Breast Cancer Now Forum

Moisturing now will keep your skin in good condition then it will be less likely to flare up.  Apparently the average time for punkness to appear is around session 10, but of course everyone is different. Sorry I mean pinkness. ... View more

Hi Snail are you drinking enough, perhaps hydration is the issue.   Hope this helps ... View more

Hi again, sorry just noticed on the back of the tablet strip it says Astra Zenica. ... View more

Hi Frankie, I have been on Arimidex/Anastrazole since December and was advised by my surgeon to take it at night in case nausea was an issue which I have done and luckily I have not experienced nausea.  I do have hot sweatssometimes but not as bad as the full blown ones I had on the change. I have osteoarthritis anyway so had bone pain but recently it has got worse.  I do know that tomato based sauces aggravate my arthritis and have read that some people react to dairy products so it might be worth monitoring diet if bone pain appears out of the blue.  Otherwise I am coping with the tablets  my current brand is made byStar Pharm and is repackaged by Servipharm.  I haven't noticed if they have changed but will checkeach time from now onwards in case it does change.  I hope this helps and that the tablets don't cause you any problems. ... View more

Hi Devon it sounds like you are all doing a great job in supporting your daughter in law, and it is lovely that the children are involved too.  Your daughter in law may not want to burden you all any more by expressing her fears and emotions but may find it helpful to do this outside the close family circle possibly.  It is just a suggestion.  Fortunately I have a friend who has already gone through this who I could talk to as I didn't want to add to my husband's worries and she helped me keep perspective and i found comfort on various threads on this site where I have found useful information in the conversations amongst others at various stages of treatment. The support from the helpline is fantastic and it is there for all of you. ... View more

Hi Devon it sounds like you are all doing a great job in supporting your daughter in law, and it is lovely that the children are involved too.  Your daughter in law may not want to burden you all any more by expressing her fears and emotions but may find it helpful to do this outside the close family circle possibly.  It is just a suggestion.  Fortunately I have a friend who has already gone through this who I could talk to as I didn't want to add to my husband's worries and she helped me keep perspective and found comfort on various threads on this site where I have found useful information in the conversations amongst others at various stages of treatment. The support from the helpline is fantastic and it is there for all of you. ... View more

Hi Devon, there are lots of different support activities to help try to lift your mood during and after treatment if you can find them locally.  I know it is early days and they are still getting used to the news, but there are relaxation classes, art therapy, walk and talk activities, look good feel great, etc.  Once treatment starts it can limit how involved you can be without compromising immunity  but some people use anti depressants as a temporary measure to gain mental and emotional strength to move forward.  Whatever works best for your family you will know.  Your daughter in law and son will be so grateful for your support.       Small acts of kindness such as making a meal, doing the laundry, taking the children out,  arranging a surprise treat make all the difference.  Also if you could research other support activities in your area via the main cancer charities or their local hospital and make a file they can dip into when they are ready will provide avenues to distract their attention for a while.  Anxiety is very draining and it can be hard to break the cycle ofover thinking the issue so the sooner this can be alleviated the better to maintain optimum mental and physical strength for the treatment ahead.  We are all thinking about you and your family and wishing you the best and hope your bubbly daughter in law resurfaces soon.     ... View more

Hi Devon your daughter in law is lucky to have you.  Please tell her the support here is fantastic, the telephone helpline is a godsend especially if you are anxious,  please encourage her to check this site as she will find someone in similiar circumstances and/or tell her to phone the helpline, it is manned by professionals.  I phoned them when I was anxious about my treatment recommendations being changed a few times and they were fantastic.  They listened well and helped me feel calm and gave me excellent advice.  It can help put  it in perspective and they can point her in the right direction.  If she can't do it herself at the moment ask your son to  talk to them.  Good Luck.  It is hard when you are the in law sometimes.  If you have a close relationship with her she might let you make the first move.  Through this I have discovered wonderful support from my daughter in law which has surprised me and it has enriched our relationship.  Thinking about you all.   ... View more

Hi Clair  I am on Arimidex and am experiencing bone pain.  I have arthritis in few places but the pain is increasing at the moment.  I have also noticed that my right hip gets uncomfortable if I sleep on it too long.  Also I have noticed that I have had some headaches but it seems that these are intermittent.  Normally my arthritis can be triggered by tomato based sauces, some people are affected by dairy products.  Maybe you are affected by something in your diet?  Perhaps make a note of what you have eaten prior to the pain increasing and you may find a trigger.  I hope this helps. ... View more

Jaynes1208, I was told to take my Arimidex (Anastrazole) at night to reduce the chance of nausea, not sure if this is relevant to you.  I have had occasional nausea briefly but it has passed now.  I am experiencing more bone pain from the tablets now, I have arthritis pain anyway in my thumbs, and other places, which is more of a problem now.  It is surprising how much we use our thumbs! ... View more

Hi all     I finished my radiotherapy about 10 days ago and so far no serious side effects.  I have very fair skin and have used Aloe Vera gel at least 3 times a day, sometimes 4 times, and am pink with a red nip and am experiencing tiredness sooner than I used to but otherwise ok.  For anyone concerned about this treatment I hope it reassures you and echoes other comments that the majority of people don't have serious side effects. I would like to share with you also that Macmillan run some pamper sessions where store beauticians volunteer their time, and cosmetic industry donate products for a goody bag, I am booked on one at my hospital where I had my radiotherapy next month.  It might be worth looking into as it will lift your spirits.  I am also booked on a Macmillan walk in a local park with a coffee and a natter afterwards.  Also my physio told me about 8 free sessions at a local sports centre for light circuit training type activity to get moving.  I have been referred by her for that too. There are lots of other support services and activities out there for anyone who could benefit especially if you are struggling.  This site is also a great source of relevant information and support. ... View more

Wythenshawe hospital for surgery and The Christie Salford for radiotherapy, both excellent thankfully. ... View more

Hi Patriciamay I am at The Christie Salford, and am really happy with all the staff I have encountered so far.  Their positive and cheery approach makes me feel calm and relaxed whilst there. I am fair skinned, I am a fading redhead, so I asked the staff if it makes a difference for burning and they said I might experience it a little earlier than others, so I have a good supply of Aloe Vera gel and am using it 3 times a day already. ... View more

Had my first radiotherapy today, had 6 ceiling tiles with lovely autumn leaves on to look at but no music, maybe music tomorrow?  It was a lot quicker than I thought it would be once I was correctly in position. I am happily following hydration and moisturisation advice from all contributors here, thanks everyone. ... View more

Hi olddawn   Thank you, I will look for the Pitrock it sounds good.  I am using Aloe vera gel which was recommended as a moisturiser.  Ladybowler recommends keeping it in the fridge as it helps cool things down later in the treatment, and she takes her moisturiser with her to appointments to apply immediately after treatment.  Good Luck tomorrow. ... View more