Breast Cancer Now Forum

Information can be daunting at times. But it takes back control. Whilst on your treatment they may well ask what supplements are you taking. You will most likely stop these at least for the surgery (they can interfere with blood clotting) and ~ 12 weeks or so after radiotherapy. Antioxidants wasn't recommended for me, (this defeats the object of radiotherapy). I hope you have started to take on more fluids. Being hydrated will help. (Anaesthetic can make you constipated). And radiotherapy will be burning the tissue, so this will help generally. Exercise is key! This will help physically and mentally. (All movement is good, walking, dancing and maybe a few stretchy bands whilst watching tv). You will most likely feel odd, and not yourself, you may feel guilty for not having Chemo, it's gonna be emotional! Look at the 7 steps of grief (this was helpful for me). Some people find that making a diary/blog has helped.  I have just bought the complete guide to the menopause. I also bought Liz O'Riordan book on breast cancer. RT and surgery can make the tissue tight. Look at the exercises they recommend. Then ask when you can step it up and do more stretching. I found these were not enough. When you step it up, Look at an Eagle pose (just the arms)or child pose and let the armpit stretch and breathe there for a while. Scar tissue massage. Find out when you can start this. I recommend soft touches all around. That's all to break down the Collagen layers - nothing too complex .I use two fingers, gentle press (on and around the scar).  I haven't asked about your lymph nodes? Do you know what to expect here?  Jack          ... View more

Hi.  So after the op, there will be a pathology report. This will determine what cancer it is, and any additional treatment. I wore leg warmers on my arms for radiotherapy...its cold in there. Apply your cream ( i had loads of aveeno and aloe for the itching.  I still moisturise and massage the scar and exercise) now 1 year +. As soon as your out of radiotherapy when you change, but no cream or deodorant beforehand. Be kind to yourself, you will have good and bad days. Exercise and diet is important, and so is your mental health, come here for support if you need. When you start to heal, ask when you can start to massage, very gently. Apply some gentle pressure on the scar tissue this will help it soften. And also ask how to prevent any lymphodema. Good to follow Liz o'riordan (she has a great book) and rad chat.   Love and hugs x ... View more

Hi greenfairy I will be intrigued to know your outcome.  I could well be following you down this path.  Keep us posted 👍 ... View more

I understand your worries. I am currently on Anastrozole, my mum is on Letrozole (she is 89 years). And she had no surgery and its certainly shrunk her tumour. I think they all make you feel rubbish, but the uncertainty of not taking them fights the other part of your brain. I'm on zoladex also, so that too will be making me feel crappy.  Depending on your circumstances you may be able to take Tamoxifen as an alternative. Maybe slightly less effective but maybe more bearable. (?) I started exemestane, with the Zoladex about a year ago. The 5 years is hard to swallow, but I just move the goal posts in my head, to something achievable. They do say "one day at a time" which may be helpful to some.  This is a good place to come to and I recommend the moving forward course to sign up. Liz O'Riordan is also helpful on twitter or Instagram if you have either, or get her book.  Good luck 👍    ... View more

Hi. I found protein rich foods keep me fuller longer. So I eat more fish and eggs now. Your body needs to rebuild, not just from treatment but they also recommend during the menopause.My snacks are a few mixed nuts, dark choc, or dried fruit.(No cake or biscuits in the home). I bought some resistance bands to keep me moving more, instead of sitting in the evening, do a few exercises - nothing too much, but start some new habits.  I personally wouldn't do slimfast.  Try to drink more water. This keeps me fuller and more steps to the loo. Exercise. You know you will feel and look fabulous when we set our mind to it. Don't set a massive target, one you can achieve...could you loose one pound a week for 6 weeks? Then try to maintain this. Find an activity you enjoy, swimming, yoga ,zumba, belly dancing.  Sleeping is key, if you are not sleeping well, you may not have the energy to exercise. It's not going to be easy. Can you buddy up with someone to encourage you? This helps to motivate me.  I hope you are kind to yourself, good luck.   ... View more

