Breast Cancer Now Forum

Oh wow cath well done on that result (not so much on the infection) !!  What you wrote made me chuckle.  I too would be so focussed on getting that t-shirt, just to prove to everyone (and myself) that I can bloody well do it!  I look forward to you getting it. 🙂   I'm doing well, thank you.  2nd FEC was ok as I knew what to expect and now on day 9 feeling pretty good.  I've been doing walks - did 9k on Tuesday and will probably do similar today.  The fabulous weather helps.   I love that this part of the forum is called Hope and Inspiration.  This thread has given me both, along with the chuckles.   Argy xx ... View more

Thanks Delly.  I think we're on the same page 🙂   I agree that yes, methods do change all the time (thank goodness for progress!) and yes, hospitals do offer different options (although NICE guidance states that all reconstruction options should be discussed with patients even if they aren't available at the hospital concerned). ... View more

Hi cath just popped in to see how you got on in your 10k?  And to ask how you're feeling about getting back to work and leaving all this behind you.  Sending lots of love. ... View more

Hi Evie-S,   I've had single mastectomy and lymph node clearance.  I'm 10 weeks post surgery and I have all shoulder/arm movement back and the scars are settling.  I know exactly how you feel; it's very easy to get worried about surgery because the clinicians have to explain all the things that can happen, some of which are pretty scary.  However many/most of these complications are rare and the great thing is that nowadays there is almost always something they can do about it, if it happens.  With lymph node clearance the most dramatic risk is lymphoedema, but now they can transplant lymph nodes from elsewhere in your body to help manage lymphoedema if you are unlucky enough to get it.  I know someone who had this done.   I believe the most important thing you can do to help yourself is to be very, very strict with yourself in following all the advice you are given around exercise, massage, healthy eating etc.  In particular, the sooner you start to do the exercises, 3-4 times a day, the quicker you will get movement back, which is really important for recovery and avoiding lymphoedema.  I know it can be difficult as I'm going through chemo and some days I really don't want to do anything, let alone exercises!   Best of luck with your treatment and wishing you a full recovery. ... View more

Wow Runningfree that could have been written by me!  Even though I'm at the early stages of treatment these are things I've been thinking about.  I have so much admiration for women who go through this and have children to look after - mine are young adults and have been looking after me in many ways.   Wishing you all the best for a bright, successful, fit and cancer free future - so, just as you were! xxx ... View more

Yes lots to consider Carole M.  I've found it valuable to ask lots of questions, be comfortable to ask clinicians to repeat things and have a friend with me who I can bounce things off later.  Best of luck with your treatment.   Delly I don't think anyone has suggested that expanders are a permanent option. ... View more

Congratulations Runningfree!  How are you? xx ... View more

Hi Carole M.  Sorry for butting in - just thought I would add that I have what you are describing.  The implant does contain a certain amount of silicone, as well as an expander that gets gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin.  It is "temporary" so when I have my final reconstruction (probably next year) it will be replaced.  I could have a "permanent" silicone implant but more likely I will have a breast made out of my own tissue, either from my back or my inner thigh.  I think the strattice will remain to support the final item.  The important thing about the temporary implant/expander is that I will have radiotherapy after I finish chemo and that can cause damage, so better to damage a temporary implant than damage my own tissue.  Hope that helps!  ... View more

Thanks Kiki!  That's really useful to know - so glad for you.  All the best. xxx ... View more

Good morning running buddies!  Sorry I haven't been back to say hi - I hope you're all ok.  I'm 7 weeks post surgery and at the mid-point of my first FEC chemo.  Doing fine overall; I've been blessed with an amazing physiotherapist who totally understands my goals around fitness and has worked really hard.  I've got great arm mobility in spite of nasty lymph vessel cording due to node clearance.  I haven't been able to run because I have a tissue expander & implant which is still settling in but I've been power-walking instead!  The power element has reduced following chemo but I'm hoping to ramp up again before the next cycle.  You lot are still inspiring me - as well as the lovely weather! xxx ... View more

Hi Cartwheels, I think I'm just a day or two behind you!  Started FEC on 23rd.  I've been washing my hair normally (so every 2-3 days) and so far no changes.  It looks pretty bad as it's about 2 months overdue for a cut & colour but I thought there was no point going to salon as I'll lose it anyway.  I decided against the cold cap and have bought a wig which I'll probably alternate with turbans; I'm keeping an open mind!  I've been told the hair will probably start to fall out soon after the next chemo.  My son has agreed to do the buzz cut if & when I want it... xx ... View more

Hi there Surrey.  I'm not much further ahead than you - only had one round of FEC so far.  My tip would be to remember that everyone responds slightly differently, so perhaps when folks say to you "you'll feel this on day 3 and that on day 8", take it with a pinch of salt.  You will only know how you react when it happens to you.  Good luck. ... View more

Agreed Cartwheel it is strange waiting for side effects!  My face feels a bit sunburnt this morning which I seem to remember reading about.  I'll have to go back and read up on what to put on it - don't want to do the wrong thing!  Otherwise no nausea last night just up every 2 hours to wee - I went a bit overboard on the "drink lots of water" advice! ... View more

Hi RuthElizabeth - I'm a couple of days behind you!  Same regimen, same kind of side effects and drugs galore.  Last night was my first and I didn't sleep very well but I think that was a combination of anxiety, hot flushes and breakthrough nausea.  I can't work out whether to eat or not!!   Best of luck to you and I look foward to comparing notes! xx ... View more

Thank you blueash I think I'm getting the hang of this now  ... View more

Hi everyone,   I will be a March starter - seeing oncologist this week and will start next week.  Already had single mastectomy and will have chemo and radiotherapy.  Cancer was hormone positive and HER2 negative with lymph nodes involved.  I'm actually not bothered about losing my hair - I have more unwanted than wanted hair nowadays!!   I'm new to the forum - can anyone tell me how to mark this thread so I can find it again?  Thanks! ... View more

Hello runners!  Just dropped in to say surgery went well and I'm one week post-op, hoping to get my drains taken out today.  About 3 nights ago I had a little dream where I was walking along and broke into a little jog.  It made me laugh when I woke up 🙂   Just re-reading RunningFree's posts here and on her Cardiff half marathon thread gives me so much hope and inspiration, even though it seems a long way off for me to get back to fitness.  ... View more

Thank you very much RunningMum13 and RunningFree.  I went for a last blast 13k yesterday and it felt fantastic!  I think I'm partly trying to convince myself that if I can run that far and it feels so good, the cancer cannot possibly have spread.    Best of luck and all good wishes to all of you. xx ... View more

Thank you RoadRunner.  I saw my breast care nurse for the first time this morning and she was totally supportive and helpful about this.  Made me feel so much better! ... View more

Hi everyone I just wanted to say that this thread has made me cry!  I've been running for 6/7 years and love it.  Having Mx on Friday followed by chemo & radio and was thinking I'd have to give up something that's guaranteed to make me feel good.  Your posts have convinced me otherwise!  Thank you all so much.  I had SNB a few weeks ago and went for a run on Sunday for the first time in ages.  Did 13k and felt awesome - I hope to do another one tomorrow as a last blast! ... View more