Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Like Nicky I had a porthocath. It was fab. Depends on how active you are etc. My nurse said - more problems with infections with Hickman line - do not know about the PICC. As I run, cycle and swim a lot (although i was told not to swim during chemo) my nurse felt Porth would definitely give me more freedom to carry on with my ADL's which was the case, maybe you should enquire about having one. ... View more

Hi Liz I posted something quite similar a few days ago! I had bilateral mx last June, am 45 and do not want to spend the rest of my life boobless(although initially it did not bother me - think I was just relieved cancer was gone). I am now considering reconstruction. Someone did post to me to get the book "breast reconstruction your choice" - it has just arrived from amazon,I am very excited looking at the before and after pics. Need time now to sit and read it, so i am well informed before i get an appointment with my PS. Will let you know if i find it helpful. ... View more

Hi Kazoo In answer to your question re mirena, i was advised to have mine removed.There is a thread on Mirenas and most seem to have been told to have them out. Is there a link between mirenas and BC a lot of us seem to have had one in when diagnosed with BC?. Or is it just BC is very common? ... View more

Hi Reneau I presume you have had physio? Do you have an exercise leaflet? Do you massage chest and underarms and upper arms daily?I still have some "tightness" but do have full range of movement, if i feel sore I do a little massage and a few exercises which help a lot. I still see the hospital physio at the lymphodema clinic every 3 months. If you are worried can you make an appointment to see your hospital physio?, for reassurance if nothing else or maybe some more exercises that might help.I also find swimming is great, a bit sore at first but after about 5 mins no probs ... View more

Difficult decision, and its hard when left up to you. You must go with your gut instincts and do what you feel is right for you, as I think you should be happy with whatever decision you make so that you have no regrets. I had bilateral mastectomies last year. For early BC. BUT my presenting left side had 2 tumours (small 8mm and 4mm) my right side, had 8 tumours again all very small, but still there (seen on MRI initially). I had micromets on left, clear on the right. My left breast went to the US in the ONCA trial, my score came back very low 9, my onc said that they normally do not give chemo to a score of less than 10, but as i had it bilaterally and in view of my age I could have it if I wanted, so i decided to have chemo. Then the rads discussion came up,there are no studies in my case to say definitely that it would be of benefit, so i decided against as otherwise a huge amount of my chest would be treated, not like after a lumpectomy. Its difficult asking other peoples opinions as they would feel bad if they said donot do it, and then you got recurrence. Thats why I think go with your gut instinct. x ... View more

I had a mirena in when i was diagnosed, as my tumours were progesterone and oestrogen sensitive my onc advised i have it removed prior to chemo, so i did. ... View more

The first time I saw a Mx scar was when I was sent to see my PS as at the time it was thought i could have my bilateral mastectomies and primary reconstruction. I had really only just had my diagnosis a few weeks earlier so not in the best frame of mind!! I burst out crying when he showed the photos, stupid as it may seem I really hadnot registered nipple, whole lot gone!! So I am pleased you have seen it in the privacy of your home. But having said this my scars are well healed and very faint now. I had my surgery on 3rd June 2010 and on 21st June I was on a flight to Mallorca, where I had a fantastic week recovering, I swam - which was fab for my arms, I drank wine which was great for the pain and had quality time with my OH digesting all that we had been through.Thinking of you, its not an easy time.x ... View more

Thanks Nicky That is encouraging. Were you BRCA 1 or 2 positive? Also can I ask where you had your op and who was your surgeon? Not sure if this kind of info is allowed on the open forum but maybe you can send it as a PM if not. Although I must say I donot know how to do that myself, but someone else has contacted me that way. Also and I hope you do not mind me asking, did you have much tummy fat to use?? I am thin from my hips up (although because i had twins I do have some saggy skin on my belly but not much fat) I have loads of fat on my thighs and butt - very pear shaped!! Did you need further lipoplasty to give you your "amazing bangers"? Sorry for all the questions. So pleased you are making a good recovery. Nashie x ... View more

Not sure. But I had bilateral mastectomies last June, with SN biopsies a couple of weeks prior to this, and i have never sweated under my arms since, I have not needed to use deodorants since and I do a reasonable amount of vigorous exercise, cycling, Zumba etc. I think it could be to do with the nerves that they inevitably cut during surgery. ... View more