Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Ladies Sitting here with my feet in a footbath to keep me cool. Hot today isn't it?? ☀️☀️☀️ Gill, congratulations on your retirement, I've had the day off today and done nothing except a bit of holiday washing. Just got back from a week in Malta, very hit there too, but at least there was a pool. I think it's difficult to keep yourself motivated when you don't have to get up and go to work. That's not to say I wouldn't like to retire though!! Terrible tragedy regarding the tower block fire. What must have gone through their minds as the fire took hold, it doesn't bare thinking about. I really feel for them all. ... View more

Hi all Saw the specialist this week, she advised that I could go on tamoxifen instead as its a lot easier on the body, plus I can use localised oestrogen with it. Downside is it's a 10 year and not a 5 year drug. I' m going to consider it though, anastrozole really wipes you out. I also told my husband I felt like an old woman and he didn't know how to respond. They really don't understand sadly. I have found that taking the Accord version of anastrozole is kinder on the bones, I don't know why. Dwnie, let us know how if yiu decided to give up the medication and how you get on. I'm sure it's something we've all considered. ... View more

Cath of course I'll write a review of your book. Happy to promote good work. 👍 ... View more

Happy Easter everyone. I've been off chocolate for lent so fully intend to fall face first into an easter egg later. (Once my red wine head has passed!).   Cath, I've finished your book.  I've got to say I was worried to read it as you're such a nice person I didn't want it to be dissapointing. No need to worry as it was brilliant, kept me engaged right to the end, a proper page turner.  You should write for Broadchurch! Let us know when the next one is out.   Sylvia xx         ... View more

Hello ladies   What an intersting thread.  I looked on here because I've been taking anastrozole since November 14 following lumpectomoy and chemo.  I know there is a common thread about joint pain, for me it's my hips, if I get cold at night they get really painful and wake me up. When I get up in the morning it feels like they've rusted.  However I also feel like an old woman (I'm 55 so no spring chick) and some days I just can't be bothered. I went through the menopause in my early forties so I thought I'd done with all that.   I too have been suffering with very dry skin/hair and other places! Spoke to my GP last week who confirmed the other places had atrophied and the only thing which might reinstate them a little would be localised oestrogen, I'll take this up when I next see my oncologist.   My hair is also quite thin, by the comments that have been made on here it looks like that's also down to the drugs. I know they're trialling putting wormen on this for 10 years but if asked I will alsmost definitely say no, unless the stats are so good that it's undeniable.   I just want to stop feeling like an old depressed short tempered hag, it won't all be down to the medication but I'm sure it plays a part.  The oncologist told me that its the first three years on it which are the most important, I'm seriously thinkg of stopping it later this year.  Has anyone had any positive side effects from these drugs??   Sylvia ... View more

Hi Cath, glad to hear your sister's home and the op went well. I also had a drain in for a week and was shown how to change the container. They take them out in less than a week, it depends how much gunk you put in it! Mine was there the full week, I'd probably still be filling it now if they hadn't taken it out! The hospital gave me a little bag to put it in while I was up and about. When did you say your book comes out in print, I'm old school and like turning pages. Can't wait to read it. 📖 ... View more

Cath, I'm sorry to hear that your sisters results revealed another tumour and that she needs another op and chemo. I am sure you will be there to hold her hand throughout the journey and guide her through. Please let us know how she progresses. Big hug to you and your sister. Sylvia xx ... View more

Flossie, what surgery are you waiting for? My lumpectomy and full node removal was nearly 3 years ago and it's still uncomfortable under my arm. I wonder if I'll ever wear an under wired bra again. Where are you getting pain and have you told your GP? Cath, so pleased to hear your sister is making good progress. Not long till book time! ... View more

Happy Birthday Cath, sorry I'm late. What were you doing up at 4.50?? Making your own cake?? Really sorry to hear about your sister but I know you will be her rock. I hope her op goes well tomorrow and she has a speedy recovery. So pleased to see the weathers warming up at last, spring is around the corner. Have a good week everyone. X ... View more

Cath, you're amazing. I will definitely try and download your book. Can we all come with you when you do your guest signings? I had a great plan to keep a sort of humorous diary when I had treatment but it was amazing how quickly I became a couch potato. Best laid plans and all that. I'm so pleased for you. Gill, what a worrying time you've had and I know how you feel. I have a lump caused by a seroma plus scar tissue so have already had mine checked out, I don't know how long it takes for seromas to go. No matter what the experts tell us we'll always worry. Hope everyone is ok and looking forward to a wet and windy weekend. ☔️💨 ... View more

Me too Cath, you never know what's round that corner so make the most of now. Having control of our lives and it not being an endless sequence of hospital appointments is wonderful. X ... View more

I too am doing dry January and for the sake of me can't think why, I don't drink much but not being able to is miserable. 😕 I'm out tonight with work colleagues and I'd love a glass of wine. Must stay strong, my liver will thank me. I'm glad everyone is doing ok. At my last hospital appointment they suggested 10 years on Anastrazol, I'm not keen as I hate taking tablets but they said the resesrch into the benefits is still in its infancy and its a case by case judgement. I think it will be a no from me. Have a good week everyone. Xx ... View more

