Breast Cancer Now Forum

ps - cold turkey on holiday does not sound like fun 🙂 ... View more

Thanks very much for the links and advise, I will discuss it with my consultant, I'm going back to my gp this week so i will ask about the anti-depressant x ... View more

That's great thanks, mine remain hard and tender and I been massaging them and this helps. It has definitely reassured me that it is quite common, I was imaging all sorts of weird and wonderful things x we will just have to tolerate it, hopefully not much longer though!! Thanks again and take care xx Karen xx ... View more

Hi x I can't think of anything too practical to recommend other than cut do housework etc just before you go for chemo. I like alot of women had my hair cut short just before 1st treatment then it wouldnt be as much as a shock wen it starts to come out. I remember that my treatments were always on weds and I felt more sick on the fri and sat, you will start to see a pattern and will therefore be able to organise your help around those days. Make the most of the time in-between treatments both with the girls and for yourself. I started to feel a bit suffocated as my parents were always around so I would go for lunch with a friend to break things up a bit. Take one day at a time rather than trying to face everything in one go x I found that it was extremely hard for my husband and my parents because they were constantly worrying, I found that by talking about how I was feeling really helped rather than bottling things up, this was the same with friends I would initiate the cancer update as they didn't always know what to say x keep using these forums they will help as you won't feel so isolated xx Take care x Karen xxx ... View more

Hi x I'm so sorry to hear about your situation x I was diagnosed with bc in 2006, I like you have twins (boy/girl) and they were 17 months when I was diagnosed. I had 3 FEC and 3 Tax. The FEC made me feel quite sick for a couple of days but I was able to adapt and manage it with the anti sickness tablets. It all seems such a long time ago now but I remember having enough energy to do things with them, ie going to the park, soft play areas etc. I had alot of support from my parents but on the whole I do not believe I missed out, quite the opposite as at the time I worked part time but then had 7 months off work so I got to see them grow and develop on a daily basis. Before I lost my hair my daughter used to brush my hair and continued to do so when I was completely bald, bless her x Madeleine and Evan will be 6 in July and they have no memory of me being unwell and we have a wonderful affectionate relationship. I was diagnosed with having the cancer gene BRCA 1 last year and had DIEP flap reconstructive surgery 3 weeks ago and just like 2006 they are my motivation for staying positive xx you will find your own way on this journey but please believe me when I say that I feel that my bond with my children is so strong as I cherish the simple things that I had previously not given much thought to x Take care and sending you lots of love x Karen xx ... View more

Sunny, friends, gossip!! ... View more

Hi Sue x When I had my pre op assessment the nurse advised me to buy a sports bra, I originally bought one from Asda but found it to be quite painful on the sides, I have ended up with a Sloggi one from Debenhams which cost £12.50 which is more comfortable. I was advised to wear it all the time (including sleeping in it) for about 6 - 8 weeks. My friend had a tummy tuck a few years ago and was given a bodice to wear so when I was in hospital I asked the physio, she said they don't give them to patients but advised me to wear the support pants, I have found the 'shorts style' ones that come high up just under my breasts to be the most comfortable rather than just the knicker style ones. My favs are from Matalan, I keep them on all day but don't sleep in them. When I visited the dressings nurse she was very impressed !!! She again told me to keep wearing them for about 8 weeks. My breasts are still hard and tender but my tummy is alot less painful now. Feel free to ask any more questions x take care x Karen xx ... View more

Thanks June x as you say let me know how you get on x good luck and take care Karen xx ... View more

Forgot to add, I had a tattoo of a fairy on my stomach (a moment of madness years ago) this now has replaced the skin where my nipple once was!!!!! The ps said I was the 1st one he'd done with a tattoo!! I may go down in history!! Lol x ... View more

Hi Sue x I am 2 weeks post diep flap op at Wythenshawe. I went into hospital the afternoon before the op, I met with the ps again and he marked my body with a felt tip. I asked for a sleeping tablet that night which they gave me as I knew I wouldn't sleep. They woke me about 630am and I had a shower and put on my gown etc. I requested a sedative before the op which did help as I felt less anxious. I was in theatre for 11 hours but have absolutely no memory of it. I felt great when I came round. I was taken to a side room on the ward, they do this as they have to keep you warm to ensure the new tissue doesn't fail. The heat was quite intense especially the first night, it was provided by a 'bear hugger' - much like an electric blanket. The heat was reduced gradually and by day 3 it was normal room temperature. I had 4 drains in 1 either side of each breast and 2 on my lower abdomen, I had these removed on day 4 and 5. I had the op on a fri and came out the following wed, it all depends on the removal of the drains. The staff were all fantastic and treated me with respect and dignity. I was discharged with anti biotics to take for a few days and some pain killers. 2 weeks on and I am doing ok, I have been chilling in the sunshine, covering my scars obviously but I am able to move around and do minimal tasks. I get tired in the evening so just chill on my bed. I am still quite tender and my breasts have felt quite hard but this appears to be quite common. My breasts are more lifted than they previously were and are currently around the same size, I am expecting them to shrink a bit as they are still swollen. My stomach is flatter than it has ever been!!!! As advised I have been constantly wearing a sports bra and Spanx support knickers that come high up over my stomach which proves to be hot in this weather !! I went to friends party yesterday to watch the wedding, the change of scenery did me good. It's still early days but I am pleased with the results so far and the pain was bearable and worth tolerating. Wishing you all the best xx any other questions feel free to ask xx Take care Karen xxx ... View more

Thanks Sarah xx Regards Karen xxx ... View more

Nicki and Julie, thankyou for your comments you have reassured me and given me strength to see light at the end of the tunnel. Nicki - is your tummy still swollen, if not when did it go down? Glad you are both doing well xx Take care Karen xxx ... View more

How soon after op should you use bio oil ? Karen xx ... View more

Nicki and Julie, thank you for your comments you have reassured me x glad to hear you are both doing well, it gives me strength to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel xx Nicki - is your tummy still swollen? Regards Karen xxx ... View more

Hi Nikki, hope you are doing ok. I had diep surgery to both breasts on the 15th April, so I am 2 wks post op. I am doing ok but like you I have 2 young children so I am wanting to run before I can walk. I was given some simple physio exercises to do but my biggest problem at the moment is how hard and tender my breasts feel at the moment. I had the dressings removed on Weds and I asked the nurse about it, she said she didn't think it was an infection as they are not red or hot. She said that it is likely to be internal bruising. Have you had the same experience? I didn't have any problems with my arms but I did have alot of fluid in my hands and feet due to the op being 11 hours. Let me know how you are getting on, take care x Karen 39 xx ... View more