Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi  just wondering how you all got on with the post sentinel biopsy and follow on treatment. I have been diagnosed with  DCIS 7cm intermediate non Invasive and due to get a Mastectomy and Sentinel node biopsy with follow on treatment depending on the outcome? Worried that the size will indicate a spread post surgery. Any advice very welcome.         ... View more

Hi everyone hope you are all doing OK on this journey through bc! I have recently had my 3rd annual mammo in January, thankfully all OK.  In March I was surprised to receive a letter for my regular 3 year appointment!  I was a little taken aback having so recently had my annual appointment.  I called the bc unit and asked if I needed to have another mammo so soon.  The lady on the phone was so apologetic saying "I'm sorry i see you are on annual appointments arent you, unfortunately our systems don't talk to each other and the letter you received is for the 3 year screening appointment".  I asked if I had to attend and she told me no can't be screened for at least 6 months after a follow up (unless there is a problem of course).  She then explained I should continue with my annual appointments for another 2 years (that will be my 5 altogether) and then guess what I will then be due for my next 3 year screening appointment the following year - so not 5 years annual mammos but 6!  Arent we lucky ladies. Just wanted to put this here in case anyone else has similar thing. I am glad I checked it out because I know now what will happen in year 6.  It caught me by surprise but its good to know they are looking out for us on this journey. Stay well and positive everyone and this forum is a fountain of knowledge for us all in this kinda exclusive group xx   ... View more

Hi! I had lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal on 10th Dec! I’m interested to read what people are saying about driving. The McMillan nurse at our hospital told me that if I drive before they give me the okay at my follow-up appointment my insurance company won’t pay out if I have an accident!  Apart from that I’d say drink plenty of water up to the time you’re allowed pre-op as it can help when you come round post-op if you’re well hydrated.  Sounds strange but I’ve taken photos of the different stages of bruising just for my own reference really. I took a photo of the way the dressings had been done by the nurses so I remembered how they went when I did them!  But main thing is rest, accept help, keep a written journal of your emotions, thoughts!  lots of love!!!!xxx ... View more

Hopefully the info will help calm your worries - its a strange time 😳 ... View more

Good to know that pain is not necessarily something to worry about but is simply 'part & parcel' of the experience. It is serious surgery.  ... View more

 I love my swimming too, but have waited quite a while to get back to it. I’m on Palbociclib and my neutrophils kept crashing so it was a definite no no from my Onco for swimming pools. The sea was ok, so long as I was sensible re contact infections, but of course there is the cold and chills to contend with. It has taken two years to get me stabilised but I have joined a good gym and now do aqua aerobics 2 x per week for my lymphodaema , as well as a couple exercise classes, and TaiChi. My skin survived rads ok, although I was burnt through to my back, and after 25 sessions I was quite fatigued. My team advised taking things slowly until the skin recovered as it is very thin, and the last thing you want, or need, is an infection through a scratch or cut. You should check with your Onco , and also your rads team to be safe. Hope you get swimming soon. Good luck with the rest of your treatment. X ... View more

High2k - good decision to get some counselling to help. I love the fact that you have started us all calling it the goblin and everyone has different ideas to kick it/take it by the scruff! Yes it's tough when people talk about being cured, until you have been there you would have no idea how upsetting this can be.   Lyn and Jo - my husband asked me the other day if I had ever felt "proud" that I had got through treatment. I said I hadn't ever considered it in that way, so thank you for reinforcing that message.   Hugs to you all, that was a great thread to start High2k. Evie xx ... View more

I forgot to say that I wish you all the best for a normal mammogram outcome xxx ... View more

Hi Jobey68 many thanks for your reply good to know. Will not mention to her, like i said unnecessary thoughts and alm that xx ... View more

I forgot to say that I wish you all the best for a normal mammogram outcome xxx ... View more

Hi Fezzy thanks so much for your reply and advice, the last injections i had were just after my surgery so everything was fresh in my mind, and the nurse just said she would use the other arm just as a precaution. The fact that i offered up my arm on my supposedly weaker side suggests its not so prominent in my thoughts but i wont make same mistake again ive noticed when overtired i get aches and pains on the side i had the op on. I guess my weakest point! Hope you are doing ok x ... View more

Hi Dizzybee thanks for your reply, info and reassurance, i have noticed that i do get aches and pains on the side where i had the surgery when i am overtired or have been overdoing things, i put it down to that being my weakest point. It would follow i guess that if i got any mild side effects it would affect my weaker side! Having been relatively fine since february (apart from when overvtired of course) i almost (but not quite) forgot about everything, clearly i must've as i offered up my right arm for the injection, will remember next time hopefully. Hope all going well for you?xx ... View more

Hi   I didnt keep my BC secret the first time, but I did tell a white lie, I told everyone with the exception of my partner and 2 others that Id had a lumoectomy, when in fact I had a mastectomy. I have since had to have that implant removed and another put in its place and again no one knew. Now I have been told that wasnt a success and it has to come out all together, I'll probably keep that secret too...   I have to admit, after my second surgery I felt totally isolated and alone and I wanted and needed the support from my friends, but I hate relying or being depenedent on people and I also feel stronger in myself if I dont receive any sympathy.   Theres no right or wrong, its down to you and how you feel. A lady I met at a Moving forward course told me she knew people were talking about her and felt it was gossipy rather than sincere, it puzzled me at first but I sorta understand what she means now. ... View more