Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi @Fairie  Yes, Yes, Yes! What great news. I’m so pleased for you. It’s so encouraging to hear about results like yours when we are struggling through treatment. Glad you don’t have to wait long for your surgery xx ... View more

Hi @Fairie  I’m exactly the same on blaming myself!    Too heavy, wrong food, not enough exercise etc. Although I know those things on their own don’t cause BC directly I still have to keep reminding myself  it’s not my fault. Results days are so nerve-wracking that I think the anxiety comes out like that. It’s good to remember how much we have done to take care of ourselves and get well. Herceptin gives me horrible acne. Drives me mad. I finish in June 22 so that’s a lot of concealer! Good luck for Friday. I’ll be thinking of you xx   ... View more

@JessicaB  Hi I am working full-time Mon-Thursday and have Fridays off for chemo. Am on weekly paclitaxel and three weekly trastuzumab. I work from home as I have since the pandemic started. I think I would struggle if I had to go in, and my neutrophils are low so I’d be anxious about it. I find Mondays are my worst day so have cleared them of anything draining like meetings and hoping that will help. Wednesdays and Thursdays aren’t bad for me. It’s very challenging juggling communications from hospital, work and the extra self are.  I wanted to try it because I wanted a focus other than cancer, and because I think I’d miss the daily contact with my colleagues since I live alone. So far I’m managing and it has distracted me in way that’s been positive for me. I think everyone is different in what works for them. You will make the right decision for yourself xx ... View more

@Louise65  I did the course last week. The teacher Juliet explained everything clearly and had great tips. It was lovely to be with a group of women who ‘get’ what you are going through, and are really supportive. I was nervous beforehand but it was worth the time and effort. Hope you enjoy it xx ... View more

@GonnaGetThruThis I had a lumpectomy then started trastuzumab injections the day before paclitaxel. Trastuzumab will continue for a year 3 weekly. I’ll have RT after paclitaxel. Hope you are feeling ok xx ... View more

Hi @Heels to walking boots  This kind of resonated for me. I did my second of 12 weekly paclitaxel yesterday. I found the the preparations for starting, with its tests and appointments and decisions to make, and chemo shopping, pretty stressful. Once I had my first session I felt much more relaxed about it. The nurses are great and will answer any questions you have and put you at ease. I found meeting other patients positive. There was a nice atmosphere at my unit. I was afraid of getting bad side effects but I called the helpline number they gave me when things happened that I was worried about and they were able to reassure me and monitored things that needed it by calling me back regularly. You won’t be alone with it. Once it gets started that horrible sense of limbo will fall away so try to park that feeling (easier said than done!) and enjoy your walks/cycling xx ... View more

Thanks for replying. I’m at an early stage of this journey. It’s been very reassuring for me too to share concerns with people who know what it’s like.  Please us know how your results meeting goes xx ... View more

Thanks Evie. It will be at least a week till I get the HER2 result so I will take the time to gather my thoughts xx ... View more

Hi all Got most of my pathology results yesterday and it was a bit of a shock. They found 6 mm of IDC in the DCIS. It’s ER/PR negative. I’m still waiting on the HER2 result.  I’ll post about it in the IDC thread when I know the outcome xx ... View more

Hi Shanie My diagnosis and treatment plan is changing following pathology results but my situation is so different from yours that it isn’t any help I’m afraid.  Hopefully somebody in your situation will come along soon. My initial diagnosis was DCIS but is now IDC stage 1 as the pathologist found a small tumour. I was worried about the diagnosis possibly changing too and my new diagnosis is ‘worse’ than my old one but the right diagnosis means I get the right treatment and a better chance for a great outcome so I am moving forward. Hope you can find things to distract you till the results meeting. Keeping busy worked for me - up to a point! The waiting is just so hard. Sending you a big hug xx ... View more

Thanks Trowster. Yep I’m doing the exercises although it’s a bit of a struggle right now I know it will improve. Good luck with your results. Hope you get them soon xx ... View more

Hi Towcester  it got a bit complicated last week. I developed a seroma and one of my wounds opened so was told to pause the exercises. I have just started them up again now that everything is back under control. I am definitely a bit stiffer so will have to work hard at them this week. Great to hear you are biking again-watch out for that traffic! My results appointment got cancelled because they didn’t have everything back so have to wait till Thursday xx ... View more

Thanks Towster. It’s not too bad. Just started the more advanced arm exercises and it’s a bit of a challenge but I’ll get there xx ... View more

Yes you guessed it. My coffee habit is helping me get through it xx ... View more

hi Evie, thanks for asking. It went fine. Didn’t have any problems with the anaesthetic and the staff were great. They let me out yesterday morning. I’m tired and a bit more swollen and sore today but coping. Results meeting is on 22 April. xx ... View more

Hospital is keeping me in overnight on 6th, and then two weeks isolation recommended. I’m clinically extremely vulnerable. I’m used to shielding at this point so no biggie.  Tea’s already made at least. Freezer is full to bursting with my home cooked ready meals! ... View more

Thank Evie. There is such a lot of information to take in that it’s a daunting process. The support really helps xx ... View more

Thank you. I couldn’t take anyone but it was fine. I’m just waiting on blood test results now. My operation date has moved 1 day earlier to 6 April which is OK with me. xx ... View more

Thank you Pandabear. I have Pre-op on Monday and another meeting with surgeon. They said radiotherapy required afterwards. Feel like I’ve not got my head round the changes the surgery will make yet but have told  lots of family, friends and colleagues over the last week and they’ve all been great so far. xx ... View more

Thanks for your reply. Definitely planning some batch cooking and freezing for the post op period xx ... View more