Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hey Lyndylou,   Was just trawling through posts trying to find out if I was 'normal' or not lol, and saw your post.  It pretty much describes me post radiotherapy (just over 2 weeks also N&N) although I get a feeling of not being able to breathe quite properly too, which I am a bit concerned about.  Its not awful, but not my 'normal'.    You have reminded me re the water, so I have started that again.  Hopefully we will eventually get some energy back, but I have found pacing myself important.  I don't seem to be able to manage too many 'long' days together either, and find after a couple at the most I can't get out of bed in the morning!   I went for a longer walk yesterday as I really wanted to feel I was 'progressing' but am a limp lettuce today!  That will teach me!!   Best Wishes   LouLou ... View more

Hi,   Hope you don't mind me jumping in, but am feeling a bit rubbish almost three weeks post radio, with a tight feeling inside like I can't breathe quite properly and like someone is standing on my chest, not to mention fatigue.  I saw you had a lung problem and wondered if this might have happened to me.  I wondered how you found out.  Did they x ray you to see this?  Will it get better- Im really worried about it but feel every time I mentuon things they just think Im anxious! Can you help at all.   Thank you Katykookabura, and I hope you are doing much better xx ... View more

Hey Thank you Jo Jo and Joey,   I have only had one lymph node removed but I guess your right and things are healing etc.  I just wish my BCN would reassure me and take a look but I always feel I am being a nuisance when I call .  Its just it looks like it did when I found the problem, so it freaks me out a bit.  Hoping it won't stay that way, and your comments have helped, so thank you so much for replying.  Who'd have thought one boob could take over your life so much!!   Radiotherapy next, so who knows what shape it will end up!!  And glowing too I expect!  Ohhhhhh   xx ... View more

Hi Suza,   Just to say I had mine 3 weeks ago and haven't had anything like you are saying so I would ask your nurse to take a look.  Im sure there are many variations and as we are all individual it would be best to be seen.  Good luck. xx ... View more

Hey, Just wanted you to know im thinking of you- no need to worry about being here or replying, just that you read and know.   Bloomin colds- they are everywhere at the moment arn't they.  Lets hope once it goes thats out the way and you can get on with what treatment is ahead.   I hope you find it ok and manageable.  Have you got some friends helping out?  Its so important.  Get as much as you can.   Im ok- Its tough getting your head around things isn't it-but I am not facing the same difficulties as yourself, so I have little to complain about.  I have to just get on with it ( the doc told me that today too lol) and basically do as Im told by the proffessionals- so I will- as will you I know.   I havent started radiotherapy yet- but will in a couple of weeks.  Maybe that co incides with your chemo and we can be of support.    You could PM me if I knew how.....but I have no idea how that works.   I really just want you to know, Im here, and will help however I can- so anytime and if its useful, just talk.   Remember that being alone can be tough, but actually, we are all alone arn't we.  We all have to face our own journey in life, but people can be beside us as we do it- thats where I am.   Keep warm, and find something that makes you laugh every day, even if for a minute.   Big gentle hugs xxx   ... View more

Just wanted you to know you are often in my thoughts- no need to reply- but do hope your cold is getting better and that you are ok.    Wishing you lots of support and love all around you xx ... View more

Hi,   I too have the same treatment as others here and am waiting to start tamoxifen and the radiotherapy.  I have been told 3 weeks plus one week boost - the boost was optional, so I agreed to have it, but I am wondering if I should be worried about late onset side effects and lung problems.  Has anyone else heard of people having these problems and were you concerned yourself?  I can't seem to get that worry out of my head!! I also worry as I did not get an MRI- did people here with the same cancer get that?   Sorry for all the questions and worrywort!  I hope you can help.  Big but gentle hugs xx ... View more

Hey Rj   I see now what you are saying.  It sounds very low grade and positive so I really hope they get you sorted.  Lumpectomy for me was really fine.  I have not needed pain killers at all, although I did have a node removed and I get burning pain under my arm and numbness, but it comes and goes.  Im almost 3 weeks post op and doing well.  The worst thing I have had is neck pain!  I think its because I have had to sleep on my left side and I always usually sleep on my right.  Its killing my neck! I stayed in hospital overnight but only because I live alone.  You will be able to go home the same day if you do not and there are no concerns.  It wasn't as bad as I thought at all. I live in Norfolk.  Kent is a lovely part of the world.  Keep chilled and all will be well 🙂 xx ... View more

Oh bless you, that is really hard when people do not speak about it.  My Dad died of lung cancer and my Mum was like that, it was really hard going.  Hugs to you.   Im not sure on percentages of causing cancer, only that it can in some people. Lung complications are that it can make your lungs hard....can affect I guess how you cope with chest infections etc in the long term- but all the unknown.   What did you find that made you go to be checked out if you dont mind me asking?  I mean did you feel a lump and that is why they are doing MRI?  It may be begnin?  I hope so!  When will you have results?  Its a worrying time isn't it.  I asked consultant about MRI and he just said they do not do them routinely.  It seems they do different things in different area's but it just makes me think thats to do with funding rather than whether its a good thing or not.   xx ... View more

Thanks Jill,   Im assuming that you have MRI because you have seen breast symptoms, otherwise if they did a mammogram and saw nothing, it would be sent as 'normal no further action'.  I think thats what I mean- they can see something from your presentation even if not on mammo.  I think it's all scary as it has me thinking what if there is more there but they couldn't see it , if you get me.  I read so much on here about people not having it picked up on all sorts of scans MRI included!  There are articles about mammograms being pointless etc.  I just feel very un reassured and it's hard not to panic about that as they will ony do what they feel needs to be done, if you get me.   I have been told I can have an extra week of radiotherpy and have a blast to the cancer 'site'- but now scared about late onset side effects to lungs!- and the fact that radiotherapy can cause cancer!  It seems there is no mental peace to this at any point!  I ask my qusetions, then a load more keep popping up!  Eek!!  Hope you are managing to keep a bit calmer lol. xx ... View more

