Breast Cancer Now Forum

Thank you so much Nicky... such great news! We are so lucky to have NHS For sure. Your experiences and being under the care of the cardio-oncologist must be such a reassurance. Wishing you continued success for a very very long time Nicky - and thanks for sharing, so important for newbies 🙂 B ... View more

Hi Polar The phlebotomists did suggest a line - but I’m on oral chemo... so I declined that! So glad is easier for you now 🙂   ... View more

Pawsome..... your toe 😱 I hope that didn’t hurt too much! When I went back to hospital for 2nd attempt a couple of days later I drank two bottles of 750ml of water and a coffee all before 10am  - success first attempt. Even though it’s a nuisance (having to go loo ALOT!) I think it’s the only way to get those veins going! Plenty of water... good luck next time 🙂 ... View more

Hi Gillyflower So far so good! First day was difficult- I was so nervous, it took me ages to leave my house! I’ve started a phased return/half days - which I thought I didn’t need but turns out I so do! Went to get my zoladex jab today and nurse commented on how good I look - it appears work agrees with me (thus far).  People at work happy to see me but I don’t get into nitty gritty of being off sick - avoiding pity looks, advice , people commenting on me ‘lookIng good’ or wondering how comes I have hair etc! 😆 Thank god and modern medicine for palbo & letrozole 🙏   I shall let you know how I go next week. How are you finding working from home? B 😊 ... View more

Thank you so much Gillyflower for that positive response. I do need to get out and you are so right with regards to mental well being - I really do need to focus on other things. I shall definitely update you once I return. I hope working from home goes well for you too 🙂 B x I hop ... View more

Hi Carol1960 I came across a thread about Letrozole and learnt that there are different manufacturers (I never knew this). I was taking the Cipla brand and recently changed to TEVA after reading about the experiences of other ladies. Changing brands has made a difference to my aches and pains. Perhaps changing brands may help you too? Otherwise definitely let your oncologist know about your neck pain. All the best B ... View more

Hi all I was fascinated by this topic, as I just thought I had to deal with aches and pains! Initially I was given the Cipla brand from the hospital and continued with it (even requesting it from pharmacy) after reading this thread I changed to TEVA this month to see if there was a difference - I can confirm there has been. I will try and request Femara next month for even better results - fingers crossed 🤞🏽   Thanks all🥰 B ... View more

Hi Pawsome So encouraging! I’m on my 7th cycle - when I started in January I was sooo worried that I would completely change. Luckily I did not!! The palbociclib  dose was reduced after first cycle to 100mg and have been on that ever since along with letrozole and zoladex. I’ve tolerated the meds well and am ready go back to full time work in September and just really want to carry on as I did before diagnosis. May I ask, how long after being on Ibrance did 50% shrinkage occur? I’ve have had 2 scans and all I know is that things are ‘stable’ which I know is good result. All the best B ... View more

Thank- you LM x ... View more

Oh Hippygirl2020.... I can only imagine your pain!  I had my Zoladex tummy jab on Monday and used numbing cream before hand and it really helps. I’m not sure numbing cream would help your poor derrière, I did enquire about this when I thought I would be having that jab - phew, dodged that one for now...I’m scared just thinking about it....the irony!!!! All the best x B ... View more

Dear AnnCann I was exactly where you are now in January 😞 I'm guessing they may be delaying the start of palbo because when you first start it, you will need close monitoring, lots of appointments for bloods, scans etc..a guess, I'm no expert. My combo is palbo, letrozole and zoladex - I was very frightened of how these drugs would change me and the fact I would have to have meds forever made me feel worse. The first cycle was not good - constantly tired and feeling unwell. My dose was then reduced and things got better, after my first MRI (3months into treatment) it showed a little improvement (which I could feel). I'm hoping my next 3 months scan will show further shrinkage 🤞 . Now I'm in cycle 5 - it's all part of my new normal, I've accepted - it is what it is. I take my meds with my evening meal (so I don't forget), I drink plenty of water to 'flush' things out (advice from BC nurse). It's all scary - no point saying it's not! Yes, no end to treatment - but I figured if I'm stage IV I'd rather have ongoing treatment so I know what's going on, rather than not knowing.... that's bound not to end well! This forum is truly great place, so many wonderful ladies sharing their experiences has helped me to focus and be a little more positive about the journey ahead. Sending you hugs x B  ... View more

Hi Brightstart Are you able to PM me? I'm not sure how to! Hope you are keeping well 🙂 B ... View more

Thanks Pawsome... you are right! I do understand some of us will prefer capsules - but for me the ingredients in the tablet suit my dietary requirements and you don't have to have them with food. Looking forward until we eventually get a choice 🙂   B ... View more

Dear Gaynor Stable and nothing new is amazing news 💃🏻 (my happy dance). If you don't mind me asking - How long did it take for you to be in this 'stable' position since your diagnosis 2016? Have you had breaks from the drugs at any time (sorry if that's a stupid question!)? I'm 3 months into my secondary journey - I wish I could upgrade and  buy a flexi ticket and jump off this C train....but no such luck 🤣 ! I shouldn't complain as I'm thankful for 'it' being picked up and I'm tolerating drugs quite well. Take care B ... View more

Hi Blondie "Is that enough information" you asked? I can assure you it is... exceeding my expectations, that's for sure! Thank you for being so generous - I'm in the process of getting hold of the book, then movie to follow. Can't wait to read about the journey of this drug. Sorry for replying late to your post - I have been a little under the weather, but back on form now 😊 even though I forgot to numb my tummy before zoladex yesterday - OMG, didn't know it hurt that so bad....never again will I forget to do that. All the very best Blondie and take very good care. B ... View more