Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, I finished my chemo and rads October 2008,taking Tamoxifen, and I am still suffering with fatigue to a lesser degree. It is gradually improving over the months.I am sure the chemo does something to us. maybe it affects our liver? My main problem is brain fatigue. I can only work for 3 hours before my brain just goes into reverse gear, if you know what i mean. I hardly know what I'm doing! I go home, eat, and sleep for two hours. It's not much of a lifestyle! My Oncologist just brushed it off, saying it's the result of chemo, but gave no suggestions as to what might help. It's so hard to explain to people how you feel, which makes it even harder to cope with, in my opinion. The only thing I found which helped me get over the general fatigue last year was going out for short walks in the fresh air. I wonder if the blood pumping round helps to flush out some of the remaining chemicals? Also, my GP said to drink lots of water, but that can be difficult when you are at work. Take care, Ann ... View more

Hi everyone, I've been meaning to come back on here for awhile, because I'm finding it so difficult being back in the workplace, like many of you. I am a care worker and have just finishes 6 weeks of phased return, starting with 3 hours one week, 6 the next two, then 9 hours. i know that isn't much, but I'm proud i even managed to do that after the way i have been feeling. I would rather not go back to paid work,but my husband has taken early retirement due to ill health. We are just surviving financially, but we need more money coming in for household repairs and to pay back our overdraft and credit card. My incapacity benefit came to an end, being deemed well enough to go back to work. I really don;t know how it is all going to pan out this year, and like someone else said, the worry of it all causes more stress we could do without! When i speak to occupational health about how hard I'm finding it, I just burst into tears and feel so embarrassed and pathetic. It is so hard to explain how slow my brain is now, how poor my concentration is, and how low my confidence has fallen. If anyone says anything negative about me at work I get extremely low and think I'm worthless. Does it get any better over time? I'm on Tamoxifen for at least another year ( dx Feb 2008 ), and currently waiting for a biopsy on my remaining breast. Sorry i've written so much, I know others will understand. I just feel the government shouldn't expect anyone who has treatment for cancer to go back to work at all, but should gladly support us until we feel able, or choose not to. What do others think? Is this something BCC could campaign about? I would feel so happy doing some voluntary work, without the pressure of having to go in and meet people's high expectations, then feeling a failure when it doesn't go well any particular day. Thankyou for listening!! By the way, there is one thing which is helping me get some confidence back, and that is doing some studying at home with the Open University. It's free if you are on certain state benefits. They are SO supportive and encouraging, and I've been amazed that some of my brain is still working, when I concentrate on my own at home.I would recommend it to all of you. Ann. ... View more

Lilacblushes, How fantastic! You are indeed an inspiration to those of us not yet 2 years down the line and wondering if we'll ever do anything exciting again. So pleased for you, well done. Anna ... View more

Hi ladies, I'm on here at 3am, can't sleep due to worrying about cysts and thickening in my remaining breast. I've had an ultrasound scan and biopsy of one of the cysts,which came back as benign,and they've asked me to go back in December for another scan.( can I wait that long!!) However, like you my previous cancer wasn't detected by mammo or US, and I'm just getting SO anxious about cancer starting in my other breast. I've asked if I could have an MRI scan, but was told it's 'not in the guidelines'. Even for those with dense tissue like us. I'm wondering whether to ask about paying myself to have one done. I can't go on with this level of anxiety. If there's anything there, i want it found earlier than my previous tumour. Want to avoid chemo as I found that very difficult at times. I'v found, so far, that the consultants seem reluctant to give much information. They are making me feel that I'm just neurotic. They have no idea about the constant anxiety! Gently going mad 😞 Anna G ... View more

Thankyou for your advise, scottishlass. Sounds like you've had a good result, which I needed to hear. How much time did you need to recover from the op, and did you need to have a further op later to finish the procedure off? I live near Northampton. I think my bc nurse is going to try and get me in touch with someone local who has had an LD recon done. There maybe someone at my local support group, which I haven't been to yet. I'm actually growing to dislike my remaining breast and wanted it removed, but my surgeon is not keen. Have you thought about having your "59" year old breast lifted? So that it matches the new one better? Thanks again, Anna xx ... View more

Hi all, I haven't heard about this until now. I find it strange that some people say it's not worth spending money on these and yet 2 of you have reported that your consultants have ordered them and think they are helpful!! I wonder how well the light works for women, like me, who have dense breast tissue? Mammogram isn't so helpful for us. Mine didn't show up on either mammo or ultra sound. I find I am very anxious, therefore, about a new primary in the other breast being missed again until it begins to show itself on the surface.( changes in the nipple, in my case ). I would be glad to invest in one of these lights if I thought it would give me some peace of mind. It's a nuisance when you have cysts,too,they can make you reluctant to go to your GP yet again! Has anyone got a link to any research into this invention? Best wishes to you all, A. xx ... View more

