Breast Cancer Care Forum

I so agree with you about the whole body scan. I was encouraged to ask for one by my osteopath who recognised my symptoms. It showed that the cancer had spread throughout my bones and very rapidly at that. All of my complaints about aches and pains had been dismissed as 'normal' but as it turns out they were all signs of the developing cancer. I would encourage everyone to ask follow ups after their treatment, so many things are left to chance.   ... View more

Sorry to hear about your turmoil. I have been investigating the next life. A bought a book entitled 'Higher Self Now' by William Buhlman I found it helpful, maybe you will too.   Best wishes ... View more

Hi I am going down a similar road. I have found a book which has given me comfort. It is called Higher Self Now by William Buhlman. It won't cure you but it has reassuring words for you and those who are dear to you. Easing your mind will help ease your body. Good luck. ... View more

I have trouble with my fingernails after one dose of chemo and 18 rounds of Herceptin. They grow but just flake or break for no reason. Toenails are just as bad, I stubbed my big toe and the nail split right down the middle. Any advice welcome. ... View more

I have just finished 18 rounds of Herceptin plus Letrozole. I complained about joint pains, particularly in the ribs, for nine months, finally got a bone scan and discovered I have secondary cancer in lots of places. This may not be you, but do ask for a scan. ... View more

Hi I now qualify to join this group. Have just finished 18 week course of herceptin and letrozole following breast surgery only to be told I now have secondary breast cancer in the bones. They were not specific but it appears to be widespread from what I could see on the scans. Why do they not let you see the scans? And why do they not send a copy of the diagnosis? How can I make decisions without knowing what I am up against? Any advice would be welcome. ... View more

Hi.   I have not had too many problems with Herceptin so far, but I postponed taking Letrozole until now and that is already giving me side effects after just four days. It may be the Tamoxifen giving you joint pain and not the Herceptin. It's good to have somewhere you can have a moan now and then.   Good luck Sue ... View more

Thanks Gaum. ... View more

Hi,   I have been putting off the hormone therapy for the same reason as you as I wanted to know which teatment was affecting me having had a severe reaction to my one dose of chemo. I started taking Letrozole four days ago and have already experienced numbness and pins and needles in my arms ( a recognised symptom). I have also deferred radiotherapy for the same reason. Heaven knows how you are supposed to cope with so many treatments all at the same time. I haven't entirely recovered from the surgery yet, so not keen to inflict more damage. I would give yourself a little breathing space.   Good luck Sue ... View more

Hi,   So sorry to hear about your dilemma.   I also have lots of underlying problems so am not looking forward to taking Letrasole either. I have declined radiation treatment for the same reasons. I reckon extra years of pain and misery are not what  one wants to sign up for.   I had to abandon the chemo after one session due to dreadful reaction to the treatment.   I guess we will just have to decide according to our personal circumstances,   Good luck,  Sue ... View more

Hi,   Sorry to hear you are suffering.   Have you researched alternative remedies? It seems odd you have to take these medications when you are no longer actively producing oestrogen.   I think there is a prescribed plan of action for all patients and that personal situations are not really accounted for. As it's mostly based on research by drug companies there are no statistics for alternative approaches.   I wish you luck. Sue ... View more

Hi,   I hope someone replies to your question as I have just started taking Letrozole. I already suffer with stomach pains, diagnosed as IBS but they have got worse over the years, so am not looking forward to any additional discomfort.   Hope someone can offer some advice.   Best wishes Sue ... View more

Hi gaum,   I am in a similar position to you. Recently I had breast surgery plus one round of chemo which made me so ill, due to underlying health issues, that I declined further treatments.   I am concerned that radiation therapy may do more harm than good in my case. Have tried to find more information about not having radiation treatment but have not had much luck. I have heard from other friends would have had no long term effects and those that have ongoing problems.   I am having targeted therapy and hormone therapy so wonder whether these are sufficient without radiation.   Although I don't have a history of heart disease, my family do, so that is also a concern. I know that the targetted therapy Herceptin can also cause heart problems, so that is an increased risk.   It's difficult to make decisions with so little information to go on, I spoke to my oncologist today but he could give me no further information and seemed to think me mad for not wanting to go ahead with radiation treatment.   From the comments on this forum regarding the effects of the treatment, I am inclined to think it might affect me adversely as I also suffer with long-term back and shoulder problems.   Does anyone have personal exprience of not undergoing radiotherapy I wonder?   Best wishes Sue ... View more