Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi everyone glad to see everyone making progress through this!  I had my second of 4 EC last week. I managed side effects better this time. I chose not to take all of the anti-sickness meds  I found the nausea better than the never ending dragging constipation!  I was also better at putting my out of office on and having good rest.  ... View more

Hi Sarah i too thought I was doing pretty well but I have been an emotional mess today. Sure the nausea was grim on day 1. Constipation was also very dragging until Sunday but mentally and emotionally I had it together and I have been working throughout having rest naps when needed and getting a lot of personal satisfaction in still being able to do a thing I love. I’ve been lucky that I was having a job change anyway so I’ve been selective about what I actually take on. Work have been fantastically supportive. The thing that I couldn’t account for was the amount I would second guess myself. So in a meeting where someone rudely interrupted me and my brain chose that moment to take a break and forget the rest of the sentence. That has bothered me ALL WEEK!  Was she really rude or am I over emotional. Was I saying something stupid?  No. She was rude. If she behaved like that to someone on my team I would take it up with her manager. So all week I’ve felt maybe I’m not good enough right now. Maybe they would be better if they weren’t making allowances for me. All of these stupid self destructive messages my brain has been sending all week. Anyway the end point of this long ramble is I’ve been in tears most of the day. And I’ve not cried at all on this long horrible journey until now.  Fortunately I was able to speak to a close peer and my manager who both said that even a 50% me could knock most people out of the park any day. To be kind to myself. To take more of those midday pauses. To finish earlier in the day. To work less at the end of the week when my reserves are low, and to always know the option is there to not work at all if I want. To the point made by others. Only you can listen to what your body is telling you. Like the name says we are going through cycles. We don’t do wear tampons when we don’t have periods. Do the right things at the right times.  ... View more

Hi Kazza81 I don't know the medical answer to your question, but I am sure your nurse would be happy to answer if you send them a message or call them.  I had all my tests yesterday ready to start EC on Tuesday.  I am going to get a port, but not before then as the guy is on holiday until Monday.  On the exercise/weight front I am also anxious.  I started on Slimming World in May after ballooning in lockdown (and before if we're being honest), and got back into daily walks and alternate days yoga/cardio. 4 months later, 4 stone lighter, I am now worried about not being able to exercise as much and/or not enjoying food, and/or being offered biscuits and chocolate during chemo or by well meaning friends, and/or steroid weight gain, to undo all the good stuff I have done so far.  I have had at least 1lb off every week, even through diagnosis and surgery, so I completely understand how this additional feeling of out of control is affecting you, I feel the same. Good luck - sending hugs ... View more

Hi There. Just spoke to oncologist for the first time, so far have been dealing with Breast Specialist/Surgeon.  I had a Wide Local Excision and Sentinel Node removal on 19 August, and even though its gone for a second opinion we are full steam ahead for chemo starting later this week or early next.  4 cycles EC and 4 cycles Carboplatin/Paclitaxel.  Just waiting for the phone to ring for the chemo nurses with appointments for all the pre-tests.  Whilst I wouldn't wish this on any one you, it is nice to know I am not alone....   ... View more

I had same experience. Went on SlimmingWorld lost 2 stone and had started daily exercise and found lump changing out of workout clothes. GP next day (2 July). Although I’m hindsight it’s been incredibly quick (had surgery a week ago) that waiting around and doing tests and follow ups was terrifying.   Sending hugs and best wishes and just know you are doing the best you and did the right thing for yourself by acting without delay.  ... View more

I have got a path report from my biopsy "high grade malignancy with spindle cell morphology", "markedly atypical with numerous bizarre forms" (could be describing my entire life actually).  Concluding statement that it is "most likely metaplastic carcinoma but the differential diagnosis includes spindle cell carcinoma and a malignant phyllodes tumour.  A pure sarcoma can also not be entirely excluded".  The breast consultant has recommended lumpectomy and sentinel node removal, followed by chemotherapy.  My initial and repeat lymph biopsies were all clear, but CT scan showed spots in lungs, abdomen and bones, the PET CT only picked up lungs, which are regarded as suspicious of mets because of the primary diagnosis.  So far it is ER and PR negative, waiting for HER2 results.  I guess that surgery first will allow a full diagnosis to enable better chemo selection?  How long after surgery does Chemo take place?  My surgery is booked for 19 August, which is physically is soon as they can do it due to the COVID self isolation restrictions. I would love to know how you all got on with the surgery before chemo experiences.  Thank you ... View more