Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Peacock, sorry to hear you are so poorly. Do you have iopen access to the chemo unit ??? If so I would get myself there pretty quickly, you dont want this infection to get worse by waiting for swab results to get back to your GP. If you dont have open access try ringing your BC nurse first thing in the morning HTH Marge ... View more

Hi Longden, know where you are coming from , I am the same. Finished chemo and rads November 06, Iwas really well all through treatments, but I have been to my doctor more times in the last two years than in all my life. Throat infections, eye infections, an abcess, now a frozen shoulder.................! I a thinking that perhaps chemo knocks out all the antibodies you have built up over the years and you have to start over again, like a child Best wishes Marge xx ... View more

Thinking of you today, and wishing you well. I really can understand how you feel, it's like a nightmare relived. I am looking on the bright side for you and willing all to be well Marge xx ... View more

Hi there, I can confirm that this does happen, I had 2 core biopsies which came back negative, but the surgeons were not happy and did a thirt one which was computer guided. It came back positive as they suspected all along.My lymph nodes were clear, but my lump was 4cm in size. I am glad they persevered with the tests, as there is no doubt saved my life. I am now 2 years post diagnosis and living life to the full. I thank god for their skill, and altho it was a tremendous strain at the time, I have gotten over it now I wish you both good luck for tomorrow Marge ... View more

Hi Girls for those of you waiting to see if you get free prescriptions, please get an NHS receipt, not a till receipt, from the pharmacy and if you do get free meds, yu can claim back the amount you have paid Good luck all Marge ... View more

Hi girls , wigs are exempt from vat, there is a form on this page, http://www.britweb-forms.co.uk/akmobility/ or details from customs and excise Marge xx ... View more

Hi Girls i got a lovely wig online at Wigs and Pieces, based in Hull Marge. ... View more

Debs, I can also tell you that I had 6 sessions of EC chemo, after my op, and was never sick at all. I took all the steroids and antisickness pills for a few days after chemo .In fact I was quite well all thro it. Started getting tired after the third session and that got progressively worse with each session. By the time I had finished my 15 rads I was shattered. Just the thought of doing any housework made me ill 🙂 Actually receiving the chemo is not that bad, the staff are all very kind to you, and once the cannula is in situ, it's a dawdle ! You'll do it girl !! Marge xx ... View more

Liz as far as I am aware, over 70's can still self refer, just that they dont get recalled. Altho I am in my 60's I am quiet alarmed at the number of young women posting on this site, there has to be a cause for this in such young people Marge xx ... View more

Elginquine, just to let you know I am a Brochquine. Live in England now tho, but still go home:-) People will think we are mad !! Marge ... View more

Hi Debs, just to let you know there is light at the end of the long tunnel, I am 2 years post dx. Grade 3, 4 cm lump, triple neg, had the complete works ! Now I am on annual checks, just had my 2 year mammo, all clear. I too was terrified at the thought of chemo, I even chose to have it, how mad is that:-) Fear of the unknown is a common thing, but it does get better, i promise. Good luck girls Marge xx ... View more

Sorry you are joining us here, but you will get great support Dynamite. No you are not mad,one gets this sudden urge to put the house and private affairs in order, just in case. You are very normal ! When this feeling wears off I then got the why should I feeling....................like why should I do this or that, I might not be around. Dont worry it gradually wears off. Good luck for your treatments and the days ahead Marge xx ... View more

Hi Techy...............only we can understand the dread that fills our minds at follow up appointments, and it doesn't seem to get better with time 😞 At my last mammo appt I met a lovely lady who was 7 years post dx and she said she dreads every appt.People say dont worry, but thats easier said than done, I look at it this way, if anything is amiss at least it will be caught early.It gets me thro. Good luck ! Hugs Marge xx ... View more

Hi Muddy, I was told to use high factor sun cream, and not to get it burned, I kept in the shade when I went to Cyprus in August it was so hot, but I did get a tan on it, even being careful, be very careful not to get any insect bites !! I wore a compression sleeve on the flight too, but Alicante is not such a long flight have a loverly holiday Marge xx ... View more

Good luck for your appointment tomorrow Dee, fingers crossed for a good result. In my case the biopsy needle kept bouncing of the hard lump, and only drew out good tissue, the docs were not happy with this, and after 3 core biopsie they eventually got the badie. Of course this does not mean that you have a similar problem. Good luck Marge xx ... View more

My condolences to you all Asme at this very sad time. There are times when words are not enough, so I send a big hug to you all. Be strong , and remember all the good times you had together over the years. Please post back in here if you need any support, it is a wonderful place Thinking of you all Marge ... View more

Hi girls, I am now 2 years post dx, whilst I dont feel anger, I feel very unsecure about the future. I remember going into town alone . for the first time after I finished treatnent and feeling very frightened. I could not believe how I felt. Friends and family just think once your treatment is over that's it , you are better, now get on with it 😞 Shame it's not so easy. Good wishes all Marge xx ... View more

Hi girls, I had 6 Ec and tried the cold cap for 3, it didn't work, so I gave up. My hair is very fine, and the chemo nurses told me it worked better on thicker hair i got a wig on the NHS, but also bought one online from wigs and pieces, i much preffered it Hope all your treatments go well, good luck Marge xx ... View more

Hi Lynn, I agree it's been a long break for you to think about your surgery. I would like to wish you the very best for tomorrow.Hope to see you posting again soon, take care Hugs Marge xx ... View more

Hi Irene, the nurse will measure both arms, and probably give you a support sleeve to wear Also advise you on skin care and massage. Till you see her you cah get some aqueas cream and lightly massage it in starting at the top of your arm, then from your wrist upwards, then from the hand. the oncologist described it to me as butterfly kiss movements very light 🙂 I have good and bad days, but my swelling is mainly in my hand. My arm aches too. It may improve, but the plan is for it not to worsen Good luck Marge ... View more