Breast Cancer Now Forum

I had this and the effects were cumulative. I took Immodium, which helped a bit, but I had to miss my final (9th) treatment because of it (and the joint pain). ... View more

Yes, I started both on the same day - I thought that was normal. As you have the Taxol by infusion and the Herceptin by sub cutaneous injection, they have time to monitor the Taxol before you have the injection.   ... View more

I had really bad diarrhoea as well as joint pains and the effects were cumulative so I became almost housebound except for walking the dogs for 10 minutes a day. On the good side, little naussea and my hair started growing! ... View more

I was due to have 9 x Taxol treatments alongside 3 weekly Herceptin but I had a lot of side effects so that I had to stop after number 8. I still had a complete response. ... View more

I had a port for chemo but I had blood tests done locally and they didn't use it which wasn't a problem. I'm in France and was shocked to learn that ports aren't commonplace in the UK as it was automatically done here for everybody and makes chemo so much easier. I'd just be happy you have one, even if you feel it's underused. ... View more

I think the most important thing, and possibly where you're going wrong, is using a cream before treatment. We're used to the idea of protecting our skin from the sun by putting on cream before going out but that's the opposite of what you should do before radiotherapy. Whatever cream you use, you should only apply it after treatment and make sure you're skin is absolutely clean of any residue (as well as deodorant etc) before treatment. Apologies if you're not doing this but there are lots of people who misunderstand and don't appreciate how important it is. ... View more

I was told to remove all varnish from both hands and feet.   ... View more

@Shi It's frequently only through using Google that we find out about new developments and breakthroughs, particularly if you're not being treated at one of the big teaching hospitals in the UK. How many people have even heard of having a port installed for chemo rather than risking it wrecking your veins? (And that's just one example.)   ... View more

Have you been given a reason for having whole breast radiation rather than partial breast radiation? Have you discussed the possibility of having a mastectomy to avoid having radiotherapy? Just trying to get a fuller picture - my husband had COPD so I know how careful you need to be. ... View more

I'm afraid your oncologist's telling you porkies - like all hormone therapy, muscle and joint pain are common side effects of Tamoxifen. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/muscle_pain https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-chat/thread/muscle-joint-pain-due-to-tamoxifen https://www.christie.nhs.uk/media/6133/1267.pdf Ask your GP for stronger pain killers. ... View more

I've been taking Tramadol occasionally to counter leg and joint pains from chemo and expect to carry on needing in when I start Arimidex. ... View more

During chemo (and afterwards) you need to be eating a healthy diet, not junk food. Try to eat a light diet, mainly fruit and vegetables with either plant based protein or fish. Getting into good habits now (when you're not hungry) will help you in the future as you go forwards.   ... View more

I had a general anaesthetic because I had other stuff done at the same time so was kept overnight but could do most things very quickly. I wasn't told not to drive (except immediately after GA!) so I was driving a couple of days later, although I drive an automatic, which is easier.   I thought raising my hands over head might be difficult so got essentials down from top kitchen cupboards but put them all back when I found it wasn't a problem for me, although it might be for others! I was told to wear a non wired sports bra 24/7 for a fortnight after the op but swiched to the stretchy pull on ones at night after a week. Don't rely on these generally as they don't have enough support for the daytime and you might find pulling them on a problem - generally front fastening clothes are the best for a while.   I agree with getting the bed made and everything super clean before your op and simplifying your cooking,  If you're having a local it's normally very straightforward and nothing to worry about - I'm amazed you've been told not to drive for 6 weeks - I've never come across that before. ... View more

I don't think I felt hyper but I cerainly wasn't tired and have to admit to quite enjoying the experience.   ... View more

I'm assuming you're taking one of the taxanes as chemo, in which case you would normally ice your feet and/or hands during infusions. My centre provided flexible ice packs that they taped round my wrists (no problems with my feet) but I think some people take their own. It's pretty effective. ... View more

This might be relevant. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5503457/ ... View more

It seems like Denosubat's a pretty good option in your situation. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(18)30862-3/fulltext ... View more

I can't comment about breathing techniques but don't use any cream, deodorant etc on the treated side before treatment, go with absolutely clean skin. Avoid wearing a bra as much as possible, wear only loose, cotton clothes and wear nothing on your top half as often as you can. Drink lots of water and rest if you need to. Good luck.   ... View more

I have no idea whether this is a genuine post or not but it is certainly not my breasts that define me as a woman! What a terrible, unhelpful thing to post on a group like this one. ... View more

There's lots of help available but it's up to you to look for what you need. This might be a good place to start. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/complementary-therapies/complementary-therapies-explained/psychological-self-help-therapies.html   ... View more