Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello Sar_ah Thank you for posting your question. Dizziness and headaches are known side effects from Prostap   and usually improve over time. Vaginal discharge could be related to menopausal symptoms and is a common side effect from hormone therapies but could also be a sign of other problems, such as a thrush infection, so it may be helpful to discuss this with your GP to rule out any other causes. It is quite common to have bruising at the injection site and this can feel like a lump under the skin. We would always recommend you discuss any side effects with your treatment team or breast care nurse. They will have more experience of these medications than the GP and practice nurses so may be able to offer you some additional support.   We cannot say what may be causing the lump under your arm, but it would be best to get this checked by your treatment team. low blood pressure is not a common side effect of Prostap and you may find it helpful to discuss this again with your GP. We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about   these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free Helpline 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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 Katoo Thank you for posting your question. As adoptedmanc has said, aromatase inhibitors work by stopping fat cells producing oestrogen. They are used for people who are post-menopausal (either naturally, or through having had a hysterectomy as in your case) as fat cells continue to produce some oestrogen after the ovaries have stopped working. Aromatase inhibitors are usually given for 5-10 years, and the benefit of having taken them carries on beyond this time. The purpose of this is to reduce the risk of oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer returning in the future. You may want to talk to your breast care nurse for further advice. They can request an appointment for you to talk to your surgeon or the oncologist to ask further questions if this would be helpful. You may find our Moving Forward programme helpful. This is aimed at people who have recently finished their main breast cancer treatment. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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 YNWALFC Thank you for posting your question. It sounds like your mammogram may have triggered some nerve pain, which is common after surgery to the breast and lymph nodes under the arm. This pain often resolves by itself, but as it is feels like the pain is getting worse, you may find it helpful to talk to your treatment team, breast care nurse or GP for advice on how to manage this. If you haven’t done so already, it may be helpful to take some regular pain relief to see if this helps with your symptoms. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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 Marie95 Thanks for posting. Many women contact us after surgery, as they are not sure what they are experiencing is normal or if it’s something to be concerned about. It’s not unusual to have a scar line that feels thick and bumpy at this time. It’s good to hear that the bruising seems to have gone down. This is common and will continue to disappear over time. However, healing after breast cancer surgery can sometimes take around two years, so it can be some months before the scar starts to flatten and soften.   You might find it helpful to read a little more about caring for scars after breast cancer surgery . If the wound becomes red and warm or swollen, contact your breast care nurse so she can arrange to assess you if necessary. Some people find regular gentle massage   of the scar can be   of help when a scar feels lumpy or tight and uncomfortable. Generally, there is no specific technique other than gentle circular movements with the pads of a couple of your fingers along the scar.   Many people use a small amount of simple moisturiser or oil to help with this.   You may find this information in our booklet your operation and recovery helpful. We also 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. Some online courses have been set up while face to face services are suspended. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Wendy Breast Care 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 Laura   Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re asking what level of discomfort is normal at this stage following your mastectomy and reconstruction.   It takes many months for healing to take place so it’s not unusual to feel altered sensations and pain at this time. Some people experience pain and tightening or stiffness due to ‘cording’ , which are stiff bands of inflamed tissue, which may not be visible, but felt in the armpit or extending down the arm. Depending on whether the implant is placed above or below the chest muscle, some people may also experience ongoing pain from this area too.   These symptoms can appear weeks, or months, after surgery.   It’s important to contact your treatment team so they can  assess you.  You may require some physiotherapy to help with your symptoms, especially if you have ‘cording.’ Taking regular pain relief may also help with the symptoms you’re having.   You don’t say what work you do. However, anyone diagnosed with cancer is classed as disabled under the Equality Act of 2010, so do talk to your Line Manager and Human Resources department to discuss if there any adjustments they can make during this time to make it easier for you to carry out your work. Macmillan Cancer Support charity have a freephone helpline have some useful resources you can read about here.   If you have a breast care nurse, it would be a good idea to contact her to discuss how you’re feeling. She may be able to offer you some ongoing support.   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 someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org ,so they can then match you to your volunteer.       We offer a range of other 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.     