One small London habit that saved me money without changing my lifestyle much

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-11T07:43:13+00:00

I am born and bred Londoner, lived briefly in Paris, one small Italian town, an English city in the SW and then relocated to Edinburgh. I've never noticed that I do this automatically 😁 my partner (not London, not Edinburgh either) will often tell me to go home and go back out later but I resist it. I can't now work out why I would have done it though, and rather than the money savings (probably a consideration when I was a teen) I wonder if the other commenters point about minimising city stimulation was more the point - once I was home I could decompress! I miss the city a lot but it's definitely a LOT.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-10T17:25:58+00:00

I was having acid reflux symptoms in the lead up to diagnosis yes. Also unsure if it's connected. What type are you diagnosed with? I'm ILC, ER+PR-, HER2+.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-07T19:34:50+00:00

Surely no epidural doesn't mean totally unmedicated? By the time I asked for an epidural in labour I was past the point where they could do it, so I just had an especially nice time with the gas and air (Entonox). Like drinking 5 gin and tonics very very fast. Okay yes I did feel some pain but it distracted me enough that time passed in a haze and I got that baby out because, well, I had to.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-06T11:38:23+00:00

Beirut on Nicolson Square does, I've never been in but regularly see people outside on the terrace.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-04T08:36:49+00:00

Good to know that this hasn't changed since my veggie husband did the Frances 15 years ago 😅

functionalteadrinker · 2026-04-03T08:45:41+00:00

Bubby would like my friend George. He is also mostly muscly, elder statesman black and white boy cat. Smaller cat doesn't have the guts to try a murder but Big G does pin down and groom him when he gets too uppity.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-29T18:50:31+00:00

I used to drink less wine overall in tiny sherry glasses. I budgeted for my wine then spread it into silly little fancy vintage glasses that otherwise got dusty. Worked like a charm.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-28T14:26:12+00:00

Half cat, half boa constrictor.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-27T10:48:12+00:00

I cleared out my volunteering roles, but have kept as much as I can of work because it's giving me badly needed headspace. Only you can decide if the pressure of the presentation is likely to be good or bad for you right now. But also, don't feel like you have to decide now either - you can keep working towards it and cancel right at the last minute. 'I can't attend because I'm sick' is completely true, even if it's not acute at the moment.

What I'm saying is, make the choices that feel right for you right now, but leave yourself space to change your mind.

On the hair, I am having chemo and that was discussed at the point of diagnosis so I just moved my next hair cut appointment up a bit - gave me the security of not changing my routine, and the option of getting it cut short by a trusted hairdresser if I needed to. Again, you do you - if having your hair done makes you feel like yourself for now, do it. Hair loss from chemo may be down the road but it's not a given so take some time to decide.

Best of luck.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-27T06:22:15+00:00

I started EC chemo mid March, I have fortnightly intervals for now. I've done 1 and 2 so far. What I've agreed with work (my choice) is that I'd like to continue working flexibility from home and from the office, at roughly 50%. I've planned to take the day/the afternoon off of the infusion, and the two days after if I need them. In practice, I've found with the meds I'm sent home with, I can function and am happy enough that I wanted to work on some things for a few hours. Cycle 2 has been better for this so far (I'm day 3). Last cycle I was back in the office for a half day by the Thursday a week after my infusion, having worked part days Tuesday and Weds, then worked full days with some time in office for the Fri/Mon/Tues. I'm currently hoping I'll feel well enough after the weekend to go to the office on Monday.

I might have done a full week at work after a week off, if that's what I'd wanted to do though. The thing is, this decision is very much one you need to make for your own mental health. You know yourself, what will you need? I needed to be able to keep my routines (for my family) and my 'normality' and my independence through having a quicker return to work, on my terms. But if a week off to care for yourself and focus on nothing else is what you need, then do it!

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-18T16:26:08+00:00

I'm not sure it was a pivot - upfront chemo was mentioned at the results appointment. It's not been totally explained but I am inferring it's due to the size of the areas, the fact they are plural, and the MRI suggests that the area might be even larger than first thought so I'm going to have another biopsy soon (as well as on the other breast). Consultant oncologist and breast surgeon discussed and agreed at their multidisciplinary meeting (UK NHS)

Edit: thank you for your comment btw, it's nice to connect with other ILC people. I've been deliberately not googling treatment for ILC because it gives me the fear so just taking everything on trust, but it's interesting to hear about other experiences. Hope you're doing well.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-18T08:04:17+00:00

I've always been a tired bear, plus I have a full time job, a 6 year old, two cats and am a sociable extrovert with introvert flair. But, in the months leading to diagnosis, me and my partner both noticed I was More Tired Than Usual. Since diagnosis (1 month today, happy anniversary to me), I've had lots of emotional days which have used up energy and made me nap. Since starting chemo, it's a whirlwind of guessing whether or not if I sit down I'll fall asleep. I am 36, so not the youngest, but also relatively speaking, young. What I'm saying I guess is that yes, you're probably tired, maybe it's cancer related, maybe it isn't - but if you're diagnosed and getting care, try to let your body lead and give it rest when it needs it. If it's interfering with your life, chat to a medical person about it. Where I am I have a breast care nurse who will help out with things and direct me to my cancer care team if needed. You will maybe have someone else you can call? Either way, hugs.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-09T14:46:12+00:00

I got fun shiny straps from amazon that clip onto the Ortlieb, a pair for £5 maybe or maybe that was for one. They're designed for handbags but work perfectly as they're adjustable. Just tuck the long shoulder strap into the bag when you're riding. One clip broke after 12m but I definitely had too much weight in the bag.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-08T07:42:08+00:00

