Breast Cancer Care Forum

Seabreeze - thank you so so much for your long and detailed reply.  What a wealth of information for me to take with me to the hospital next week as I have an appointment with the oncologist.  Yes, agreed that I probably do need another blood test as I have had iron deficiency previously.  I do have a large fibroid which was diagnosed around the same time as the bc and I am sure this is to blame for the heavy blood loss.  Having not had a period for 3 months, I was shocked to start again and with such force!  I will speak with oncologist next week re tamoxifen and the acid tablets. Thanks too for suggesting the additional tablets if the acid doesn't work.  It is a shame, because I was starting to feel more "normal" last week but tired, emotional and weepy this week as my hormones reek havoc!!  Really appreciate your help with this - made me realise it is not just me!  Thanks so much for replying xx ... View more

I have been on Tamo for just 3 months but had very unpleasant leg cramps day and night with the pain going into my foot too. I had read that drinking tonic water helps and so I gave it a go and yes, a definite improvement in my case. Hope you find something that helps x ... View more

I found that the pure Aloe Vera gel from HB was really good to use during radiotherapy treatment.  Afterwards I needed to use E45 cream for up to 3 weeks after the treatment.  I also used Johnsons Baby wash and when the skin was at its worse, I protected the breast with a flannel when in the shower. Best of luck for the radiotherapy treatment x ... View more

Hi Mishy   This article may be helpful in terms of asking your employer to make reasonable adjustments to ease you back into work - a legal requirement under various pieces of legislation.  Take care xx https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/09/work-after-cancer-options-employers  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/documents/cancerinfo/reasonableadjustmentsguide.pdf   ... View more

I found this article really helpful.  May be worth a read xx http://www.peterboroughbreastcancersupportgroup.co.uk/images/pdfs/AfterTreatment.pdf ... View more

Hi Crocazy, just wanted to say "hello" and that I am thinking of you.  I finished radiotherapy 2 weeks ago and have hardly left the house as my boob has been so sore and itchy and I just wanted to sit with it uncovered in the house.  I also had a WLE and the scar is really bumpy.  I have felt really bad about not being able to do "normal" things again but realise that I have not had a period of recupperation since this nightmare started last  year......so this is now a bit of time to do that and to stop feeling guilty for finally taking some time for myself.  I totally get the not wanting to engage with the hospital etc but if you do have any concerns far better to get them checked out - just for piece of mind.  I have signed up to do a Moving Forward course as I think it will do me good to be with other women who have been through this - maybe something in your area?  And vent away....always someone here to listen.  Take care xx ... View more

It is completely normal to feel afraid.  Your friends don't need to have all the answers - just be there to give you a hug, a shoulder to cry on and support in general.  And you may be suprised by others who step up to support you - I know that I have been xx ... View more

I have just found this aticle which may help a little.  I didn't have to have chemo but can really relate to at least 90% of it..  https://ificouldtellyoujustonethingcouk.wordpress.com/2017/09/04/feelings-breast-cancer/ I have been very up and down over the course of my treatment - quite often resorting to hiding out at home with the TV on.  Worrying is inevitable but I am sure once you know properly what you are dealing with and have a treatment plan in place it will become a little easier.  Best way to fight this thing is to look after yourself as best you can so do try and eat a little if possible and engage with others on the forum.   Take care xx ... View more

Hi NoteRed and sorry that you find yourself in this forum as a result of BC diagnosis.  However, it is also a really good thing that you are here as there are so many of us going through the same journey and so heaps of advice and support to be had here!.  Being diagnosed is really really scary not least because you can feel completely out of control - I know that I did!  I was diagnosed last October aged 51 after finding a lump that summer.  I had pre-op complications so it took ages before they could remove the lump and give me a diagnosis - probably the worse summer ever.  I am now at the end of my active treatement having had a WLE and 2 further re-excisions to get clear margins plus 15 rounds of radiotherapy.  It is a week since my last radiotherapy and I am coming to terms with the new "normal".  Throughout I have learnt to lean on my husband, family and friends (and found out who my true friends are in the process) and used this forum to get advice and support from others.  It feels like hell now but you will get through it so be kind to yourself, have a cry now and then and take any support offered to you.  Keep in touch xx ... View more