Hi ladies, I've not been on here for ages, but am cosidering having an ld recon next summer. However, some of your comments have set me wondering if it's the right thing to do. I guess the result does depend on the surgeon you have. I've heard that mine is very good. I'm worried now that I might get even more trouble with my back than I already have! I suffer with pain due to increased curvature of the spine. Maybe the ld would not be the best thing for me? I'm seeing my bc nurse next week to look at photos of recons and maybe discuss it a bit more. But I'll have to wait until March before I can discuss it in depth with my surgeon.It's so difficult to make a decision, yet I hate the way my chest looks after my mastectomy 18 months ago. Any advise welcome! ( I'm 53 yrs old, and my remaining breast is rather heading South! ) Take care of your selves. Anna x ... View more

Hi all, Sorry I've not been posting on here regularly, my OH hogs the computer for his family history research much of the time! I am pleased to report that I have lost 5 pounds, and I'm feeling so good about it.My energy levels are on the up, too! Skin looks better! I am using a calorie-counting diet,with a portion of carbohydrate at every meal and fruit for snacks inbetween, and this seems to work great for me. No hunger pangs. My blood sugar levels are more even because I've cut out foods with added sugar to a minimum.At 13 stone I can have 1,600 calories a day, reducing down to 1,500 when I get to 12 stone. After that I'll not reduce the calories, just exercise more and that way I don't miss out on nutrients.This is all from a book called "the get back into your jeans diet" by Monica Grenfell, who has written a few books and exercise videos.if you eat too few calories, your body thinks you may be starving and goes into a slower metabolic rate, so you have to pitch it just right.This is for a sustained weight loss, not an quick short-lived loss. Doing some gentle exercises at home, when I remember, but mostly trying to have an half-hour walk everyday.That uses up about 150 cals. Hoping to get a sponsorship form started next weekend to raise money for our Pregnancy Crisis Centre, which will keep me motivated for the rest of the year. I am loving my big plates of salad,with cheese,and four pieces of fruit every day. Not missing sweet puddings or cakes at all. I have a low calorie hot chocolate drink each afternoon, to fulfill my chocolate craving, only 50 calories! Keep up the good work everyone. God bless, Ann xx ... View more

Hi Nikki, I've sent you a message. I live in the same town, and know someone else here, too, who might be glad to meet up with you for a chat. It's so good to talk face to face with others in the same boat. I'm 53 with two grown-up daughters. diagnosed last february, had mastectomy and all the treatments. having my first lot of check-ups now. Trying to get my brain working again, and hoping I will be ok for a while, at least, but one never knows with this thing. Sorry to hear your news of a recurrance. Hope the new drug works for you. best wishes, A. xx ... View more

Hi Suecco, I'm intrigued by your comment about the possibility of maybe getting 12 weeks free gym membership from the Oncology team. I am desperate to start swimming, to help me lose weight after treatment, but I am on Incapacity benefit and just cannot afford the prices the charge here.Have you actually been able to get help with this yourself, or heard of anyone who has? I am really interested to know. Maybe this is something BCC could campaign for on our behalf, especially as it a proven fact that exercise and losing excess weight are helpful to our survival rates. There is a thread where a few of us are swapping ideas and progress reports as we try hard to lose weight, started by Fizbix. Best wishes, A. xx ... View more

Emily-Jane I'm intrigued by your photo...can you tell me what is in the picture? Hope your are well. What's yor weather like? We are expecting some very cold weather next week, possibly heavy snowfalls too.Puts me off going out for a daily walk! A. x ... View more

Well,with a bit of help from my daughter, I've managed to add an avatar. As you can see! The lovely story which Magsis posted, about the broken water-pot,Is so brilliant and pertinent, that I've printed out copies for my friends and emailed it to others at church. Hope your trip to India is a welcome change from all you have been through these last months,Sukes. Is someone going with you? A. xx ... View more

Hi ladies, Just getting used to the new site layout! How do you add a photo?It'l take awhile for everyone to get started again on this thread, I expect. My check-up with the onc team went fine, nothing adverse to report.The Dr said it will be difficult to lose weight whilst taking Tamoxifen, which I'm disappointed with, but I'll try to prove him wrong! I forgot some of the questions I meant to ask,so will ask instead at my next appointment, which is on mon 9th feb with a Dr from the surgical team. My appointments are not spaced out three months apart as they should be, which is a bit disappointing. I want to ask about my breast pain, and about the 2 and 5 year milestones I have heard about.It's silly really, because if I really believe God has healed me I shouldn't be wondering about these things, should I? I think I would still like some statistics so that I can see how I've beaten them 10 years down the line, with God's help.Please Lord. Have a good weekend everyone. keep warm!! Ann xx ... View more

