Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Jencat, Just a quick reply to say that I had a lumpectomy September 2016, chemo in December 2016 and Radiotherapy in April, 2017.  I still have three weekly herceptin injections, but feel that I am now well on the road to recovery.  You do take things a day at a time and each step moves you forward on your journey.  There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will find that the days go by quickly.  Next year you like me will be wondering where the last year went to.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Sharmer, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my first mammogram on the 26th August last year.  I had my operation on the 14th September and when I had my results found that I was Triple positive - Er/PR and Her2.  I started chemo on the 9th December and Radiotherapy in April.  I still have three weekly herceptin injections because of the HEr2 and have quarterly echo's and Consultants meeting also until the end of the year.  I was 52 when I was diagnosed and although sometimes have been tough, there is now light at the end of the tunnel.  Hope everything goes well for you.   Regards.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Melia,  I did cold cap but my unit unfortunately messed up and forgot to give me the cold cap with the right treatment on my second session.  I would do it again and encourage anyone who wants to to try the cold cap to see how you get on. I did keep my hair for longer before it started shedding and even after that I did not lose it all.  Even though I was cold capping they still gave me a voucher for a wig as you might still lose hair with cold capping.  The voucher with us in Wales is around the £90/£100 mark but I paid £80 extra to have what I would call a nicer synthetic wig.  I felt comfortable going out in the wig and the amount of complitments I have had about my new "hair cut"  has been amazing. The majority of people don't know it is a wig unless I  tell them.  You don't have to break the bank to get one that looks good and real and gives you confidence when you are out. Good Luck xx ... View more

Hi mini mad, might be worth you posting on the monthly May rad forum where you will be able to chat with others who are in the same situation as yourself. Regards Alison ... View more

Hi DJCV, I have only been on letrazole for 3 months and the only side effects that I do have is muscle pain and aches, especially on my right side where I had the BC.  A lot of people on here have commented that they don't get on with certain brands of the drug and it might be worth trying another brand to see if this makes a difference.  Sorry I can't be of more help.  Kind Regards.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Maggie, you might have more response by posting in the May chemo thread.  I hope everything goes well for you.  Kind Regards.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Lin,  as everyone says the radiotherapy is not that bad.  I only finished mine last Wednesday and I managed to work all the way through the three weeks.  I am a bit red and sore inside and out but it is manageable.  I did feel really tired Sunday afternoon, but have been ok so far.  Good Luck.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Rooty, How are you feeling? My breast is still red inside and out and I was shattered on Sunday. As you say it is a funny feeling but my treatment carries on until the end of the year because of the Herceptin. Look after yourself. Alison xx ... View more

Thank you Helena.  I did not have anything special planned but over the weekend we have decided to go to Dublin this weekend coming. Even though I still feel very sore it is lovely to have something to look forward to.  Alison xx  ... View more

Thanks Helena, I have got to admit that I am glad that part of my journey is finished although I still have to have herceptin injections until the end of the year.  I am more sore today so had to see the nurse and have been given dressings. Hopefully it won't get any worse. Best of luck everyone. Alison xx ... View more

Hello Ladybowler,  Can you please get those bells ready for Rooty and myself for tomorrow as we both finish our final radiotherapy sessions.  Many thanks.  Alison xx ... View more

Hi Rooty, I am also on 12 of 15. I have been tender since day 2 and one side of my breast is quite red. I have been using AloeVera together with E45 and putting a cold flannel on to cool the affected area. Hope this helps. Alison xx  ... View more

Hi MaryAK,  this is the worst time, when everything goes through your mind and you don't know what to think or do.  I was diagnosed last August and had a lumpectomy in September.  I also was ER/PR + and HER2+ which meant that instead of just radiotherapy and hormone treatment, I had to have chemo.  Chemo started in December and I am now half way through radiotherapy.  There will be tough times and days when you can't get your head around it.  But now 8 months on I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  This site will provide you with enourmous advice and help to get yout through this and it also helps that you can take to people that are going through the same thing you are. Best Wishes Alison xxx ... View more

Thanks Kaspar, Jacquie48 and Snail888 for your replies. I am glad it is doable. I think I will try and see how things go and if need be take time off afterwards when everyone says the fatigue hits. xx ... View more

Hi Fee70, I had a lumpectomy on the 14th September last year and as stated in the other comments the dye is there to check the lymph nodes.  I was out of hospital the following day and had the results of the biopsy in under a fortnight.  I started chemo in December and am now half way through Radiotherapy.  The diagnosis and everything else at the start is a nightmare, but it does get easier and there is light at the end of the tunnel.  With regard to questions, I kept a note book and wrote down anything I wasn't sure of and any questions that I needed to ask.  You will get through it.  Alison xxx ... View more

Is any working through the Radiotherapy and if so how are they finding it.  I have done 7 out of 15 and am tired usually by the night but managed to go to work either before or after each session so far.  People say that fatigue hits in towards the end or within the two weeks afterwards. I know everyone is different but do you think that is is possible to work all the way through.  Thanks.  Alison   ... View more

Hi Karen C, I also had Docetaxel and carboplatin chemo.  I was  advised that the effects were different to the ones on FEC/FEC-T whereby we only suffered some nausea but the main effect over time was fatigue.  I did suffer with breathlessness also and a few more side effects.  Unfortunately my side effects despite reducing the dose got much worse and I was struggling with peripheral neuropathy so in the end on the advice of my oncologist, I finished chemo early.  I am triple positive so he was not so worried as I would carry on with the herceptin, rads and take hormone therapy also.  I found that I struggled the two weeks off the chemo but usually picked up just in time for the next dose.  It is hard going through it but I now wonder where the last 8 months has gone since I was diagnosed.  Hope things improve. Alison xx ... View more