Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, everyone, it has been a while since I checked here. Good to hear from others on more long term situation. I am so happy Spring has finally come...tough winter. It is now 6 mo after chemo and 4 after radio,managed to keep working part time, but at times feel I would like be off work. I changed from letrozole to aromasin, due to side effects (carpal tunnel, stiffness and joint pain). Still wake up during the night and maybe will try something. I also developed a pain on both shoulder and right arm is heavy. Have not gone for reconstruction yet. Last week I saw oncologist and surgeon. And will see Physioterapy for arm/shoulder pain. I am trying to loose the extra 5 kg I got during treatment....hard. My hair is back but still short. I still feel knackered in the eve. Breast Norse suggested an eve walk to make sure I don’t crash in the sofa at 8! How is everyone’s else doing? Keep strong ! L ... View more

Hi, Veestar, yes please, But how can we chat privately, since it is a particular issue? Thanks, x ... View more

Hi @Magenta59 and everyone else, It is quite tough loosing the hair and then eyebrows. I had big eyebrows loss few weeks ago and had to start using the pencil. Then, All of the sudden, it started growing back again, a bit thinner but good enough so I don't need to use the pencil anymore. So, there is hope. Had hair definitely started growing again, but not enough to not use a cap and slightly patchy as well. We have to be patient. Good to hear that you are still getting out there to look after the horses, my 10 year old daughter loves riding. I a, now struggling with letrozole side effects, hoping to get a call from GP today The weather has been tough here in Scotland earlier this week but milder now. Saw my surgeon last week and got anxious when discussing reconstruction as I am not sure what to do.... Lots of good vibes to you all, keep strong.   ... View more

Hi, Jane @Magenta59 ,  I am sorry to hear about your side effects.... keep going. Some of the worse days after chemo I just watched TV and waited for the hours to pass because I knew the further away from the infusion, I would feel better. So dar, letrozole seems ok. I asked my sister in law about it and decided to take it in the evening to avoid fatigue during the day.  It is frustrating feeling lack of energy but I am trying to accept it and let other people help me... I drank a lot of Pukka herbal teas during chemo because the water meds me sick. I can recommend their green teas, lemongrass and ginger, three ginger and apple and cinnamon. I don’t get any profits btw! LOL. I even kept a mug with sachet and kept topping up with hot water from a flask. And again, in the evening, ice lollies... I hope the week improves...xxxx ... View more

Hi, Ladies,  I finished my last chemo 3,5 weeks ago. Had a full week of radiotherapy( every day). I can tell you that I am now feeling much less side effects of the chemo. Started letrozole again and so far, so good. I am hoping to start getting fitter in the weeks to come. Still avoiding swimming pool as oncologist said my immunity needs a good 8 weeks after the end of chemo to get back to normal. I got my flu jab last week will get COVID vaccine in the next 2 weeks.  It feels great to be over with this part of the treatment and want to thank you all for your support. It really made me feel part of the “same boat” and sharing hints and experiences did help. Ar the moment, I feel I need more mental health support to carry on.  Keep strong during the remaining of your treatment!   ... View more

Hi, @veestar and other ladies, I hope your first few harder days after chemo go quickly.... they are hard.  When my hair started shedding fast, I decided to shave it #2/3, it was better. I am now completely bold, had a trip to Barbers a couple of days ago and asked for a 0 shave as was patchy.  Haven’t managed the final choice of wig yet, but will soon... just need to feel a bit better.  It’s a week since my 4 EC chemo and feeling a bit better.  Lots of love and hugs to you all, we will get through this..... lu_b ... View more

Hi @louby_lou69 , thanks! good to hear about your walks in this beautiful part of the world. If any consolation,my husband had spinal surgery for slipped disk a few years ago and when I went to see him in hospital he was finally walking ( after 6 months mainly lying down). Hope is the same for yours and he will be looking after you, lol! I hope the echo is normal and trip to hospital not o boring.... Best, @Lu   ... View more

Hi , louby_lu69, by the way, don’t know how to get you names is red here when I answer a post!LOL I am amazed at your number of miles. I used to run 5 k a week and sometimes had a swimming session during the week. I am worried when starting again on letrozole, and already off the HRT. However I am determined to carry with some much stronger exercise challenges to boost my morale and improve my well being. At the moment, however, not much going on. Went to swimming pool 2 weeks ago on the second week post chemo and managed only 10 or so laps, but was worth if for my wellbeing.  All the best to you all ladies,     ... View more

Hi, veestar, mine are every time on Tuesday, but either early morning or late morning.  Mine is a short infusion and I think 11 am start is ok. I ended up arriving 30 min late last time because I thought my slot was at 9:30... I am finding more taxing the overall number of appointments hospital or not (including to arrange extra things like dentist, Wig, prosthesis and braw fitting,extra support, etc). Also, all arrangements around all of this, ordering stuff, etc. It has been overwhelming as I do not have family around and husband busy or not great at supporting. Have good friends though and they help a lot. I also have been working , so , maybe that also has been hard. Anyways, at least did not have to cancel any session due to side effects and that helped. I just finished my 4th cycle on Tuesday, feeling rough but still here... I hope next appointment is at the same time for you. I think what we feel is the lack of control?  Hope all goes well, xxxx   ... View more

Hi, everyone, very nice to hear about everyone’s stories. It seems to me that a lot of us get sore tummy’s and indigestion. I am on the second week after my third cycle and I decided to keep away from any type of pulses( beans, lentils, etc) this time and it helped. I also ate some really bland food like rice pudding and rice noodles! I also definitely get the flushes during the night which are worse if I had any spicy food, so trying to avoid that, although I love it. I finally decided to take some sick leave from work for the next cycle which will happen on Tuesday (5th). I will need my rest as I felt more side effects and tiredness this last cycle. Until then, will try and enjoy the autumn sun and good pleasant things. Lots of love and hugs tintou all.....xxx ... View more

