Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Anniej I’ve brought forward my Onc appointment to the end of Jan, just over two weeks away. Now very painful in both ring fingers, making gripping, chopping, etc., very difficult.  On top of that I am pretty tearful and emotional and walk around like someone of 90 in the mornings! Don’t even get me started on the indigestion and IBS, or the painful nights trying to sleep through hand and boob pain! Have been so tempted to stop but appointment is close now so will persevere for these next couple of weeks. Really hoping for a sympathetic and positive appointment. ... View more

Thanks so much AnnieJ - my next Onco appointment is March (been having some problems with fluid, pain and swelling in my lumpectomy boob) but if I am still struggling after Christmas will bring that forward and discuss joint pain.  I keep hoping it will ease off but I fear it could be getting worse! ... View more

I have problems with my right ring finger and pain at the base (palm side) of all four fingers.  My GP also thinks it is arthritis though, despite having a high rheumatoid factor and suffering three auto immune problems, he doesn’t feel it needs to go to the rheumatoid department.  I’ve been on Letrazole for four months and am convinced this new pain is because of it.  How on earth can we ever prove or convince? I’m reluctant to stop unless it gets any worse or spreads as I want the extra protection but it gets me down.  How common is this? ... View more

Update - Biafine seems to have helped.  I am now day 11 after rads ended and mostly boob is fine BUT the area on the top of my boob which I realise I hadn't been coating in cream has a nasty, sometimes itchy, rash which every morning I think is getting better and then as the day wears on, isn't any better at all! I am very tired, not sleeping well and the biggest problem is that my lymph node wound has started weeping as it did for quite a long time after surgery and before radiotherapy.  I spoke to BCN who forwarded me to radiotherapy team and the nurse there said it was likely the rads caused the weeping.  I am keeping an eye on it and to be honest if it is still weeping at 14 days post rads I will ask to see someone.   ... View more

Hi Ladies New here, I'm ten down just five more to go.   On another thread somewhere on this wonderful forum someone mentioned Biafine cream (I got it from Amazon) which is French and supposed to be good for radiotherapy and burns in general.  Anyway I have been using this (a little goes a long way) immediately after zapping - in my cubicle before dressing.  I am now a bit pink but haven't had too much in the way of problems.  The doctor saw me today in clinic and warned me that because I'm rather a big girl (!) my boob will go pink, then brown and then peel or blister.  Something to look forward to  - so I am hoping this magic cream works well and if it stops some of this happening I'll come back and tell you all to use it!  He has also said I will have to treat myself with kid gloves for a couple of weeks after I finish the treatment.   I've been lucky as I didn't have to have chemo but they do want me to have Letrozole which bothers me about side effects but I have agreed to give it a go. Good Luck everyone x   Quick Update : just seen that there are ingredients which some would dismiss as "nasty" but I will continue and perhaps swap to aloe vera after a couple of weeks.   ... View more

I feel for you; waiting for results is such a rotten time, imagining the worst.  Keep as busy as possible, play with your child and keep your mind occupied on anything not related to BC.  Let’s hope the results turn out well for you. ... View more

I’ve used mine a lot, even in bed to protect and support, great help and great tip. ... View more