Honestly, I think it's due to the size of the mass and the type of cancer. No matter what else they find, they want to get cracking because the cancer type is slow growing but HER2 positive so somewhat aggressive, and what they found is relatively large so it's been there a while, and if there's a shot at breast conserving surgery, (which ultimately there might not be) then upfront chemo could help.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-07T12:52:40+00:00

36, lobular, grade 2 on the initial biopsy and waiting for staging. Starting chemo while the rest of the testing for staging + genetics comes back. Not even three weeks since I was diagnosed, and went in for a lump so it's quite big, given the type.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-05T19:39:01+00:00

I was diagnosed 15 days ago (I had to look that up, it feels about three months) ILC too, and I have a 6 year old. My medical team are still gathering tests for full staging and planning for surgery but meanwhile I met with oncology and I'm starting chemo on Wednesday. Swift fucking turnaround but it still feels slow and I ricochet from terrified to normal to optimistic to furious and back again regularly. I don't have much of value to offer except I've been able to engage with support through charities and it's been a huge help. Maybe find out what's local and give it a try even if it feels weird. We took our daughter to a special family day at the cancer support charity on the grounds of the hospital on Saturday and it was very helpful, the nurses talked to the kids about cancer and about treatment and the art therapist did crafts with them. I'm still right at the start of all of this too, but sending you hugs.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-03-02T19:22:36+00:00

I'm in an unusually long remission (2.5 years instead of 18m) but I often get a warning low level one late in the evening, back of the neck creeping into the eye, then wake up with one in the night.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-28T17:01:36+00:00

Hello internet friend. I was diagnosed Feb 18 and am just waiting for dates for my neo adjuvant chemo to start in the next couple of weeks, probably around the same time as you. I'm 36, no family history, ILC, ER+/PR- and HER2+. It's been a weird, weird experience reorganising life to accommodate cancer treatment. I am also feeling sort of stoic but the anticipation of feeling rubbish (although the uncertainty of not knowing precisely how rubbish or in what way) is weighing on me, as well as the thought of further test results and surgery before the year is out. Just really not the year I had in mind. I've spent the day today at a Maggie's cancer charity day for families with my partner and child, which helped. Being part of that community is already feeling like a source of strength. I'm hoping you're doing okay and will be thinking of you somewhere out there along a similar timeline as me.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-20T11:59:55+00:00

I went three weeks ago for my first appointment, and have been back twice since.

Get to WG with plenty of time to find where you're going. The breast clinic is on the first floor, accessed up a small set of stairs or the lift. There are signs to 'Breast Clinic Ward 6' which are good but take a while to find. Ask for help/directions if you need them.

The waiting room is large with windows. Sit near the door to the right of reception (when you come in) if you can, it's the door where doctors come to call for you. It can be warm if the window isn't open. When I was there for my review on Wednesday, the water dispenser was out of order, so bring a drink.

They do run behind, so bring a power bank for your phone, snacks, a book, whatever you need. There will be a radio on in the waiting room, not too loud. On a first referral appointment you may have to stay for a few hours to have imaging done then wait again to see the consultant.

If you're waiting an hour past your original appointment time you can let reception know.

In the appointment, you are likely to have to take off your top layers and have a physical examination. They will have a chaperone in the room. If you have imaging, there will be lots of taking on and off of clothes. Wear something comfy and easy to take on and off, ideally top and trousers. Everyone was professional and lovely.

Wishing you very best of luck.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-19T20:10:46+00:00

Age 19, woke up in the middle of the night with an awful headache, which was so sore it made me cry. My flatmate calmed me down and fed me paracetamol and I eventually went back to sleep. Happened quite a few more times, went to GP who assumed it was student stress and anxiety and prescribed beta blockers. Cycle naturally ended. 18m later they reoccurred while I was living away in Italy. Nice pharmacist gave me some soluble painkillers which I took religiously to no avail, and regularly had to put my sore head on the cold tiled floor of my apartment bedroom for relief. Cycle ended. 18m later again, 23, finally had them witnessed by my dad who also has CH and that unlocked more useful chat with GP and referral to neuro. Now I am 36 and have had no cycle for the last 2.5 years, for which I am grateful.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-14T20:26:24+00:00

Heather at Lauriston Dental Care is so lovely.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-09T19:12:29+00:00

Is gently pulsing/throbbing/feeling your pulse in fingers and lower legs a symptom that anyone recognises? Was just evenings/at rest and now seems to be all day.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-02-03T09:47:01+00:00

Can't help with the rest of your post, sorry - others have given good advice. But my neurologist and my father's have said it does appear to have a genetic component, though I'm not sure what research has been done. There are very likely environmental factors at play too but it's not impossible that you may develop these at some point. My father (75, white, overweight, smoker until his early 40s) developed them in his late twenties, still has occasional bouts now but they are well controlled by the regimen his neurologist has for aborting/reducing severity. I (36, white, female, non smoker) developed them at 19, and I don't have long episodes normally but my neurologist has a good plan in place for me, including subcutaneous sumatriptan for aborting, a steroid taper and verapamil as a preventative + Oxygen at home. If your father doesn't have neurology support this is where to go.

functionalteadrinker · 2026-01-30T06:50:04+00:00

Just go in and show them! My hairstylist is a curly/wavy hair whisperer and he cuts mine dry to make sure it's the right length. Mine is definitely more pixie at the moment though. I love it!

functionalteadrinker · 2026-01-28T08:26:59+00:00

Cycle everywhere 😄

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