Breast Cancer Now Forum

Left 1.4cm IDC+0.6cm DCIS. 38DD ER+ (8/8), PR N/K, HER++ GRADE 3 ... View more

Hi Kat, I was so pleased to read your post - I dont know how I missed it before as I had been waiting for someone to bring it up. I know I could have done so but I tend to be a bit reticent about posting. Anyway I watched QVC that night - I hadn't realised that so much is raised by the public. It was really heartwarming and it brought home to me how very much I relied on this website last year during my diagnosis and treatment and still find it very helpful. I find the lack of response to your posting surprising - perhaps other have missed it like me. I hope that we are not taking BCC for granted. Regards Ros ... View more

Yes, I did. WELL DONE! Ros ... View more

Hi Ruth, Well I had a bit of a dramatic time. I was approaching the main doors of Prince Philip prior to my op the next day when i fell over nothing at all. I had to go in a wheel chair to A & E - eventually it was found that I had fractured the neck of my femur and although the orthopaedic ward is right next to ward 7, they only do elective surgery and I was shipped off to Glangwili at midnight, after a wait of 10 hours, where I was operated on the next day. I stayed there for the best part of a week and was not allowed to put any weight on my leg for at least 6 weeks. When I arrived back in ward 7 Mr Holt was prepared to go ahead and operate but thought it was preferable for me to go home and recuperate a little first so I eventually had my breast op exactly 3 weeks later than planned. My first stay in ward 7 was rather difficult as everything was a problem, particularly washing and toiletting. However by the time I was readmitted I had bought a motorised scooter which I was allowed to take into the ward and what a difference this made to my independence - I had no idea that such luxuries as coffee were constantly available at the ward entrance as I had not managed to get there before and I do love my coffee What stage is your treatment at, Ruth? Regards Ros . ... View more

Hi Ruth, I'm from Pembrokeshire and have follow ups at Prince Philip every 6 months, next one beginning of November. I had my op there April of last year and had radiotherapy at Singleton last Aug. All good wishes Ros ... View more

Hi Valanne, this is a grey area and the research so far is suggestive but not conclusive that tamoxifen may react in a negative or undesirable way on some HER2+ cancers (google tamoxifen Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde) Some oncologists accept this and some do not. I had to bring up the topic myself and found that of the two oncologists I saw (from the same treatment team!) they had opposing views which was difficult for a mere patient but I was more convinced by the arimidex recommendation. Regards Ros ... View more

Apparently the most likely explanation of my non-access is that it runs on a programme that I haven't got installed. Anyone got any idea which that might be? Ros ... View more

Hi Tracey, Re the discharge: I did mention it in passing to my GP when I next saw her - she did not seem concerned about it (it was colourless). I also mentioned it to one of my friends who had been on tamoxifen 10 years ago and she said that it was the only side effect she experienced. To be on the safe side maybe have a word with your GP when you're next at the surgery. Love Ros ... View more

google doesn't seem able to access this site, Quisie ... View more

Hi Kelly - it may have been a little different for me as I am postmenopausal. I was on tamoxifen from may06 until feb 07 and had no symptoms at all apart from some vaginal discharge which was just a slight inconvenience. I was changed to arimidex in Feb because I was HER2+ and then I did develop side effects. Two friends who were on tamox for 5 years also had no side effects at all. It seems to be a very individual thing. I think that people are more likely to post if they are having problems but there must be a lot out there who are trouble free. Good luck Ros ... View more

I have been on Arimidex for 7 months having changed from tamoxifen after 8 months because I was HER2+. No problems at all with tamoxifen and no real aches and pains with arimidex, apart from occasional pain and stiffness in the hand and fingers. But I did develop quite bad depression (supposed to be more likely with tamoxifen!) My oncologist said that it was very likely to be the result of the arimidex and to take antidepressants. They took a long time to work ( 10 weeks) and I needed double the initial dose but with their help I'm feeling really good. The other side effect I get is real tiredness at the end of the day. I would prefer not to be taking antidepressants (40mg citalopram) but feel so much better that I havent got any real hang ups about it. I am postmenapausal and neither tamoxifen or arimidex brought on hot flushes. I agree with olivia about exercise - the only way I could find some relief from the depression was to go on long walks. ... View more

LIFE BOAT ... View more

I had heard of the arguement re microwaving but not freezing. Was any mention made of freezing food in plastic containers? - as presumably the same problem applies as water bottles. As I live alone I freeze a lot of home made meals in individual portions and dont know of an easily obtainable substitute to the plastic dishes. Ros ... View more

Greetings Rosie, I joined Slimming World 7 weeks ago and so far have lost almost a stone. I found the first two weeks difficult but after that my taste buds started changing and I am enjoying my healthy eating (allowing for Christmas!). I have found the group support invaluable - I'm sure I wouldn't be able to do it on my own. I am having a gentle programme worked out for me at the gym next week. I only had rads and not chemo so haven't had it as tough as you. Sending you all good wishes for a healthy year ahead. Ros ... View more