Breast Cancer Now Forum

I detected my lump just by chance one night felt a bit of a pain and then felt a lump which was somewhat hard. I asked my sister to check in the morning as she had experienced fatty tissue in her breast and said that my lump didn't feel the same as hers and we should go to the doctor. So we went. The Dr at the time examined me and said he doesn't think there is anything to worry about. Said i had a bit of a lumpy boob which was common. My sister however insisted that wouldn't it be best to get it checked. He then looked at the guidelines as I am not of the age to be called for mamograms. However as they are part of the pathway he will check the guidelines of which he said that because it stated that checks can be done from 35 he will send me for a test. Had I of taken the Drs advice prior to my sister insisting... well I would have walked away. From the diagnosis of the cancer, to the surgery 10th May to now I'm constantly checking. The rads team did say check but don't become paranoid. There is scar tissue and i can feel this hard lump, so I'm constantly thinking is it scar tissue or a lump. Sometimes i drive myself crazy. ... View more

Aww Can I just say to all you inspiring ladies, before I close my eyes to sleep. Thank you once again. I think I will call tomorrow and treat myself, I'll call it my birthday present to myself. I have a grey strip running straight down, my friends say call it fashionable, whilst i try and paint it with the hair cover up powders, even used my eyeshadow. Goodnight all. Sweet dreams ... View more

Hey sunflower. I did exactly the same..was told it was ok to but didn't want to run the risk.. so I've waited. But I also am thinking shall I, shan't I... I need to cut it and there was a special offer on with Groupon, a salon near me, so thought should I. I might phone the salon tomorrow and see what they recommend.. ... View more

Thank you. It is so comforting to know ... View more

This is what I have found. Although I guess I still feel shy and don't want to burden you all with my 101 questions it has for the first time going through this brought me so much support. For once I don't feel alone. I'm gonna start the tablets in Sept as I was fearful of taking them whilst having the treatment. My oncologist and the team agreed that this would be fine. If I sound silly please tell me. But I didn't know there were different brands... I thought it was one. But reading the threads i see I will have to do trail and error. ... View more

Can I ask a question and advice. Did anybody dye their hair during their radiotherapy or after. I didn't as my hair has been falling out so didn't want to do anything whilst having the session, but now I'm thinking would it be ok. My hair has become like straw as well. Been using loads of different types of hair conditioning products. ... View more

Thank you ... i definitely will ... View more

I did the same thing before finding this site and omg when I say I was petrified to what my Google diagnosis was ... Thank you for being here. ... View more

I definitely will have a read as I have found the response and support so lovely.. if only I had found this at the start, I went through a stage of feeling that the radiotherapy was never going to end. I likened it to travelling through the desert. And whilst friends and family were supportive they couldn't understand how lost you can feel. You try and stay positive for them and they try and make you feel stronger by saying at least you caught it early and it's being treated... but sometimes you just want to say but it's pants but I know I will.get through it.. ... View more

Thank you so much once again ... View more

Aww thank you for your response it helps so much. Currently my boob looks like a patchwork. I recieved a letter to meet up with my oncologist in October for a follow up. I'm gonna be starting the tamoxifen shortly, and I have already fears about that. So knowing that i can share this here is great. ... View more

I just joined and I must say I'm so ever so grateful for what has been said here. Its difficult to make friends and family truly understand and to share with a community that is experiencing the same journey has become so beneficial. And this has only been two hours of joining. I finished my rads treament last week and i have experienced tender nipple and the skin has come off around the treated area, shooting pains and itching, it almost feels like at times it is on fire which apparently is common. I also have large breasts so although told not to wear a bra found it diffucilt not to. The hospital gave me some silcone pads to use to protect the area from chafing, which has helped. Also because of the itching they gave me some gel which they advise put in the fridge before use, to use on top of the moisturizing cream they gave. My boob currently looks like a patchwork and under my armpit it is very dark. But they say this should settle. ... View more

Thank you so much for coming back to me Helena. I can't explain how lost you can feel especially when you finish the treatment. The hospital did say that this is to be expected. I just called the hospital and they did say exactly what you've said about the rads can catch armpit area. And it can be sore. To continue to use the pads they gave and to put the gels in the fridge before use as this will cool the surface as well. They were brilliant also said if I still feel unsure to go in and they will.check it for me. Thank you so much for this. I came across this forum by chance of Google search of dark changes under the armpit from radiotherapy. I'm so glad I registered. ... View more