Breast Cancer Now Forum

I've spoken to a couple of brokers and all say I'd have to wait at least two years post cancer before I can get this kind of insurance again. Do you know of anyone who may be able to help?  ... View more

Hi, were you able to find any income protection insurance as a freelancer? Any tips welcome   ... View more

Hi! Do you have any more details? Which company was it that helped you? I am still looking to no avail.  Thanks in advance for any more information K ... View more

Hi!  I found your post interesting as I've had some similar issues. It's unfair and I hope you find ways to manage it. But it was your last sentence that caught my eye, as I am thinking of changing jobs once my treatment is done ... "If it wasn't for the fact that I've had cancer I'd look for another job." Can you tell me a bit more? Does having had cancer affect us negatively in the job market? Any insights welcome, as I'm trying to decide what next. K   ... View more

Hello,  I've been told, by the consultant radiographer, that the radiotherapy will be effective within 6 months from surgery. So, what can I do? I feel I have to trust her. She said the list is triaged carefully, so I guess there are many other more urgent cases. It's now managing the stress of the delay, life is on hold til it is done. I've since been referred to a clinical psychologist, and will start tamoxifen this week. The radiographer assured me the most important treatments are already done. It's just all a lot to absorb when you've been led to believe one thing, that now something different is also acceptable. Hang on in there Karen     ... View more

Hi everyone, i had surgery on April 5th and only today had first call with radiotherapy consultant. She said my radiotherapy is unlikely to start before September ... Back logs and staff shortages etc. Is that too late to be effective? What can I do? Now the worry starts all over again... Karen ... View more

hi everyone,  Just wondered how everyone is doing. I guess most of us are through chemo now? I am happy to see my eyebrows and hair returning slowly. Now just dealing with fatigue and prepping mentally for radiotherapy. Am still working full time but wish I wasn't. It's been good to get out more lately. Hope you are all getting through it too! Karen       ... View more

I think many of us felt the same, can we get through it? And, mostly, we can. It was grim but do- able, and do reach out and take every offer of support. I saw it as short term pain, long term gain. Good luck making your decision, you know what is best for you. ... View more

Hello, I had one treatment every three weeks, six times. They called it six cycles, which was 18 weeks. And yes, I lost most of my hair during the first cycle. The falling out part was unpleasant but I don't mind too much being bald ... I think of it as awareness raising.  But there are tons of scarf, hat and wig options out there. Best of luck with it x   ... View more

I've just completed 6 rounds of FEC chemo, which was prescribed following an oncotype test, like you, to prevent recurrence. For me, I read all the usual "how to manage chemo / what to expect" info on this site, and in the forum. Also great suggestion to join the "monthly starters" group on here.  For me, it was about managing nausea, dizziness and some digestive issues, but I got through chemo and so will you.  Best wishes       ... View more

I had FEC ... And had digestive issues and bloating usually 2nd week of the cycle ... I called it chemo farts, because it really was a thing. I don't have any suggestions really, apart from the usual stuff for constipation (prunes worked for me) an watch your temp etc if you have too much of the opposite. Hope it's manageable now. Karzo ... View more

Hi Julia,  I finished chemo two weeks ago and popped on here today precisely because I'm feeling so tired and wondered if it was normal, had anyone else felt like this? I get it that when you feel awful, it makes you emotional, I'm having a bit of that too. Hope you are feeling brighter now. I tried to Google about feeling tired after chemo, how long before I feel better etc but didn't come up with much other than 'it varies' or some say 6-12 months 😩 I'm also mentally preparing for my re-excision surgery next week. I feel more nervous this time, maybe worried about going in to it so tired. Hugs to everyone Karen ... View more

Hi Kim,  Thank you so much, that does resonate! I feel like my brain is ready to get up, go out and be busy, but my body is not having it! I don't think I'm anaemic, they tell me my bloods are fine. And I'm tired of being tired ... Guess I need to be patient. Hope you are having a good day x ... View more

Hello, I did the Look Good Feel Better online workshop on hair, and it was useful. They recommended jojoba oil and rosemary essential oil to encourage hair growth, but only start to use once chemo is completely finished. There was also an eyelash serum recommended, but it was about £40 a bottle, although said to be effective. I'm done with being bald, and have the jojoba oil ready to go next week! K ... View more

Hi all, I'm in the last days of my last FEC cycle and I'm just exhausted. Is this normal? Sleeping 9-10 hours, having breakfast and then needing to crash out on the sofa.  Hope you are all doing as well as can be         ... View more

Hi Jad and  everyone, I had my final chemo two weeks ago and I felt similar, overwhelming relief, so much that I was in tears when I arrived at the chemo chair and again as I left. Blubbered all the way home much to husband's consternation! Relief it was done but still steeling myself for the nausea etc. It's been a very very long two weeks, am basically holding my breath as while there are no more infusions, the game isn't over yet. I think that's the hardest bit. I've just had the usual side effects so far, but am pretty knackered. Managing to get out for walks but I m tiring really quickly and still feeling dizzy and crappy in general.  And now bracing myself for re-excision surgery on April 5th. And yes, already worrying about how I will feel once treatments are done. The whole thing is worse than a nightmare but at least we can chat to each other!  Hope the side effects are not too horrible Xx ... View more

Hello,  I'm booked in for the op on April 5th. Yes, I too had margins and some new DCIS so I didn't really understand the difference. I just thought I'd give my boob a chance and I'm still comfortable with the decision now, although it's a bit like choosing the least shit option really! Yes, hoping we will all be in the 4 out of 5.  Sending happy thoughts and clear margins to us all xxx ... View more

Hi Karen, Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your experience so far, and hoping your results were favourable. The waiting is terrible , I know. 💓 I've decided on re-excision, so now getting ready for that.  Sending all positive thoughts and wishes, Karen           ... View more