Breast Cancer Now Forum

I am sorry to hear about your loss. A difficult time without the added whammy of your diagnosis. Good luck for this afternoon x ... View more

Hi, going back to work can be so difficult. Do you have a colleague at work that you like and trust who would meet you outside and walk in with you? I assume you will be on a phased return to ease you back in. Sending lots of positive thoughts. X Stella ... View more

You're welcome Gill, this cancer lark is a lonely dark place at times, that is why this forum is so good. Dogs just know when we need a cuddle. My lhasa, Izzy has been amazing and not once jumped up at me since I had the SLNB back in October she just snuggles up to me. Izzy for about 6 weeks kept licking my other halfs chest, we didn't think anything untoward just thought it was a new craze. He had a heart attack in July, now fully recovered, and she has not licked his chest since. We are convinced she knew it wasn't working properly and hence licking to try to heal him. Stay positive and let us know how you get on. X Stella ... View more

Lots of positive thoughts. This journey sure does hold many unexpected side routes. X ... View more

Matty, I too was worried I would never "feel" again on the implant side, without going into detail lol had a special hug with my other half the other night and there was feeling! I was so pleased because to me that means it is settling into my body x it does get better, every day a little bit easier x ... View more

Must be really scary. The waiting as I'm sure you know is the worst bit. Sounds like the surgeon isn't too concerned. Hang on in there and I am sending lots of positive thoughts for a good result, Stella x ... View more

I had immediate implant placed under the chest muscle using my own skin as a sling. I was very, very large breasted so plenty to use! I also had reduction to the healthy breast. I am happy clothed but they do differ a lot in size but I am on diet and hopefully the reduced breast will get a bit smaller, although based on my previous experiences it is unlikely to get much smaller. The mastectomy side is a thicker scar and no nipple freaks me a bit when I look. I personally hate having to massage the scars which make it all too real. I think the emotional wobbles are down to reality sinking in about what happened so quickly. Routine mammogram was on 4th Sept and surgery 4th Dec, luckily I had DCIS, a pre invasive cancer contained within the ducts so no further treatment required. I get annoyed when I can't do what I want to do because I'm either too tired or sore. I still have very slight area near nipple on reduced breast that still bleeds a little. I now find it is just enough to place a piece of gauze over nipple to keep it clean. I want to be able to sleep on my right side, but that is my implant side and it just isn't comfortable yet to do so. The implant every day feels more like part of me rather than a foreign body. The electric shocks and sunburn feelings get less every day but still manage to make me catch me breath sometimes. Sorry, I have rambled on haven't I lol quick answer yes, I'm happy with appearance considering I had no choice and wobbles are down to a bit of everything. stella x ... View more

Thank you for sharing. Strength and change often arise after adversity. X ... View more

My heart goes out to you. Men, usually in my experience are more selfish I'm afraid and don't deal that well with having to be the strong emotional one in a relationship. I know I worry my partner may take a similar route too as I don't have the energy at the moment to support him emotionally. I am sure you will get lots of conflicting advice? My Advice, for what it's worth, is to think long and hard before you throw the relationship aside. Searching for "Sex without strings" sounds like he wasn't looking to replace the love just satisfying physical needs. Some relationships can go on to be stronger but it takes a lot of mental energy. If you separate that too would take a lot of energy. Only you know how much you love your man and whether or not you can forgive and move on. I wish you lots of strength to get through this and hope your scans are clear. X ... View more

Out of surgery 2 months almost and still feel I'm close to the top of the roller coaster! Physically, very well but mentally still tad wobbly but doing ok. Glad surgery went well for you x ... View more

I had GA in October and again December and I am so emotional at the moment. I seem to recall feeling the same after my hysterectomy and gall bladder operations. I too know I have got off very lightly, compared to many on here, I try to feel grateful and look for the positives but sometimes I just can't fight the lows. I personally tend to give in, have a duvet day then rise refreshed the next day. Just take each day as it comes, it will get better x Stella ... View more

I just kept scrubbing away, 2 or 3 separate washes each time, I was distraught lol I could cope with wonky scarred boobs but not BO. I then started researching online about 3 am, as you do and found others had experienced the same issue. I just wish the professionals would warn us about such issues. X ... View more

Just a warning, I was told by staff nurse in hospital to use cold setting only on hairdryer as area can be numb and could easily burn skin. X also re stinky, a few of us had that awful BO smell even after a shower after lymph node surgery. IMHO I think the sweat glands may get disturbed. The good news is it does go away after a few weeks. X ... View more

It is horrible waiting and worrying. Understandable, that you are scared. My family was riddled with cancer on my fathers side so I appreciate where you are coming from. Can you reach out and join a support group so you can talk these fears through. On a positive note at the moment all is clear, the fact you are being seen at 6 monthly intervals means if they find something it will be dealt with before its had a chance to take hold. Sending virtual hugs x ... View more

Good news Sarah, you needed some to boost you. Take care x ... View more

Thank you Dee, I am sort of ok! I am now 8 weeks post op and a bit lost at times. I don't think I will ever get my head around having to have a mastectomy for non invasive cancer. I know all the reasons why I had to make that decision. Still, I'm currently clear of abnormal cells and so grateful it was caught early enough that I didn't have to have other treatments. DCIS treatment is likely to become a wait and watch approach as research pinpoints those areas that will become invasive and those that won't. For those that follow I hope the answers come along quickly. It sure is one hell of a ride and one day I may be able to get off the train lol. Take care x Stella ... View more

It makes such a difference if the assistant is helpful and understanding. I can't wait to buy some really pretty sexy bras. I am struggling with the scarring at the moment and the awful side boobs, which are going down but think I may need them "tidied" by plastic surgeon as they are uncomfortable and catch. I believe they are called dog ears. I also seem to have an extra puckered fold of skin in the bottom of the cleavage area on the mastectomy side which looks awful but ok in bras. I still like my new smaller pert boobs but would give anything to have my old complete body back, big and droopy they may have been but I had them a long time. Sorry, but feeling a bit down about it all at the moment, I just hate having to massage the scars, I am so squeamish it makes me feel queasy. Anyway, hope everyone is well and getting on ok. X ... View more

Hope surgery went well and they got clear margins. I had no choice as my DCIS was too large for lumpectomy. For anyone facing this dilemma in the future I would always advise try the lumpectomy route firstly as a mastectomy is such a drastic step especially for a non invasive cancer. Also be guided by the professionals they normally do know best. X ... View more