Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi all- I hope you are all going along ok.Miss Green - fingers and toes are crossed for you Good that you are having repeat CTs atleast they will hopefully be reassuring.I have been told that I won't get any further investigations on my affected side unless I have symptoms🤔 I had my appt with a plastic surgeon today - I came out very confused as I thought I would have my temporary implant transformed into a permanent one.It seems I have a choice of a Diep ( I haven't got much fat so I could work on that over xmas!) But I might have to have 2 more ops after to get the shape right.Or I could have an implant that comes with long term difficulties/hardening but will need 2 ops here as well ( needing a saline filled skin stretcher first).I hope the surgeon would say what he thought would be best for me but he has sent me away to think about it - very confused!! Any advice??? Wishing everyone a Happy xmas and hopefully a much better 2019. Xx ... View more

Yes - thank you Wee Burd I think I will.I noticed your picture - all that hair! Mine is similar but still unruly.I have had 2 tiny trims to try and get some control.I am still wearing my wig out and to work. Was it easy to get your picture on here? I  will have a go. X☺ ... View more

Hi Mrswoody, I can't give you any answers but I can certainly sympathise. I have developed the stiff joints since starting Tamoxifen.Like you I feel like 90 in the morning( I am 48) - struggling to turn over in bed because I have become stiff overnight😞I assume the menopause effect from the Tamoxifen is like losing all the WD40 in our joints.  Once I get moving I am generally alright for the rest of the day.I wonder though if others get on better taking it in the morning - I have been taking mine last thing at night. Strange that you have been getting the symptoms since coming off it - l assume it's all to do with hormone imbalance/ fluctuating levels . Let's hope there is others that post on this site that can give us some advice☺. ... View more

I forget Wee Burd - did you have a temporary implant like me? I seem to be getting more tender and I have a bit of swelling by the evening. I thought the pain is from where the nerves are tuning back in - it was numb all across my implant ,under my armpit and around to my back before.I thought the swell8ng was something I would have to put up with- lymphodaema.I didn't appreciate it could still be an after effect of the radiotherapy.  I had some muscle twitching in my shoulder towards the end of the treatments which was annoying but that's gone now. I wonder if I should make use of my  Haven sessions and have some massage/lymphatic drainage?? I have had my radiotherapy follow up but didn't achieve much from that.I asked the oncologist about recurrence and he suggested I looked at the Predict website on line.This was a bit scary and didn't take into account the radiotherapy😞 I  have had to refer myself back to the surgeons for permanent reconstruction. My BCN sorted an appointment for this really quickly - (next Thurs) but I appreciate they won't do any surgery until atleast 6 months after the rads. Hope everyone is doing ok.Thinking if you Miss Green - we have all become expert patients! Xx   ... View more

Hi Miss Green - I hope your surgery went ok. Chrissy - how did you get on with your moving forward course?I was interested in this but our nearest one for Portsmouth is Kent! My hair like you is curly on top and very unruly😞I am still wearing a wig at work as can't do a thing with it!! I have dyed it a couple of times with no I'll effects. Hope everyone else is doing ok xx ... View more

Hello Ladies, it's good to hear how we are all still soldiering on. Jude - I hope all is ok with your tender spot.I think we all have a right to be paranoid! I have healed up following my radiotherapy burns but am still tender under my armpit.Not sure if it is to do with the nerves tuning back in.My implant is very "squidgy" - hoping for a permanent implant next Spring.Didnt you have an implant Wee Burd? How are you getting on? I am back to work 30hrs instead of full time for a while to use up some accrued annual leave ( something good about working for the NHS). Don't think I have suffered fatigue from the rads however I have had some afternoons when my eyes are sooo tired.I have been surrounded by family with colds and touch wood so far I haven't caught anything.I have probably spoken too soon - my immunity must be at it's lowest in years😞.I have had my flu jab ( another bonus from the NHS) - so 🤞. I can't believe how quickly this horrible year has gone - it will be time for my yearly repeat mammogram come Jan/Feb!! But like you Jude - I am more worried about recurrent problems on the right side than the left😔 I have been told the paranoia does settle the further along we go. Big hugs to you all.xx   ... View more

