Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi deamo5339   Thanks for posting your question.     Oncologists use a range of things to monitoring your condition and for signs of progression of  secondary breast cancer.     R egular appointments with your treatment team allows them to check how you are feeling both physically and emotionally. They’ll usually ask how you ’ re feeling, if you have any new symptoms and how you ’ re managing your day-to-day activities. This is a really good indicator to help your treatment team to assess your condition and any changes that may have happened, so it’s good to hear that you feel well and have no problems currently.     Most people will have regular scans and blood tests. These may include  liver function tests  and  calcium levels  which may be altered if there is new disease or progression in the liver or bones. However, changes can also be caused by your treatment rather than the cancer itself, so any changes will be checked out further by your oncologist to find the cause.     Some people have a blood test for tumour markers. These are proteins found in the blood that may be produced by the body in response to the presence of cancer. However, it isn’t clear how reliable the measurement of blood tumour markers are. This is because tumour markers can be raised for different reasons such as other health conditions or the treatment for these.     For some people tumour markers may be normal even when breast cancer has come back. If tumour markers are raised at the time of diagnosis, some oncologists may choose to continue to check them regularly. If they are used, tumour markers are a very small part of monitoring your overall condition and are not often used on their own to make decisions about starting or changing treatment.     Living with secondary breast cancer can be overwhelming.  It can be hard to know what to think, where to turn to for support, and even harder to find anyone who really understands what it feels like to live with the diagnosis.         We provide a number of  different services for people living with secondary breast cancer  aimed at providing both information and support.    Our Helpline team are here for anyone diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. They have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and/or signpost you to more support and/or information.       Do call the  Helpline  if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.        The number is  0808 800 6000  (Text relay prefix 18001).       If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this  form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.   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   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our  Privacy Policy         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 Neetneet Thank you for your question. Although it’s not possible for us to say if it’s safe for you to use a vibration plate, we know exercise has a number of benefits for people with breast cancer. It’s important to gradually build up the amount you do. Many women after breast conserving surgery use a supportive bra while exercising. There are many ways to make physical activity an enjoyable part of everyday life. Before starting any type of activity, including using a vibration plate, talk to your specialist team or GP. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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   Grete   Breast Cancer Now Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy   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 neetneet 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. Jayne Ask Our Nurses Administrator ... View more

Hi @purpleworld  Thanks for posting.    It’s understandable to worry that you may have caused something to happen to the area under your arm when you were getting dressed.      It’s difficult for us to say what the popping sound may be, but as you mention that the burning sensation has gone, and you haven’t noticed any fresh blood on your dressing, it sounds like you may have just stretched your arm too far when you were putting your top on.       I wonder if you have a follow up appointment soon with your treatment team as you mention your surgery was only a few days ago.  If you haven’t done so already it may be helpful to let your breast care nurse or treatment team know as they may want to check your wound.      Our booklet  Your operation and recovery  has further information that you may find helpful to read.     We offer a range of free  supportive services  that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.       Do call our  Helpline   if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.        The number is  0808 800 6000  (Text relay prefix 18001).       If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this  form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.       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   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our  Privacy Policy       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 deamo5339   Thanks for your post. You ask about the  tumour marker   CA27-29  and it’s reliability.     Tumour markers  are substances that may be produced by the body in response to cancer. Many different tumour markers can be detected in a blood sample.      It isn’t clear how reliable  the measurement of blood tumour markers are. This is because tumour markers can be raised for different reasons such as other health conditions, or their treatment. For some people tumour markers may be normal even when breast cancer has come back and for others they may be raised for other reasons.  Measuring them can cause unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance.      Tumour markers are most commonly used when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer) to monitor the effectiveness of  secondary breast cancer treatment . Doctors tend to use a series of results rather than a single result.  If tumour markers are raised at the time of diagnosis, some oncologists may continue to check them regularly.     If the cancer responds to the treatment, tumour marker levels often decrease from the initial level. Increasing levels may indicate that the cancer is not responding to treatment. A scan may be useful to check this as your doctor has suggested in your case . However, when used, tumour markers are a very small part of monitoring your condition and are not often used on their own to make decisions about starting or changing treatment.     