Hello everyone,   Hope ok to jump in and just wanted to say Im sorry to hear you have joined the breast cancer club 😞   I was interested in your comments about lobular cancer not being seen on mammograms or ultra sound scans and wondering therefore how you knew to get an MRI scan?  I have not had one of these scans at all but have this type of cancer which was seen on mammogram.  It has worried me a bit regarding spread of cancer.   Can anyone shed any light?   I have just had my op 3 weeks ago for grade 2 lobular cancer and waiting for radiotherapy.   xxx ... View more

Brodiesmum,   Buggar!  Whatever next- keep warm, keep calm, it will pass.  Im thinking of you and willing you better.    I hope you have gathered some help .  Every day, think of one little thing that was good , every single day xxxx ... View more

Hi Marydan,   Thank you thats really helpful.  I have already got genetics involved as lots cancer in my Mums side family, so thats one ticked off.  I have so many questions in a way but not sure if they are appropriate for the oncologist or if I should be asking someone else.  Its so overwhelming.  I am worried about the wait for radiotherapy though as the surgeon told me it would be 12 weeks!  Thats a long time and really worries me .  I can start tamoxifen but most seem to have radio first.    Do you know if you can shave under your arm or use any deodrants before radiotherapy and whether you can during or does it all depend on individual?   Ho hum, such a lot to think about.  Still good part of the day, I made excellent chicken soup today! Yum!!   Hope you are ok Marydan Thanks for replying xx ... View more

Hi Eileen,   Thank you, thats really kind of you.  Im really nervous for some reason!  Hope you are doing ok.   xxx ... View more

Hi Ann and Mary,   Thanks Ann again for your really helpful response and also the yoga app tip.  I will certainly try that when boob and arm hurt a bit less as really good for joints.  I have just been to the doctors and failed the doppler test so scans tomorrow for DVT!  Where will it all end I ask myself!  Taken my mind off breast cancer for a bit with a new worry to worry about !! Jeeez.     Mary, I have not started tamoxifen yet as waiting for consultant to write to GP and prescribe so I can start.  I should start middle next week I think.  Regarding pain- I have so much pain in various parts of my body that I really dont think I would notice unless it was in a part I didn't already have it in , if you see what I mean.  I asked consultant for a bone scan but he said they are not routinely given and therefore I wasn't getting one, so I guess its trying to trust in their 'confidence' which is hard I know.    My thinking is, if I get so worked up and they wont do anything, I would pay for it privately if I could.  I know you still need GP referral however, but it makes me feel a little more in 'control' that way .  Realistically I probably can't afford to depending on what it is, but its just a thought that helps me.    I do remember saying to myself before the diagnosis was confirmed that I must remember I felt fine before ( with my usual aches and pains) so that I remember that how rubbish I feel now is likely the stress of it all.  Lets face it, so much adreanaline and cortisol whizzing around in larger than normal doses is definately going to make us ache!    Ann you have helped me so much.  Is it ok to chat to you now and then?  Let me know how you are going on too xx     ... View more

Hi Ann,   Thanks for replying,that was reassuring to read.  Can I ask how old you are?  I am 50 and worried about tamoxifen and what it will do.  Also, the more info I read up and the more I understand cancer, the more scared I am getting .  For instance , people saying things such as 'tamoxifen doesn't always work' or 'the cancer becomes resistant to tamoxifen'- eek!  Im really feeling low about it all today and feel like whatever happens , in the end the cancer will 'get me'.  I don't want to feel this way but everything I am reading here is making me feel more scared.   How many weeks did you wait for radio therapy to start?  Do you know how a grade1 turns to a grade 2?  Is it the time it's been in your body that does this?  How big was your tumour?    I wish I could just feel happy with what has been said- I should be but I can't relax at all. You sound pretty ok with it and I would love to have the same faith in everyone and myself.  Hope you have had a good day xx ... View more

Hi Ann,   I found out that my cancer was a grade 2 instead of 1 which has really shook me up a bit but otherwise removed with clear margin and no spead seen in the node they took, so it will be radiotherapy and tamoxifen.  It sounds as though my radiotherapy will not be for quite a few weeks which worries me as most seem to have it 6 weeks after the op.  I am also nervous about only one node being tested as surely there are more nodes at sentinel level that it could be in?  Maybe I am just 'going off on one' but I feel really unconfident about it all and still worrying that it has spread or they have missed something ( maybe because he was so sure it was grade 1 but turned out not to be).  Its as if it has shaken my confidence in them and what they say.   How do you cope with all the ,'yes but what ifs"??  I was hoping to feel better but I dont 😞     Hope all is well with you xx ... View more

Broadiesmum,   Oh bless you, I am sure the anxiety is very hard to deal with and in some ways the hardest thing to deal with.  Ride the fear wave until it dies down a bit for you to regain focus and be able to think about what you want and need to think about in the coming months.    Good that you will have the chemo- it is often surprising what it can do and will give you time for perspective and also to meet others who will give you love and strength to cope.   I don't know if this is helpful to say or not Broadiesmum, but when taking my Mum to chemo a few weeks ago, there was a lady there who started up a convo with us, and she said something about it being what most are there for, to hold back the cancer and get a bit more time.  She said you do it because you dont want to leave your family.  I was struck by her honesty and it was like a slap around the face, as I know she is so right.  I remember thinking that if I were in that position , it will still be helpful to be with others who really understood, and there were many there.  Its hard to explain, but I am willing you to find comfort and help to take away the overwhelming fear.    Always here to listen and walk beside you. Big big hugs ❤️ xx ... View more