Hi everyone - sorry to hear that some of us are still struggling.I have felt a bit sorry for myself too with my skin coming off following rads.Finished mine Mon week ago and all was going fine until last weekend.Red,blistered and sooo itchy all over my boob and into my armpit.My armpit has completely de - skinned,is weepy and really sore.l have been given non stick sponge dressings which are difficult to keep in place. I creamed routinely and used Sanex in my bathwater so wasn't expecting such damaged skin - happy days! I am on Tamoxifen - very stiff in the mornings and still getting hot flushes but not as bad.I have read a lot about ladies suffering different side effects with different brands so maybe a different brand of Letrozole Bibi is worth a try. I am back to work - gradually increasing my hours trying to be distracted from the paranoia of reoccurence😚😣.I haven't been reassured by the doctors when they say they won't do routine scans unless I am symptomatic. It will be too late then! I didn't feel my lump the first time round. Hey ho - I have been told it gets easier with time. Thinking of everyone.xx ... View more

Anyone of you lovely ladies going through radiotherapy now?. I have had 4 sessions so far and it hasn't been as comfortable as I"d hoped. Having to keep my arms up above my head for what seemed for ages on the first couple sessions was really sore. Taken Brufen and paracetamol before now which has made it a bit easier.Treatment today was done much quicker as they were ' happy with the imagery" thank God! Not sure if it is just me being s big pathetic or whether the Tamoxifen I have not long started is playing with my joints! It takes me half an hour to get my body moving in the morning and I considered myself quite fit!! Last leg of treatment for me so now the paranoia about recurrence and secondaries is kicking in😔.I asked my consultant why we don t get offered a yearly CT/ bone scan.He says they would only re- scan if I became symptomatic - surely it might be too late then.  Any thoughts ?? Hope everyone is doing ok and have waved chemo goodbye! 😙 ... View more

Hi Chrissy - I too work for the NHS and in my case they have been supportive do far. I have been off since Jan and could have half pay until Dec I think.I have had one occupational health review where I more or less told them what my phased return would be.I have also been given 12 weeks free access to our staff swimming pool and gym which is a bonus.Strange how different trusts treat their staff so differently.  Thank you for the advice 're rest breaks. Bibi - glad to hear you are doing ok.I am trying to  gradually increase my stamina.Went back to my ballroom dancing class weds eve - got quite exhausted and very hot just doing the Tango!! I rarely do any manual handling at work now so I hope I will be ok when I go back. It's my brs8n for I am worried about.Just about managed the Tango routine after a few repeats- my short term memory has disappeared!  Xxx ... View more

Hi all - it's good to still read your posts and stay in touch. Like you Chrissy - I am waiting on radiotherapy and am planned to have some to my neck area.( supra clavicular)?I was told the chest wall radiotherapy can damage the lung lining slightly so I wonder if the neck radiotherapy has damaged the lining of your throat/ oesophagus causing your reflux?? I hope it will settle down in time.  I am still trying to get enough movement in my arm to get it above my head for radio - it's getting there😕 I thought I had got away with chemo nails but I have large white lifted tips on most of mine.They look weird so I keep them painted as they look odd.I should be grateful they haven't come off completely. Toes nails seem ok. Have my eyebrows back and eyelashes despite being a bit unruly😃Hair is coming slowly - I was brave enough to go wigless when we were in Spain - average temp 34°. I was dripping under My wig and couldn't stand it!! One continuous hot flush 😓 Have started Tamoxifen last couple of days - waiting to see what that throws at me. Have noticed really stiff back / sore joints but not sure if because only just back on Glucosamine and COD liver oil capsules ( took them before my diagnosis).Hope these don't interact- anyone know?? Back to work week after next 😣- phased return on part time hrs.Hoping I don't be too washed out.Going to try and do mornings then go to radio appt after before going home.Been told if fatigue kicks in it is usually 2nd- 3rd week or after- ??Expecting to start radio mid Sept. Will try and look at booking ' moving forward " course - didn't appreciate it was over a few sessions.Also have access to complimentary therapies at our local "Haven't- similar to is it Maggie's centre? Acupuncture is supposed to be good for hot flushes?? Still getting interrupted nights - supposed to be getting my head around my studying ( dissertation) - hmmm😬 Thinking of you all out there soldiering on!! xxx ... View more

