Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi there I have been on exemestane for almost 5 years and have been tolerating it quite well. I have always had such thick strong hair, however since Christmas 2018 my hair has really begun to thin and this last 4 weeks has become what I consider quite bad.  I see my oncologist just once a year just before Christmas, so I am due to go back again soon.  I am seriously considering going off Exemestane as I am so concerned about my hair.  I had considered researching what hair tgreatments may be out there but also was wondering what's in them that may be pretty nasty. Frederique, what did you end up doing and have you found a solution, I'm interested.  Thanks ... View more

Hi Lorraine,   I was wondering how you have healed after your bilateral mastectomy and implant reconstruction.   Have you got used to the implants and how they feel?   Has the feeling of tightness round your chest gone?   Have you any sensation or is it numb as BCN warned me.   Any advice would be appreciated and hope all you ladies have found some relief from the tightness. ... View more

Thanks for the useful advice. I've got an appointment today to choose mine. Looking forward to it, strangely. ... View more

Hi, I didn’t do anything to help my hair grow any faster but I did take lots of pictures and few video’s so I could see how I changed through my cancer journey, if you feel like it i’ve just posted it on You Tube as a timeline, it might help you come to terms with the regrowth process and understand how long it takes, hope it helps, search Beverley Griffiths Chemo Hair Journey, I know I used to look to see other peoples x  ... View more

I have just told my Dr today that I keep getting pain over my rib on the side of the op, when I stretch or lean even to clean myself after going to the loo,! it really hurts. Hes sending me for a chest xray but it sounds as if this is normal!  I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  ... View more

Hi. This is something our specialist nurses may be able to help you with. Call our free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 -- we're open until 2pm today, and then reopen on Thursday 27 December at 9am. ... View more

I too am getting sore ribs, more so lower down. I had a bilateral mastectomy and no recon. Radiotherapy to left side at Genesis care. Both ribs hurts. In fact the right one hurts more. Had a ct scan and all clear. Is this normal? ... View more

I use Tropic deodorant. Absolutely no nasties in it whatsoever xxx ... View more

I have 2 patches either side of my lips that although only small make me look like The Joker when they flare. I finished chemo in January but am still having Herceptin. I suffer with dry skin anyway but also wonder because of where they are if it was originally a contact reaction to cranberry juice which I drank loads of during chemo to try to stave off UTIs. Chemo thins your skin and I’ve been left with a few issues related to that. Try not to worry but I know easier said than done x ... View more

Hey!!! Wow.....we have lots in common then ♥️ looking forward to meeting you x ... View more

I'm inspired to hear the above Heather! I was told by my surgeon that if I wanted to defer surgery and see if my Letrozole shrinks the cancer significantly to be able to avoid a mastectomy and instead, opt for lumpectomy I'd need to give it 9-18 months! I'm surprised (but happy) to hear that yours has started to shrink so soon after starting your hormone therapy. That's great news!  xxx ... View more

Hi. Thanks for your comments Sunflower and lalalottier. I think much the same as you do in that I continue to eat dairy/sugar (in moderation) and also drink alcohol (ditto). I am of the opinion that a BC diagnosis should not mean you can't enjoy life but I still as you say get that dark sceptre each time I indulge nagging me that I am playing Russian Roulette. I just tell it to bog off most times as we not all cut out to be as self riteous as Deliciously Ella! As an aside I got into a bit of a heated dispute with Renew You, which, while peddling the disclaimer that the medical evidence is not theirs continued to message me saying I should err on the side of caution with Olbas Oil. Needless to say that has been met by radio silence from me 😁 ... View more

Hello Lalalottier, Hopefully someone else will come along who can give a better response. I had single mastectomy over a year ago. I just got two areas rechecked again recently at my own request. Nothing bad thank goodness but was told one area was a seroma. I was given the option to have it drained but I was told it would very likely recur so have just left it as it is unobtrusive and not really causing a problem for me. Did you have a taxane chemo treatment like taxol/taxotere/docetaxel? The pain in my feet/toenails after tax treatment was excruciating for a time. I could not even stand a sheet covering them at night. My toenails started coming off after chemo ended with the last one dropping off about 7 months after finishing!! I had access to a podiatrist at the chemo ward which helped as she sort of helped some of the old nails on their way. If you are concerned, and just to make sure it is chemo related and not something else, then go to GP to be on the safe side. Especially as you say you have red scaly patches on your body which could be from a number of causes. Best wishes, Chick 🐥 X ... View more