Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi - I am also starting chemo on 31st August so this seemed the best board to join. I'm having 4 x FEC (3 week intervals) then 4 x T (2 week intervals). I had a portacath fitted yesterday, still feeling a bit bruised and sore today. I have decided not to cold cap - I don't think I'd be able to stand it to be honest! I live in the Midlands and have two children (13 and 10). Good to meet you all virtually, although obviously sorry that any of us have to go through it xxx ... View more

I had a WLE and SNB yesterday and it went very well - very little discomfort from that at all thank goodness, and I'm feeling mentally much better knowing that the cancer has been removed. But I have had severe jaw pain on right hand side since I came round from anaesthetic and my jaw movements are restricted meaning I can't open my mouth very wide and my teeth meet won't meet at the back which is making eating difficult and painful, and I have pain the rest of the time too radiating out from my jaw.  They gave me oramorph for it while I was in the hospital overnight but have discharged me with just paracetamol and coedine, neither of which seem to be making any difference. Has anyone else had this problem and how long after the operation did it take to go away?  Thanks, Sarah x ... View more

I had a Spa trip already booked (3 days at Ragdale Hall) before I was diagnosed. My lumpectomy is booked for 6 July and I leave for Ragdale on 17th.  I'm thinking that is long enough after surgery to be healed up enough to go, and that it will actually be quite a nice thing to do as part of my recovery.  Do you think that timing will work?     I will need to call them to talk about treatments as a lot of the massages etc listed on their website say they are not suitable for people with cancer, but there are a few that look ok.  At the spa they have lots of steam / sauna rooms - does anyone know if I'm ok using those? Sarah x ... View more

Hello,   This is my first post, although I have been reading posts on other threads that have helped me get my head round this over the last few days.    Last night i had had the results from my biopsy - I have a 14mm lump in my left breast which is malignant.  I've been told that I would need a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy and radiation (possibly chemotherapy depending on the results from surgery). I had a bit of a meltdown just before my biopsy where I convinced myself it had spread everywhere (thank you Google and late night internet searching) - but other than that have been strangely calm as if it is happening to someone else. Today has been a bit surreal - I have spent the day telling family, friends, colleagues and dealing with a variety of reactions. My kids (13 &10) seemed to take it in their stride and not be too concerned although both had questions for me once they were on their own when I was saying good night.    Ive got an appointment with a specialist again tomorrow so I'm hoping I'll get a date for surgery at that point. I've got a trip booked to Ragdale Hall on 17 July so I'm hoping that the surgery will be soon and that trip can be part of my recuperation, but I'll have to see if it fits.    Its all all been a bit of a shock as it was picked up as part of a health screening which has only just been introduced at work, rather than me finding a lump myself - but thank goodness it was picked up while it was still pretty small.    One question if anyone can help please - do they routinely do checks to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body or do they do they only do this if the sentinel node biopsy shows abnormal results?  Thanks   x    ... View more