Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hello bishy   Thanks for posting.  Its sounds like you’ve had a particularly difficult time and you’re now having a worrying time as you wait see a GP about breast changes you’ve noticed.   It sounds as though you are going to speak with your GP today. Your GP may feel a referral to the breast clinic for further assessment is necessary but this doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. There are a number of conditions that can cause a lump in the breast, most of which are benign (not cancer). The majority of women referred to the breast clinic have one of these conditions.   It’s natural to be concerned though and it’s important to be sure of the reason for the breast changes. It’s also normal to google symptoms. We speak to many people who do this and we find it’s not usually helpful, as it tends to increase anxiety and cause panic, as you have found. Its best avoided if possible.   What can help, is getting more support so perhaps give us a call here to talk thing through. Our free, confidential Helpline number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Best wishes   Jane   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hello lucylondon82   Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re wondering what the lump might be and feel a bit scared, while you wait for the breast clinic appointment.   As it is hard for GP’s to be sure what the cause of a lump is from feeling it alone, they may need to refer someone to a breast clinic for tests to be sure of the cause. The GP will include information about what they can feel, on the referral form.   It may reassure you to know, as Wonky says, most breast changes, such as breast lumps or breast pain are not signs of breast cancer and are due to benign breast conditions. Sometimes, breast lump that is smooth to the touch and moves easily under the skin can be a benign breast condition called a fibroadenoma.  However, until you have further tests, it’s difficult to know exactly what the term moveable may mean in your situation.   Waiting for a breast clinic appointment can be an anxious time. Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.   Best wishes   Teresa   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread ... View more

Hi Bishy   Thank you for using our forum   One of our nurses will reply to you on the first thread that you started. In the meantime any further comments from other forum users can be posted there too.    With best wishes   Lisa    Co-ordinator   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies.  ... View more

  Hello debbru   Thanks for posting.   I’m unsure why the field of radiation would include the abdominal area. Radiotherapy would usually cover the breast area (plus the armpit if this in your treatment plan) only.   You could contact your radiotherapy team to discuss this as they would know the area of treatment. Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Best wishes   Addie   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hello Cassoway   Thanks for posting   It’s good to read that your recent bone and DEXA scans were normal and you know your hip pain is due to the letrozole you’re taking. It’s understandable you want to know how you’ll find out if your hip pain continues to be due to the letrozole or how you’ll know, if over time, it might be a symptom of secondary cancer.   You won’t usually have routine bone scans or tests unless you have symptoms that need checking. Several large studies have shown having regular scans when there are no symptoms is not useful in finding recurrence and doesn’t improve overall survival. However, your consultant may want to carry out another bone scan or other tests, if your pain becomes worse or changes in anyway, or you develop other symptoms. A DEXA scan may be repeated every two years to monitor bone density, while you are on letrozole.   We always suggest making an appointment with the GP if someone notices any new symptoms that persist, or if side effects of treatment, such as pain, become worse. If you have open access to your treatment team at the hospital, you might be able to make an appointment to see your breast consultant. You could also contact your breast care nurse.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Teresa   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

  Hello Chris631   Thanks for your post. It sounds like you are having a really hard time at the moment. Having news like you have just had can be really shocking and as you say it can feel like your world has come crashing down.   If you are able to do call our free, confidential Helpline so that we can talk this through. The number is 0808 800 6000. We often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Alternatively you can email our nurses directly and we’ll send a private reply or you are welcome to start a new thread.   Best wishes   Rachel   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hello redfox   Thanks for your post.   I wonder if you have had a biopsy when sometimes a small metal clip (or marker) is placed in the breast where the biopsy samples were taken. You should not notice the clip but if you are concerned you can contact your breast care nurse or hospital team.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Alternatively you can email our nurses directly and we’ll send a private reply or you are welcome to start a new thread.   Best wishes   Rachel   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hello jessicaexo   Thanks for posting.   We are unable to suggest what something might be from a photo.   We encourage everyone to be breast aware. Being breast aware means getting to know what your breasts look and feel like normally (for you). This will then give you the confidence to notice and report any changes to your GP. I understand you have anxiety about going to the GP but this really is the best thing to do. The GP can assess the area and may prescribe something to help with the itching and reduce the rash.   As you say the chance of it being breast cancer is very slim. Most woman diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50. It’s still important to find out the cause of a symptom though and it might be something that needs treating.   You might be interested in our mini guide, Taking care of your breasts. This pocket sized picture leaflet describes a number of breast changes to look and feel for; a change could be anything that is not usual for you.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Best wishes   Jane   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.     ... View more

