Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi!  I had a elective double mastectomy in November. Apparently if the nipple is saved it increases the risk of infection and the cancer returning as it will have breast tissue x ... View more

Hi Jack,  just wanted to say you are already helping her by reaching out to us for help,  you'll pick up tips and support on here that will be useful to you both in the coming weeks,  just be there when she does need you, it may take time but we all deal with thus differently.   We will support you so that in time you can support her Kip   ... View more

https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Chemotherapy-monthly-threads/bd-p/Chemotherapy_monthy_threads ... View more

Kaytee   When I was having my drains removed the District Nurse said "Right, take a deep breath... I was in such a tiz because I was so scared I even said "I can't remember how to breathe..." 🤣 🙄 I never felt a thing either!  She probably thought I was bit booloo!!! Ha! 💪🏻 🎀     ... View more

Hi I finished treatment beginning of May, started phased return end of May on half days, increasing each week with a view to being back to full time by the fourth week.   By the third week I was still suffering with really bad fatigue and anxiety and after spending an hour in HR in floods of tears ( not like me at all!!) they sent me to OH.   They put me on a month of working half days 5 x a week.  I have one more week left and can honestly say I am only just starting to feel back to my old self.   Seeing OH again next week and imagine I will be full time by the next couple of weeks after that.  I also believe it is also the emotional aspect of a cancer diagnosis that can affect your ability to work.  That isn’t something you just get over quickly.  I am having counselling sessions at the moment ( funded through work) and have found it really beneficial.  Don’t feel rushed into going back full time if you are not ready.  I have waffled rather 😊 ... View more

Gosh sounds full on !   I was so lucky I only had to have a mastectomy, sentinel node removal  and immediate reconstruction, now on Tamoxifen.   I had multi focal cancer ( invasive lobular, invasive tubular and dcis) but despite multiple tumours peppered through the breast it hadn’t spread to the lymph nodes so the mastectomy caught it all. Thank God for routine mammograms, without that I’m sure it would have been a very different story for me.   Hope the treatment is tolerable, and you get great results. Take care and stay strong - not easy I know   loads of love Melanie xx ... View more

Gemmy, there is no right or wrong answer to this - all you can do is do what your gut and heart tell you and do what feels right for you. Unfortunately, although sometimes we want someone to give us instructions on what to do for the best, there is no 'best' and it is what feels right for the individual. At times, for many of us through treatment, after diagnosis, there are times where the decisions are left to us. I did cancel my holiday 3 years ago as it was when treatment was needed and I personally knew there was no chance of me enjoying it to its full potential with my mind on the BC diagnosis, but you are a different person and have different views and personality. We ended up doing the same holiday 12 months later 🐵 I also had to make decisions on chemo myself (as was borderline and there was no definitive right or wrong on it) and though it was tough my BCN advised that my decisions needed to be  psychological ones - take advice, do some research if you like, but ultimately do what you feel in the future you can easily 'live with'. By that I mean, would you regret choosing the holiday over starting treatment? If you wouldn't, then go for the holiday. ... View more

Hi Lucy 51,   I take it this is with the occupational health dept where you work.   In my experience they will be looking to see when you might be able to go back to work, what adjustments you might need to help you go back and if they can support you in anyway.   I’ve been well supported by my OH throughout, there has been no pressure to go back but I understand my business can’t support me being off indefinitely. When I needed physio they offered to get me private physio ( I didn’t need to take them up on it ). I’m now going back but on reduced hours and lighter duties, they’ve advised me and my manager throughout what they thought would work best.   I’ve found them to be very supportive. I’m lucky I’m able to go back but if I hadn’t been able to they would also have assessed my fitness to work and would have been involved in decisions about ill health pensions.   Cancer is covered by the Equality act ( used to be the disability discrimination act ) so they will be aware they need to be supportive and more lenient over how much time you take out for sickness and appointments.   I wouldn’t worry, I’m sure it’s routine but remember if at any stage you feel uncomfortable you can leave and rearrange when you can have your union or a representative with you.   Stay strong, keep your chin up and don’t worry xx Melanie  ... View more

