Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Xena   I just used an eyebrow pencil when mine went - I think it was Maybelline and it stayed on for most of the day providing I remembered not to rub my forehead area.  Luckily I am quite fair and had a wig with a longish fringe so it wasn't particularly noticeable.  I found losing eyelashes was worse to be honest and religiously applied the Mavala stuff once they started to come back.   On a positive note once you finish chemo they do come back pretty quickly. ... View more

Thanks everyone for your replies.   I had my annual mammogram yesterday and the consultant agreed that due to the density of my breast tissue he would recommend having the MRI.  He suggested that I have this in six months time so in effect I will be having a check every 6 months with the MRI and the mammogram.  I feel happier knowing that he took my worries seriously. ... View more

Thank you for your replies - part of me thinks that if the consultant thought the MRI would be useful then he would be recommending it so leaving it to me to make the decision is not all that helpful.  I was leaning towards having the MRI so it's good to have some endorsement.   I guess the question is would the MRI have picked it up in February or was it a case that there was nothing there at that point but was very aggressive and grew fast in the following months.  I don't think anyone can give me an answer on that really.   My husband has read that there is another scan which is combined with the mammogram (thus reducing the radiation risk as it's carried out at the same time).  I can't remember what it's called (4D Tomography or something like that); however, although it is fairly routine in the US only a couple of hospitals in the UK have the equipment.   Mumoftwo - yes mine showed up on the ultrasound but when I asked if having an ultrasound alongside the mammogram would be a better option, they said the ultrasound wasn't as good and tends only to be used once a lump has been found/identified.     ... View more

You look fabulous-many congratulations x ... View more

Hi everyone   I couldn't find the tutorial I used for filling in eyebrows but this is the Look Good tutorial which is basically the same thing.   The one I followed just put a dot in the 3 places rather than a big line so it was easier to blend in with an eyebrow pencil.   If the link doesn't work just copy and paste it.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fls85YwOYdU     ... View more

Scotty I had mastectomy and full node clearance on 9 May. I went home the day after and went back to work this last week. I've been able to drive since Thursday. I didn't have a drain either but it does mean that I've had my seroma drained twice so far and it will need to be done again next week - it's quite uncomfortable when it expands under my arm pit! Do the exercises and try not to carry anything heavy. ... View more

Robin - thanks for the info.   In terms of the breathing, it is called Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold which is described as "deep breathing technology to increase the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment".   "DIBH is an effective method of limiting radiation exposure to the heart during breast cancer treatment as it moves the treatment area away from the heart" - taken from the literature I was given.   However, the consultant did say that even if the radiotherapy clips the heart it would only increase the risk of heart problems by 1% over 10 years.   Might be worth asking about. ... View more

Evie - I know how you feel re the hospital appointments; quite a few times I've said I might as well have a permanent room as I seem to be there every day.  Hopefully once the rads have finished it will just be once every 3 weeks for the Herceptin injection and then the appropriate check ups.   I'm still having to have the dressing changed twice a week where they took the port out (the nurse at my GP does that) so it's a bit of a pain although it only takes a few minutes each time; it is healing quite quickly now so hopefully another week or so and it will have closed up completely and I can knock those appointments on the head.  I've got to see my GP to get the Tamoxifen prescription next week too!   I must admit I always wear flight socks every time I fly even if it is a short flight, and do the exercises they recommend.  The flight socks are much more comfortable than the blooming surgery socks though.   Well noone has mentioned Zometa so presumably they don't think I am at risk.  I will definitely have a look for the magnet.  I am just in the process of ordering the gel cooling pillow and a small fan for my side of the bed.  I'm happy to wear magnets in my pants if it helps.   In answer to your question it does not hurt at all having the seroma drained off.  The area is numb where they put the needle in (well mine is) and I don't feel a thing.  We even have a bit of a bet on how much fluid is going to come out in total.  Well, you have to get your entertainment some how.       ... View more

