Breast Cancer Now Forum

My doctor told me to abandon anything that has alcohol, aluminum, and that is not organic.  ... View more

@Strangely upbeat    I didn't shave my hair as figured growing from scratch would take longer when the time comes but do what you feel happier doing. I reckon I have lost 80 % of my hair now but I have a few long strands that when I wear a bobble hat hang down for effect of hair 😂 ... View more

Just by way of an update, I saw the surgeon today and he confirmed my new ‘lump’ is in fact scar tissue. This is the result of healing axilla and breast tissue where these were separated during surgery.  Phew!  ... View more

Hello there @Mrs Kettlebell - much better over last few days (although bowels still not back to normal yet!).  Managed to get laundry done a few days ago and a 3 hour ironing stint.  And finally, last night I got a good 6 hour sleep in so feeling much better today and just done a 15 min circuit around our local roads.  So nice to get in the fresh air and clear the cobwebs away. I couldn't do anything at all on the steroids....wanted to sleep so badly but head not letting me.  As I felt like I was drunk, thought I'd keel over if I tried to do anything productive...so left well alone 🙂 At least, hopefully, I'll have a good 10-11 days before cycle 2 on 11th March Thank you  xx Sam xx ... View more

Hi renpen I’m sorry I can’t advise on juicing but I had a rotten time during chemo and my weight fell to 6st 4lbs, from almost 8st. My GP referred me to the community nutritionist who was able to introduce me to all sorts of food substitutes that are more easily digested and cover the basic nutrition we need. It may include Complan but, hey, if it does its job and the nausea and diarrhoea (in my case, the reverse) cease, it’s worth swallowing your pride. There are some gorgeous desserts and palatable fruit/vegetable drinks. It’s essential you maintain your weight. I’m currently suffering the long-term consequences of having chemo with low body weight and it’s not something I’d recommend. Ironically I’ve since gained a lot of weight because of one of my meds so I’m a comfy 10 stone for the first time in my life but the damage has been done. Get onto your GP tomorrow and ask for a referral. It can all be done over the phone, hopefully you’ll be sent samples of things to try and then whatever you find suits you will be prescribed for you.  All the best x ... View more

Best of luck to you both for tomorrow's operations. I so understand the feeling of actually looking forward to it - it does seem a strange thing to say and feel but the surgery moves you on in such a big and positive way. The way things are organised across the country seems to vary so much and everyone appears to have a slightly different experience. I feel so lucky that my hospital has a specialist Breast Unit which is headed up by my wonderful surgeon who specialises in cosmetic, oncoplastic and breast reconstructive surgery. I have seen him and my breast cancer nurse at every appointment and I've never seen anyone else, no oncologist or plastics surgeon. It's worked so well for me and they've always been very open, honest and detailed - good and bad.  Louise, you mentioned bras. I'm sure you're sorted now but I've been really around the block with this. I'm a standard 38B M&S. I ended up with 40C compression bras from Amoena - I had a 40C zip up post surgery bra from M&S which felt way too tight on the band post surgery and now are too baggy on the cups. The Amoena bras were beautifully soft and very adjustable as things changed - well worth the investment (my BCN gave me a discount code). I'm now finding my usual 38B bras tight on the band so I've gone for some band expanders - not prepared to invest in any more bras until things have completely settled down. Hope all goes well with your surgeries tomorrow and look forward to hearing from you both when you're feeling up to it.   ... View more