Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi I’ve been alternating wearing my old bras as a proud flatie or my M&S mastectomy bra with a knitted knocker. Both have their pros and cons. My question today is does anyone make a comfy bra that has a cup for one boob and flat material for the absent boob? I know I am still healing just 5 weeks post mastectomy but my ribs remain tender although I have been blessed with minimal swelling. My NHS prosthetic appointment is in early August so I guess they might have advice too. Thank you in anticipation  Annie 💕 ... View more

I know that smoking, alcohol, and medications affect one's ability to hear. Smoking increases the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which turns hemoglobin into carboxyhemoglobin, which causes hypoxia in the cochlea structures and thus destroys the hair cells. The situation is similar to alcohol. Toxins from alcoholic beverages harm the circulatory system and eliminate the inner ear hair cells that affect sound perception. The instructions for some medications say, "Hearing impairment may occur." But many of us don't pay attention to this warning, and neither do the doctors who prescribe the medicine. For me, it is better to buy hearing aids, the only thing that will help. You can go to a clinic that uses popular models, hearing aids near me. I hope this information was helpful to you. ... View more

Had my first infusion in December and I was exactly the same.  I had to put myself to bed. I am having my second one tomorrow over an hour rather then 15 minutes this time.  The Chemotherapy nurse suggested if I was unwell on my 1st one have it administered with more fluid and drink loads before, during and after. When the nurse calls you before your next omelette her know it made you I'll. Regards Clare    ... 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 TE142   Thank you got this information I had my last radiotherapy 13th June and back at full time work (the delights of self employment 🙈 ) I though I had probably been over doing it as some days by breast feels different and my nipple solid . I am not due to see my oncologist until October so was beginning to panic but this had put my mind at rest, plus I am going to have a little holiday 🤞 that will help too.  ... 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

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

Thank you Michelle but sadly critcal illness cover is not likely to be available to most of the people on this site unless they already had it like yourself.  I have strongly advised my Son and Daughter in Law to take it out.   I was diagnosed in 2012.  Chemo,  surgery x 3 (second re construction still to go) Radiotherapy....2 years Tamoxifen then Letrazole now for 3 years +  5 more delightful years to go. I've had every therapy known to man...   I have manged to return to work, have a decent job and a good prognosis 5 years now NED but i still can't get any insurance.   I have a life Policy which i have had for 30 yrs plus.... the premiums have tripled for the same cover.. I am only 55 and we decided to move house 2 yrs ago.  Again the mortgage is only based on my Husbands salary, they wouldn't consider my salary despite havifng an NHS pension which has a Death in Service benefit of Salary x 2...   So i would urge anybody who has got it to claim and to tell as many other people they can to take it out.     Butterfly x ... 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

Hi Michelle72   Sorry that you havent had a reply yet.  You may have more response if you posted in the Going through treatment area of the Forum.   Best wishes Anna Digital Community Officer ... 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