Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi All When I had my first infusion I experienced a very high temperature, shivers, and ached, but luckily it only lasted 24 hours. I phoned the hospital and nurse advised to take paracetamol on the morning of the infusion and continue taking it for 24 hours. So that's what I've done and I've had no problems. I'm due for my sixth and last infusion in August 2020. It's been a long journey but so, so glad I've made it through. My colleague at work who had bowel cancer wasn't as lucky and she died last year [redacted] RIP xxx   Good luck everyone and stay safe in these uncertain times xxx ... View more

Hi Nanna J   I loved my chemo curls as before I lost my hair I had always had straight hair. I had my curls for about 5 months. When I went to the hairdressers to get my hair tidied up my hairdresser told me the curls were only on the ends of my hair. So as she cut the curls dropped to the floor 😭 I got upset all over again as I had gotten used to my curls.   Take care xx ... View more

Hi Janeyruss   When I had my mastectomy a tissue expander was put in so I could have a delayed reconstruction. After radiotherapy fluid gathered around the expander which made my breast swell and it felt heavy and tender to touch. I went to see the breast care nurse and she consulted with my surgeon. They simply removed the fluid with syringes which was a relief.   I would advise that you ring your breast care nurse and ask their advise. I have now had a successful reconstruction in Feb this year and got another clear mammogram.   Good luck to you and hope this is of help to you.      ... View more

Hi Frances When I had my mastectomy and lymph nodes remoral I bought a m & s sports bra it was front fastening with a zip. It was the only one I could get in my size 34A, but it was very comfortable. Next month I have breast reconstruction surgery and this time the breast care nurse suggested getting hooked front fastening. I have bought two bras from House of Fraser which are from the Freya brand. They are so soft and comfortable. I didn't think it would be so hard to get a post surgery bra in my size but everywhere seems to cater for ladies with bigger assets. If you don't have a House of Fraser near by you can order on line. Good luck xx ... View more

Hi coffee girl Been to Portugal for a week. Everything was fine I used 50 factor and put a t-shirt on over my bikini when I was in the pool and sitting in the sun. Had a relaxing time with no problems. Go book that holiday xx ... View more

Hi coffee girl I'm going to Portugal this week. I've had a mastectomy, and underarm clearance, 6 chemo and 15 radiotherapy. I haven't asked my oncologist about going abroad but I'm going to use my common sense and use 50 factor all over. I have had a reaction to radiotherapy because my skin is red where I've had it. But I have also bought a UV t-shirt to wear over my bikini. I got it in Mountain Warehouse for £4 in a sale on Saturday. I think if if you're careful and make sure you use sun cream you'll be fine. Enjoy yourself, you deserve a nice holiday, like us all you have been through life changing stuff. All my love xx ... View more

Sue C thanks for your reply. My hair has came back as thick as before. I do love the curls just wasn't expecting them. Still have my ulcers was lucky enough not to get them through chemo. Thanks anyway take care.xx ... View more

Hi pink Linda I finished chemo at the beginning of January this year and then had radiotherapy in Feb. In April I experienced a painful ear infection and then partial deafness in my left ear for 2 weeks. It was very frustrating, eventually I starting using olive oil drops, and OMG you should've see the amount of smelly, hairy ear wax. Obviously all my hair had fell out due to chemo but I never thought about hair in my ears. Thankfully my hearing has gone back to normal but I found all your comments very interesting and hope I don't have anymore trouble in the future. Good luck with all your treatments xx ... View more

Hi Candie Call them tomorrow, get the ball rolling. It will be one less worry on your mind. X ... View more

Dear Candie When I got in touch with my insurance company they never asked about weight. All they zoned in on was that it was cancer. In the form all they asked questions about was the cancer. They wanted to know my consultants name and doctors name, hospital and could they have access to my medical records. Once reports had been received from my consultant about my diagnosis and treatment I would need they weren't long in paying out. It was so nice to get the insurance money as I was 8 months off work and it took the pressure off knowing that we hadn't to worry about money. I recovered quickly after surgery this was the first operation I've ever had so I was terrified as well. Good luck with your surgery, treatment and your application. ... View more

Hi Biggswife My husband and I had critical illness cover with our life insurance. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I thought I wouldn't be covered, because years ago my husband had dilated cardiomyopathy and this wasn't on their list of critical illness. But I recommend that you phone them because it is a cancer and I'm sure you will be covered. They'll send out a form. Good luck with your treatment. ... View more

After radiotherapy I noticed that my right breast had become swollen I thought it was just an after effect. I had a mastectomy of my right breast in Aug last year followed by lympe node clearance in Sept. I called in to see my breast care nurse last week as my breast had further swollen to double the size and I was very worried. She organised a ultra sound straight away where I was told fluid had gathered and they drained it off. They said it could come back and I'm sure it has because I feel lopsided again and I feel it uncomfortable in my bra and tshirts again. I know it's not life threatening but it does get me down. I said to my husband I feel like half a dolly parton 😂 . Good luck and I hope your condition subsides. ... View more