Evening ladies, Happy New Year to you all, here's looking forward to a good year. Helen, so sorry to hear about your dad. There is never a good time to lose someone close, my thoughts go out to you. Clare, glad your op went well and you're on the mend. I've not heard of 3d tattoos, I'll have to google them. We've been quite quiet on here for a while, I'm hoping that's s good thing. I do worry about the ladies who don't pop in occasionally. Here's hoping they're all busy and getting on with their lives. Here we are about to start a new year. This year was awful for our family so I'm hoping next year will be better. Here's to karma! Have fun tonight whatever you're doing (I'll be in bed!). Happy New Year everyone. Xx ... View more

Thanks Cath. It was a worrying time, back to Google searches I'm afraid! Still all is good now. Weather's gone rubbish here too. Damp but humid. Waving goodbye to summer already. 😢 ... View more

Evening ladies   This is a funny old thread, goes quiet for ages and then there's a frenzy of activity.  A bit like life I suppose!   I'm glad to see everyone is doing well and making the most of life. Its a sad fact that there are others who get this disease who are not as fortunate as we have been.  We had a scare in the family in the last few weeks, my 24 year old daughter had a lump in her breast which thank god has turned out to be fatty tissue.  It was a shocking sight to see letters for my daughter referring her to the same consultant who treated me I can tell you.  However it has turned out OK and she will go back in October for a follow up. Makes me a bit teary thinking about it now actually.   Anyway, apart from that all is good here.  Looks like the weather's starting to slip into autumn, cooler mornings and evenings but I think on the whole we've had a good summer.    Have a good week everyone, glad it's a short one.    Sylvia ... View more

Hey Cath, so pleased you got your mammo results and especially of course that they're clear.  Have an extra glass of everything at your party tonight, and add a coktail cherry or two!   Clare, I honestly couldn't run 5k, I doubt I could run 1K. Mt son is doing a 5k run this Sunday at Newbury for Men Beating Cancer with his work.  He's only started training in the last 2 weeks and he's quite overweight but he's got more aerobic capacity than I have.  In my head I'm Mo Farrah but when I start running I'm more Billy Bunter, everything wobbles, my ankles groan and my heart just about gives up. I need to get fit!   Hbunny, how's your dad now, I really hope he's picked up. Families are funny aren't they, I've got 4 brothers but only keep in touch with 2, one has disappeared from everyone and the other lives in Scotland and doesn't contact anyone, although his wife and kids are on Facebook. Mum's really do seem to be the glue that hold families together.    My hair was never lush and it's still not now, I definitely have more scalp now and my hair's really dry. But I have hair and I'm grateful for that, it's certainly growing fast.   Have a lovely weekend everyone, enjoy the sunshine and look after yourselves. XX ... View more

Sorry Karen, I should have said cousin not friend. I'm an idiot! X ... View more

Hi Clare, that's so weird you writing today because I was wondering exactly the same. I tend to assume that all is good when there are less posts. Karen I'm sorry that your recovery is going slowly. Well done for signing up for the Shine Walk, its such a good cause. I started sponsoring Macmillan when I was diagnosed and they have some fairly adventurous ways of raising money. A trek in Costa Rica looked appealing until I read the itinerary! I'm so sorry to hear your friend has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, and at such a young age. I can't help thinking that modern living and materials play a part in the rise of cancer. 😕 ... View more

Hi Ladies   I agree that it's good to see that our results are coming back clear. I got back from Florida Sunday morning and the hospital letter was the first one I opened, results are 'satisfactory' which is the best they can say.  I would rather have had that news before I went but its good to come back to. Holiday was fab although at times like herding cats because people either stood and asked what we were doing or the youngest would be running off at break neck speed in the opposite direction, which was quite interesting when you were queuing and had to leap barriers. Pesky little monkey. I have come back knackered though and still slightly jet lagged, slept 12 hours straight Sunday night waking at 11.30 am Monday morning. I think I may have been a bit tired! I am finding the temperature today difficult to say the least, struggled to cope with low 30's in the US but struggling more to cope with mid teens here.   And its pouring down!   Have a good week everyone, here's to better weather. ... View more

Well, I was thinking my letter might arrive today and sure enough a letter from the hospital arrived.  I was just about to open it when my husband pointed out that it was for my daughter! Stupid to give her the same initials as me, serves me right!   So, no news is no news. I'm off to Gatwick early tomorrow morning bound for Florida and disney World for 2 weeks with both kids, their partners and the grandchildren. Dreading the flight with little ones but so looking forward to the holiday.   It's that time of year for all of us when we remember the results of 2 years ago and what happened next. But we're all still here chewing the fat so, go us!!   Be good while I'm away ladies. And Cath, make sure you chase up your results!!    XX     ... View more