Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello Michelle My quote from TalkToTim was for annual multi-trip cover at £271 including cruising, covering BC and other conditions. Travel insurance is very age-related, for instance if it comes as an add-on to a bank account there is a cut-off point at a certain age, depending on the company. ... View more

I think it was several months before I saw the specialist department that makes them, but as it was 3 years ago I can't exactly remember. As to wearing them every day, there isn't any reason not to, but it does take a bit of practice to get the adhesive in the right place so probably better not to try for the first time when you're hurrying off to work. Once they had the right colour (mixed specially for me) I was able to order replacements, as the edges can tear after a few wearings. I have also got them in "erect" and "soft" versions. (Hope that isn.t too much information!) ... View more

I was offered them by the hospital breast unit.Took a couple of attempts to get the right colour-match, and they do look quite realistic. The only drawback is that you have to wait a couple of minutes for the adhesive to settle before attaching them, but they will sometimes stay on for a couple of days (have to be careful not to "disturb" them in the shower. I don't wear them every day as waiting for the glue to set isn't good if you're in a hurry. ... View more

I was offered the shingles jab even though I'm not within the age range you mentioned. Rang my Breastcare nurse just to check and was told I should go for it. No bad after-effects apart from a sore arm for a day or two. ... View more

Good to hear you're on the road to recovery. I asked about swimming when I had my op. in 2014, and was advised to avoid chlorinated water for a few months as this can irritate and dry-out the skin (where you're meant to be massaging the E45) but swimming in the sea helps the healing process.  Regarding bras, I'm odd sizes too, and I tried underwired padded ones but they seemed to rub in all the wrong places. Have since found M&S post-surgery bras excellent and they are VAT-free. You can buy "boosters" in Primark which may be enough to even you out, but the ones made by Amoena are much better, and the hospital provided me with one to even me out,  which they measured me for, and it feels more natural when worn in the pocket of the post-surgery bra. Haven't been brave enough to go back for a "tidy-up" and nipple recon yet though. ... View more

Has anyone insured with either Cigma or ERV insurance via Talk to Tim  insurance? Have had what seems to be a reasonable quote for Annual cover with ERV but Googled them and they had 2 bad reviews. Some won't cover over 80's with pre-existing conditions, and I've never heard of Cigma. Anothr possibility would be Nationwide FlexPlus account, but not had a quote yet. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks. ... View more

Hello Debra   I had a similar experience just over 2 years ago - it felt like bags of jelly on my back and under the affected arm. I believe it is caused by a build up of fluid and was told it would eventually disperse. The thinking was that it was better not to drain it as this could result in infection. Some of it is still there but I've learned to live with it as I prefer not to have further unneccesary surgery, but if you're really concerned please ask your breastcare nurse for advice just to set your mind at rest. ... View more

I totally agree with Swampy - don't spend all the weekend worrying. If necessary go to A&E, but there should be someone on the ward, after all they must have patients so staff must be on duty. Wishing you the best of luck with recovery.  ... View more

That's good news, so presumably Statins are off the menu? Don't know what the "B" spreads,yoghurts, etc., are doing for my own cholestrol but I've lost over 7lbs since starting the regime and have decided to carry on with it for now. Must be doing some good I think. Best wishes with the chocolate cake - mine's a white wine, but not until after 6 pm! ... View more

I have been on Letrozole for just over 2 years, and fortunately didn't have to have Chemo. I purposely didn't read about s/e's at the start, I was OK for the first 6 months and then prescribed a different form of Letrozole, then I started suffering all the "usual suspects" regarding s/e's and decided I would investigate, and yes, everything I have is contained in the leaflet. After about 12 months I requested my GP to specify Femara and although I still have terrible joint pains in my legs and the dreaded sweats I really feel that everything else is bearable. I've never taken HRT and went through the menopause 20 years ago, and I don't believe those who say it's "all in the mind". On the bright side I should have only another 8 years on the Femara, and feel fortunate to be here at all. ... View more

I have had the same s/e and last cholestorol reading was 7.5. I've resisted statins as one of the s/e's of these is also joint pain and I already have this from the Letrozole. It seems we're in a Catch 22 situation, but I really don't want any more drugs than really necessary. My GP agreed I could go down the route of a certain fruit drink, spread, yoghurt (can't advertise here but name begins with B) and see how it goes. She also agreed it was normal for some people to have hightt cholestorol than others, especially some women. ... View more

Hello Smurf   I had single mastectomy in May 2014 and immediate LD flap recon. I was back on the golf course in about 12 weeks and now the only "difference" is that I have slight numbness in the affected part of my back. I made sure I did all the exercises as required and quickly regained full use of the arm on the affected side. This is only my own experience and of course you must take advice from your breastcare team. I'm in my late 70s and was very active prior to surgery which probably helped with recovery. I wish you luck whatever you decide. ... View more

Yes, I have but hadn't made the connection as it only started 18months after starting the tablets. Have tried several makes but have finally persuaded my GP that Femara suit me best. Have had hot flushes/insomnia/joint pain and mood swings, all of which have been lessened since taking Femara, but still have split nails and "tingly" hands. Hope you can find a make that will suit you better as I don't believe "they are all the same whatever the make". ... View more

Sorry - meant to say "the exercises that you'll be given by the hospital" (mine gave me the leaflet so that I could start prior to the surgery).   ... View more

I had a mastectomy and LD Recon. 2 years ago - just keep on with the exercises, little and often, and the tightness will gradually subside. I was back on the golf course (albeit not the full18 holes) within a few weeks and playing in comps in about 3 or 4 months. You may have to adjust your swing at first but at least you'll be doing what you love to do.Keep swinging those clubs! ... View more

I had mastectomy 2 years ago and lymph nodes removed, together with immediate LD flap recon. I was advised to avoid perfumed soaps etc, and am using Biosen stick deodorant, which seems to be OK (i.e. no adverse comments re: B.O.) and Simple soap (advised also not to use talc, but not sure why). With regard to shaving, I was told to be very careful not to graze the skin because of lymphodeama (spelling?) risk, and am extra careful as I have no feeling under my armpit. I find an electric razor does the trick. Hope this helps. There seem to be so many "dont's" to think about, but am trying to be positive about next checkup in June. ... View more

Hi Anita   I was told that it would be OK (after mastectomy) as soon as I could comfortably wear a seatbelt, so I guess the same would apply to you. Also you have to be able to do an emergency stop. I found it helped to put a small cushion (or a folded towel) between me and the seatbelt for the first few weeks post-op, as this stopped the friction from the belt. Good luck.. ... View more

Hello Aggielou It may be just the inner scarring settling down, but best to ring your designated breastcare nurse who should be able to put your mind at rest. I had MX & LD flap recon 2 years ago and still get the odd "twinge" in my back. Just remember it is major surgery and you need to take time to recover.  Hope you are able to get some reassurance. Best wishes PoppyJ  ... View more