Hi, everyone,  good to hear your stories. I am on 4th day after 3rd EC, this time around with Zoledronic acid. Last three days tough with nausea, and actually headache and the flushes. I probably don’t realize the headache and carry on but will try tiger balm. I have to sleep during the day for an hour or so( that helps). I think I will be getting some time off after the next session to be able to rest.... too much going on. I am looking forward to tomorrow when I think my appetite will improve. I am scared to not have the GCSF in case my blood count drops... enjoy some peace and quiet this weekend everybody, xx ... View more

Hi, I might try loratadine if feeling poorly.  Had my third EC chemo plus Zoledronic acid today. Hopefully will not feel too poorly in the next few days. Had a lovely friend to take me to hospital ( better then Hubbie fitting me in around his meetings). Still trying not to take sick leave at work, but will do if necessary.  Someone mentioned IBS symptoms earlier, and I had it last time( second week?). So, will avoid triggers like beans, lentils, spicy foods this time. for the sore mouth I use a mouth wash with bicarbonate... Love to you all,x ... View more

Hi, ladies, nice to hear more about your journey. You are amazing! We are all trying to get through this path in the best way. I admire your courage and determination... My week has been interesting, as I started teaching at Uni. Students saw me with new crop top short hair look. But as I left, hair falling fast, so shaved ( number 2/3). Yesterday the hair fell a lot, so , washed it and I am practically bold. I checked with someone who shaved number 0 and apparently had a lot of ingrown hair after, so better not to.  I am still to pick up my wig, so, will have to be hats, scarfs, for now.... I am determined to have a good weekend and teaching again on Monday just before new chemo on Tuesday.... Enjoy your Friday if you can. xxx ... View more

Hi, I had it cut number 2/3, pretty short. I feel quite ok, but probably will feel more aware once it’s all bold. Have to finalize my wig thing soon. The biggest was going from long to short for me. Hugs,  Luciana ... View more

Hi, Veestar, I have had 2 cycles and would not work the day after. In fact, the third and fourth day only worked part time and from home. I get corticoids during chemo and sometimes feel a bit manic but always try and rest to save energy for the next days ahead when finish them and still a bit nauseous. I am finding difficult to drink lots of water due to nausea in the first week but keep trying juices, ice lollies, any other source of water. 8th after chemo today and feel good since yesterday, working and trying to walk....Sunnis shindig and that helps.... Hair was falling rapidly yesterday and I stopped at the hairdresser and got quick fix shave ! Good luck to you all! Luciana ... View more

Hi, everyone! someone asked here: “How are you all managing with telling people? Are you keeping it quiet or letting everyone know? Does it upset you if random people approach you because they’ve heard it on the grapevine?” My answer: I had my diagnosis end of May,and could not tell my family because at that point I had a brother quite ill with COVID. I also decided to keep it to closer friends initially, as trying to get your head around it whilst dealing with others is difficult. I am a health professional and sometimes people assume that because of that they can say anything and forget that I am now a patient and have feelings. Most people have been really amazing and supportive. I have a few amazing neighbours who have been great as well. I told my daughter’s(10) school teacher and anyone she is cared for and that helps. I am still working part time and had to discuss with managers and as I interact with colleagues, I am telling them in case a miss an email. I noticed that some people keep a distance and respect that, not everyone cope the same way.  Last week I cut my hair short and updated my profile online and then new people knew. In a week or two I will loose my hair and then it will be obvious. So... initially you can plan and then it will gradually become apparent anyways. More important for me is to keep people who really care and can support me close by. No one has approached me out of nothing but I avoid the types who just like a gossip, I suppose.? There is no easy way to do this. I hope as it becomes more apparent people don’t get too upset if I turn up for an event in my scarf, or looking frail. But cannot protect them all the time! I hope you all find your way through this. The main thing is to make sure your own mind and body are strong to cope with the disease and the treatment, I suppose.  Best, Lu_b   ... View more

Hi, Veestar, I felt weird about the wig. I would  start with booking the wig appointment. Bringing my friend who is also quite good at dressing and all of that stuff helped. We had a coffee after. She took pictures to help decide.  I am not  sure I will be using it all the time but will when needed.  Best of luck to you and everyone here.... x ... View more

Hi, Magenta59, I had my 2nd chemo two days ago. I cut my hair last week to ‘transition’ as long full hair for 40!years. Had a wig appointment (a lovely friend by me) a week ago but not decided yet. Started organising a “head wear” Box with  scarfs, buffs, caps, etc.. for when the hair falls. It needs to be handy and have light and thick hats as live in Scotland. Second chemo not too bad, but always aware of the first day. The anti-sickness and corticoids help a lot.  In general, side effects not as harsh as I expected and hopefully you will be the same.  Keep positive and let friends and family support you.... Best wishes,  Lu_b ... View more

Hi there, I think the best way is to cross bridges as they appear on your way....enjoy the rest ignore the summer whilst you can. I even went swimming with especial suit and a “knitted knocker” before Chemo and gave myself trips to nice spots. My friends have been kind and hand around when they can. The Chemo phase is a new challenge, so enjoy the time after recovery from surgery. Had a lovely pancake breakfast out with family before first cycle as well.  Lost of love,  Lu_b ... View more

Hi, Amy, will try that, thanks, xxx ... View more