Hi. I’m new to this so not sure if I’m in correct place or not, but would love to hear others’ opinions.
I was diagnosed in July 2013, while I was 8 months pregnant, with grade 3 ductal cancer,HER2+.
I had left mastectomy, followed by 6 courses of chemo and 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Still getting herceptin til December this year.
I have experienced pretty much all symptoms from chemo, but one thing I have had persistently since before the chemo started, is pain/burning in my healthy breast!
I’ve been so worried about it and feel like it’s taken over my life! I have been examined by 3 GPs and 2 breast consultants over the last six months and mine have been concerned. They are putting it down to my hormines and changes from having a baby and the hormonal effects of the chemo, which totally makes sense, but I can’t help but worry about it ! I never experienced pain in my breasts before so is really frustrating. Has anyone else had any similar experiences? Also, my consultant told me that it would be better to wait til all treatments were finished, including herceptin, before getting a reconstruction. I have spoken to lots of people I met at treatment, and most have had mastectomies and reconstruction at same time ! I am wondering why my case is different. She told me that she didn’t want to put my body through too much at the one time, which I get, but why do it to other people? Sorry for the rant ! Just really frustrated and would really appreciate any input !
Thanks x
Hi katfish and welcome to the BCC forums
I am sure your fellow users will be along with support for you, in addition, our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you on 0808 800 6000, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturday 10-2 so please feel free to call to talk your concerns over
You may find some of the other support ideas from BCC helpful such as ‘Live chat’ and ‘Younger women together’ forums, you can read more about about these here:
breastcancercare.org.uk/younger-women
Take care
Lucy BCC
Hi Katfish,
I don’t have anything to offer re the pain in your breast except to say if they were worried they would have sent you for scans and talked to you about it.
I wanted to get in touch as I was also diagnosed in pregnancy and understand how tough that is so my heart goes out to you. I hope your baby is doing well and you are coping as best you can.
Xx
Thanks princesspea for the reply! I appreciate your situation. It is really tough but time is a healer as they say. Luckily I have an amazing partner who has been here the whole way and has looked after me and the kids so amazingly! Having a great support network and your child is a great thing to focus your mind on and help you get through this tough time!
I’m available for chats anytime!
Take care and keep well x
I know exactly how you feel, it’s like the best of times and worst of times at the same time!
I only got diagnosed in October 13 when 24 weeks pregnant. My gorgeous baby girl had to be delivered early but didnt suffer any issues as a result thank god and is thriving. I have a 6 year old son who has kept me smiling and a wonderful husband who is my rock.
I can take all the treatments/ surgery and SEs what I am struggling to deal with is the heartbreaking fear of not being here for my kids.
My BC was also grade 3 and although they got it all I’m so worried that it might of sneaked off somewhere to appear at a later date!
I guess that’s what we all have to live with now and we just have to live in the moment as best we can.
Let me know if you have tried anything that has helped you deal with emotional side!
Xx
Aw I totally know where you are coming from! I live with that fear every single day! But I’ve just been telling myself,'what’s happened has happened, and what will happen will happen and I can’t change that! So I might as well try and be as positive as I can and try and move forward for now! I feel like ever since this has happened, I constantly getting pains everywhere in my body and then thinking it must be cancer and stressing myself out! I am at my gp a lot! But luckily they are very understanding and have said if reassurance is all I need then fine! I’m back at breast clinic in August for my 1 year mammo, so hopefully it all goes ok!
I hope your treatment and everything goes smoothly! But just remember Snd take it easy and just try and enjoy your kids as much as you can, as they are great for taking your mind off things. I do still have emotional outbursts but, I think that’s only natural and I just need to let it out and I feel much better after.
I hope what I’ve said has helped you in some way, and am happy to chat whenever!
Speak soon
Katie x
Hi Katie,
Thank you for replying. I feel exactly the same re having lots of new aches and pains and also on the phone to my GP a lot. She says I need to do some nice things like reflexology etc to help relax and just generally take it easy as I have had chemo, c section and masectomy v close together, already had zolodex and letrozole now and rads to go.
You sound like you have the righ attitude as it really is out of our control and we can’t let it spoil the ‘now’. I feel so blessed to have my beautiful kids and must stay positive for them.
It meant a lot hearing a bit about your experience as its similar to mine and it can feel like you’re the only one.
Good luck and sending positive vibes to you!!
xxx
Thanks princess pea! Don’t get me wrong it’s so easy to just burst into tears at the drop of hat, which I still do a lot! But as you say, the kids are the main thing to focus on and help us through this bad time! It’s funny how even when something as awful as this happens, we still have our duty to protect out kids, as we are the ones that they rely on for strength and guidance! It does help to keep busy, and the idea of nice relaxing things sounds a great idea! I need to take on that advice myself! Thanks for your good wishes and I wish you all the best of health and luck x
Thanks Maryland xxx