I'm 2 weeks post op and on the sick. My body feels fine, but my arm is still restricted and I get dips in my energy levels. I also have thrombo phlebitis. I asked my doctor for another 3 weeks off as my job working in a shop involves lifting heavy boxes and standing all day long. I guess you will know when you are fit and able to return to work depending on the type of job you do.Don't rush back too soon, just build up your energy levels each day by doing gentle exercises. ... View more

Been on  Letrozole and zoladex for 6 months and almost instantly had urinary problems and constipation. I was checked for an infection but that came back clear. Oncologist wasn't bothered about it and did suggest me taking cranberry juice but not one I have tried. I have to take a liquid for the constipation as I was advised long term senna was not a good idea but the bladder is still not right. First thing in the morning I feel like I have full bladder but emptying it takes a while as the flow is slow and uncomfortable until empty. It does improve as the day progresses but I do go more often. I think it is something I will just have to get used to. If there is any advise from anyone who has gone through this then I would be grateful.    ... View more

Hi Maggi,    You’ve had exactly what I’m having, except I’ve only had 3 months to get my head around it (and TBH I haven’t yet).  Had WLE in January then another op to get rid of margins in Feb. Still got extensive margins after 60mm removed so all they can do now is complete mx 😞     They tell me I’ll probably be going home the same day (which worries me slightly), but I will check that again and take on board your suggestions for what to take case I do have to stay in. I’ll also ask about bra too, I really can afford anything too expensive so hoping I’ll be given one.  I’m not a girly girl either and have never worried much about how my body looks - but this has all knocked me for six.    You sound quite chipper though which is definitely encouraging! I hope your recovery is going well and thanks for taking the time to reply x     ... View more

Hi I had the TUG flap reconstruction 2 years ago and am delighted with the results.  I was a very floppy 34dd and implants alone were never an option as I’d had radiotherapy which can cause problems with implants.   I did have a lot of problems with my thigh scar getting infected and as a result my scar isn’t as near as my surgeon would have liked.  My breast from day one has looked and felt very natural and feels like part of me. It is a hard decision to make and the TUG reconstruction is a big operation and I limped for several weeks.  If your surgeon is offering implants then remember that if you really don’t get on with it you could always request a TUG at a later date.  Good luck. ... View more

T Thanks Melanie you have been very helpful and explained it all to me because l didn’t know what it was goiing to be like l have to get my right breast removed after chemo just been a great shock so thanks you have really helped  Regards Carol  ... View more

Hi LunaMuna, I had a similar experience to you. I was diagnosed with a large area of DCIS with a 4-5cm invasive tumour last May. I had chemo which completely resolved the invasive tumour, but due to the large area of DCIS, mastectomy was the only option. I don't know if your area of DCIS is large, but they told me that after they had removed all the DCIS ( which chemo doesn't affect) there would not be enough of the breast left, so mastectomy was the only option. It was scheduled for ten days after they told me.  I was really upset. I did lots of research, and I rang up before the operation and saw a different surgeon. I said I couldn't cope with waking up after the operation with no breast. I pleaded with them to have an implant ( I had been told that there is a Braxon implant that is when it is in a kind of sling so the radiotherapy is less likely to affect it). The surgeon said she was really unhappy to provide this as she had had to remove implants in the past due to hardening due to radiotherapy. In the end I agreed to a mastectomy with delayed reconstruction ( hopefully at the end of this year- I finished radiotherapy in early January). I don't know yet what I can have, as I am quite petite and they said they don't know where they would take skin from! But, although I was very traumatised at the thought of the operation, and it took a few days after it to come to terms with it, the ladies on this forum supported me and I got through it. I have now been given the most amazing silicone prosthesis, with a removable nipple, and it really looks fabulous. No-one would ever know. I thought I would have to wear loose fitting clothes, but I can actually wear anything I want. I have also got some ' knitted knockers' They are a charity who will provide you with a soft knitted prosthesis for the six weeks post surgery , and also an aqua knocker for swimming. Totally free of charge! I have been swimming a few times with no problems. Best wishes to you. I hope you get some answers soon. Jane xx ... View more

