Breast Cancer Now Forum

I am with you all. How dare people decide that they know best and that they have a right to tell whoever they please! My husband had hardly told anyone but told our next-door neighbour who I hardly know. I only found out because she brought round some sort of diet book! This was within a couple of weeks of diagnosis when I was still in the disbelief/devastation/anger/tears stage. He realised from the 'discussion' that night that he had not done the right thing. He genuinely meant no harm and thought that I wouldn't mind as they don't know anyone else we know but I was still mightily peed off xx ... View more

Hi Angie. I was lucky in that it wasn't in my lymph nodes so I didn't need treatment. The waiting is never pleasant but for me the wait after surgery was better than the wait for individual test results before the surgery. I think that is probably because I was recovering from the operation whereas before it I felt physically well and could still do most of my normal activities. I just wanted definite answers and a plan of action but it is not always as easy as that. I am struggling a bit now as I am usually on the go all of the time and have been forced into doing very little. I thought I would be ready to return to work but I am not. ... View more

It is so frustrating when you build yourself up only to be knocked back. It may not seem much to wait another week but when it is you being told to wait it seems like just another kick in the teeth. Good luck for next week. I hope they are back to normal then. ... View more

I cannot add much to what has already been said but can agree with it. This is hard to go through on top of everything else but you will get through it. The diagnosis is scary but as has been said move in small steps and try not to overwhelm yourself with trying to see the whole picture. That picture can change. Counselling may be useful for you. I am going to see an oncopsychologist who is Macmillan trained. It can help to unburden your worries onto someone impartial but has the knowledge of what you are facing. I had my surgery 5 weeks ago and still have the odd wobble but am mostly ok but I was the same as you emotionally when I was diagnosed. I spent a lot of time crying in the car. Sending you hugs x ... View more

Tights ... View more

I also like the M&S bras, they are lovely and soft. I didn't actually wear a bra for the first couple of weeks even though I have had an expander recon. I just draped a shawl around me when needed to go out (mainly to hospital appointments where I had to remove my top anyway!) or wore vest tops. I was quite swollen though and couldn't face the thought of a bra. I also agree about the painkillers. Take what you are offered xx ... View more

I have just seen that you are in the US. That is probably why your order is taking longer. I didn't order the bags but had a couple of lightweight cotton summer shoulder bags that I planned to use. Have you got anything similar. Other than that they can go in pockets of an apron or attached to a belt. My main issue with the drain was that the tube was so long that I kept getting it trapped on door handles and kneeling or standing on it. Xx ... View more

Hi. I am sorry you have felt ignored. I had missed your post as I was away for a few days between appointments. The dollies should arrive in plenty of time for your operation date but you may be given one at the hospital - I was. How are you feeling about your mastectomy? I had mine four weeks ago tomorrow and am doing a lot more than I expected to be at this point. Are you having lymph node biopsies too and any reconstruction? I was really scared about the whole thing but apart from getting my pain under control in the first few days and a drain which wouldn't stop draining (due to an unrelated condition) I have been ok and I am sure that you will be too. Accept the pain medication on offer, your body will deal better with your recovery if it is not having to deal with pain as well. I was given a small V shaped pillow which has been brilliant as I can tuck it under my arm when I sleep and it supports the op site. Sending virtual hugs xx ... View more

Rucksack ... View more

Purse ... View more

Nightie ... View more

Plymouth (sorry about skipping J) ... View more

Thanks Kary. ... View more

Kidderminster (not sure if it's a city or town) ... View more

Helsinki ... View more

Hi Janey, we can compare notes. I am going to try the combination treatment and see how I get on since it isn't permanent. Having to go through it all again a few years after stopping the treatment is also not appealing. I looked at chillows but they had sold out, I will have to look again. Hugs xx ... View more

Hi. Thank you for your reply. I don't think that I will be complacent and I know that having my ovaries removed wouldn't stop me getting BC again but it seemed a more palatable option than the zoladex to me. I expect both will give me the horrible and immediate menopause that you had. I am continuing to check the other side as mine didn't show on the mammogram xx ... View more

Hi. Did you decide which option to take? I was supposed to start tamoxifen but they think I might be too high risk for thrombosis as I have an unrelated condition. The alternative offered was zoladex and anastrozole but I am not at all keen on the potential side effects (which I had to look up as no one told me much, they said it is because there is no other option! As if that matters, I still need to know what might happen especially for the common effects). I have thought that having my remaining ovary removed might be a reasonable solution and just have anastrozole rather than the combination but they don't seem keen. I know that it is irreversible and would instantly start menopause symptoms but it wouldn't have the other potential side effects. ... View more

Case study ... View more