Breast Cancer Now Forum

Marie glad you got your chemo dates through hope it makes you feel your now making progress and things are on the move. Redcap I will Survive sounds great thats the only way to think about it. Angela xxx ... View more

Got my lovely wig it really does look great and feels almost normal. So came away feeling pleased. Also spoke to my nurse on the way out as the salon is in the hospital. See said they are trying to get my MRI asap as they still want to start my chemo next week. Spoke about the ultrasound results and she let slip that she thinks I have nothing to worry about. Its because I was dx with BC they need CLARIFICATION which is a word they keep using if I didn't have BC they would probably have left it at the ultra sound.So who knows what to think. Hopefully will get an appointment over the weekend. Am I correct in thinking that if your tumour is a grade 4 and nodes infected then you run the risk of the the cancer spreading or is that just a myth. I was a grade 3 4 out of 18 nodes infected with clear margins from the chest wall because I had an mx and node clearance.The doctors were sure that the scans would come back fine and I had nothing to worry about because the mx went well. I bought some Baches rescue remedy not sure its working yet will have to give it time. Angela xxx ... View more

Thanks Melrose15 and Redcap. I will certainly try that remedy. Redcap try not to get to down although I know where your coming from. I have been looking at the chemo as my security net it will help to stop it coming back. Try to be positive, giving positive thoughts right back at you. Angela x ... View more

Thanks Melrose. It certainly is distressing and I do know I am over reacting but part I me thinks you just never know. The nurse said the same that the trials demand a full picture and it is better to get the scans out of the way. She also said that if the consultant said it is indicating hemangiomas and in his opinion is doesn't think it is related to my BC then they don't very often put there necks on the line, if he thought it was cancer they usually just go quiet. So eneryone is reasuring me but I could do without this MRI. Got to go now the boys have got to go to school. I will keep you updated. Keep well. Angela xx ... View more

Hi everyone. Got back from the hospital yesterday after an unexpected ultrasound on my liver. The consultant has found something that he believe to be in is opinion a Hemangiomas non cancerous usually go un detected and does not normally require treatment. In his report he said all its characteristisc were suggesting that is what it is. However because I have BC they have to 100% sure so he is sending me for a MRI. So I am now scare stiff even though they say it is not indicating cancer. But they could be wrong which to me is why I am having an MRI. Can't bare much more of this. Got a wig fitting this morning not sure if I can go.xx ... View more

Hi Morweena. Your a star. I've been busy googling and I am sure they said hemangiomas and the consultant described it in the same way. So i understand why I need an MRI because he had problems finding it on ultrasound and it was small. My crazey mind needs someone like you to put things into perspective. You are so brave dealing with your conditions and I suppose everything we feel we relate back to cancer. I am so glad you can see light at the end of the tunnel now and can only believe I will to. I am very grateful you have taken time out to listen to me and research, thanks again. If you ever need anyone to sound off to or just have a good old moan don't hesitate to post me. Big hugs. Angela xxx ... View more

Thanks Wattie. Your right and I know they just want to get it right for the trials that makes sense. Thanks for talking sense and letting me let of steam. If you ever need the favour returned don't hesitate to post me. Big hugs Angela xxx ... View more

Hi Wattie.Thank you for your lovely post. I know my mind is going into overdrive and i am not thinking straight but all the way along the doctors have been positive about my BC and that helped me to think I can beat this but an MRI seems so scarey. Everything that was said to me today just isn't registering and I can only think the worst. I am sure they are doing this just to cover all basis but you just never know. I am sure their are many people out their in my position worry the night away. My nurse said I need to be positve and that they are doing this because they have to be 100% so that I don't have to go through this again.Everyone else makes sense so why can't I. She said that if I hadn't had BC then the ultrasound would of been enough normally but the BC means they have to take it a step further.The joys of cancer. Thanks for listening to me again. Angela xxx ... View more

