Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Helenann,   I'm so pleased to hear you now have a date to have your tissue expander replaced-fingers and toes are crossed for you that all goes ahead on 12th August. I had been thinking a lot lately, about tomorrow-as it was last 20th July when I had the 1st mammogram that lead to a call-back, which lead to the biopsy confirming Grade 2 Lobular. It's a year tomorrow that my ball started rolling. However, I am fine-and still letting Letrozole do it's stuff before I know what my surgery options are.    I'm going away for a long week-end on the Bank Holiday week-end...to the same place I went last year, the week after my diagnosis. I won a Winnie-The-Pooh on the boardwalk, playing one of those stupid games:) and he has been sleeping with me ever since. I suppose it's fair to say he's been giving me comfort this last year:).     Please keep us updated on the rest of your journey....sending you mucho hugs for 12th August.  xxxx     ... View more

Hi Cas21   sorry your still getting discomfort but it is quite normal.  As you say it could take up to 12 month for things to be back to some kind of normal.  I finished rads July 2018 and still get stabbing pain,discomfort and itching in both boob and under arm scar.  Not all the time and not constant.  I have to agree on the 12 month scenario as seems to be very true .  But on a good note I am getting there both physically and mentally and I am sure you will feel the same. Unfortunately  tis just giving it the time it needs to get back settled down.  My boob is still numb from surgery and still see the turquoise blue of the dye but very faint now 👍.  My consultant did say my boob is probably as good as it’s going to get now!   Just got to cope with joint pain from hormone tab. Oh the joys hey😀. Hope my little bit of advise helps and takes away the gremlins.  💓💓 ... View more

You mention you keep trying to take bisphosphonates 'from time to time'. Have you had a chat with your Oncologist and/or your Breast Care Nurse about this? The tablets are only effective if taken as prescribed. If you are having unacceptable side effects, there is the option of Zoledronic Acid infusions every sixth months which seem to be better tolerateld by many people.   Re knowing whether Anastrozole is working or not, the purpose of taking it is to block the production of Aromatase in our fat cells which itself is involved in the production of Oestrogen. The effect is to block the production of Oestrogen. It takes a few weeks for Oestrogen to leave your system altogether (you could check this with your Onc or your BCN) but that is the effect.   Some women are much more sensitive to the effects of Oestrogen depletion than others, so whether or not you have side effects is not an indicator of the effectiveness of the Anastrozole.   If you have a word with your Onc or your BCN you could put your mind at rest. ... View more

Hi ya I too have the 6 monthly infusion had my fourth this week! And I did have to have an tooth extraction but it was fine no problems at all, just antibiotic just in case...  Ive been to the dentist and had xrays ive no damage to my jaw at all. Also same as you no side effects at all, i don’t understand why its not offered in this way for everyone!   Hope you are all keeping well and healthy! ... View more

I was scared but decided to take the plunge straight away and have not had any side effects. Good luck! Cas x ... View more