Hi TypicalMe I've only just come across this thread - I agree that you may find more answers on the surgery thread. I am also small busted and I had an implant at the same time as my mastectomy, mine too was in a sling thing called Braxon and the implant was also a "pre pectoral" one, so sits on top of the muscle rather than underneath it. I went for the implant option because it was a quicker operation and recovery, but it is a very personal decision. I'm happy with my implant, it's more rounded than my real one so I use a prosthesis to even things up a bit and in clothes you can't tell the difference. Happy to answer any more questions. Evie xx ... View more

Blimey I’m really sorry to hear that, like you say hopefully just a small setback and she will soon be ok and allowed to come home again.   Please send her my very best wishes, I’m so sorry that happened to her but onwards and upwards   Melanie xx     ... View more

Hi Lizand sarah   i think you have done the right thing.  Mine seems to have got the message now.    I will contact her if I want something but I just feel it’s that other person in the room.  We don’t have a lot of control over ourselves  with this disease and I honestly find it empowering    if I was you I would email and say you don’t want them there or contact your patient welfare service at the hospital  and they sort it out for you  ... View more

Hi pinklily I haven't got ìdeas for you but I appreciate the warning. Like you I have  a PICC line, which is in my right arm and am due to have some lymph nodes removed from my left armpit  in a few months. I did wonder what would happen if I ended up in a similar situation as yourself. Something else to run by my onc or one of the nurses. If I find any information I'll try and remember to check out this post again.. ... View more

Hello Esther36, first I’m so sorry to hear your diagnosis and that you find yourself in this forum but it’s a fabulous source of support and there’s always someone there to give you a virtual hug. I’m sending you one right now.   Like you I was diagnosed with two types of cancer in my right breast but in my case both were invasive so I had to have a right sided mastectomy which was done on 7/12. I’ve had immediate reconstruction using implant only and I’m really pleased with the results so far. I also had my sentinel node removed but thankfully the cancer had not spread that far so I don’t need radiotherapy or chemotherapy.   I was a 40E cup and the only issue with using implant only is that they’ve used the largest one and it’s a good B/ possibly C cup. Consequently I’m now going to have a reduction on the good side. The plan is to remove 1.2kg “ish” of tissue and lift the breast so it’s as pert as my new one. I’ll have a new nipple created on my new boob and then a nipple tattoo. This isn’t going to be done for a year so in the meantime I’ve been using a “softee” but will get a prosthesis in March to balance me out.   I made the choice to use implant only as I didn’t want additional scarring from tissue being moved to build my new breast and I would have needed an implant anyway ( they can’t move enough tissue to create an E cup ) so I decided to just go with just the implant.   As I’d had reconstruction I had two abdominal drains, one came out after 4 weeks but the other one only came out last week ( so had been in 61 days ). I’m also still very restricted what I can do to avoid issues with the implant moving while it’s settling and my wound is taking a long time to heal at the t junction.   having said all that I have no regrets, other than having had Cancer !, my prosthetic nipple is being made and I will get it next Tuesday and I’ve seen loads of photos of my consultants work where she has done reductions / lifts to match implant reconstruction and they all look fabulous. I did lots of research before I decided what to do, as you are, and I’m sure you’ll decide what course is the right one for you. Stay strong, keep your chin up and know there is a whole army of us women out here for you to turn to when you need to xx Melanie  ... View more

Hi Reddi It's not cording, I've had physio for that and all is good with it now. I've phoned my bn and waiting for her to call back. B xx ... View more