Hi, new here, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, two lumps left breast, after a routine mammogram in June this year. Ploughed through all the tests etc, had breast conserving surgery on 12th September. I’m seeing an oncologist mid November to discuss the next steps, chemo/radiotherapy etc. It’s really hit me this week how sad I feel, there’s so much I think I need to unpick emotionally about what I’m going through, and I’m not sure where to look for help. Any advice?
And on a purely practical level, and recommendations on a moisturiser that I can use on the scar tissue?
Also, I call my left boob “lil Wonky” because she is. Never felt the need to name body parts before…
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Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling this way - I was also diagnosed in June - had my surgery & currently in active treatment so I can’t say I feel much better! Aveeno tends to be recommended, and they advise if you are having radiotherapy to strictly avoid any product with Lanolin in (for the area that will be having radiotherapy) so that’s one to bear in mind for whatever you do use. Moo goo do some great ranges too x
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Moo goo! I bought their antiperspirant but didn’t think to look at their other products. Thank you, I’ll check them out.
I hope you’re doing okay, I feel like I’ve been on an out of control roller coaster. I’ve had great care from the breast care unit, but it’s been a lot to take onboard. I feel like I’m still spinning!
Welcome to the forum @hawth0rn
I’m so sorry to hear what you’re going through.
There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Your emotions may change day to day or even hour to hour. It’s usual to have times when you feel very low followed by times when things seem more positive.
We have some information on our website about coping emotionally that you may find helpful: Coping with breast cancer emotionally | Breast Cancer Now.
We also run courses to support people to move forward after treatment. You can find out more about these on our website: Moving Forward | Breast Cancer Now.
Please also know that our specialist nurses are here for you - for clinical questions or just to chat. They can be reached on our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 which is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and 9am-1pm Saturday.
Thinking of you,
Lucy
Thank you Lucy. I really appreciate you pointing these things out. I’ll definitely take a look. My brain feels pretty fried, the pre-op stuff was so overwhelming, that it’s only now I’m actually appreciating what I’m going through, I’ve been too busy to stop and think about it before now.
Hello,
Sorry too hear your feeling this way but it’s not unusual to feel like this especially at this stage of the diagnosis. You may feel better about things once you have had the onc appointment in November you will then have a plan in motion. I would recommend going to your local Macmillan centre (usually at the hospital) where people understand what your going through, they may be able to offer free counselling at the centre to help you unpick your emotions. Hope this helps x
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Thank you. @sarahlousie I will find out about the MacMillan services at the hospital where I’ve had my treatment. I really appreciate you reaching out.
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It’s an awful thing to be going through, but we get through it. My radiotherapist told me any moisturiser will do, he never mentioned lanolin, so how do we know what’s OK. I used Cera Ve & was very happy with it, still use it now and again. Hope all goes well.
Thank you @balchik I use the CeraVie face products, didn’t occur to me to look into their body products. I issued some Aveeno this morning and that seems to be ok - was worried about stinging. I realised as well that I’ve a long way to go before I actually touch my scar without being fearful. Thank you again for reaching out.
Hi, I’m lucky, both my scars are hardly noticeable after only 5 months, my surgeon did a really neat job so I don’t really think about them now, but was a little apprehensive touching them at first. Using the moisturiser gets you used to touching the scars.
It’s only been five weeks since my op, so I guess everything still has to settle. You’re right, applying the moisturiser will help me get used to how it feels and hopefully reduce the fear. Time is a great healer, I’ll give myself some time. Thanks for your reassuring words.
Hi lovely, your breast care nurses should be able to point you in the right direction for any physiological help from the NHS . You could also use the breast cancer now help line or Macmillan cancer support help line…they are both awesome.
I used E45 as a moisturiser as my skin was so dry. My oncologist put it on prescription for me which was also a bit of a money saver 
Please be kind to yourself and I’m sending you the biggest virtual hug x
Hi @mrssmiff I’m not so great at looking after myself, but now seems like a good time to try and do better. I am going to get in touch with my breast care nurses and chat to them about the counselling available in the area. Thanks for getting in touch.
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Hi @hawth0rn, sorry to hear you are feeling overwhelmed- completely understandable. Others have given you good a advice here and to a my two-pennies’ worth, I used Aveeno which was fine. I was also recommended Bio Oil for softening scar tissue which helped, particularly on my lymph node scar. I don’t know about others, but my skin was pretty lively and sore several weeks after completing radiotherapy so it’s important to keep up the moisturising routine, whatever you choose to use. I hope you find some comfort in all these responses- you are not alone! Good luck with it all!
Hello @hawth0rn.
Hope you are feeling better, my dear. It’s a long process - but the feelings will fade. I went round the houses on creams, as well as bras. It’s such a learning curve - and not one you ever wanted to climb! IMO the best scar tissue cream was the cheapest - Boots’ own brand scar reduction cream. I add some Vitamin E to it when trying to massage/reduce the scars, because an Australian therapist on You Tube advised it. I bought an expensive one from Cancer.co.uk which was rubbish - don’t go there! Also, as the other ladies say, don’t have anything lanolin-based if you have sensitive skin. After the radiotherapy, I was very sore. Found Aloe Vera a waste of time and money, unfortunately. It was too sticky, didn’t go in and all came off on bras or sheets. The specialists (scar massage therapists) use things like lightly-formulated Coconut oil, and really rub it in, working on the armpit area as well as the breasts, because that will help you with future mobility. Good luck. Don’t forget to do the physio exercises. They start out horrible, but it genuinely, genuinely helps, long-term. Mind-wise, we all get the fear, and the anxiety. If you can get to a Maggie’s Centre you will find lots of help and lovely supporters and specialist advice and events. Likewise at Future Dreams House - but that’s only London, unfortunately. NB At the moment you can type in ‘save 1/3 on Boots Scar Reduction Serum - online only.’ and get it for around £5.50. I’m not paid by them - honest! NB Nicola Jane (bras) has a sale on at the moment…
Thank you @TW142 I appreciate your advice and Aveeno does work for me, I use their shower wash too, otherwise I get very dry skin in the winter. It’s been so reassuring to have people share what they use and to feel not so alone in this. Thank you again.
Thanks @skysurfer (or should I call you Boots!) it’s good to know that there is cheaper stuff out there that does the job! There is a Maggie’s Centre not too far from me, a bit of a drive but I think it might be worth the effort, just to speak to someone face to face. I’ll put that high up on my To Do List. Do you add a the vitamin E from a capsule into the cream?
I’ve still to see what further treatment I’ll need, see the oncologist next month. Right now I’m just here with my wonky boob trying to be kind of normal while feeling strange and uncomfortable.
Talking of bra’s, I’ve pretty much gone round the bend finding something to suit my sensory issues and give me some support. I’ve ended up buying some microfibre bras from Ulla Popken online.