Thanks Morwenna. Just sat and had a little cry reading your post, needed to let it all out. i suppose I just needed someone else who has actually gone or going through this to talk some sense. Your right i think counselliing would be a good idea. Im starting to think I have over reacted and should listen to what the consultant said otherwise he probably wouldn't of said it and wrote it in his report. I wish I had wrote down the name of the word beginning with a H feel so silly not knowing now.How did you cope with the possibility of secondaries ? I've just got to grips with my BC. Hope the MRI comes quick then I can deal with it. Thanks for listening you have been a great help. Lots of hugs.xxx ... View more

Just come back from having an unexpected ultrasound of my liver. Came back that the area had characteristics of something beginning with a H which isn't cancer. But because I have been dx with BC they have to send me for a MRI scan to get conclusive evidence. So to me it could still be cancer. Consultant doing my ultrasound said that in his oopinion he thinks it is unrelated to my BC but because I have had BC again he has to send me for an MRI for 100% evidence. Spoke to nurse who confimed what the consultant said and is trying to get in for my MRI asap. She did say that cancer usually shows up on a ct scan and an ultra sound so I need to be positive because it pointing towards this other thing beginning with a H which is nothing and something most women have and doesn't need treating. So am I over reacting again or am I looking at secondry cancer. I don't know who to believe or what to think can't bare the thought of cancer in the liver. Im 43 with 2 boys I want to see them grow into adults not watch their mum becoming worse and worse. Sorry for the rant head all over the place. Angela x ... View more

Hi Everyone. I would really like to join the May moonbeams. Just come back from the hospital having lots of additional tests because I am joining a trial. Got to go back again this afternoon for my ultrasound on my leg because the ct scan wasn't clear (so after going into a mad panic phone my lovely nurse) I was then told that the problem was beniegn non cancerous and had nothing to worry about is just for the trials information. So onwards and upwards. I'm looking at starting treatment next Thursday or Friday. The hospital is being really good because I go to Scotland in May for a week so they are trying to time it around my break. I agree with everyone the sickness is really bothering me I am a big baby when I feel sick or be sick so any helpful tips are gratefully recieved. I thought I might try wearing a cold cap but my onc has said they do not allow them at the hospital because chemo treats the hole body including the head and their is the possibility that the cap will stop the chemo getting through. So tommorrow im of to have my wig fitting and hat and scarve shopping. Part of me can't wait to get started (is that wrong) because I just see this treatment as prevention, stopping the cancer coming back which is a good thing. I am 43, had a right breast mx about 5 weeks ago, the mx was my choice because I didn't want to take the chance of not getting clear margins (which was a good choice because they found 3 more non cancerous lumps). I hope I can be of some help through this next step in treatment although I am sure I will be asking for everyones advice lots and lots. I hope we can all stay positive as much as we can and at the end of September the chemo will be behind us. Lots of Luck to everyone Angela ... View more

Hi Morweena, Thanks for your post. I do struggle at times with myself and people do say in time I will settle more. The trial they are conducting all the tests for is called The Aphinity Study. It is a study of the pertuzumab drug which may be given with my chemo and Herceptin. I say maybe because it is a blind study and a computer decides if I recieve it. Iam told it is being given to those with primary BC and are HER2 - positive at present it is only given to those who have secondary cancer.Its good to hear someone elses persective on the trials and it does confirm I am doing the right thing. I understand about those first 5 years and reoccurance but at the moment I still have treatment to consentrate on. I hope your treatment continues to go well and that our security blanket continues to get us through. Lots of hugs. Angela ... View more

