Hi everyone…Im 53,Got diagnosed in Oct 2011 with a 6cm ER+ grade 2, lymph node involement breast cancer. On my 6th of 6th chemos this friday, then MX and Node Clearence then Rads and tamoxifen. Then hopefully I get my life back!
Feeling nervous about the operation and sick of feeling so tired and not well… is this normal?
Just wanting to chat to other ladies going through this nightmare and to get some positive responses really… Are there any ladies in North Yorkshire that would like to meet and talk?
Hi Christine and welcome to the BCC forums I am sure your fellow users will be along soon with shared experiences and support
I am posting a couple of links to further support ideas including our helpine and information from BCC which you may find helpful:
breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services/ask-us-your-questions/helpline
Take care
Lucy
Hi Christine, welcome to the site and huge Congrats to reaching the final chemo !!
Having only had my 1st on Monday I am having a fighting battle with my mind as it’s constantly saying “I can’t do this”. Have no idea how I will struggle through the next 5 sessions.
So in answer to your questions - Yes ! It’s very normal to feel sick of feeling ill and tired and you’ve done amazingly well to get to the finishing line. Which chemo did you have ?
I only had lump removed and Full Node Clearance (8/19 had cancer). I found the surgery easy peasy compared to the chemo and I’ve heard ladies that had MX say the same. Just remember to do the exercises they give you EVERY day - gently and just as many reps as you feel you can manage, but little and often is the key. I am 5 weeks post surgery and just able to fully straighten my arm and raise it past shoulder level - but NOT dead straight up high yet. So don’t panic if things take time as the leaflet / DVD they give you seems to have woman in it that are like bendy elastic and make it look far to easy 
I will move onto Rads and Tamoxifen later so will look out for your experiences.
Based down south, sorry, but lots of ladies on here who will no doubt be in touch.
Take care - Angie
Hi Christine, I’m a Christine too (prefer Chris though). I’m 49. I was diagnosed with BC in September 2011. Grade 3 5.5cm with 5/17 lymph nodes involvement. I had my mastectomy with lymph clearance in October 2011 and I have just one more session of EC chemo to go. I then start Rads at James Cook Hospital. I will also be having Herceptin and Tamoxifen tabs. Depending whereabouts in N Yorks you are I maybe close by as I live in Darlington.I had no probs at all with my mastectomy but, as previously posted make sure you DO your exercises. The only problem I had, if you can call it a problem was the drainage. My BC nurse had to come weekly for about 3-4 weeks to drain off fluid that was collecting. Take care x
Hi Angie.
Thanks for replying, thats exactly how I felt with my first chemo, I think the steroids dont help, I felt like I was going crazy and sure Id never be able to have anymore. Just bear with it and make sure you talk to people about how you feel.
I had epirubicin (Ellence) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) its not very nice but as long as it kills it I dont care! I hoped my hair wouldnt come out but my the 3rd chemo I lost my hair… I didnt shave it I just left it to come out naturally. Its starting to grow now 
i’ll message you when I start Rads and Tamoxifen.
If you need a chat just message me.
Chris xx
Hi Chris, I prefer Chris too Thanks for repyling, I think i’ll be going to St James in Leeds, Im from the York area. Im also on the EC chemo… Are you planning on a Reconstruction? Im still unsure what to do really.
Thanks for replying
Chris x
Hi Ladies
I have just today had my 7th of 8 chemos. I had x4 FEC and now on x4 TAX. I was diagnosed in September 2011 also.
I too like you Chris have my MX after chemo. I had a lumpectomy back in October in which they found further cancer in the breast so recommended an MX after chemo which I have agreed too (no choice really!)
Its a long road isn’t it…when they said treatment would last a year they weren’t joking!. Have they discussed reconstruction with you Chris1958? - They have told me a year before recon as the RADS can ruin reconstructed breasts long term.
They reduced my steroids after chemo 4 as the weight gain is horrendous, Ive gained 3 stone since October - its very depressing…every time i get weighed Ive gained 1/2 a damn stone 
Sorry I’m not in Yorkshire or Id love to link up.