Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Lisa. I had mastectomy 2 years ago, and about 6 months ago I had exactly the pain you’re describing. Thought I was having heart attack too. It happened twice within few weeks and so had myself checked out. Wasn’t anything - just nerves and muscles. Haven’t had it since. Prob worth you getting doc to just check. Debbie x ... View more

Hi MiniDriver! I had mastectomy April 2016. Path results showed bit of cancer on sentinel node, so had some nodes taken out two weeks later. Didn’t need chemo or radio but put on daily anastrazole and monthly zolodex injections. February 2017 had oopherectomy. Don’t need zolodex now. My joints are still pretty stiff and I get hip and knee pain. Totter downstairs in the morning clutching bannister! Don’t know if I’d have been worse if I’d stayed on zolodex, but I think oopherectomy was right choice for me. Debbie x ... View more

Yes - definitely normal! Debbie xx ... View more

Hi Peanut - I had a mastectomy May 2016 and sentinel node had macro-met of cancer - I didn't have chemo or radio, just hormones. Every one is different. Debbie xx ... View more

Hi Runnerbean! Hi I'm sure you're husband and family will know that you're not fine! You're in a horrible time - waiting for results is the worst! But you will get through it. I'm a year post mastectomy now and last year feels like a nightmare! Whatever your results are they can be successfully treated. You'll get your head round it and feel a bit better when you get your treatment plan. Then one day at a time. Sending hugs. Debbie x ... View more

Hi Warrior84. I've been on anastrazole for about 15 months. I too was on zoladex injections until February this year - then I had ovaries and tubes out and so no longer need zoladex. I have quite a lot of hot flushes and am quite stiff in my joints (although they actually seem a bit better now). I'll probably be on anastrazole for 10 years. Overall not feeling too bad on it - sleep was not good for a while but is fine now. I take my anastrazole in the morning. I had a bone density scan which showed I have osteopenia (which isn't as bad as osteoporosis) but isn't great as anastrazole weakens your bones so I now also take a calcium and vitamin d supplement. Debbie x ... View more

Hi Claire. I'm a year post single mastectomy and considering recon. Looked at options and more or less decided not to bother. If I was going to do it I would have diep even though it's the most complicated - have you had nipples made, and do you have feeling in your boobs? And how is the scarring? Thanks. Debbie x ... View more

Not sure why it says"emotional content"! Must have hit wrong button. ... View more

Z Hi! I am now growing a nice little beard! I've tried waxing, but that doesn't work, and plucking, which it's hard work and fiddly and brings me up in spots. So now I just shower and shave in the morning! Who's to know?! Did try electric but a Venus razor much better and takes half a minute. Debbie x ... View more

I had one at Northwick Park, Harrow. Debbie x ... View more

Hi Judith. It's a year on and I just read your post. There was an article about this type of reconstruction using pig skin (Braxon) in the Daily Mail 11 July. Were you able to have it done? I had a mastectomy a year ago without any skin saving etc. Wasn't really informed about it at the time. I've looked into other types of reconstruction and had a meeting with plastic surgeon, but I don't like the sound of them! This sounds much less intrusive, but I suspect it's too late for me. Debbie x ... View more

Hi u2girlie. I'm a year on now. In May 2016 I had a left mx. The onc and surgeon weren't expecting to find anything in my nodes but I had a tiny bit of cancer on my sentinel node. So a couple of weeks after mx I went back for node clearance. Nine nodes were taken and they were all clear. I haven't had to have chemo or rads and just take anastrazole now for prob next 10 years. Life is back to more or less normal which I wouldn't have thought possible this time last year. Debbie x ... View more

I was told not to drive for at least two weeks (I had mx). Debbie x ... View more

Hi Feelthefear. I'm a year on now after left mastectomy and lymph removal. I've never regained feeling under my left arm so shaving is a real problem as I'm terrified of cutting myself. So probably best if you don't worry for the moment and wear long sleeves! I now use an electric razor very carefully. Debbie xx ... View more

Hi Flyingarcher. Hopefully by now you're better at both ends! But, if not, I had a really chronic sore throat after my op - which went on for about three months (of course I thought I had threat cancer) and also totally bunged up down below (of course I thought I had bowel cancer)! Actually went to see specialist about throat, and he assured me it was ok, prob caused by tube down throat, and my onc told me the bowels were because of the anaesthetic. Everything fine now (my onc is a very patient man!). Debbie xx ... View more

Hi Fee. Hope it went ok today. A big step on your road to recovery! xx ... View more

Hi Fee. Know what you mean about the doctor, I felt the same after my first visit to GP after diagnosis etc. I think we get used to them telling us it's nothing to worry about, so when they look all serious and sympathetic it comes as a shock somehow! Likewise when friends cry or tell you they're going to pray for you! (All mean well, of course). I had left mastectomy May 2016, didn't need chemo or rads, just anastrazole for next 10 years. Life back to more or less normal. Debbie xx ... View more

I should mention that my husband's work insurance paid for the test, but I know that lots of ladies have it on NHS. xx ... View more