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, ( Relay UK -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     Addie       Breast Care 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 ritap Thank you for posting your question about swimming. You may find our information about exercise after treatment helpful. How soon you can return to swimming after your breast cancer treatment will vary based on the treatment given and how your body has recovered. We do know that being physically active has many benefits. Your treatment team or breast care nurse will be able to advise based on your individual circumstances and we would recommend you speak to them before returning to swimming. You may also find our Moving Forward programme helpful. This covers many aspects of life after breast cancer treatment. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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 Jess2 Thanks for posting asking about the aches and pains you are experiencing. You mention that you are confused as to why you were started on Zoladex, as your breast cancer was oestrogen receptor (ER) negative. Although it’s difficult to comment on your individual situation. Zoladex is usually prescribed to pre-menopausal women who have ER +ve breast cancer , it can sometimes be given to try to preserve your fertility during chemotherapy . Your treatment team are best placed to explain the reasons why you have been prescribed Zoladex. As your nurse says, joint aches and pains are a side effect of Zoladex. For some people, regular pain relief and regular exercise such as walking or swimming can help to relieve pain and joint stiffness. Others find that complementary therapies such as acupuncture can help. Although you have spoken to your nurse about your side effects it may be helpful to talk to your treatment team too as they may be able to offer further support. Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this. The uncertainty and fear of breast cancer returning is very real. At first, every ache or pain may frighten you, but most people find the anxiety lessens as the time goes on. Many people are surprised at how emotional they feel when their treatment finishes. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. You may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving forward services and include our Moving Forward book and Moving Forward courses . We also have support   designed specifically for younger women with breast cancer.     We are currently running the   Younger Women Together support events  face to face and online. These events have been created to provide support for women 45 and under with primary breast cancer.       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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 ctw Thank you for your post. Menopausal symptoms are very common side effects of some breast cancer treatments and many women contact us describing the difficulties they are experiencing with them. The frequency and severity of them vary from person to person. We know that there are different things that help with vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms but hormone replacement treatments are not usually recommended to manage the symptoms. This is because it is thought that hormones can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells and can increase the risk of the cancer coming back. However, HRT may be recommended if you experience severe menopausal symptoms that significantly affect your quality of life, and if you haven’t responded to other treatments. In this situation it’s important that your treatment team discuss the risks and benefits of the use of HRT with you, as well as listening to your concerns and wishes. The use of testosterone for the treatment of menopausal symptoms has been studied previously. However, as testosterone is converted to oestrogen in females, this may also impact on the risk of the cancer coming back. You don’t say whether you tried vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. You can read more on these in our booklet Your body intimacy and sex booklet if you need more information. Many oncologists will consider prescribing hormone treatments that are applied directly to the vagina (topical) which includes oestrogen pessaries, creams or a ring may be prescribed to women taking tamoxifen . This is because the tamoxifen is thought to counteract any minimal amounts of oestrogen entering the bloodstream. Oncologists will usually prefer a woman to have tried non-hormonal treatments before considering topical hormone-based treatments. If topical hormone-based treatments are prescribed it is usually at a low dose for a short period of time. You may find it helpful to talk to your GP or treatment team about a referral to a menopause clinic that specialises in supporting women who have menopausal symptoms caused by their breast cancer treatment to ask their opinion. They can usually liaise with your treatment team on your behalf. They would also be able to advise you on the use of testosterone and help you find alternative treatments and strategies to help you manage your symptoms. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Katy Breast Care 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 Vic Thanks for posting asking about vaginal moisturisers to help with the friction, burning and soreness you are experiencing when having sex . Vaginal dryness is common in women who have had treatment for breast cancer. This is because some treatments affect the level of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Reducing the levels of oestrogen or blocking its action can cause menopausal symptoms including vaginal changes, such as dryness or irritation like you are experiencing. Pain and discomfort can reduce sexual feelings and desire. This can be very distressing and difficult to talk about. It may not have been mentioned to you as a possible side effect. Our information above highlight a number of suggestions which may help with your symptoms. As vaginal dryness and irritation can also be caused by infection, it is important to rule this