Is there anyone that can give me some advice please. I have been asked to go on a trial during my treatment (had mx,start chemo x6 next week,herceptin,rads.tamaxfen 10years). Iam having various tests for the benefit of the trial and one of them included a bone scan. The scan has come back with something showing on my right leg but the results say it is benign. Although I know the meaning of benign I still had to ask the nurse does that mean I have not got cancer in my bones. She said that was the only area where there was not a clear picture and it has come back as benign but because I am entering the trials they need a clear picture but means I do not have cancer in the bones it is likely to be old damage (I have had a couple of car accidents) or a bad picture. However I still have to go for an ultrascan so they can see what it is. I know I am reading into everything and everyone says it is a good thing that Iam in a trial, I can help the studies and they will watch me like a hawk. But do I want to be watched this closely if it means I jump to conclusions at every moment. My onc is very postitive about my future (even said we want a cure out of you, of which I said was not possible and he precided to give me a good talking to). I am 43 and both my surgeon and onc have said the treatment I am having is proofen to work and they expect me to be here for the next 20 30 years and beyond and that because I am young, healthy then I capable of taking this type of treatment.So why am I not believing what everyone tells me. Is there anyone that is on a trial or has knowledge of the trials. Am I doing the right thing or will I carm down once my treatment starts. My nurse said I will feel better when my treatment starts (a little more in control). She said it was understandable that I felt like this and that I could ring her any time (she is very good, as is everyone at the hospital). Sorry for the rant but I would love hear from anyone with any advice. Thanks for reading and listening. Angela ... View more

Hi Polly. Your treatments sound almost identical to the treatments I am about to start and I am also 43. Not looking forward to the SE but glad to see there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for your post. ... View more

Hi Redacp. Had my results on 12th April after surgery. Tumour removed and two more pre cancerous lumps removed but clear margins to the chest wall.I had a right breast mx. They found 4 out of 18 nodes infected so I now have to have a bone x ray and CT scan but they have reassurred me that this is just procedure at the hospital because if they find 4 or more nodes infected they have to follow procedure (the consultant didn't seem concerned and felt that although there are no guarentees he was confident all the cancer had been taken and he has been spot on with dx all the way through so I trust him) . I now have chemo, rads and hormone treatment (Herceptin) to look forward to and have my appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday to discuss this and possibly going onto a trial. My consultant has said not to be afraid of the treatment coming my way because in his many years of experience statitics show that ladies go on to life healthy 20yrs 30 yrs and beyond. Doing the maths I am 43 now so I could life to be well into my seventies. I know everyday isn't going to be a great day on chemo but I do know I am having these drugs to stop the cancer comimg back. I have a year of treatment coming my way but I have a great team of medical staff behind me( in Stoke on Trent), fantastic friends, Wonderful family, two boys that make me laugh and give some normality and finally a husband that has never doubted that I can beat this ( and many many many poeple do go on to beat this ). Chemo isn't going to be the best part of my life but I will find ways to ease it. Look forward to the good days, go shopping, go walking, be with people you love to be with look forward to your next holiday. This has been a wake up call for me. Life is to be enjoyed in whatever way is best for you so grab every moment. My nurse has said that not all ladies get side effects and if they do they don't get them all. I am most worried about the sickness because im a bit of a babylike that but she did say I will loose my hair which I expected, so me and the girls are going shopping for scarves and lunching at the same time (OH has said will shave head to,he's mad). I will leave you alone now(written an essay) but any more info and experience I gain I will pass on if that's ok.This isn't what you or I expected to go through in life but we will come out of it at the other end. I have heard so many positive storties since my dx you can't help but be positve yourself.Don't be to afraid there are lots of good,kind people out there to help you through this. Good luck and hugs xx (Angela) Elliedog ... View more

Hi Littlescoot, Haven't been on the forurm for a while but just caught your posting. Hope the pain has eased by now and your feeling more yourself. I have been drained once so far and the nurse told me they don't like to drain unless you are really uncomfortable and in pain. So I still have some numbness under my arm and a build up of fliud which I am trying to cope with. I have an appointment on the 12th April for my result from my mx surgery so I will ask them if they can drain the fluid or should I just bear with it. I find my exercises help a little but by the evening I am ready for my PJ's and just sitting down because not moving seems to ease the nerve pain running down the back of my arm and ribs by my wound (although my wound is healing well). My BCN said the sensitivity is the nerves re-contecting and with time this will ease and not be afraid to take my pain killers. Thats my experience so far and it seems I am not alone. Hope you start feeling better soon. Lots of hugs. xxx Angela (Elliedog). ... View more