Hello Louise   Thanks for posting   It’s natural to worry when we hear something like this.   Heart problems can develop with trastuzumab (Herceptin). These are a rarer side effect. They are more likely when it’s given at the same time as chemotherapy or if someone already has a heart condition. Any heart problems that do develop usually improve once treatment has finished with the heart regaining its strength and full function.   As the person who performed the echocardiogram said, you will continue to have a scan every few months after your last dose. This usually continues for two years. You may want to make an appointment with your GP next week to talk all this through.   It might also help to get some more support, perhaps connecting with other women who experienced something similar. You can post on the other section of our Forum and may be interested in our Someone Like Me service.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Jane   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hi dani1999   Thanks for posting.   Having investigations for a breast problem can be a worrying and stressful time, particularly if they have told you they are suspicious of it being breast cancer.   When you attend the breast clinic you will usually have a breast examination, a mammogram (breast x-ray) and/or ultrasound scan.  Following these tests some women will go on to have a biopsy.  The mammogram and ultrasound scan are often given a score.  Your treatment team will use the score to help decide if further tests, such as a biopsy are needed. The imaging tests you have had will give your treatment team some information about the changes in your breast.  However, this is usually confirmed once all the tests have been completed and results of the core biopsy are known.   It’s understandable that you are anxious and having to wait two weeks for your results may be a difficult time for you.  You may find it helpful to contact the breast clinic and ask to speak with a breast care nurse or your GP to discuss your concerns as they may have information from the tests you have had.   As Jan mentions, you can call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Louise   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hi jessicaexo   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open until 4pm today if you would like to talk things through.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you   With best wishes.   Lisa   Ask Our Nurses Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer . ... View more

Hi Louise   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open until 4pm today if you would like to talk things through.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you   With best wishes.   Lisa   Ask Our Nurses Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer . ... View more