Being told you have secondary breast cancer can be completely overwhelming.  It can be hard to know what to think, where to turn to for support, and even harder to find anyone who really understands what it feels like to live with the diagnosis.     We provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support.         To ensure people still have access to support and information whilst our face to face sessions are suspended, we have developed our  Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Online programme and virtual meetings.     To register for the online programme, virtual meetings, or both complete our  online registration form.   Alternatively, if you have any questions about the programme or virtual meetings you can contact us on  secondaryservices@breastcancernow.org  or 0345 077 1893.     The Helpline ,  Ask Our Nurses ,  L iving with Secondary Breast Cancer Live Chat  and  online Forum support services  are all still running as usual. If you have any questions please email  NRC@breastcancernow.org .   Do call our  Helpline   if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.      The number is  0808 800 6000  (Text relay prefix 18001).       If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this  form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.       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   Rachel       Breast Cancer Now Nurse       Please read the  Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our  Privacy Policy         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 Crooky   Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you are concerned about your blood results especially after your experience with your husband.    You explain that you have a  high ferritin   and other blood results that have come back abnormal. These tests are usually connected to your haemaglobin (which is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood).    As you are worried, it sounds as though it would be a good idea for you to contact your GP to arrange a phone consultation so that they  can talk through these results with you.      Do call our  Helpline   if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.    The number is  0808 800 6000  (Text relay prefix 18001).   If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this  form . Ticking the box agreeing to a call back.       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       Rachel       Breast Cancer Now Nurse       Please read the  Ask Our Nurses disclaimer   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our  Privacy Policy         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 Crooky  Thanks for posting your question. We hope to be able to respond to you on Monday. In the meantime our Helpline is open between 9am and 1pm tomorrow (Saturday) 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 Service Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy ... View more

Hello N Thanks for posting. Some women do find they experience heartburn and acid reflux after radiotherapy . Drugs like omerpazole can often help, although you mention the acid reflux has improved but not the heartburn. Tamoxifen can cause nausea rather than reflux or heartburn but everyone can be affected differently. As you are still having symptoms do speak to your GP again. You could ask to see a different GP. It sounds as if one brand of tamoxifen suits you better than an another and this is something we hear. You could ask your GP to ask if this brand is included on your repeat prescription. Also, the above link to heartburn and acid reflux has tips and information about what else might help (or cause) these symptoms. You could also contact your treatment team at the hospital or have a chat with a local pharmacist. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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   Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Jen Thanks for posting asking about medication you can take for allergies whilst you are taking tamoxifen. There doesn’t appear to be any reason to suggest that you can’t take Piriton or cetirizine hydrochloride for your hayfever alongside your tamoxifen. However, we would always suggest checking with your GP, treatment team or pharmacist before taking any medication. You might be interested to know that we offer a range of free supportive services. For more details about these services, please see the information on the link. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy ... View more

Hello Mermaid It sounds as if you may have a seroma that developed over the weekend. I imagine you have contacted your breast care nurse by now, or perhaps left a message for her. Sometimes the post op exercises may need adjusting if a seroma develops and your breast care nurse can advise you on this. Hopefully, the pain relief is helping. As Michele mentioned our Helpline is open on a Saturday morning. And if you have any concerns, over the weekends or out of usual hours you can contact 111. Many women who have surgery to the lymph nodes notice a range of different sensations under the arm including the tingling you describe. We have more information in our booklet  Your operation and recovery. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Here is information about our other services. Best wishes Jane Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 purpleworld Thanks for posting. It can be worrying to think that your breast cancer surgery may be cancelled due to having high blood pressure.  However, it’s quite common that people have high blood pressure at pre op and are asked to liaise with their GP for this to be checked and managed if necessary. Sometimes blood pressure is raised because people are worried and anxious about their diagnosis and treatment.  Others may have consistently high blood pressure which they weren’t aware of, but which needs to be managed with medication before surgery can safely take place. It doesn’t sound like your GP has started you on any medication, if they have this should help bring your blood pressure down to within normal limits.  