Breast Cancer Now Forum

HI Amanda   Im sorry you are experiencing this at the moment after successfully completing your treatment earlier in the year.  I can empathise with you as I had a very similar experience. The lump I found in my other breast turned out to be fatty tissue.  I then developed a nasty red lump just under my armpit.  I was given lots of reassurance by my BCN, however it didnt help me to feel any reassured!  It was actually my GP who referred me to the breast clinic, which was fortunately running the very next day, and I was diagnosed with a cyst, which was drained and I was given antibiotics.  Now, I am in no way saying your outcome will be the same, only that there are innocent explanations for these lumps.  You should persist though and get it checked again - worrying about it will probably cause you more distress than the lump itself.  I hope you get some peace of mind soon, and that it all works out for you.  Please do keep us updated with any news.  Take care ... View more

strangely, I havent lost a minutes sleep since my diagnosis - I find it difficult to get out of bed though.  My joints are all sore, which may be because of my age and the onset of menopause (arent we women lucky?!).    I have a Maggie's centre not too far from me so might go along there.  My GP has been really supportive of me, and has offered antidepressants, but Im so sick of taking pills and suffering the side effects.  What about motivation? Does the CBT help with that?  Yes, its ironic that my work have been less than supportive, given what they do.  Im trying not to be bitter and see it as an opportunity to move jobs and start afresh, the timing stinks however.  Who will want to employ a woman my age, who is returning after cancer treatment and might need to start as a part time employee?  ... View more

so, any advice on dealing with the anxiety and lack of motivation? I dont want to go onto antidepressants - I would quite like to, if I can, deal with this without medical intervention!  ... View more

My boss made me use sick leave when I was going through diagnostic tests, despite being owed lots of annual leave and hours already worked.  Then I didnt get my wage rise because I was off getting treatement, and when I went back during my treatment, she gave my work away to someone else because I couldnt offer consisitency to the role as I had more treatment to get.  Then she said I lied about all of that!  BTW i work for a large UK based cancer charity... ... View more

HI everyone. Im very late to the conversation.  What Mary has described is exactly how Im feeling at the moment.  Im also feeling very sorry for myself, the first since my diagnosis in November 2016.  I struggled at first, not with the diagnosis, but with the treatment plan - double mastectomy.  I fought that, as the cancer was only found in one breast, so I had one removed.  I have many ups and downs, and as it stands, I am still waiting on a skin graft to create a new nipple, replacing the one I lost.  My work hasnt been supportive and I have been off since september last year.  Sorry - thats very long!  Anyway, I am now trying to find a new job, which is difficult for a 49 year old woman who is recovering from cancer treatment, I have very little energy.  My get up and go, has got up and gone.  I feel so anxious at times, it takes my breath away!  My family, I think, feel I should be back at work now as I am cancer free, but I actually feel worse now than I have ever felt.  I think I probably need a kick up the backside. I even joined a gym and have only gone 3 times in a month! ... View more