Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi Jenny - first of all a big hug to you, and a big welcome. This forum really is a wonderful place, lots of advice and support. I had a mastectomy and pre-pectoral implant (on top of the muscle) with mesh sling (think called Braxon) about 3 years ago. I wasn't suitable for any of the own tissue recons, but I wanted an implant because of the quicker recovery time. I don't know if you are having radiotherapy but lots of surgeons won't do an implant if you are having radio afterwards as there is a risk of hardening (capsular contracture), but my surgeon said that the risks are much lower with this type of implant. I had radio and touch wood all has been ok. In terms of aesthetics, my implant doesn't match my real one. It is a bit more round and unfortunately a bit larger. Actually I was really interested to read BluebellTime's comment that she had had hers replaced with a smaller one, and that it was an easy operation. But for the moment I use a partial prosthesis over my real one and under clothes you would never know. I have got used to it now and am happy with it. I really don't notice it day to day. I'm also a similar cup size to you. In terms of recovery, I'm trying to think back. I think I was driving again after about 3 weeks then gradually built up activities after that. With any option you will have to do arm exercises to regain the full use of your arm - your team will give you full details and it's so important to stick to it. Going forward, I don't know if or when I may need to have the implant replaced - again like Bluebelltime I was also told that I may never need it replaced. I would recommend that you try to see some photos of ladies who have had both. Your surgeon may be able to show you photos or he/she may have a website with photos of previous operations. Of course it does seem very odd googling photos of other ladies' chests, but it will give you an idea! I'm very happy to answer any more questions you have, so please ask away. It's really important to get as much info as you can and this is a safe place - do stay away from Dr Google. My very best wishes to you Evie xx ... View more

Hi Butler10 - first of all I'm sending you a big hug. You have come to exactly the right place to get information, support and advice. It's totally normal to feel as you do, so don't beat yourself up or feel "stupid" - you are not. It's almost impossible to take anything in, especially in the early days, I know I felt like I had been hit by a truck and was just stunned. I would come out of appointments and have no idea what was said, and would repeatedly ask the same question. Many people don't even want to know any information, that's their way of coping too. So don't worry about not taking anything in. When you get to your chemo appointment the lovely nurses will guide you every step of the way. You should have been given the number of a Breast Care Nurse that you can call if you have any questions, or alternatively you can contact the helpline on here. I would definitely speak to your BCN, or even try the secretary of your oncologist who can get a message to your oncologist, to find out about herbal supplements and chemo. Your oncologist has to by law give you details of every side effect that could happen - and I stress "could", but that doesn't mean that all or any will happen to you. Everyone reacts differently to chemo. You will be given clear instructions to monitor your temperature - because chemo knocks out part of your immune system, and an increase in temperature could mean an infection that needs attention. So just be vigilant but don't panic and take your temperature every minute! If you have any specific questions I or other ladies will be more than happy to chat with you. I would also recommend you join the monthly chemo threads on here where you will meet other people at the same stage as you. Do come back and chat more and update us/ask questions. Til then my very best wishes to you as you start treatment. Evie xx ... View more

Hi Jojo2020 - I'm so sorry to read about your Mum's diagnosis, but you have come to the right place to get advice. As mini mad says, there are so many ladies who have been through the various treatments so please do come on here any time for any advice at all, practical or emotional support. And maybe your Mum might like to join in too when she feels up to it. I agree with mini mad's suggestion of Nicola Jane. Another place I use for bras is Amoena, and they also sell various breast forms and post op stuff. I wish your Mum all the very best as she goes through this. She is very lucky to have such a caring and thoughtful daughter to help her. Please let us know if any of us can help further. Evie xx ... View more

Hi Pyewacket - I’ve just changed notifications on the forum and have now seen your post as Rosiecrocodile has replied. I hope I’m not too late to tell my story. I had a mastectomy in 2017 with an immediate implant, followed by radiotherapy. It is true that most doctors advise against having an implant before radiotherapy, but my plastic surgeon was happy to go ahead with a relatively new procedure (I think). I had a “pre pectoral” implant, meaning it was put in front of the chest muscle, and supported in a Braxon sling thing which I believe reduced the risks from radiation. I’m not medical so that’s probably a bad description, but I’m happy to chat more about it if I can help at all. I wish you all the very best as you go forward. Evie xx ... View more

Hi Lucy - thank you so much for your very kind words, that really meant a lot to me. Your reply and advice was really helpful too - it’s so important for us to know that we are not alone and that others understand exactly what we are going through. This forum really is a special place isn’t it. Hugs to you, I hope all is well with you. Evie xx ... View more

