Breast Cancer Now Forum

The book I have found most helpful, latest edition is Dr Susan Loves Breast Book, its big, has interesting details re treatments.   i just read relevant parts, she is american though.   Hope this helps 🙂 ... View more

Hello Camo, I had same experience in March this year, all the wiating for results is so worrying.   Now I am so grateful this was found early enough to do lumpectomy rather then mastectomy.   I was so anxious as most are I suspect, this is what helped me but we all differnt:   I started a journal of my journey with breadt cancer, found postive sayings, wrote down all my feelings, fears and worries, also the funny and unexpected, like meeting other people and new friends 🙂   I used calming teas like Camomile and Lavender   used essential oils in an oil burner to soothe me.   I found valerian in Kalms, helped the paniky feelings, as did slowing my breathing and relaxation.   Its all a rollorcoaster after diagnosis as treatments follow on so quickly, yet there are so many really good tretaments, that can prevent further growth for many of us.   I had some hard times, but putting myself first, sharing as I wished, having some treats, and the advice and support here has and is still helping me so much.   I also joined a breast cancer support group run by McMillan, attended some workshops with Dimbleby cancer care, and counselling sesions all helped so much. The phone line is great so do give them a call anytime, we all help each other as we can, you are never alone on this journey 🙂         ... View more

Thank you for responses.   I did try anti nausea tablets, antacid medicines, also esomaprazole which I have for heartburn each day usualy anyway. I nibbled on dry crackers to ease acid too.   I called the BCN she said she would call back but never did, so I called again yesterday left message, no response yet.   I could not continue so not taken for five days, pain got so bad in stomach I could not continue, nausea eased off but still getting odd waves of it.   If the doctor had responded, adjusted nausea meds, or gave advise re managing side effects it would have helped.   I did not have increased joint pain which I did with letrozole so thought I would cope, but I got really worried about pain in stomach, could not aleep, had to stay sitting up, when I moved the waves of nausea started me retching. It was too much.   Hopefully I will be able to talk to a nurse or see doctor.   I am wiating for appointment for infusion of Biphosphanates, as just diagnosed wth osteoporosis, I have hiatus hernia so was decided no to give me tablets.   One thing I found wierd on drug was that hot flushes lessoned, now they back with a vengance,  but I undertsand my hormones all over the place after trying these three drugs. 🙂   ... View more

Thank you Rubycat.   I am so frustrated as was doing so well, I could'nt take drug last night, so nauseous ts painful.   if I move ts worse.   Been taking anti nausea med and antacid esomepraziole.   Even now missing a dose still feek so sick.   i suppose I could be given stronger anti nausea med.   But where does it stop.   May have to give in gracefully, 🙂         ... View more

Hi, what an awlful time for you.   I had cellulitus infection after surgery, and loads of fluid which was removed, finsihed radiotherapy end of June and now developed large lump under surgery scar and my breast is getting harder and harder.   I see my onco in couple weeks.   Waiting for results is the worst time ever, and having to keep on at doctors and nurses so frustrating.   You will get the results and infection will go, mine took over a month to clear and I am still suspicious that its inside breast.   Can you get to a support group? I find it helps so much.   Like here other peoples experiences do help us.   hoping results come through soon for you, you have got this far, and whilst we think its the worst it oftens is not.   Take care         ... View more

After speaking to Breast care nurse and doctor at hospital yesterday I have now stopped Letrozole due to joint pain and tiredness.   I have bone and nerve pain due to an old spine injury but this drug has made the joint pain worse wth muscle cramps.   Re ideas to help ease such pain, as someone who has managed chronic pain for years here are some ideas   Glucosamine with MSN does help but takes couple months to kick in.   Arnica gel can ease muscle and joint pain. I buy mine from QVC, from SBC range as cheaper and does extra strong one too 🙂   Microvable gel heat pads, or stick on ones can relax muscles and distract from constant aches, the stick on ones great if you working.   Hot water bottle at night.   Pillow under or between knees can ease leg pain.   TENs machine can distract from pain signals. Can get free from Pain clinic or buy online or at Boots.   Marjarom essential oil, mixed with a base oil eases pain.   Massage is wonderful 🙂   But even with these, and string pain killers I cannot manage the increase in pain Letrozole has given me.    🙂       .       ... View more

