to ride again at Easter - yippee.

I now have a sports bra with a pouch and a pad that is filled with hamster bedding, but my hamster boob looks ok under a top so I will just stay with this until I get reconstruction rather than go to the bother of a falsie.

Ok now about to commence stage 3 of the plan.

I went last night to see the next in line specialist. I am in good health – I had another physical and good to go for chemo.

I will be having a CT scan on my torso to check there are no signs of secondary cancer in my other breast, chest, overies, womb etc though he said he would lay money down that it won’t find anything. I also have to have a bone scan and finally a heart scan as chemo can weaken the heart muscles and they want to be 100% sure my heart is ok after the problems I had as a kid. These should be done in the next few weeks.

I will then on the 22nd March be having an implantable port put in and they will then start the chemo. He said this method is best for me as my veins are rather small and it could end up being painful and leaving scars, so the port it is. He said after two weeks of it being in, I won’t know it is there and be able to ride etc if I wish to.

At the moment the plan is to have probably six treatments of FEC chemotherapy - I may only have three of these and then a change to other drugs, but this won’t be known until the doc has talked to the other specialists about my case.

After chemo, I will then have hormone treatment with Tamoxifen as my tests came back oestrogen positive.

He did say that this may all be unnecessary as it is likely that as he put it, my cancer is sitting in a bucket at the Spires but all of this gives me a greater chance of survival and stopping cancer coming back again.

So, I will be having my hair fall out – one of the FEC drugs does cause this, won’t be as perky as normal for six months, but all being well, this time next year, I will have had the treatment, be on the hormone treatments, new boob and good as new and staying that way.

My other good news this week is that Trailblazers are allowing me to go to the working cob final without having to do the second round qualifier which means that as long as the chemo does not knock me out, I can do the working cob and the ridden and in hand hairy coloured classes. So I have something to look forward to.

Onwards and upwards - Stinky is still good to go and is best horse ever as had he not given me that nudge on the boob, I may have not noticed the lump for ages, so he really is a little life saver.
 
I read your other posts and I am so pleased for you. I have really admired your positive attitude and wish you well for the rest of your treatment. Sounds as if it is all going to be fine though, you and your family and friends must be very very relieved, and what an inspiration to them you must be!
 
WOW! Well done you, what a positive and businesslike attitude. Brilliant news to hear that it looks like they got all the cancer in one go, but as you say, best to get all these treatments done. Roll on recovery and enjoy your 'hamster boob' while you have it - that phrase has me in fits here! GO YOU.
 
you are one very inspiring person! we all walk around moaning about various little things, and you have had so much to deal with, it makes my little moans very very unimportant!
congrats on being given the all clear to ride, you must be so excited!
good luck with everything xxx big hugs xxx
 
Well that all sounds very positive
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I guess the chemo isn't going to be nice but is a necessary evil. From what I know, it is the radiotherapy that can cause on-going problems, so it must be a relief not to have to go through that.

Big slap on the back to Trailblazers and fab that you have something to aim for and look forward to.

Good Luck!!!!
 
That's really good news, I'm glad the treatment is going so well for you
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I hope stinky doesn't take a fancy to the hamster bedding boob and start eating it... Please can you give him and the delightful Ms Fara a carrot and hug for me?
 
Great news! How refreshing to see someone with a wonderful positive attitude when faced with extremely difficult circumstances rather than all the posts bitching and moaning about insignificant things (mine included!)

Good luck with trailblazers. Looking forward to the piccies x
 
I take it you took the hamster out first ! Sorry, brain going into overdrive with a vision of hamster peering out of your bra at the tesco checkouts.

Good news so far, onwards and upwards.
 
I am so pleased that it was positive news for you, and as I have already said I am so impressed with your positive attitude. I know you still have got a lot to go through, but I'm sure with your outlook you will be fine, esp with Stinky by your side.

All the best, and good luck with TB.
 
Oh good news and I can't believe just how positive you are. Its good you have a very clear idea of the road ahead as well - I personally prefer to have all options explained so I know the worst!

I have been trying to find the link but am having a blonde moment - I thought that John Frieda was the celebrity hairdresser who ran clinics specifically for cancer ladies. These clinics are there to restyle and personalise wigs and update your looks - the results were amazing. Can anyone be a little more efficient with the right name? I am also a strong believer in having good things to look forward to - like your great result with Trailblazers!
 
Do you know Theresa... that's the BEST news I've heard! :O)
Well done you for kicking ass!
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Everything crossed for a speedy recovery and looking forward to hearing about the Trailblazing!
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Kate xx
 
Good news and its so good to hear you are in a positive place. Stinky's nudge proves that horses are worth it - honestly. As far as you hair goes, think of the time you will save not having to wash, dry style etc etc. I also think you should splap a patent on the hamster boob, you could make a fortune.

Good luck with trailblazers and hope you dontt feel too wiped out with the treatment.
 
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Do you know Theresa... that's the BEST news I've heard! :O)
Well done you for kicking ass!
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Everything crossed for a speedy recovery and looking forward to hearing about the Trailblazing!
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Kate xx

[/ QUOTE ]

^^^ put far better than I could manage!
 
Theresa, you are one marvellous woman!

Like many of the others above, I am highly amused my the "hamster boob" too. I take it you mean that fluffy, wooly stuff (and not the torn up loo-roll that my poor old hamster of many years ago had to put up with)!.

Hey - and you might be able to ride again at Easter! You know, that's not actually all that far away!

Good luck - and long may your positive attitude continue.
 
Thanks for the link - at the moment the plan is that I will plait my down to the bum hair and cut it off and have that made into a bun for when I have some hair back and showing.

The rest will be cut very short or clipped off - it goes under my terms. I am not sure about a wig - hopefully I am only having 18 weeks of chemo treatment and so may just stick to a beanie hat or a scarf. I really like this one

http://www.bandanashop.com/images/zoom/BornAgainBiker215x325.gif


Just hoping the chemo does not slow me down too much, but I have promised Andy that I will not over do things so I don't stress him out - he was not happy that I washed the floors at home last week and ended up in tears so I am now feeling guilty at upsetting him and this week have been very good, plus I can work from home which avoids temptation as I am kept busy.
 
Theresa - you are a star. An utter inspiration - not about beating the cancer - Hov and i knew you'd kick the ass out of that - but in washing your floors. I am fully fit and don't have that kind of dedication...........
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In all seriousness this is the best news i've heard all week. You are amazing and have made me smile today - I'm sat working from home looking at Hippy the hamster and imagining her in your bra.
Go girl - after this winning the working cob and the ridden and in hand hairy coloured classes is going to be a walk in the park xxxx
 
You are an inspiration Theresa
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. Well done and keep up with the wonderful postive attitude. I follow your posts (both health and hairy horse posts) with great interest. Maybe you should start a blog!
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I am also finding it very interesting learning about the ins and outs of cancer treatment. It's not something, thank god, I have had any experience of, but it's nice to have a bit more of a personal view of the proceedures and treatments.
 
You go girl! sounds like your doing really well, I admire your attitude and how you dealing coping with it all.

Keep it up, and I wish you all the best in your future treatments
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Fantastic news
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So very very pleased for you.
With your attitude you will sail through the chemo.
Good luck with the trailblazers
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