Hi. I did this last year. I practised holding for 15 secs. (I told the Radiotherapists thats what I can do, so they know we all have different limits and they stop and start when you are ready).Its not like swimming under water, as we can exhale. I visualised how I breathed, (not inhaling too much, with arms over head) but enough that I could easily repeat, and then back to my picture, the shape of it, and making sure I can do this each time.  Sometimes when we breathe we raise from the stomach, and that's what I did. I made it a routine, as I new I would be anxious and teary. I'm sure you will be fine. They said the treatment stops when we move.  I also had part of a song in my head that I knew was 15 secs.  Take care xx ... View more

I am pleased you are ok.  The course is helpful as we can easily be drawn in by the myths. You can sign up whenever and look at the information relevant to you.  I was on exemestane for  approx 4 months, I've just changed to anastrozole (day 5) as the effects were quite bad.  My mum, however, (now 89) is on letrozole. She has had no surgery chemo or radio and on her last check they could hardly find her cancer. She was so pleased! I hope this is going to be the same for you if that is still your decision. Take care  Jack ... View more

Hi Winda.  How are you doing? I hope all is well.  I have enrolled again to the moving forward course. There was a number of snippets last time. Have you thought about this? Take care Jack ... View more

Hi. I'm on similar. Zoladex from July and was Tamoxifen, now three months of Exemestane. (Have you had Zometa yet?) I flush every day, especially after caffeine and at night in bed. I can't say I flush more after Zoladex. It's about 4 or 5 times a day. Brain fog, saw joints and muscles feel like 91 not 51....but we are ALIVE...and miserable. 🤣 ... View more

Hello Winda, We are blessed in the UK with our NHS service. It's not perfect, it's desperately underfunded and Covid has obviously made this  much worse. Today I listened to Liz O'Riordan on Instagrams live video. If you have questions she is brilliant. She co-wrote a book, its good, but as research is changing rapidly it could be a bit dated. She is a breast surgeon, but also had her cancer 6 years ago. We don't all make that connection with the specialists, sometimes you have to pick thru' to see who fits. (I'm on my 3rd physio!) I hope you can ask your question on liz's Instagram or twitter account.  Be kind to yourself.  Jackb      ... View more

Aaahhh, you have had lots of love in the responses so far. And that is hopefully the response you will have from your friends.  I had to tell them because for me I didn't feel and act like me. I thought they may notice so I asked my husband to let them know.  It was easier to tell my work colleagues as they are scientists, so talking about it seemed easier, weirdly.  I hope you had a lovely birthday.  Best wishes Jackb ... View more

My mum is 89 years old. She's only had Letrozole.  On the other hand I was 50 when diagnosed, I couldn't wait to have surgery. I didn't need chemo and only 5 days of radiotherapy. I'm now on Zoladex and Exemestane. It's not a walk in the park, but with oncotype analysis you may not need chemo. Radiotherapy has advanced so much, that it's not as risky as 10 years ago. I had 2 lymph nodes removed, this depends on the area/hospital policy. I don't believe your tumour will shrink on these tablets alone, it may stop the oestrogen making it bigger.   I think talking through with a therapist may help or have you tried the Someone like me service they provide? I found they are really helpful, I hope your oncology team will be more understanding to your wishes.  Jackb         ... View more

I agree with bookish. Be kind, come back to the forum. The moving forward course is useful. But you do feel a little bewildered.  A therapist may be of help. I use the calm app for resetting me. You may need time to adjust, so don't think you can switch to what you were before. I found helping others on here useful also. You will find your way...don't rush xx ... View more

That's great news that you don't need further treatment. Try to connect back to your oncology team and speak to someone - I think at least weekly. They may know a therapist. We go through a grieving process with all sorts of emotions that you need to express (either via counciling/family/friends and the BC nurses). I think we can all relate to this emotion, but you may well need to talk/shout/scream and cry. Best wishes Jackb ... View more

Hi. I used Aloe Pura gel - also in the fridge for itching and burning. But most of the time I used Aveeno.  Aloe is not very moisturising, just soothing. Still applying cream twice a day 6 months later.  ... View more

I have just completed the moving forward course and it's really worth looking at this for dietary advice aswell as other top tips. I would recommend signing up if you haven't already. Jackb ... View more

I am also taking Exemestane, similar time frame as yourself. I agree its not a walk in the park.  Maybe ask your oncology team if you can take (buy from health food shop) CBD. This could help your sleep, anxiety and pain. I haven't been given the go ahead yet, but I am looking into it. Hope that helps  ... View more