Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Angela. This is a difficult one. I was diagnosed just over 2 years ago with a Gradex1 tumour. 5 years previously I had a radical hysterectomy after 12 months of continously bleeding caused by fibroids. My gynae, a true expert in her field, slapped an Evorel patch on my bottom post op and said 'this will make you feel fab'. And it did. Great hair, skin, energy. Then comes the bombshell. BC! I remember my gp saying he didn't like any patient staying on HRT for more than 4 years max as it didn't cause breast cancer but fed it. So with my 8/8 oestrogen tumour HRT was now 'off the menu'. It's considered took risky in women with high oestrogen tumours. God, I miss it. I have dry skin hair and nails and creak! And the anti hormone tablets just add to that unfortunately. But, and this is me, I wouldn't go back on HRT for fear of a recurrence. I had high oestrogen levels naturally. I had a baby at 43. So maybe I just overloaded. Lots of my friends are on it. None have been put off by my diagnosis. It's such a bummer of a decision for you...I'd take your gynae's advice and I'll be interested to hear what that is. Funny. My mother in law is 81. She's been on HRT for 43 years! Never been ill. X ... View more

Hi Napa. I waited 14 weeks! My op was 22 June, and I started beginning of October! They were so busy in the Rad Department, I had no choice but to wait. I'm 2 years clear and hope to remain that way. Ces. ... View more

Hi Benandflo. I didn't tell my children. It was 2 years ago. They were 29, 24 and 11. I had surgery and rads. The BC nurse said "if you don't have to tell them don't..why burden them with the worry". However, had I had chemo, I would have told them since the treatment would've been difficult to hide. I told friends. It's a very personal thing but I have no regrets. X ... View more

Hi Sue. I was under Solihull. Had Mr Bala. Was brilliant...he took over from Mr Patterson!!! Are you under Bala or one of the others? Ingles? I had my Rads at Cov/Wark as was closer than QE. Both are great altho I did have to wait for 13 weeks from lumpectomy to Rads as Dept was so busy. I was assured long wait was fine though. ... View more

Hi Helen. I was told by my Rad Oncologist that by NOT having rads after lumpectomy increased my risk of recurrence by 25%. So it appears there is a vast array of differing opinions and stats. Boosts were only given to patients with higher grade/larger tumours, as I asked if I could have one and was told 'no, it isn't necessary'. BTW, clips are usually only inserted in tumours which are not palpable or are very difficult to see on mammograms. I had one inserted as my lump couldn't be felt and was deep in the 6 o'clock position. 🙂 ... View more