Thanks Tili - Tamo indeed has a lot to answer for!  Hugs back to you, Evie xx ... View more

Thanks Tili, I’m going to make a note of your suggestion too. Something must help! you too, enjoy your Sunday and keep well. Xx ... View more

Hi Tili - yes!! My scalp has been so itchy since treatment. The chemist suggested Nizoral, but it hasn't really cured the problem. I'm sure I have read other chats about the subject on here, might be worth a search to see what others have suggested. I hope someone else will come along with another solution. Hugs, Evie xx ... View more

Hi Kezzybear68 - I agree with Jaybro's comment that it is very normal to feel low following the end of treatment. For a while you will have been going regularly to appointments, surgery/radiotherapy etc and then suddenly you are free of them and don't have that regular medical support any more. Plus while it's all going on you almost don't have time to think, then treatment stops and you realise what you have just gone through. I remember reading posts like yours while I was going through treatment, and I only really understood them once I finished treatment. I also remember people expecting me to be back to normal and "fixed", just as if I had broken my leg and it had healed. Everyone will deal with things differently, but most people will need time to come to terms with everything. As you have said yourself, take as much time as you need, it sounds a cliche but be kind and gentle to yourself and allow yourself the time. Lots of nice treats too while your mind and body both heal. People talk about a "new normal" and personally I like that phrase. It can mean altering your outlook on things, changing exercise/routine etc, whatever you like. It's important to take one day at a time and not look too far ahead. I had some counselling after treatment and one thing she suggested was to keep a journal and write down say 3 positive things that had happened that day, from receiving a phone call to seeing spring flowers, whatever - it's supposed to help retrain your mind. And a book I always recommend, that was recommended to me, is The Cancer Survivor's Companion by Frances Goodhart and Lucy Atkins. My best wishes to you as you recover, and please continue to chat on here if I or anyone else on here can help. It is a wonderful safe environment to offload without judgement. Evie xx ... View more

Tili, fab news, well done I know how hard that step was. Feel proud of yourself.  I hope Tamoxifen is kind to you. My onc said that if you do suffer some side effects they can settle within a short time so don’t despair if you get some. As Seabreeze says, talk to your onc/consultant and maybe try changing brands. Do keep us posted. Happy to answer any questions.  hugs, Evie xx ... View more

Hi Tili - thank you for your kind reply. It is really important that you start Tamoxifen only when you are ready and don't beat yourself up about putting them back in the drawer. We are here to help you if you need a helping hand. The only thing I would say, which I'm sure you already know, is that if you read these forums you will get a distorted view of side effects because the majority of people who post on here have an issue or problem that they want help with, that is the nature of forums (not a criticism at all). People who don't get side effects don't tend to come on and post. Keep in touch and you too stay safe and well. Evie xx ... View more

Hi lollypop, thank you for your kind reply. I hope work has gone well/ok today, and that you managed to juggle your 8 year old too! Not easy. I had some counselling after all the treatment, I found talking things through helped me. One suggestion she gave me was to keep a sort of diary and write down 1-3 good things each day, or when I felt like it. Anything from the sun shining, to spring flowers, or a call with someone - anything at all. I found it helped to retrain my brain - I still have ups and downs and use this from time to time, but immediately after treatment I found it particularly useful. You will read all kinds of advice and some will click with you, some won't. Just give yourself time, don't beat yourself up and I'm happy to chat any time (here or PM if you prefer). Evie xx ... View more

Hi Tili I didn't want to read and go past without sending a hug and some encouragement. You've had great advice from Seabreeze and I hope you will soon feel able to open that packet. I understand totally how you feel, that was me about 3 years ago - except that you have the added fear of having taken a drug before that made you feel awful. I'm not sure what made me finally open the pack - just one day I felt able to take the plunge. Touch wood I haven't really noticed any side effects. I'm sure you already know this from taking Letrozole, but different brands can make a difference. I know the medical profession doesn't always believe that, but from what I've read and heard from friends it can. All the best to you, keep us posted. Evie xx ... View more

Hi lollypop First of all a big hug to you. You are are posting in the right place, but there is also another section called Moving Forward after BC and in there is a box called Coping with Fear and Anxiety. It may be worth having a look in that section too as you will find lots of helpful comments as so many people can identify with what you describe. You've already had some good advice, but one thing I would add would be that general anaesthetic can make you feel really low. I didn't realise that and didn't understand why I felt so so down and rough after my surgeries. You have also had a lot thrown at you in a short time, it's not surprising you feel battered. I think Nifi's advice of one day at a time is  very good - that was some of the best advice I was given as I went through it all. One book that I found helpful - it was recommended on here - is The Cancer Survivor's Companion by Frances Goodhart and lucy Atkins. Might be worth a look. If it helps to chat on here please keep doing that - it is a safe, non judgmental place. Once the current situation changes you might want to consider some counselling - or maybe you could contact the "Someone like me" support service on here? My very best wishes to you. Evie xx ... View more

