Breast Cancer Now Forum

I’m changing over from tamoxifen to Aromasin today as apparently it will reduce my reoccurrence rate. I’m tolerating tamoxifen really well and to be honest don’t really want to change as the oncologist didn’t paint a pretty picture of the side effects. Are there any positive stories out there? As I know everyone responds to medication differently x ... View more

I was diagnosed just after covid struck, as I work at my husbands company I was lucky as I still got paid then went onto furlough afterwards. I returned to work last September and I’ve been able to build up my hours to around 15-20 hours a week. The problem I have is my husband says my role is a full time role and as I’m off a bit when I get tired or sick he politely suggested I look for something more suited to me. I wanted to give it a go and agreed to up my hours to around 30 to begin with. It’s the first week and I’m so tired, I’m shouting at my little girl and feeling really low. I want to keep working there but at what cost will it be to my health as I’m used to having a day off to rest. I used to have quite a high pressure job but I’ve completely crumbled and lost my confidence after treatment and I’m also worried about going somewhere new if I’m struggling or getting side effects from my medication as they certainly won’t be as understanding if you are a new employee. I really don’t know what to do 😔 ... View more

Hi I have had a lump come up in the side I had lymphnode clearance right in my armpit and I wondered how normal it was or if it’s happened to anyone else? I’ve already been referred to get it checked but I’m worrying.  Am I right in thinking it can’t be a swollen node as they removed them all from that side? x ... View more

Hi I finished treatment in May but was originally diagnosed in June 2020. To date I still haven’t had any sort of check up or follow up scan / mammogram. I was told by my oncologist it should have been on the first anniversary of my surgery which would have been 4 months ago. Upon calling a nurse she said there is still a few months to wait because of a backlog and unless I have new symptoms and get referred urgently I will just have to wait. I had bilateral breast cancer which went into my lymph nodes and one side didn’t have a lump so I was assured I would be kept an eye on.  I feel really let down, is anyone else had this kind of problem?  ... View more

So I have a job interview with the NHS and after reading the Macmillan website it seems I have to disclose the fact I’ve had cancer as it counts as a disability?  I didn’t realise this was the case and didn’t disclose in my original application.  Im pretty sure they won’t want to employ someone that could potentially be off sick again? Has anyone had any experience with this?  ... View more

I finished treatment in May and since then I’ve had 1 telephone call from the (not very helpful) oncologist. Not one person has told me what will happen going forward, how often im going to be checked etc. I just feel like I’ve been left. Was anyone else given a plan going forward after treatment ?  ... View more

So even though I’m at the final hurdle with radiotherapy I’m feeling really low. I started citalopram today to try and counteract the effects of tamoxifen but am so tired.  I just don’t know how I’m going to get through a month on radiotherapy as feel like my body has had enough and I look terrible. Anxious about reoccurrence after I finish treatment too 😞 ... View more

I’ve been given citalopram to counteract the effects of tamoxifen. If anyone is on this can you tell me what time of day you take it? I’m taking tamoxifen right before bed but wasn’t sure if citalopram will stop me sleeping ?  ... View more

Hi I’ve just had my first session of radiotherapy and I have a really strong burning sensation already. I though it would be a bit sore after a few weeks but not immediately. I still have 19 sessions to go both sides so am getting a bit worried about how sore this is going to get - any advice? X ... View more

Hi I started taking tamoxifen a week ago and just as I thought ‘oh this isn’t too bad’ I’ve had an awful day, feel down and very tearful and can’t stop eating sugary foods. When I spoke to one of the breast care nurses prior to taking it I said the biggest thing I was worried about was the change in moods. Having previously suffered with postnatal depression and PMT I know the signs. Is there anyone out there taking antidepressants whilst on tamoxifen? As my doctor recommended citalopram x ... View more

I started to get numb fingers during chemo now 2 months after my last chemo treatment I’ve got fully numb hands at night , worse in the hand that the cannula went in, but the pain is horrendous. It’s tingly during the day too but at night it’s keeping me awake. The doctor says it’s carpal tunnel but I thought the taxol causes nerve damage , has anyone else had this after chemo? How long did it last and what did you do for the pain ? ... View more

Hi has anyone taken CBD oil or 5-HTP with tamoxifen? Having joint pain and hot flushes.  ... View more

I’m due to start taking Tamoxifen today and I’m terrified. I’m worried it’s going to change me and not in a good way. Is there any positive stories out there? X ... View more

I was advised on my initial exam that it was breast cancer but said I had to wait 2 weeks to get full diagnosis and treatment options. Well tomorrow is the day and I’m really scared. They gave me no idea at the initial appointment how bad it was only took biopsy and mammograms. I have a lump attached to my benign breast mouse which was missed 18 months ago by my doctor now I have dimpling which is the only reason I went back . My mind keeps going to the worse case scenario. Any positive stories you can give me would be greatly appreciated x ... View more