out first by speaking to your GP or treatment team. There are a number of non-hormonal treatments that can help with vaginal dryness including vaginal moisturisers and lubricants. Vaginal moisturisers can help give relief from dryness and discomfort. They can be used regularly every few days for best effect. Vaginal lubricants tend to be shorter acting and are either water or oil based. Lubricants are often used to help prevent friction and pain during sex and intimacy. It’s helpful to try finding a vaginal moisturiser and lubricant that works for you. You can search the manufacturer’s web site for their range of products. Each manufacturer will have several different options so it’s worth reading about how the product works, what they contain and the product reviews. Several manufacturers will provide free samples to try. If your symptoms persist, you can talk to your GP or hospital-based treatment team about a referral to a menopause clinic. Our booklet Your body intimacy and sex booklet also has information about vaginal dryness. We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 CJ308 Thanks for posting. Breast changes can happen for many reasons. They may be due to hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle (period) or due to benign conditions (not cancer). You’ll probably find your breasts change quite a bit throughout your life. For more details see our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening. Breast tissue can feel different, depending on the position you are standing or lying in. It’s unusual for a breast change to resolve so quickly but if you remain concerned, as Milly15 mentions, we would always suggest that you make an appointment with your GP so you can be checked out.   Breast cancer is uncommon in women in their 30s so changes are more likely to be because of one of the reasons mentioned above rather than cancer. There are only a small number of people who will be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they have a significant family history . If you’re worried that your family history is significant, you can talk to your GP about this being assessed. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 Jedigirl It’s understandable you feel overwhelmed after being diagnosed with 2 areas of invasive ductal carcinoma and Paget’s disease and want to know how this may affect your treatment and outlook (prognosis). Someone’s treatment and prognosis for breast cancer will depend on different factors. This includes t he type and grade of a breast cancer, as well as the lymph node status, ER status and HER2 status. As there is more than one area of cancer, which includes an area of Paget’s disease, a mastectomy would normally be recommended. You mention that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under your arm, and you are having all these removed. Your treatment team may suggest f urther treatment, depending on the other features of the breast cancer. Your treatment team and are the best people to speak with about your possible further treatment and your outlook and they will have all the information about your particular breast cancer It may also be helpful to discuss possible side effects of surgery with your team, ClaLiz mentioned the possibility of arm mobility issues after surgery to the lymph nodes. Our information about how to reduce the risk of lymphoedema may be of interest. It's natural to feel overwhelmed at this time, as Kay0882 says and some people tell us they find it helpful to talk to someone who has had a similar experience. 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. You may also find it helpful to 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, ( Relay UK -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 Teresa Breast Care 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 ctw  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 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

Hi Jess2  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 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

Hi Sparkle123 Thanks for posting.   Hot flushes are the most commonly reported menopausal symptom due to breast cancer treatment and many women contact us describing the difficulties they are experiencing with them. The frequency and severity of them vary from person to person and for some they may continue to experience hot flushes which can really affect their quality of life. We know that there are different things that help with hot flushes . but you may have already tried these.   Clonidine is sometimes prescribed for hot flushes but may only have a very small effect on symptoms. We are unable to say how best to stop Clonidine.   If you are finding if difficult to speak to your GP, a pharmacist may be able to advise you. If you are still under follow up at the hospital we would suggest you speak with your breast care nurse or treatment team to discuss other possible options for managing hot flushes. You may want to persist with getting an appointment to see your GP to ask about referral to specialist menopause clinic, where you can get further advice and information about coping with menopausal symptoms. We offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in, including our Someone like me service. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 ytabnm Thanks for posting. It’s natural to be worried about the symptoms you describe. However, it sounds as though your gynaecologist was not concerned after your recent ultrasound and biopsy, which showed endometrial thickening rather than cancer for the latest episode of vaginal bleeding. We are unable to say how many people experience vaginal bleeding after stopping tamoxifen but you may be able to connect with other women by posting on this part of the forum. As your gynaecologist said, vaginal bleeding in a post-menopausal woman would usually be investigated regardless of other medical conditions. Although, your uterine ultrasound and biopsy did not show cancer, it sounds as though you need further reassurance about this.   We would suggest you ask for another appointment with your gynaecologist to discuss this further. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 AA Thanks for posting. Having more than one family member diagnosed with breast cancer can be a shock, especially if those family members are your sisters.   People react in different ways when this happens so it's natural to wonder what others have to say about this. If you are wondering how best to help your sisters, our information about how to support someone with breast cancer may be helpful.   People can react in different ways so its natural to wonder what others say about this. Its also important to look after yourself as it can be an upsetting time for everyone.   You can connect with others who are supporting someone with breast cancer by posting on this part of the forum or call our free confidential Helpline if it would help to talk to one of our nurses. Also, our Someone like me service may be able to put you in touch with someone in a similar situation. If you have concerns about your own breast cancer risk it may help to know that having a family history of breast cancer does not automatically mean you are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer in the future. The biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and increasing age. There are only a small number of people who will be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they have a significant family history . If you’re concerned that your family history is significant, talk to your GP.   It’s helpful if you can find out as much information as possible about your family history before this discussion.   Our information about family history risk assessment explains what details your doctor needs to know in order to assess you.  As already mentioned, 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, ( Relay UK -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 Care 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 Edmunds Thank you for posting your question. Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.   However, herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies.   For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.   You can search this American website here for information about the individual herbs and vitamins in the Menopace supplement. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications. You may find it helpful to speak to your breast care nurse, hospital doctor, your GP, or a pharmacist about taking Menopace and they will be able to advise on any interactions with tamoxifen . The ingredients for Menopace do list several ingredients, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Soya isolvlavone which people who have had breast cancer are usually recommended to avoid. For example, NICE   guidelines state- ‘ Do not offer soy (isoflavone), red clover, black cohosh, vitamin E or magnetic devices to treat menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer.’ [2009] Our Complementary therapies, relaxation and wellbeing booklet (p18) contains further information about herbal treatments.   Menopausal symptoms are a very common side effect of tamoxifen. If you are experiencing these side effects, you can speak to your treatment team or breast care nurse. They may be able to refer you to a menopause clinic for advice or suggest some self-help measures to manage any symptoms you have. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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 AA Thanks for posting your question on Ask Our Nurses forum.  We hope to be able to respond to you on Monday. In the meantime our Helpline is open from 9am to 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 Jackgard70 Thank you for your message about your Paclitaxel chemotherapy. Peripheral neuropathy is a known side effect of paclitaxel. Numbness in the hands and feet is a common symptom of this, but symptoms can include a change in sensation such as pain, burning, numbness, pins and needles or tingling.   You may also notice a feeling of warmth or cold, increased sensitivity or difficulty doing tasks such as fastening buttons. Symptoms can be mild and go away soon after treatment stops. For most the symptoms will gradually improve over the weeks and months after the treatment has finished.     For others, the symptoms persist and may not disappear completely.   Some people find that complementary therapies or some physiotherapy can help.     As your oncologist has suggested, reducing the Paclitaxel dose can sometimes be recommended to make sure it doesn’t get any worse. It is understandable that you feel worried about this There are many reasons a chemotherapy dose may need to be reduced, mainly to do with side effects. The treatment team follow guidelines when managing side effects, which includes dose reduction. You may find it helpful to discuss your concerns with your breast care nurse or treatment team. Experiencing   fatigue   during and after receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is very common.       Other factors   may also contribute to fatigue,   such as: the   emotional impact   of a breast cancer diagnosis;   altered sleep patterns ; reduced activity and poor diet.     It is important to let your treatment team know how you feel and they may be able to suggest some local support for you to access. There are things you can try to help manage fatigue as discussed in the previous links.   You may want to   keep   a   diary   to   record   when   you feel most tired.     This can help   you plan activities you enjoy on the days you have more energy. Keeping as active as you’re able to and eating well can help to manage fatigue. Many   people   find that they start to get their energy levels back as time passes after treatment,   but for some fatigue can continue for months or sometimes years. You may find our support services helpful either now or when you have finished your chemotherapy. 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, ( Relay UK -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 Cassie Breast Care 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