If they have arranged to check your blood pressure again and it remains high, they may suggest you start some medication. However, as you are concerned about the situation, it sounds as though it would be a good idea to chat to your breast care nurse about what has happened. You can then get further advice from the treatment team on what needs to happen next to minimise the risk of your surgery being cancelled. You might find it helpful to call our Helpline to talk this through more or ask any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.   The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001).   If you would rather a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy   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 Liswa Thanks for posting Any prescribed medication such as the iron you are taking should continue unless your GP or treatment team advise otherwise.  If you haven’t already done so, do let your treatment team know that you are being treated for anaemia.  They may want to check this regularly while you are undergoing treatment. We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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 Eve Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy   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 jinksy It is natural to worry about surgery when you have a diagnosis of breast cancer. Before your operation you will have a pre-assessment. This is to check your overall health and go through your planned surgery. You’ll usually be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic shortly before your surgery date, but sometimes this assessment is done once you’re in hospital for your operation. The assessment may involve a number of tests including a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to assess whether you are fit for surgery. A severe infection or serious heart or lung problems may stop surgery going ahead. As you are worrying that you may have other possible health issues talk it through with your breast care nurse and at your pre assessment appointment with the nurse. Pre assessment is a good opportunity to ask any questions and make sure you understand everything. They will be able to talk to you about the situations where surgery may need to be delayed or is not advisable. You’ll be asked about any medication you're taking, and any allergies you have. If you smoke, you may be asked to try to cut down or stop smoking to help your recovery from the anaesthetic and surgery. If you drink alcohol you may be advised to reduce the number of units, you drink. We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free Helpline 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. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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 Helen Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Rosemaryanne Thank you for posting. It’s natural to wonder what to do about the new changes that you have noticed with the itchy nipple and surrounding area of the treated breast. We cannot say what is causing these new symptoms. Breast and skin changes can happen following surgery and radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer.  However, we would always suggest that you get any new changes checked. It sounds as though this is a new change but for peace of mind you can contact your GP to get this checked. If concerned, the GP can refer you back to the breast clinic for further assessment. As Tilli says, you will not be wasting anybody’s time. It’s important to get to know how your breasts look and feel so you know what’s now normal for you. This will help you to feel more confident about noticing changes and reporting them early to your GP. You can read more about this in our booklet After breast cancer treatment: what now. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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 Grete Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Impatience Thank you for your questions. It’s good to hear your arm movements are nearly back to normal so soon after your mastectomy and you may already be doing your exercises after breast cancer surgery. You're likely to have some pain or discomfort after surgery and it’s still early days. Many people experience pain, numbness and a burning sensation as a result of temporary damage to the minor nerves under the arm and scar area. Electric shock type pain is often related to nerve pain. Regularly taking simple pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, either as a tablet or applied to the skin, may help. If it doesn’t, let your hospital team or GP know. They may suggest stronger medication such as antidepressants or anti-epileptic drugs, which have been shown to help with nerve pain. It’s difficult for us to say how long your pain will last, but hopefully it will improve over the next few weeks. However, some people have lasting pain in their breast, chest, arm or armpit for months or even years after they had surgery. If you are not already aware of our services, we have a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. At times like this it can help to talk through how you are feeling, so do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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 Grete Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Vtach Thank you for posting. It sounds as if you have a few concerns with your breast. Its good to see you reported these to the GP and were referred on to the breast clinic. The specialist doctors and nurses at the breast clinic are trained and skilled at knowing what types of breast changes need further investigations. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare type of cancer but will often come up when people search breast symptoms on the internet. It might help to talk this through with your GP. The breast clinic will write to your GP with a summary of your appointment and their findings. You could ask to go through this letter with your GP. You are also welcome to call us and talk this through. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Please be aware our Helpline will be closed on Monday 31 May due to the bank holiday. Best wishes Jane Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 ibarker99 Thanks for posting. