HELP

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1

I know its early (4-20am) but can someone help please. I was diagnosed with BC 15th Nov, started on Tamoxifen and having WLE this wed. I am due my period in 4-5 days if i am on time. However yesterdy I started withawful pains in both breasts but worse but more so in the effected one. All around the nipple is bright red an inflamed. Is this a reaction to Tamoxifen or should i get it looked to before Wednesday.

Please I scared witless

Linda
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2

Hi Linda
I was diagnosed in Oct and had WLE 2 weeks ago but am not on Tamoxifen. You must be so frightened but the best thing to do would be to try and get a professional opinion. Have you got access to a BCN over the weekend or your Gp.I had my period the week after the op and it was no different from usual.
Until all this started I did not know that there was a 4.20 in the morning.!! i hope you can get some help today
Take care
Hilary

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Hi Linda

I too am not on Tamoxifen so cannot really help. I can only echo what Hilary has said about trying to get a professiona opinion. Do you have GP out of hours cover that you could contact? I would definitely give them a try to try and give you some peace of mind.

Hope you get some help - take care

Margaret x

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Linda,
I had WLE September 25th and have been on Tamoxifen since October 22nd so our circumstances are a little different witth regard to the time scale - I know there are lots of side effects associated with Tamoxifen but so far I have only had hot sweats and have not read of breast pain/soreness or tenderness being an accepted problem - I agree with both Margaret and Hilary - try to contact either your GP or BC clinic for advice asap.
Best wishes
Maddy xxxx

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Dear Linda, I do hope that by the time you are reading this you will have been able to get an appointment to get some reassurance about the redness and discomfort in your breasts. I am writing because just like you I was diagnosed on 15th November, and I am having a WLE in two days. I know that this time is really scary and it is easy to feel that everything is running out of control. I don’t know about you, but I have just been so busy getting things done and also telling people, and reassuring them!!! Do you know what Linda, however horrible this all seems now (and especially in the middle of the night) we WILL get through this, and there will be some kind of normality on the other side of all this treatment - thank goodness for all the support that there is, and I hope like me you will reach out and grasp it with both hands. Please do let me know how you get on, I will be thinking of you. Lots of love and I hope you get a better nights sleep tomorrow. Sarah.

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Hi Linda
I had WLE in Sept but didn’t start Tamoxifen until after op and results. Been on it now for about 8wks with no side effects so far. I was introduced to my BC nurse at my first appointment, I was given her card with day and mobile no. so I could call if I had any concerns. You must check this out, your going through enough at the moment and do not need this extra stress. If you cannot contact either your BC nurse or GP today try the ‘Contact the Moderator’ at the top of the page and I’m sure she will give a you a number to call.
Good luck
Caz x

7

Hi Linda,

I’m sorry to hear you’re suffering some discomfort at the moment. If you need to speak to someone in confidence then do please phone the helpline where the staff here are either breast care nurses or people with personal experience of breast care issues. Unfortunately the lines aren’t open today, Sunday but they are open again tomorrow at 9.am. The working hours for the helpline are Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm. The calls are free, on 0808 800 6000.

Kind regards,
Jo, Moderator

8

Hi

Sorry to take so long to get back, and thanks for the replies
I went to the A&E dept not long after posting my letter and was admitted imediately into hospital

I had suspected IBC but fortunately it was severe infection and I have been on IV antibiotics for 4 days, they let me out today on oral medication, but my op has been postponed for 2 weeks, cos the infection has to be completely cleared before he will do it, in case my wound gets infected.

It has been a pretty traumatic time, and I am disappointed that I cannot have the op yet and this tumour is still inside, I should have had it out yesterday and back home recovering from that,

but I should look on the bright side because the initial diagnosis from what I read could have been far worse

Linda

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Hi Linda

Good to hear from you and to know you’re on the mend. I know it’s horrid having a delay to your surgery, but I hope the two weeks pass quickly and that you don’t stress too much.

hugs

ruth

10

Hi Linda

Just take care of yourself over the next couple of weeks. I had my WLE nearly 3 weeks ago and it is not as bad as I had feared. Better to wait until the infection is cleared up. I agre with Caz, I was given contact for the BCNs on my first visit and it is good to know they are always there
Look after yourself
Hilary

11

Glad you sought medical help Lindsyloo, and that you are now out of hospital.
I had WLE in jan 04.
It’s definetly best to wait for infection to clear up I know its a pain having your surgery delayed, hopefully infection will clear quickly.

Take Care
karen x

12

Hi Linda

Great to hear from you again - although you do seem to have been through the wars even before you begin the battle!

Take care
Love Maddy xxxx

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Hi Linda, glad they have got the infection under control, I know your disappointed but you need you body to be in the best possible health before your op.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Caz x

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Hi Linda
My first op was postphoned for a week and it is a pain but you need to be as fit and well as you can be. Take care and let us know how you are getting on
Best wishes
Hilary

15

Hi

and thanks again for all the messages.
My breast is looking a nice pink now rather than bright red so I guess the tablets are doing their job

I am off to Bruges for the weekend prior to the operation to visit the christmas markets so I am looking forward to that, and to try and put the op out of my mind for a short time, and that helps.

Seabird how are you? have you had the op yet, I have been thinking about you let me know how you are getting on.

Lots of love
Linda
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16

Does anyone come from the north west then perhaps I can compare notes. Everyone seems to be from the south but perhaps I am reading the wrong posts. My first appointment at the BC is on Wednesday. Bit worried!

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Hotmint

I used to in the NW but not in the south, although I do often “go home”

Linda

18

Hi all

seeing the consultant today, to ensure the infection has all cleared up (looks as tho it has) if so op all set for next week

Linda
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19

Good luck Linda.
As I said in my previous post I had the WLE in Sept and I was very pleased with the result. Use the aqueous cream as soon as you can, my nurse advised me to start as soon as dressings were removed and I was able to shower. Keep spreading it over the area it helps to prepare your skin if your having radiotherapy later and also to smooth out the scars. Mine are good and I put that down to a good surgeon and the creaming. I finished my rads on Monday, I had 15 plus 3 boosters. I’m a little sore/uncomfortable but the Dr was pleasantly surprised at the condition of my breast considering I am a 40DD, again I think that’s down to the continual creaming.
Let us know how you get on.
Caz x

20

Thanks Caz

I have sent hubby out to get tubs of it,

I was hoping for a bit of breast reduction Im 42GG lol, maybe he can do the other at the same time

Linda
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