Breast Cancer Now Forum

Thanks for invite Gill, but won't be bringing George - had to give him the old heave-ho this morning - getting too clingy. ... View more

Helen is sorry she couldn't get to Pina's soiree last night but she was a bit busy snuggled up with George Clooney, cranberry bellinis and a box of Milk Tray - perhaps next time. ... View more

Helen ... thinks Louise should get those swarovski crystals stuck on asap. Vickie ... is the twinkly little star your son? He's so gorgeous x ... View more

Helen ... is so excited cos she's just made her first hair appointment in a year! Vickie ... think you could request to be a flower girl at the very least. ... View more

Hello Grace Just wanted to put your mind to rest about the endoscopy. I had one a couple of years ago and was terrifed. They asked if i wanted sedation which I did. They injected the drug into my hand asked where I worked and can't remember anything after that, till I was asked if I'd like tea and toast! Don't be frightened it really isn't worth it. Are you on Tamoxifen? - I've noticed an increase in acid indigestion since I started on them. Hope all goes well for you xx ... View more

Helen thinks ... if Silly Gilly is the same age as Naughty Nigella she's giving up healthy eating! ... View more

Helen was really hot in bed last night! Lol ... View more

Hi I really understand how you feel - however loving & supportive family & friends are, it helps to talk to someone who 'really' understands. I hope I can answer some of your questions. Re chemo - you won't have to stay away from your children - I was advised to not be with people who were unwell as the immune system is comporomised. It depends what chemo you are on I was on FEC + TAX - hair started to fall out about 10 days after 1st treatment. I had bought a wig and scarves beforehand so that I was prepared. I had a bilateral mx with immediate reconstruction and my OH saw it within minutes of returning from theatre as surgeon came to ask if I wanted to have a look - didn't have much choice and most of the staff on the ward asked if they could look too as they'd not seen a bilateral reconstruction before! Not much help to you I know but I would advise you to show your OH as soon as possible so that it is one less thing for you to worry about. Your OH sounds lovely and he is possibly bothered that you don't want to show him. I noticed that my OH hadn't touched my reconstructed breasts so I asked him why and he said he was frightened of hurting me. Of course you're not being vain - having BC means losing all your womanly 'bits' - I still feel sad at the loss of my hair. I was told to wait 6 weeks before lifting/pushing/pulling/driving. - very difficult! If you have one side reconstructed the surgeon can operate on the good side to match though this is often done at a later date. I'm not sure how long you have to wait. I live in the North so can't help about surgeons though I'm sure someone here will be able to advise you. I googled breast cancer reconstruction surgeons and there are websites that give info on doctors qualifications, experience, specialities etc. Re mammograms - that is something that has been worrying me - I'm going to ask that very question today when I see my surgeon. Hope this helps a bit - Sending lots of hugs x ... View more

Hi Poppy There's load of info on the Holiday insurance Sticky Thread in Living with Breast Cancer - Employment, travel and financial issues. Hugs x ... View more

Oh wow that's fantastic news - I'm so happy for you both xx ... View more

Helen ... is taking advantage of new beard to apply for post of santa at local grotto. ... View more

Wish I had as much on head ... trying to encourage growth upwards! ... View more

Just wait till you start growing sideburns ... I'm dreading mine meeting on my chin to form a full beard!!!! ... View more

Hi Theresa My Onc was happy for me to go to lanzarote a week after chemotherapy no3. He advised me to be careful eating out - no uncooked food or icecream in particular, no swimming in pools or the sea and to wear a high factor sun cream. I took all details of my chemo (I have a little red book - do you?) but know of some people who have taken a letter from their Onc in case they need to see a doctor abroad. I was as careful as possible on the plane - I took antiseptic wipes for tray, chair arms etc, hand gel, kept sniffing First Defense and had a scarf for wrapping round face if necessary. Everything was fine and it was so lovely to be somewhere different, where nobody but my OH knew I had BC, so I could just be me, if you know what I mean. I came home feeling stronger and brighter ready for the next lot of chemo. Unfortunately our flight home was delayed by the ash cloud - typical! I was told missing one week of chemo wasn't a problem, but I went to the local hospital just in case I was delayed any longer and would need chemotherapy. The staff were brilliant - spoke perfect English - many of the BC/chemo terms are the same or similar anyway - and all costs would have been covered by the E111. Personally I'd say go for it - some sun in January will be brill. Sending you big hugs xx ... View more

Hello Tanar I'm so sorry that you have to make this decision. I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders last January. I can only speak from my own own experience but I am so pleased I made that decision. I felt that once under the anaethsetic I might as well have everything done at once and it was so good to wake up with breasts even though they were very small at first! Some surgeons aren't happy to do an immediate reconstruction if you are having rads but in your case this wouldn't be a problem. Whatever you decide I wish you well. Look after yourself Hugs xx ... View more

What wonderful news - I am so happy for you! xx ... View more

Hi Like you I was bothered about taking Tamoxifen after reading all about the SEs. I've been on tablets for 2 months now but, like Tors, am keeping fingers crossed as I say I haven't noticed any difference. Think got all menopausal symptoms when periods stopped after 3rd chemo ie 2 stone weight gain - AAAAgghhh! hot flushes, sleepless nights, achy joints etc. Now I'm feeling stronger I'm starting an exercise regime to lose the weight - Can recommend the BCC exercise DVD it's really good. Don't think the hot flushes are as regular or severe as during chemo and I'm starting to sleep a bit better - could be down to new memory foam mattress topper I bought when started to get so achy though! Hair is growing back thicker than ever so no problem there either. Am a bit emotional at moment but put that down to end of active treatment and feeling anxious. There is a thread on here about different brands of Tamoxifen and their effects _ I'm taking Generics which I believe is the cheapest brand but as they seem to suit me I'm not tempting fate by swapping. Good luck - hope all goes well for you too Hugs xxx ... View more

Haha love the flasher stories - I was sat in hospital bed stripped to waist waiting for doctor when bloke walked in - thought he was a doctor till he started to change the light bulb above my head!!!!! ... View more

Not shallow at all ... as they say 'Look good, feel better' I've not had a professional spray tan but used the L'Oreal spray and Dove lotion with fake tan all through chemo and since - any thing to get rid of that ghastly pallor! I had no problems at all and looked so much better. I've not had rads though so not sure about that. Get spraying and look gorgeous for your big night out xx ... View more

Karen - Oh you've brought back memories of how I longed to be able to lie in a deep bubble bath! Deed - thanks for the advice on vit E capsules - will use that when I have reconstruction in January. xx ... View more