Dear Littlescoot, Justs read your latest posting.You should be rejoicing. Its all gone. they caught it. I am not sure how the technology . you have excess to works but I do know that if your surgeon is positive then you have good reason to be happy. Some times I think we are afraid to be happy,but this is good news. You can get on with your treatment and then get on with the rest of your long life. I go for my appointment 12th April but the surgeon has already given me an idea of my treatment and that includes chemo. So we might be going through the chemo at the same time (any tips are gratefully recieved). The rest is now do- able, lets do it with a smile. Lots of hugs. xxxx Elliedog. ... View more

Hi nanniereeree, Hope you don't mind me posting but i had my right breast mx and node clearance on the 21st March 2013. I came out the next day with a drain, my hospital doesn't like to keep you in. I felt better coming home was able to move around and rest when I wanted to. I agree with everyone exercises are important. Although I haven't complete movement and my wound is still numb and tight I can pretty much do normal stuff around the house(though the drain is a pain to carry around but that comes out tommorrow). I to took brief looks at my breast to help me get my head around what has happened and I can say that I can look at myself now with acceptance. It was my decision to have the breast removed not just the lump, for a little peace of mind so I knew this was something I was doing to save my life. Plus I have the most understanding husband that you could ever hope for that having one breast really doesn't matter to him. One thing I do find at the moment is that I get cold very quickly and not sure if that is because I of the operation and my body is busy healing or just because it is freezing out there. But when I get cold that makes me feel low so moving around and keeping warm is a must for me. Keep smiling and laughing it certainly works for me. This is just a blip that we will get over and continue with a healthy life. Lots of hugs. Elliedog xxxxx ... View more

Hi Littlescoot, Not sure if my last post went through doesn't seem to be showing up.Glad to hear your doing well. I came out on Friday with a drain in which I still have in unfortunately but otherwise feeling better than I thought I would. I feel like a weight has been lifted and ready for the next stage. Spoke to my BCN nurse and she mentioned possibly going on a trial that would run along side my treatment but we will talk more about that at my appointment in a couple of weeks.Otherwise feeling positive I hope you are to, before your know it time will have moved on and we will be feeling more like ourselves. Keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on. Lots of hugsxxxxx Angela ... View more

Hi Littlescoot. Its good to hear how well you are feeling. I came home the next day after my right breast mx and clearance. I to was surprised how well I felt (even though the anacestic made me sick)very quickly. I still have a drain in and the nurse that comes everyday said she would like it to stay for a couple of more days, but I can cope with that. I feel a little numb under my arm and a little down my back this evening but im guessing thats probably normal but I will ask the nurse tommorrow. I am in total agreement with you, I feel different now it is over like a burden to some extent has been lifted. Although the consultant has given me a good idea of the treatment to expect (chemo with herceptin,possible rads) I feel I have got over the biggest hurdle. The consultant was very positive which was a first becasuse he certainly doesn't mince his words. I feel like I am starting to take control back with the help of my lovely positve husband and family and friends. This cancer may of invaded my body without me knowing but there is no way it is coming back. The nurses were even telling me about all the fantastic reconstructions that can be done now. Although I know that is some time down the line it is something I would like to consider. I hope you keep feeling positive because its good to hear. I read you mentioned using a cold cap for chemo I wonder if you could post me what you think about using one because i don't know anyone that has used one and how well they work.Please keep in touch and let me know how well your doing.We've both got of to a good start so lets keep it up. Happy recovery and lots of hugs. Angela (elliedog) xx ... View more