Hi everyone   Jacquie - well your oncologist doesn't sound very sympathetic; no wonder you came away feeling fed up.   What are Zometa infusions - does everyone have these as I've not heard of them before and noone has mentioned them to me?    I hope the dusk chorus walk lifted your spirits as it sounded really nice.  I was awake at about 4am the other morning (dammed hot flushes) and I just lay there listening to the birds thinking how nice it sounded.   Fiddlercrab - what is this about magnets in your knickers???? I am intrigued - do tell us more.    I had my oncology appointment today and he was so pleased with the Complete Pathological Response result that he gave me a big hug which nearly made me cry!   I mentioned the hot flushes to him and he said that I must avoid any supplements with oestrogen or progresterone in as I am HER2+.  He did mention Evening Primrose Oil as being safe to take which might help.   I'm to start Tamoxifen - I asked why Tamoxifen and he said that as I hadn't gone through the menopause before I was diagnosed this was the best option as it stops the ovaries from producing hormones.  In a couple of years I would switch to one of the aromatase options on the basis that I would be post-menopausal by then.   I was hoping that I wouldn't have to have RT given the CPR result mentioned but he said that as there had been lymph node involvement identified at the original biopsy it is best to blast any potential stray cells so I will be having rads to the chest wall and the neck area above the collar bone just to be on the safe side.  It will be 15 sessions which is the minimum.  How many are you all having?   As it's the left side I have to learn some breathing techniques so that the heart is protected whilst being blasted.   Anyway I am waiting for the appointment to come through so that I can get a better idea of dates but he thought it would start in the next couple of weeks, so about 4 weeks after surgery, provided that I have mastered the art of breathing!     ... View more

Morning everyone   Just popping in quickly - I have to say I am still a bit stunned and shocked by the biopsy results.  We had psyched ourselves up for bad news and I kept saying to the consultant "you are absolutely sure that these are my results aren't you, you haven't mixed them up with someone else".  I'm sure he was a bit disappointed with my reaction as we were a bit subdued and not dancing around the office but I think it caught us by surprise.  We went out for a meal afterwards and just kept looking at each other and saying "are we dreaming".   Anyway appointment with oncologist tomorrow as I asked if I would still need RT and he wasn't sure - they are discussing me at their meeting today and I will find out tomorrow if the plan has changed or not in that respect.   Evie - I hated wearing those blooming surgical stockings.  They told me that they should be worn for 6 weeks post surgery but agreed to reduce it to 2 weeks on the basis I was moving around quite a lot and going for walks.  I hated wearing them at night - they just made my hot sweats feel even worse.  When I took them off for the last time I was tempted to burn them but just dropped them in the bin with a two fingered gesture!   I've seen the Gel Chill Pillow on the website - they seem quite expensive but I guess it will be a worthwhile investment if it works.   SALowry - well done re the running.  I did a 8 1/2 mile walk the other weekend around Carsington Water; felt a bit tired but was OK.  I've also got myself a FitBit to prompt me into getting back into the exercise.  It reminds me every hour to "go go go".   Jacquie - how did you get on at your oncology appointment?   WMJ - good luck for next Tuesday.   The numbness is very weird isn't it?  It was numb going down the underside of my arm but that is starting to regain the feeling now.  The lower part of my armpit is also coming back but it feels a bit sore like sunburn or shaving rash but the actual part of my armpit where I apply deodorant is completely numb.  Like you say, it feels very strange not to be able to feel anything and I have no idea if I am applying deodorant in the right place.   Agarside - keep positive; another week or so and the worst of the SE's will be behind you.    Am I the only one who has had a mastectomy?  I have a feeling everyone else has had a lumpectomy?   The consultant asked how I was coping mentally with it - I have to be honest it's tough to look down when having a shower/bath but when I am dressed I really don't notice and sometimes completely forget about the lack of a boob on the one side.   I now have everyone's contact number so will sit down at the weekend and set up the WhatsApp Group - look out for the first message. ... View more

Hi everyone Just a quick update-results are that I've had a complete pathological response which is very good news. The path report says there is no evidence of cancer in the lymph nodes or the breast tissue which means the chemo did its job. To be honest I'm stunned as I was expecting bad news so there have been lots of tears and I've had to have two large glasses of Pinot for the shock. Once My head has stopped swirling I'll be back. Ps 500ml of fluid drained from seroma today! ... View more