I do think if we have other health issues prior to BC drugs can have intense effect.   I have found process so hard, I have spine injury, loads arthritus, damge to nerves, chronic nerve pain.   Finding drugs just make me feel awlful.   on Letrozole feel so tired and achy, immediatley spine pain increased, maybe due to weak bones in that region already I don't know.   Re NHS Predict its is useful yet just one aide to making a decision.   Its worth talking to oncologist again, and or nurses but in the end its your life and you know what you can manage or not.   For me I know I must try but not end of world if I stop as only 2% increase in survival at ten years.   Its anxiety that making me feel I should stay on it, but then I am anxious about side effects am experiencing.   So hard for us all 🙂 ... View more

I had allergic reaction to Tamoxifen, sore mouth and my lady bits very sore and swollen, constant tummy problems.   It was same rare allergic reaction you mention.   I had it with anti epileptic drugs too.   But if its allergy its gets worse and worse.   I have started Letrozole and note dry mouth now.   It is hard to know whats hormone related or not. ... View more

I too am in same position, there is an online tool oncologists and patients can use to help your decision.   Its called NHS PREDICT   You fill in a few details anout your cancer and treatments then it tells you how much hormone theapy helps your odds of survival in five years and ten years.   Mine is only 2% so not willing to live with bad side effects.   I am curently on Letrozole, tried Tamoxifen but had severe nausea and allergic reaction.   I already have spine and joint pain, now more achy and tired but early days.   Hope this helps   🙂 ... View more

I just just started on Letrozole and due to bad reaction to Tamoxifen am easing myself in by taking alternate days to begin with.   i know its not enough to do its job but I need to see if I am allergic like I was to Tamoxifen.   I though every other day first, them two days on one day off, till I maange to get to every day.   To be honest after being so ill with Tamoxifen I am doing this my way first to see what happens.   But my aim is to take every day as prescribed eventually.   🙂 ... View more

Ok this two weeks after is not nice!   As told burns have got worse, I am red raw, skin peeling off in blisters, have dressings over whole breast now.   So painful.   Oncologist says its is extreme reaction, which seems to be my bodies norm! so frustrating 🙂   One more week then should start healing.   I feel like I am being burnt from inside out, like microwave, new blisters each day, skin under breast and nipple is worst, bleeding and weeping (breast and moi!)   But although its horrid I am being positive, just so tired of this all.   In ten days I gping away for weeks holiday just hoping healing by then.   How are you finding the two weeks after sessions finish? ... View more

Hi all, just for info I have had bad reaction to rads, burns and huge swelling. I finsihed last Friday.   Have found Medihoney barrier cream and gel really helps. I use dressings but place tiny spread of cream on skin first, its very soothing and highly rated for burn and skin problems. It was reccoemded by another member thankfully so sharing here.   I had allergic reaction to adhesive dressings, so bear that in mind if dressing does irratate you.   I got larger cotton bras but have had to put bra extenders on as so huge.   Use pillow under breast for support when possible to ease pain.   Cool aloe bera gel in fridge before use, and I have found getting a cooling gel pad, wrapped in cloth so soothing over bra.   I use electric fan next to bed, rest breast on pillow and allow the air to cool and dry the skin.   Gives me some releif at night.   I was assured by Oncologist today swelling will eventually ease, skin will heal, I was so worried it was all due to cancer.   I so hope these things may help those who sore, it is depressings at times, such a long journey. But it does end and we will heal.   🙂           ... View more

Congrats to all who have finished sessions 🙂   I saw oncologist today, it turns out I was allergic to Tamoxifen, so now prescribed Letrozole but not till I have healed.   She says swelling is intense reaction to radiation, not fluid phew!, and will slowly lesson, as will burns.   I am trying out Medihoney barrier cream and ordered gel, its so soothing as well as natural antibacterial.   Whilst in pain, got strong painkillers, I feel like turned a corner.   I will pop over to July thread now and then and of course Letrozole when I start.   Thank you all so much 🙂 I feel you all held my hand, I was not so alone, thankyou. ... View more

Hi, I just finished 15 sessions.   Have had some issues but finding some great ideas for creams, gels, cooling etc here.   So can share what working for me.   🙂 ... View more