Hi all - looks like we are all still having a few issues.Hope your drain came out yesterday Bibi.Sending big hugs to you Miss Green.Must be nice to finish rads Wee Burd.The thought of moving forward and going back to work is daunting😕 I ended up going back to theatre on the 24th to clear a large heamatoma behind my temporary implant.Drain number 2 came out last Fri and all dressings off yesterday so hopefully on the mend now.Still very tender especially under my arm pit although scar stops atleast 2 inches away.Been told this is probably nerve damage where they took the lymph glands out. Bibi like you I am   finding the exercises a bit tricky to do.Dont want to over do it as don't want to induce another heamatoma or seroma. Going to Spain Sunday ( daughter is bridesmaid) - don t fancy going in to Spanish hospital for drainage! Managed to get insurance😀 Some good news - hair is growing back - have about 1.5cm on the top.Eye brows have all of a sudden started to appear and have a few tiny eyelashes!Oh and pubic hairs- they seem to be winning the race currently.So glad the chemo bit is behind me 😁 I have been referred for rads Bibi but not yet heard.I anticipate a 1-2 week wait for onc appt.Then 2-3 weeks before date for 'planning'.Then 2 weeks before start of treatment.Therefore mid to late Sept( Portsmouth hospitals). Maybe back to work end of August.??(I work at the hospital- planning to have the treatments whilst at work/ just after shifts depending on how it  effects me. Thinking of you all xxx ... View more

Brilliant news Miss Green. Good luck Bibi for your surgery this week.I had a right mastectomy and axillary clearance last Tues and frustratingly had a slight blip.Felt brilliant the afternoon following surgery but I managed to block my drain overnight,had a very low blood pressure and grew a HH size boob.I had a B size temporary implant! Been home since last Thurs but have still been really wobbly with low HB ( been put on iron),Felt like bad chemo days! Oops - thought this bit would be easy and maybe had too higher expectations. Saw consultant yesterday - pressure dressing off which was a relief but drain still draining.Back to see him tomorrow- threatening to aspirate blood clot/ fluid if it hasn't gone down 😕 Oh well - I know things will get better.On to the final hurdle ( rads) come Sept then hopefully done. Hair definitely coming - very fluffy on the top of my head.!! Again - good luck Bibi - try not to sleep on your drain!😁 ... View more

Hi everyone,good to read that most of us are gradually coming out the other side of chemo.I am beginning to feel nearly normal at last although my legs still feel like  tonne weights and numb when I get moving and am now in a continuous hot flush! - could be something to do with the weather! I have managed to hold onto my nails so far but the tenderness is still there.The nail tips rather than the cuticle seem to look weaker ( yellow and fibrous)which is weird as I thought the damage should show from about half way down. Hair is growing but far too slowly and so patchy😕.Lots of new grey!( Can't brave going wigless yet). I did have post chemo bloods but am due to have surgery next - pre op tomorrow then mastectomy and axillary clearance  next Tues.Any advice greatly received!! So need to get away - so glad you had a great weekend Miss Green! Planning to get to south of Spain ( daughter is maid of honour for her best friend ) - will be 4 weeks post surgery?!? No swimming in the pool for me I don't think - just dangling my feet xx     ... View more

Hi Ladies - like jude51 says - it has been quiet on here lately.Hopefully a sign that we are coping and not the opposite! Being Feb chemo starters some of us are nearing the end of our chemo journey😁 I am day 7 last T so getting there. Achey joints/ muscles, bit gripey but not too bad.Nights have got worse not better grrr😕5th out of last 7 injections tonight (counting them down)!!😁 Chemo done - although for some ( according to recent research on the news there will be less needing chemo for breast cancer in the future).Bit late for us and I am glad I  have had it as grade 3/need everything going!! More news this morning 're american trial with miraculous immunotherapy  - my oncologist hasn't mentioned this so again I assume this is related to tumour cell type?? Mastectomy,axillary clearance and temporary implant (as only have small boobs) for me next.Any advice greatly appreciated. Thinking of everyone xx  ... View more

Light at the end of the tunnel Bibi - sounds lovely having your break away at the lakes. I  had my last Docetaxol weds and it went really well - anticipating falling off my perch however over the next couple of days. Planning to go bridesmaid dress shopping Sun - (daughter is chief bridesaid for friend in South Spain- first week in Aug).Hoping to go out there with her post mastectomy before rads - haven' discussed it with consultant yet plus there is the travel insurance issue😕). Anyway not even sure I can get to the dress shopping yet if mega fatigue and colic kick in.Like you Bibi the tummy troubles seem to take ages to settle( couple of days before this cycle) but it is tolerable. Only have a few eye brow hairs left on right side - sleep on my left mostly so I think I may have rubbed them out! But definite bum fluff growing back on my head 😁.Mastering the make up - drawing on the brows and black eyeliner for eye lashes reduces the 'Gollom' look.Posted a picture of me completing my chemo on facebook weds and had over 100 responses and comments( have worked for the NHS for 30 years so have made lots of contacts).Bit disconcerting when loads  of them said how well I looked - I must have looked rough before!! Hoping everyone else is doing ok - thinking of you all xxx   ... View more