Hi - hope everyone is OK.  I've done a full day at work today which was quite enjoyable, mainly because nearly everyone was out of the office at a meeting and I joined via video-conference so I didn't have all the hassle of travelling.   WMJ - in order to send a private message I think you need to use a laptop or similar as I can't seem to send a private message on my phone.  You have to be logged in, click on my name and then it gives the option of sending me a message.  I have actually messaged you so you might just be able to do a reply if that helps.   Agarside - I'm impressed you managed to get to the Take That concert given that you are in the middle of the SE's but pleased that you enjoyed it.  I have to say that whilst all of the SE's are rubbish, the lack of taste made me particularly miserable especially as I enjoy my food.  Even now there are some things that I don't enjoy eating because I associate them with being tasteless during the chemo.  Chocolate appears to be the exception!   I have my appointment with the surgeon tomorrow when hopefully I will get the biopsy results - have to say I am getting more and more nervous by the hour so I'm glad I'm at work tomorrow to distract me.   I will also have to have my seroma drained - at the moment I have no need of the cumfi/softi insert for my bra on that side as it actually looks like my boob has grown back.  I've had to pop it in on the non-mastectomy side to even things up ha ha.   To add insult to injury I think I have started the menopause as I have been having terrible hot flushes over the last week but only during the night.  I've gone from someone who can sleep for 8 hours solid no problems to having about 90 minutes then waking up with a flush and then it takes me 30-45 mins to get back to sleep and so the cycle continues.  It starts in my head and feels like I am going to spontaneously combust.  I've had to move into the spare bedroom so that I can have all the windows open (OH hates having the windows open at night as he gets too cold).  I'm debating whether to invest in one of those Chillow Pillows to see if that helps.    I've had most mobile numbers messaged to me (just waiting for Evie, SALowry and WMJ). Once I have the majority I will set up the list and send out a test message.   Right well wish me luck for tomorrow and fingers crossed that the news is good!     ... View more

WMJ - I suddenly had an allergy to various dressings etc after being fine with them for a while, particularly Tegaderm.  I am OK with steristrips, silicon dressings and, strangely, cheap packets of plasters from Poundland!  You can ask for something called Cavilon (not sure of correct spelling) but it's a clear liquid that they can apply before putting on any dressings and it protects the skin.  This also worked for me really well.   Looks like a WhatsApp group is preferred - from what I can gather looking at the posts the likely participants are Jacquie, Evie, Agarside, Fiddlercrab, Snail, SALowry and WMJ and myself.  So, if everyone wants to private message me their phone numbers I can get this set up.  If you want to remain anonymous (eg not providing your real names) that is fine but I can assure you I am not an axe murderer/stalker although I am probably mad!   I had my seroma drained last Thursday but it has re-filled over the weekend - in fact, I don't really need any chicken fillets/stuffing in my bra on that side as it has evened out a bit with the fluid build up.  I think they will syringe it out on Tuesday.  Good job I am numb on that side as at least it doesn't hurt when they do it.   Hope everyone had a nice weekend.  I met a friend on Saturday and we pigged out on tea and cake!  Today I have been planting some pots up and trying to tidy up the garden.  I am a bit achey now as it's been a few months since I did any intensive gardening.  I can definitely feel all that squatting, bending and kneeling.  Oh yes I also cleaned the car but drew the line at mowing the lawn as I thought it a step too far being less than two weeks after a mastectomy.   I have just bought a FitBit so looking forward to building back up again.       ... View more

Ha I am going to milk the chemo brain for a few months yet - a good excuse for forgetting stuff.   It is very easy to set up a private group on the BCC forum or am happy to do via WhatsApp - just let me know and I can sort out quite quickly.   Just having a moment as a friend of my parents has just emailed me some lovely photos of my Mum from about 5 years ago when they were on holiday in France.  I can't believe how well she looked - good memories but has still made me cry.         ... View more

Morning everyone   Evie - thanks for updating and good news for you so really pleased.  I have just remembered another tip re the prevention of lymphodema - don't use a razor to shave under your arm.  Best to use a cream or an electric razor as a slight nick with a "manual" razor can cause a problem.    Agarside - I'm very jealous; friends went a week or so ago and said that they put on a really good show so I hope you feel up to going.   Snail - not liking the sound of the black armpit!  Will this go back to normal over time?   I'm feeling a bit crap today - not sure whether it is the side effect of the Herceptin injection I had yesterday.  I can't remember if I had a reaction last time but I felt very tired and achey after I had it and then had a rubbish night, being too hot to sleep.  Everytime I put my leg out from under the duvet to cool off the cat pounced on my toes.  I woke up with a horrible headache.    I had the seroma drained too yesterday - 265ml taken out!  Such a relief afterwards although I can see it has started to fill up again and the nurse said it can take 4-6 drains before it gets to a point where the fluid build up is minimal and is left to be reabsorbed.  I'm back to see the surgeon on Tuesday so they will recheck it then.   Finally, it was great to read that you would all like some sort of forum so that we can keep up to date with each other.  What is everyone's preference?  I am happy to set up a Whats App group if everyone sends me their contact details (presumably you can do this by messaging me privately via this forum).    I have no idea how to set up a closed Facebook group but can certainly Google it or maybe Fiddlercrab can give some instruction having mentioned it.    My preference would be FB or WA as I find them easy to access and reply to on my phone.  However, I will have a look at setting up a closed thread on the BCC site if people prefer.   If we aim to set something up for the beginning of June that gives sufficient time to check out the best option as we have this thread to communicate on in the meantime.   How long does chemo brain last - I did my online shopping at the weekend with the aim of doing a home-made chicken, goats cheese and leek pie made with filo pastry but forgot to order the blooming filo pastry (and although I like baking, filo pastry is way too faffy for my liking),   Doh!   ... View more