Hi MoDo I'm so sorry to read your post - I know we've chatted in the past, so I wanted to come on here and give you a big hug. You have received 2 excellent replies from Lucy51 and Jaybro and I don't think I can add anything to their wonderful advice - hugs to you two ladies too. My only extra advice is to keep chatting on here if that helps, this is such a safe and non judgmental place to offload. You need to deal with all that has gone on in your own time, try not to feel pressured to feel "back to normal".  Evie xx ... View more

Hi Sarah Thank you so much for your lovely message and kind words. I'm sorry that you didn't get your results but hope you will get them soon. I had chemo first, then a mx and node clearance plus implant at the same time, then radiotherapy and now Tamoxifen. Helly describes chemo as "doable but tough" and I think that's a good way to put it. As with all drugs, it affects everyone differently. I can't say it was easy for me but as I didn't really have an option somehow I found a way to get through it and you will too. Hopefully it will be kind to you. My lovely BCN told me that I owed it to myself to do whatever I could to get rid of all trace of the lump and her words kept me going. There are monthly chemo groups on here that I would recommend as you will all be going through it at the same time and can support each other. Radiotherapy was a lot easier but, like Helly said, it was tiring going to hospital every day for 3 weeks. Definitely accept any and all offers of help when you go through treatment and do stay away from Google! I'm very happy to answer any specific questions you think of, now or in the future, on here or private message. You are on a steep learning curve at the moment, so ask as many questions as you like. My very best wishes to you Evie xx ... View more

Hi Sarah First of all, a big hug to you as you go through all this treatment.   I have been taking Tamoxifen since June 2017 and touch wood all is ok, just some hot flushes. I too took mine during radiotherapy. I am also 52, I was pre menopausal when I started taking Tamoxifen and am continuing with it even though I'm now post menopausal.   You have to remember that if you google or read posts on this forum you will get a slightly distorted view of side effects - because mostly people only post if there is an issue/problem, it is more unusual for someone to come on and post that all is well. That isn't a criticism of forums, but is the nature of them.   Also you have to remember that the leaflet has to list all side effects, but it doesn't mean you will get them.  Jill makes a good point that some people find different brands suit them better than others - my doctor doesn't believe the brand can make a difference but it does for many people.   Best wishes to you as you go forward, and I'm happy to chat more or answer any questions. Evie xx     ... View more

Hi Simmo - I'd really recommend asking your consultant/plastic surgeon if they have any photos to show you so that you can get a better idea of what the surgery will look like. I am small breasted, I was a B cup in both before surgery. I still am in my original left, but my right is larger and more rounded than my left. So I use a prosthesis over my original to even things up under clothes as I didn't want more surgery on my left. To begin with I didn't like the fact that they didn't match, but I am used to it now.   The recovery time was another important factor for me. I had to have radiotherapy after surgery - lots of consultants won't put an implant in if you need radiotherapy, but mine was happy to do it as the sling apparently helps reduce the risk of complications after radiotherapy.   It's a very personal decision, so it's really good that you are asking lots of questions and advice before you make your decision. Please feel free to ask more questions, that's just a quick summary. xx ... View more

Hi Simmo, I know you addressed your question to Rachel, but I had an implant with no breast or other tissue in a sling, so I’m happy to chat or answer any questions.  Evie xx ... View more

I hope it helps you both to chat things over on this forum - where everyone just gets what you mean without you having to explain. It's anonymous so you can be as honest as you like, whereas you might not feel able to do that with friends or family, especially if they haven't been through this.   Jubelu - I totally know what you mean about people thinking we are fixed once treatment is over, just as if we had had a broken leg. I'm not sure when you had your treatment, but I do hope you find your "new normal" - whatever that means to you. Probably an overused phrase, but we are changed after a shock like we have had. Don't beat yourself up that you haven't got there yet, it takes time.   Lucy - yes, our minds can run into overdrive when we are on our own, I know that feeling! Good that your friend was so helpful. Keep chatting on here and ask for as much reassurance as you need.   Oh dear - I offered to listen not try to advise/fix! Sorry. xx ... View more