Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi I understand how you feel as the advice on line can be quite alarming! I had bilateral mastectomies and full node clearance on both sides. General advice was avoid injections and bloods on affected side....difficult when you've had both sides done! I checked with my surgeon and he said he's written a research paper about this and there was  no evidence of an increased risk. Your surgeon/oncologist will let you know if they think you have an increased risk of lymphoedema. You will be able to lift and do housework, just need to work up slowly especially if you've had drains in. ... View more

Hi I take venlafaxine for hot flushes and anxiety. It definitely works for anxiety and I only get about one or two hot flushes a day now. I was on 75mg but found it effected my sleep and I was awake several times a night (a known side effect along with vivid dreams). I'm back on 37.5mg which is the lowest dose and managing well on them. ... View more

Hi I finished 6 sessions of chemo in May and only saw the oncology consultant for the first one to gain consent and explain side effects. All subsequent appointments were with the advanced nurse practitioner who was also a breast care nurse who I found very knowledgeable and helpful. The letters I received inviting me to the appointments stated that I would see either the consultant or one of the oncology team. My hospital has a large oncology unit and they have around 150 patients a day receiving chemo so I guess it would be impossible for a consultant to see everyone. ... View more

Hi just been reading your post and replies with interest as I will be finishing my treatment with radiotherapy at end of August. Will I be able to drive myself to the appointments? When I was on chemo I didn't drive between day 1 and 14 as didn't feel up to it.    ... View more

Thanks for your reply.  I had a feeling this might be the case. I'm seeing my oncologist on Monday so I'll see what she thinks. I'll be starting tamoxifen so will be interesting to see how they effect me. I'm also suffering from joint pain and extreme physical tiredness again only in the last couple of weeks. I feel about 101!! ... View more

Hi i was diagnosed with BC in November aged 52. I told my consultant that my mum had BC initially at 45 then a recurrence at 55 and sadly died 2 years later. As I have a daughter they referred me for genetic testing to see if I was carrying any of the BC faulty genes. I had counselling first with the geneticist and then blood test. It took about 6 weeks for results and I was negative. From the sounds of it you definitely should qualify for genetic testing and should raise this with your team. ... View more

Hi I recently had a massage at my local macmillan centre which is based in my hospital. They offer free complimentary therapies to people receiving cancer treatment. I have had a bi-lateral mastectomy and full node clearance on the left. The therapists complete a questionnaire with you and then adapt the massage to suit you. She did lightly touch under my armpits and along my arm even with a picc line in! She used aromatherapy oils and it was very relaxing.  ... View more

Hi Jaynie I had a similar experience. Had my first FEC on 4th Jan was managing well with side effects then on day 15 had cold shivers bit no temperature. As day went on got worse had blood test at hospital and evening temperature of 38.6°. Blood test showed markers up for infection but not white cell count. Had to go to A&E and had IV antibiotics. They couldn't find source of infection and I was like you surprised as I had been so careful. Whilst on doxycycline I noticed my mastectomy scar area bright red and hot. So my pre chemo check was due and saw the oncologist team who said it was infected and delayed my chemo. I assume that was my original source of infection. I've had a different course of antibiotics and the redness has almost gone and I am feeling well in myself. I find out tomorrow whether chemo can go ahead on Tuesday. BTW my surgery was on the 10th of November so no idea why the infection occurred now!         ... View more

The bad taste in the mouth is one of the side effects that slowly reduces. I found skittles and wine gums were nice to eat but the taste comes back eventually. My chemo nurse basically said its something you just have to put up with.  ... View more

Hi I have been recommended to take omeprazole for heart burn. My oncologist said the steroids you take at the beginning cause the acid reflux. Your oncology team or GP should be able to prescribe them for you. You take them daily before the symptoms start and are very effective.  ... View more

Hi Louise  Interesting you have raised this. I am 52 had my first chemo 18 days ago and started my period yesterday. My oncologist told me the chemo would stop my periods and due to my age (I really should be in menopause by now) they would probably not return. I will ask her when I have my appointment on Tuesday.  Gerry     ... View more

It's difficult to know what's normal and what to expect. My oncologist told me last week it's still early days and not to expect too much. It's worth bearing in mind that the internal dissolvable stitches take 6 weeks to dissolve. I was also told to rest as this helps healing and I have found that difficult as feel guilty not doing much!! My next appointment is on 29th December to sign chemo agreement then I will be starting 6 rounds of FEC-T. I'm feeling well at the moment so feel apprehensive about having chemo and the side affects that will involve. ... View more

Hi, how long ago did you have surgery? I had a bi lateral mastectomy and full node clearance on the 10th November so that's 6 weeks ago today. I am just feeling normal now apart from some numbness under arms and near scar. I went through a painful stage about week 4-5 where my chest above the scar was really sensitive. Lots if different 'twinges' as weeks have gone by. I have also had a lot of fluid build up so had seromas drained twice by the BCN.  ... View more