Hi all, I've lost a pound....I think....my weighing scales give me a different readout depending on which area of my bathroom floor I place them on! I may go to Boot's and get a proper, exact readout,and compare it every two weeks or so.I think it's expensive though. I've not been doing very well some days, due to the recent death of a close friend. ( a bit of comfort eating, I'm afraid ), but I am determined to keep trying, and to gradually increase my activity, energy levels allowing!! I still get very tired every other day. I'm 4 months post end of rads. I'm having fresh fruit and Greek yogurt or soya yogurt for breakfast, and find it sustains me quite well for about 3 hrs. Drinking water is definitely helpful. Especially if drunk about half an hour before I eat a meal. Seems to curb my appetite. Anyone else find that? best wishes to everyone on here, or just looking in. I'm finding the new set-up seriously weird! Not sure yet if I like it. The ability to have a set of contacts is nice, though. tall Ann xx ... View more

Hi Knowles, I hope we will all find this easier as the days get warmer and we see signs of Spring.So, don't give up. Get into it gently. We need to be kind to ourselves after all we've been through! It's rather a lazy time of year, isn't it? I've forced myself to go for a walk most days this week, even though the weather is not very nice. it does make me feel better, and i can feel my tummy muscles working as I stride along, which must be good! I keep thinking a walk will burn off about 100 calories, perhaps. Then I don't feel so bad about the two biscuits I've just eaten! Today, my tummy looks really swollen, don't know why. I probably need to do some specific exercises for it,...and my bottom....and my thighs! I have a Rosemary Conley excercise video I may pluck up courage to look at, at least. I don't think I've got the energy to dance or jump around just yet, have you? I would look like a hippo. My physio has given me a couple of exercises to strengthen my knee and shoulder. it takes me all my time getting those done!! ( I'm being very lax with all my exercises....anyone else the same? ). A. xx ... View more

Hi Wizz, Hope your knee is not hurting too much today. We seem to fall heavily compared to children, and it shakes you up a bit. Your poor son must be very nervous, I do sympathise with both of you. I'll pray he overcomes his fear. maybe reassure him the mock tests are as much a guide to how well the teachers have taught him, as his knowledge! It helps the teachers to see where help needs to be given.I know this because I worked in a school for a few years. I've been for an interview today to see if I need any help to get back to work. Aiming for April, because I feel I need a breather, and my hair needs to grow another inch so that I don't look too much "post-chemo". Thinking of doing an OU openings course to try to get my brain working again! The government pays for OU courses when you are on Incapacity benefit, I have discovered today. So, I hope to take advantage of that. Hope my brain will get into gear! Hope everyone has had a good day, and sleeps well. And avoiding the nasty flu-type of virus which is going around. God bless, Ann xx ... View more

Hi Jane, I get the impression, as I travel along this rough road, that the Drs don't realise some of us want to know what is going on in our bodies, and that we would like to be told rather than be kept in the dark. Maybe some of it is still a mystery to them? I've not seen anything mentioned in the booklets I've been given, about spread to other lymph nodes, and what the implications of that might be. Sorry to hear about your blood clot. Are you having treatment to dissolve it? Best wishes to everyone. A. X ... View more

Hi Magsi, looking forward to meeting you there. Hope there are enough numbers going for it to run. Should be useful. A. x ... View more

Hi Wendie, Sorry to hear you are feeling so anxious. it is true that the pain is proably from the biopsy, so I would try not to worry that anything terrible is happening, although i know it is hard. As far as I am aware,the cancer itself doesn't produce pain, although I'm not sure about the inflammatory types of cancer. Some-one will come on here tonight or tomorrow morning and give their advice. Maybe it would be good to ring the bcc helpline in the morning, and talk to someone about your pain and anxiety. You will find the ladies very sympathetic and helpful, and there's a nurse you can talk to, I think. Hope all goes well with the op and your follow-up treatment. it's a rough road for awhile, but you will get great support and understanding from the ladies on here, who know exactly how you are feeling! I'm nearly one year along fro my diagnosis now, and starting to feel almost normal again. Just take each stage at a time, is the best advice i can give, and look after yourself as best you can. (((HUGS))) Anna xx ... View more

Hi Emily, Sorry to hear you are struggling so much with this. I only have mild hot flushes, and they are nuisance enough. I think there are things that will reduce the sweating, which can be prescribed by your GP. Some one will come on here and tell you the name of the tablets, I'm sure. i read about it on one of the threads. There are herbal remedies, too which may help. Ask in holland & barrett health food shop. I've heard of sage leaf tablets helping my neighbour greatly. Took 2 weeks to kick in, but she doesn't actually sweat with her night-time flushes if she takes the sage leaf. I've found certain foods seem to trigger my flushes in the evening. You might want to make note of when they seem worse. I hope you find something to help, because it sounds horrendous at the moment. You can't carry on like this! Let us know how you get on. A. XX ... View more