Sorry, last post for the moment - the chocolate has made me hyper!   I think with my lovely Sinead O'Connor hair, operation scar and bottle green surgical stockings, I am a dead cert to win Miss World this year!   Finally, if my body were to put as much effort into re-growing my head hair as it does into my (ahem) "lower regions" I would be much happier! ... View more

I have demolished a whole M&S Extremely Chocolately Swiss Roll ALL TO MYSELF in less than a week!   However, whilst eating the last slice I was just thinking that if those of that are still on the thread want to keep in touch in the future would it be worth considering:   1) Starting a new thread in the General Forum (with a link for anyone who wants to join us that has not posted for a while) - we could think of an inspiring title!   2) Setting up a Whats App or Email group (which obviously involves us providing private details which I am not sure everyone would be happy with)   I have found this thread to be invaluable and probably better than therapy to be honest; I know that this terrible disease and the subsequent treatment has brought us together, but I feel sure that if we met in real life we would all get on really well although we are clearly scattered around the country with busy lives and commitments so is not an option.   I think Agarside is the last of the December starters to be completing chemo (please let me know if this is not the case) and so I guess this thread will gradually peter out as people stop posting.   Once I start radiotherapy I will join in the discussion for the monthly thread there but it would be nice to see how everyone is getting on.    I know that some people will want to move on and forget this part of their lives but if anyone does want a general "how are you doing" type thread or Whats App group then we can sort something out.  And I won't be offended if you all stare at me (virtually) and say "no way".         ... View more

Agarside - last chemo yay!  Hope all goes well and just focus on the fact it is the last one.   Evie - not sure when my rads are either; they said 4-6 weeks after surgery but presumably that is on the basis that fully recovered from surgery and can move/hold arm in required position.   I will probably post on the Radiotherapy thread once I start as hopefully it will prove as useful as this thread; assuming it is sometime in June I may see you over there?   Good luck with your results today - I have an appointment next Thursday on the basis the biopsies will be back by then.  I am DREADING it so much.  It is like a little worm in my brain which keeps popping up to say "what if it has spread through my lymph nodes and is out there in the rest of my body".  I'd like to hope that the chemo has done its job.   In terms of the exercises I am doing 1-5 (Basic) of the BCC leaflet.  I am also doing a couple of other exercises recommended by the physio on the other arm which has the cording.  Day to day I am trying not to lift anything too heavy, eg the vaccuum, my handbag (LOL) but am OK with doing things like changing bedding, washing up, cooking, light jobs.  I have also managed to hang some washing out which does involve putting that arm up to the level of my head which was OK.  I'll probably get a telling off later!         ... View more

Blimey lots of hair there Jacquie and SALowry. I'll try and post a pic at weekend if possible but mine is just a fuzzy covering. Evie - I wasn't given any instructions on how to lie but the seroma has got much bigger (it's like having a squishy orange nesting in my armpit). I'm seeing my BCN today as I'm having my next Herceptin injection so will get her take on whether it needs to be drained. It's not painful just uncomfortable and makes the mastectomy area look even worse than it is. Think I might change my user name to Bride of Frankenstein! Am doing post op exercises 3 x per day (basic ones at moment) and mobility ok so far. How's everyone else getting on in that respect? Luckily cat scratches healing up and no adverse side effects. Sorry if I've missed commenting/responding- doing on phone so not as easy to scroll back to previous posts. PS I'm working this week - just a few hours each day from home but helping to keep me occupied and keeps me from doing any heavy stuff ... View more