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will worry about their outlook (prognosis). There are a number of different factors that influence the risk of a cancer recurring (coming back) and survivorship. Once your surgery is complete, your treatment team may use an online tool which uses information about you and your breast cancer and estimates how different treatments after surgery for early invasive breast cancer might improve survival. Women with HER+ breast cancers and cancer in the lymph nodes usually have chemotherapy and targeted therapy as part of their treatment These drugs are given to reduce this risk of recurrence and can be very effective at doing this. Many women with this type of cancer will have successful treatment. The best person to speak to about what you can expect is someone in your treatment team. They have all the details of your individual situation. Speaking to others with a similar diagnosis might help. You can do this through the other sections of our Forum and our Someone Like Me service.  Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Please be aware our Helpline will be closed on Monday 31 May due to the bank holiday. Best wishes Jane Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Janet Thanks for your post. It sounds like a difficult time. You may be offered different options, including reconstructing the nipple or nipple/areola tattooing.  As your surgeon has explained suitable options for you will need to be discussed in detail when the area has healed. Lipomodelling is a technique which uses fat taken by liposuction from one part of the body (usually the abdomen, hips or inner thigh), and is injected into the breast. Whilst this would not be considered big surgery it does involve a general anaesthetic and you may experience some bruising and pain in the area the fat is taken from. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more detailed information for your situation. It’s understandable you felt overwhelmed and didn’t ask any questions at your appointment yesterday. It’s disappointing when a nipple graft fails, and further surgery is being considered. If you have a breast care nurse it might be helpful to call them and have a chat about what has happened and how you are feeling Talking to someone who has had a similar experience or procedure can often 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 someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org,so they can then match you to your volunteer.  Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Please be aware our Helpline will be closed on Monday 31 May due to the bank holiday. Best wishes Val Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 Lewjak Thanks for your post about lymphoedema and exercise. Research shows that physical activity is a good way of managing the swelling associated with lymphoedema because moving the muscles encourages lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area. Although you may already use your arm actively in your everyday life, extra exercise may help reduce discomfort and tenderness and keep your joints supple. It’s usually possible to carry on doing any sports and activities you did before you developed lymphoedema however, if you are new to an exercise you should always start slowly and work up to the full intensity over the days and weeks. If you’ve been fitted with a lymphoedema garment, always wear it when you’re exercising or when you’re very active. This will help you get the best results from the exercise. You may find our Facebook live video on lymphoedema useful to watch and you can find this on YouTube using this link. The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) and MLD UK also have some good resources on ways to manage lymphoedema. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Please be aware our Helpline will be closed on Monday 31 May due to the bank holiday. Best wishes Rachel Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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 deamo5339 Thanks for posting. It’s understandable to worry when you experience new symptoms. It’s difficult for us to say what may be causing the pulsating in your head and neck but we would always suggest that any new persistent symptoms are checked by your treatment team.  It’s reassuring to hear that your blood pressure, thyroid function and blood sugars have been checked and they are within normal limits.  You mention that you have been taking Faslodex and zoladex for a year, so it is less likely that these drugs may be causing your symptoms. A less common side effect of Faslodex is headaches and although you don’t describe it as such, I wonder if this may be a possible reason for your symptoms. If you haven’t already done so, it’s important to let your breast treatment team know about your symptoms so that they can assess you. As you had a hysterectomy nine weeks ago and your symptoms started a couple of weeks later it may also be helpful to contact the team who did your surgery to let them know about your symptoms. You may be interested to know that we provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support. Our helpline team are here for anyone diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. They have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and/or signpost you to more support and/or information.] At times like this, some people find it helpful to talk with others who are going through a similar experience.  We have a secondary breast cancer online discussion forum for sharing information and support.  There is also a weekly Live chat session which runs on Tuesdays at 8.30-9.30pm.  Both services allow people to talk over their experiences and offer support to each other.  To ensure people still have access to support and information whilst our face to face sessions are suspended, we have developed our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Online programme and virtual meetings.  The programme enables you to access specialist information and share experiences, understanding and support with people who are also dealing with the uncertainty and challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Do call our Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000 (Text relay prefix 18001). If you would like a nurse to call you do complete this form. Ticking the box agreeing to a call back. 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. Please be aware our Helpline will be closed on Monday 31 May due to the bank holiday. Best wishes Louise Breast Cancer Now Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer  Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy 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