Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Bindy Sorry to hear your struggling with cording. I was given excercises and had 3 sessions of massage which got rid of the cording. It was easy to do the massage myself as well which I think also helped the speed of recovery. It must be worth asking your physio for their opinion on massage. Good luck xx ... View more

Thank you so much for this link. I'm tempted to print it off and take it to the pharmacist who dismissed my request. I knew I was right but it nice to have it confirmed by research. X ... View more

Hi Ladies   I have seen my sympathetic GP and she agreed my symptoms could be due to the change in brand because of the timing of my feeling unwell and I was given another Tamoxifen prescription. I rang round our local pharmacies to try and get Teva again, although not perfect, I tolerated them better than Activas , fortunately I found the last 2 packets in my town. I'm now also waiting for an ultrasound scan to, in the words of my GP 'make sure we're not missing anything'    Thought you all might find it interesting that one of the pharmacists I spoke to told me in a patronising manner that there's no difference in the brands!!! I chose to ignore his comment as the Activas tablets which I guess he's never popped out of he foil have a strong solvent-like smell and taste. Stick to your guns ladies and don't be fobbed off, I think we know our bodies better than anyone else.    Stay cool ladies!!    Wendy x               ... View more

Hi Ladies.   I've been on Teva since October and have had hot flushes day and night. Have considered asking for a different brand. However by chance my latest prescription is Activas. It has a strong smell and taste, has anyone else noticed this. I've been taking it for about 10 days now and feel dreadful. My ribs ache, hot flushes just the same and could fall asleep on a clothes line!!!!   I suppose it could be nothing to do with the Tamoxifen and I could just be coming down with something. I feel like I'm turning into a hypochondriac. Just trying to decide how long to suffer before asking for the medics for advice. And who do you turn to GP, surgeon BCN or onc? I've  an appt in 5 weeks with my onc. Not sure I can wait that long.    Im just at my one year Cancerversary and am waiting for the results of my mammogram, maybe that's not helping with my mindset at the mo' .     Wendy xx      ... View more

Jill. I can empathise. I developed cording after a WLE and SNB. My physio was great and sorted it very quickly. She massaged my arm and pinged the cord quite easily. Be prepared, it actually went with a cracking noise but I hasten to add was not at all painful in fact I got relief from the cording pain almost immediately. I was encouraged to do the shoulder exercises 3 times a day. I had 3 appointments at weekly intervals and was cured, 10 months on and it has never returned. Hope your treatment is as successful Wendy x ... View more

Oh Rose I'm not a regular poster on this thread but I've been following you all. I can identify with this feeling, just helpless. I called the helpline on here and they were wonderful, as if I was the most important person in the world and they had so much time for me. Must say I've moved on from this feeling and think I'm much more in control of my emotions. So hopefully it'll be another one of those phases. I've been through many I blame it all on hormones. Hoping it passes soon for you but definitely give them a call. Big hug if that helps......ah maybe not. Sympathy made me blub too. Wendy xx ... View more

Hi ladies. I've not been ignoring you, I've been away on holiday. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions this is just a great place for mutual support. I've got to say I've come back from holiday in a very different and positive frame of mind ready to move on, all be it with my anniversary mammogram and a little bit of reconstruction to face. The tamoxifen side effects are still there but now my head is in a better place I can cope more easily with them too. Hoping my positive post will help others realise there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you again xx ... View more

I think I've lost control of body temperature too. I've been on Tamoxifen since Oct. Freezing cold one minute then hot flush the next! I'm on holiday in Barbados at the moment and keep getting stared at wrapping my a cardigan around me in the midday sun. But on a better note my Lymphodema has settled down in the heat...strange 😏 ... View more

Lexilou the FB group sounds wonderful but sadly I'm in the Midlands, Staffordshire to be exact. I'd be happy to form a group if there's any interest ... View more

I'll be recording as we are going on holiday tomorrow. I read the C word several years ago before the dreaded C impinged on my life. Lisa was one feisty inspirational lady who had a gift with words I wish I had. Lisa's words often come back to me during my own diagnosis although I've not re read the book, that's the impact it obviously had on me. I totally understand the views expressed here but if the fact that people are aware of the subject of the programme means that it raises awareness of BC and encourages people to check themselves I'm sure Lisa's family will feel her legacy will live on. Anybody who feels they can watch it. I'm sure there'll be tears but also lots of laughs. ... View more

Hi Elsie-Lou. So pleased to hear you're feeling more positive about yourself. Onwards and upwards. Thank you Road Runner for your insight of the future. I identify so well with the feeling fit and healthy at diagnosis and positive about the outcome. Only to come out the other side feeling I've aged about 10 years with every side effect possible. I'll keep focussing on the future and stories like yours do help. Wemblo x ... View more

😳 Elawin. Lost for words xx ... View more

Judi x yep I blubbed after my last rads. Hubby thought there was something wrong, it's nice to know I wasn't the only one. Onwards and upwards. Sending love and strength to all xx ... View more

Sending love and luck to Francine. I don't post on this thread much but follow it. I've loved all your posts and humour esp Francine's snivel club. Hope she's soon back posting again and on the mend xxx ... View more

I was told off for rubbing the pen marks off 😁 ... View more

Cheryl, a tip I picked up on here for my bra line burn was to cut up an old white cotton t.shirt into 10x10 inch squares and put it under your bra. It moulds to the shape and was comfortable. I didn't have the gel dressings just Flamazine burn cream. Is it possible to get more of the dressings? My skin actually broke and over about a month I was shedding skin like a snake, soooo attractive. Good luck x ... View more

I'm undecided nipple wise at the moment, not convinced I want any more intrusions. But good to hear of other people's experiences. I heard of stick on ones, 3d tattoos and like your friend the twisted skin. Undecided . com! ... View more