Breast Cancer Now Forum

I'm 43 and have just started Tamoxifen for prevention about a month ago.   The family history is  1st Generation - Grandmother & 2 great Aunts had breast cancer, 4th sister died of bowel cancer 2nd Generation - my mother is in surgery as I type due to a recurrence 4 years after her first diagnosis which was a triple positive. I have no personal history.  We have had the genetic testing and it has come back negative, but I'm still on the high risk protocol and have had annual mammograms since the age of 40. I was worried about the side effects, but then considered at 43, I would probably be approaching menopause anyway, I have had thinning hair since I had my children in my 20's and due to an RTA as a teenager I already have joint pain and arthritis, so I kind of figured tamoxifen wouldn't give me anything I didn't already have and at least it felt like I could take some control of the family history.  I'm surprised at the earlier comment that you had to have periods to take Tamoxifen since I haven't had a period in the last 17 years due to my contraception and this was not a problem.  You need to be pre-menopausal to take Tamoxifen, but there is an alternative chemoprevention treatment for people who are post-menopausal.   I suppose at the end of the day, this is always going to be a very personal decision. I've had my kids, figured I was approaching menopause anyway and had nothing too lose.  So far..touching lots of wood... I have not noticed any side effects from the Tamoxifen so I will continue with I, but I appreciate that's not the answer for everyone.   You're right though, there are very few forums discussing our situation, no personal history but strong family history and significant decisions to make to reduce our risks.   Jo ... View more

Thanks for posting this x I really appreciate it ... View more

To make them more comfortsble ask for a local anesthetic cream that you put on an hour or so before...cover with non porous stuff like cling film and tape that over the injection area. I had zolodex for 2 years 48-50....I've had menopause....periods haven't returned so far. Sex drive can be affected by zolodex as well as effectively its putting you in menopause. ... View more

I had breast cancer a few years back and I must admit at the beginning was constantly on my mind from the morning you got up until you went to bed. I was bumping into the wrong people before treatment started, and that always set me back. Every ache had was living in constant fear of it returning or even going somewhere else. I took all the treatment, thought if you take everything offered and it ever comes back you gave it your best. Was off work a long time, but have to say when I got back to work, it was the best thing that could have happened, got my mind of myself and thinking about other people, took a little while but was for the best. I’m not saying you don’t ever worry but it does get less of it being in your mind, at the beginning I did struggle and the breast care nurse got me on a Moving Forward Course which really helped me a lot, meeting with people that were the same as you, understood you better and it was them that always knew what to say to you. The time when I felt quite low was when all your visits to the hospital stopped, I must say though we are all looked after very well, fingers crossed that we all can be cancer free.x ... View more

I use fresh turmeric with fresh ginger and some black pepper, apples and carrots in juice I make each morning 😊 ... View more

It doesnt work like that in our area.....so i am at a loss what to suggest. In our area your GP refers you to go to a breast care centre and they investigate. I would ring the Breast Cancer Now number amd speak to a nurse i that case see what they suggest.... Have they actually done a recent mammogram on the leaking breast...if not have you requested one...?? ... View more

Hi Sharon   In 2010 I had a single mastectomy for a large area of dcis and small invasive cancer At the time I asked for double mastectomy and was refused pending me seeing psychiatrist and had the second op 10 months after the first   They have to be really satisfied that it is really what you want as they are reluctant to remove healthy tissue I paid for the psychiatric evaluation privately to speed things up-120 pounds I do not regret my decision as I  viewed my remaining breast as a ticking bomb!! If you are sure then you need to push very hard as funding is a major issue these days   Good luck and kind regards Elaine x                       ... View more

I agree with othee comment...if you are not happy go back to your GP and tell them exactly what you have told us on the forum...x ... View more

Hi EMAC,   Just wanted to say 'hi' - I've also recently been diagnosed (6th April) but with a grade 3, Oestrogen & Progesterone positive (lymph node negative) cancer.    I can't really offer any treatment 'pearls of wisdowm' - I've had a lumpectomy (5 days after diagnosis!) and am still waiting on test results (it's all i seem to do atm) to find out what treatment might be best for me.  But I do have a 4 year old little boy.  He's at preschool 3 days a week, and is due to start primary school in September.  One of the first people I told was his pre-school, knowing I was going to need their help in all sorts of ways to ensure he has some sort of normal / familiar / stable / ... in his little life.  And they have been amazing - offering far more support than I had thought about.  I also sent them a link to "Mummy's Lump" - if you haven't been given a copy yet, ask your Macmillan nurse for it - so they knew what he was being told.   I think, atm, the hardest part for my son is that I can't pick him up when he wants - I used to give him piggy backs, and carry him in a sling and all sorts, especially as my husband has a back problem and also can't do these things.  Having had surgery, and he's seen the scars, I think he better understands why, and has become more gentle with me (on my 'bad side' at least!) 🙂      Only thing I can think to add is, remember "don't be afraid to ask": whether that's asking your doctors every question 10 times to help you understand what's happening or your family & friends for support with looking after your children / buying groceries / cooking meals / cleaning the house...  ... View more

I havnt been in your situation but at 33 I had to have a left mastectomy .At first I was asking why they didn't remove both.Im now 44 and got cancer again in my right side had reconstruction I was disappointed because I thought I was having a full mastectomy again.I can honestly say a mastectomy is the best option at least you won't be suffering and in time you might want reconstruction. I havnt had it I allways said like mine in a box haha.Hope I've helped you a little ... View more

Im sorry your having to deal with this. Its a real biggy hearing the C word. I was diagnosed yesterday but waiting a week for the results. You struck a chord with me as I too cant eat, feel so sick with worry. Im here if you need to talk .. Take care. ... View more

They will always look a bit different but you do get used to it....mine has dropped a little over time...I had a skin sparing mastectomy with expander..... ... View more