Great to read your positive post Daisy200.Completely with you on the zombie effect!! I am week 3 post Tax and atlast I think my insides have just about settled down for the next lot.Weird that I seem to have achy  muscles not joints whenever I go to move - grrr(why do the side effects take so long to go)?? Taste is back though - yippee!  Last chemo for me tomorrow if bloods behave. I will be counting down those horrible filagristine injections. Looking forward to having a bit more energy than a gnat - I  don' think l will actually feel like embracing the (I've survived chemo) thing until atleast mid June when hopefully I will be feeling less zombie. There is light at the end of this horrible tunnel . Hope everyone else is coping 😗 ... View more

Hi Jude51,I  bought a cooling pillow - JML £10 in Asda it feels cool but seems really heavy and uncomfortable to lay on despite being in a pillow case.Is there different types?? ... View more

Evening ladies - like you Bibi and weeburd I have been suffering the nasties of Docetaxol.The first couple of days with steroid high  give you a false sense of security 😕.No sickness for me fortunately but horrible gripes and Wind  - tried to keep to the Almond and coconut milk and low fibre diet- really hard when you can't taste. I think the taste issue goes on for much longer with Docetaxol than the Fec.Then there is having the energy of s gnat - I do a bit, lay down then do a bit more. Wee Burd -I  can't   believe you have held on to your hair! Not sure if I  can feel a 4m or two of baby fuzz on the top of my head?? About 5 eyebrow hairs left on the right and about 3 on the left.Getting quite good at drawing them in now ☺No eye lashes  - I used to have really long ones 😣 Again like you Wee Burd  my Hb has been dropping with each cycle- had done spinach - will move on to steak!! Last Docetaxol for me next weds - whoop whoop! Worst bit of the journey over for me I hope.Have surgeon appt  7th June for mastectomy and axillary clearance. Planning to have overnight stay with temporary implant - this is what I have been recommended ( I think because I have small boobs). I will be looking on here for advice 're the surgery next. Good luck to everyone having hopefully their last treatments xxx ... View more

Afternoon ladies - good to hear we are having some positive things hopefully outweighing some of the rough stuff. Bibi - my nails are ok,I have clear nail varnish to stop them flaking on the tips and so that I can see what is going on.My finger tips and nail beds just feel tender - I try not to put stress on them. I am day 8 post Tax number 2 -  I am getting the bowel symptoms like last time but popping lots of Buscopan and Wind settlers to try and ease it.I assume it is where the lining comes away and doesn' like the foods I am feeding it😞 Thought I was ok yesterday - ate a few veggies ( cooked) and s little cheese but have suffered for it overnight and this morning☹ Back to the chicken and rice - doesn't do much for the taste buds. Tongue is still slightly white and a couple of ulcers.Sucking on ice lollies.  You have been very positive 're the extra cycle Bibi - like me you have been probably counting the days. Just want this bit done.However like you I would respect whatever the oncologist says is in our best interest' . I have my onc appt mon ( earlier as my last chemo falls around the bank holiday again) - we'll ee. Again like you Bibi I have a week in southern Spain arranged 1st week in Aug as my daughter is chief bridesmaid to  her best friend out there.We are hoping my mastectomy will fall early July so that I will be able to travel. Then back for the rads!! Want the chemo bit out of the way as hoping to cope better with the surgery and rads - hey and maybe back to work at some point!! Have forgotten what work is 😀 Hope you northern ladies are enjoying the sunshine up there today if you can - it is cloudy and windy here in the south.xxx   ... View more

Lovely to hear you have had a better time on your second T Bibi. Had mine this morning - enjoying the steroid high currently although taste buds already starting to shut down. Going to our local Haven tomorrow morning if well enough to get some advice hopefully re my previous gastric nightmare.Have got Lansoprazole, Buscopan,peppermint capsules all lined up and will do my best to avoid Brufen 🤞 Had my ultra sound yesterday  but waited an hour in our packed breast clinic with loads of people coughing and spluterring- grrr! Have got this far without picking up an infection- don't want one now. Bibi hope your sneezing this settled! Hoping everyone is doing ok xxx   ... View more