Hi Debi2   Thanks for posting here.   Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and our Someone Like Me service can arrange for one of our volunteers to talk to you by email or telephone. Our volunteers have had a personal experience of breast cancer and are trained to provide support.   You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0345 077 1893, or email them at SomeoneLikeMeTeam@breastcancernow.org they can then match you to your volunteer.    You can also call and speak to one of our Helpline staff who can put you through to the Someone Like Me team, and who are also always happy to answer any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Best wishes   Catherine   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Sparkydog   Thanks for posting.   It sounds as if you’ve had a difficult time since your operation and it’s unsurprising that you’re depressed and unhappy.   It’s good that you’re seeing a Gastroenterologist as the problems may be unrelated to the operation.   A TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominus muscle) reconstruction and the surgeon uses muscle and skin to replace the breast tissue, so scarring may be causing the discomfort and change in shape.   Occasionally, this kind of operation can cause a hernia (bulging in the abdominal wall where it has been weakened) which maybe causing the protrusion.   It may be an idea to seek an opinion from another Oncoplastic surgeon to see if there’s anything else they can suggest.   I wonder if you’ve sought help for your mental wellbeing. Your GP may be able to refer you for some talking therapies or some sessional counselling to discuss your feelings.   Here at Breast Cancer Now, we offer a variety of services to support you, which you might find helpful.   You’re also welcome to call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Addie   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi PinkSweetpea   Thanks for posting.   It’s difficult to say what’s causing the changes in your breast but it’s unlikely that these symptoms are associated with the biopsy you had a year ago.   Most breast changes are due to benign (not cancer) conditions. However, being breast aware means getting to know what your breasts look and feel like normally (for you) and reporting anything different to your GP.   As you have noticed this change you can make an appointment with your GP to have it checked.   You may also be interested in our mini guide, Taking care of your breasts. This pocket sized picture leaflet describes a number of breast changes to look and feel for; a change could be anything that is not usual for you.   For more details see our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening. Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Addie   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi MysteryMouse   Thanks for posting.   It’s understandable to feel anxious and have lots of questions as you come to the end of your hospital-based follow up.   It’s not possible to say what treatment you will continue on with as this will be decided by your treatment team and is often based on your individual circumstances.  Factors may include; the features of your original breast cancer and menopausal status.    Not everyone will continue taking anastrozole for ten years.  When you see your treatment team they will discuss your continuing treatment plan.  You may find it helpful to look at guidance about offering extended endocrine (hormone) treatment.    You mention that you have been recently diagnosed with osteopenia, it may be helpful to mention this to your treatment team at your final appointment, if they are not already aware. They can then have this in mind when they discuss your continuing treatment plan.   Our mobile app Becca provides information, tips and inspiration to help you move forward. Many people find this particularly helpful once follow up has ended.  The easy-to-use cards give you bite-size information on everything from managing menopausal symptoms to strategies for coping with anxiety. Categories include diet, exercise, mindfulness and body image. You can also read personal stories from people like you who are adjusting to life beyond breast cancer treatment.   You can download Becca for free from Google Play and the App Store. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use the online version.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Louise   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi PinkSweetpea   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open from 9am tomorrow if you would like to talk things through.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you.   With best wishes   Megan   Ask Our Nurses    Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  ... View more

Hi Mandy   Thanks for your post.   It’s difficult to say what’s causing the lump under your dressing five days after your breast surgery. However as the area is red and warm to the touch it would be best to contact your breast care nurse or GP as soon as possible as sometimes redness and heat can be early signs of infection.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Anne   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Chas   Thanks for posting, asking about PALB2 testing.   It’s not possible to say if you had PALB2 as part of your genetic testing.  There is not a standard genetic test used throughout the UK. Genetic testing can use either a single-gene test which looks for a mutation in a specific gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or a multi-gene panel test.  A multi-gene panel test looks for mutations in several genes at once, this test is more likely to include PALB2.    You may want to contact your treatment team or genetics centre where the test was carried out, they will be able to let you know if PALB2 was included in your genetic testing.   You may find it helpful to look at our booklet Family history, genes and breast cancer.   We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Louise   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi SMBW18   Thanks for posting.   As you’re aware, anastrozole can cause a range of side effects. Everyone reacts differently to drugs. Some women tolerate it very well, others do not and it can really impact on quality of life.  It’s good to hear that your symptoms have improved since stopping your medication, and that you are doing this under the guidance of your GP and treatment team.    You don’t mention what dermatology issues you are experiencing, but anastrozole can cause your skin to become dry and some people also report a skin rash.  You may find switching to tamoxifen suits you better.   Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can be helpful and our Someone Like Me service can arrange for one of our volunteers to talk to you by email or telephone. Our volunteers have had a personal experience of breast cancer and are trained to provide support.   You can also post on other areas of the forum for responses from others who have experience of taking hormone therapy.   You may also find our mobile app Becca useful.  It provides information, tips and inspiration to help you move forward. The easy-to-use cards give you bite-size information on everything from managing menopausal symptoms to strategies for coping with anxiety. Categories include diet, exercise, mindfulness and body image. You can also read personal stories from people like you who are adjusting to life beyond breast cancer treatment.   You can download Becca for free from Google Play and the App Store. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use the online version.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Best wishes   Louise   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more