Breast Cancer Now Forum

HI everyone.  I am going into hospital tomorrow for lymph node removal (them all) pretty scared about this.  Already had my mastectomy and reconstruction done (using two donor sites in my body) had BC in 2011 and then 2014!  I have got cancer in the sentinel node so starting chemo after recovered and maybe radio therapy.    I went for the chop yesterday.  long mid back to chin length and choppy so I could be a bit more in control.  Dreading the next stage.   I got some really useful tips from a friend that I thought I would share:   Here are my top tips for chemo:   1. Take your anti sickness tablets for the first three days after each chemo even if you don't feel sick, this should stop the nausea starting. 2. Drink lots and lots of water all the way through your chemo - I can't stress that enough, it really does help you. 3. Use a baby toothbrush for your teeth as your gums can get quite sensitive and sore. Brush your teeth after every meal - it's important to keep your mouth really clean to avoid infection. 4. If your mouth gets dry, use Biotene toothpaste. 5. If you get thrush in your mouth ask your BC nurse for Nistatin drops. 6. Use a good nail moisturiser on both your hands and feet as chemo can damage your nails and keep your skin well moisturised. 7. Avoid drinking too much caffeine. 8. Try and eat lots of vegetables, especially green leafy ones to keep your blood levels up and eat some red meat for iron. Even if you feel nauseous try and eat even small amounts as it is really important to keep your blood levels up to ensure treatment isn't delayed. Also wash fruit and vegetables before cooking/eating and ensure food is as fresh as possible. 9. The veins in your arm/arms might get sore - a hot water bottle or heat pad helps alleviate pain and gentle massage with aqueous cream. 10. Carry tissues with you as your nose will get runny when you lose your nose hair. 11. Chemo can make you feel the cold more so wear layers. 12. If you get diahorrea and your bum gets sore sudocream helps. 13. If your eyes get itchy you can get Instant Tears from the chemist. 14. It is extremely important to rest, rest, rest - do not try and be superwoman and overdo things as this will impinge on your recovery. 15. Avoid infection at all costs, especially during day 7-14 after each treatment. 16. Buy a digital thermometer and take your temperature a couple of times each day - if over 37.5 or under 36 phone the helpline. 17. Do not let yourself get constipated - if you haven't been to the toilet for over 24 hours take some Lactulose. 18. Stay positive all the way through 🙂   Good luck everyone   Helene xx ... View more

What a story I have to tell.....   A routine mamogram resulted in diagnosis of Breast Cancer yet again in November 2014.  In March 2011 I had DCIS of 750 grams, I had mastectomy and reconstruction.  The lastest diagnosis of breast cancer of the other breast was a total shock.   In January this year I went into hospital and had another mastectomy and reconstruction.    Yesterday I was given the news that there were in fact two tumours. One grade 2 and one dcis is which is the beginning stages and what I had last time. I had my sentinel lymph node removed and four others and cancer was found in the sentinel node so it had spread. the good news is that hopefully the node has done its job and stopped it spreading.   I have to go back into hospital on the 24th of February for removal of all my lymph nodes in left arm for them to be fully tested to see if its spread. If it has then I have to have radiotherapy under arm. If not that's one less thing!!! However. I need to have chemo ;-( one session every three weeks to ensure that the cancer doesn't return then go on a cancer drug called tamoxifen for five years. The outlook however is good. Its just going to be very hard for the rest of the year...... I am currently battling a very painful infection in my hip donor site and have two loads of high dose anti biotics because I need that clear before I can start the next phase. I am also waiting for genetic results to see if I have a brac gene which can also cause ovarian cancer. Hoping no but if yes surgery to have them removed.   I am looking for advice from any ladies who are going through similar things.  I have heard that removal of all the lymph nodes can result in frozen shoulder and then you have to be exceptionally careful with your arm and the risk of infection.     The chemo I am due to have is FEC I think or something like that.  What are your experiences.   I am a mumy to a four and five year old and will do ANYTHING to be there for my family.  Grateful to connect with anyone to give support and get advice, knowledge.   Helene   xx ... View more

What a story I have to tell.....   A routine mamogram resulted in diagnosis of Breast Cancer yet again in November 2014.  In March 2011 I had DCIS of 750 grams, I had mastectomy and reconstruction.  The lastest diagnosis of breast cancer of the other breast was a total shock.   In January this year I went into hospital and had another mastectomy and reconstruction.    Yesterday I was given the news that there were in fact two tumours. One grade 2 and one dcis is which is the beginning stages and what I had last time. I had my sentinel lymph node removed and four others and cancer was found in the sentinel node so it had spread. the good news is that hopefully the node has done its job and stopped it spreading.   I have to go back into hospital on the 24th of February for removal of all my lymph nodes in left arm for them to be fully tested to see if its spread. If it has then I have to have radiotherapy under arm. If not that's one less thing!!! However. I need to have chemo ;-( one session every three weeks to ensure that the cancer doesn't return then go on a cancer drug called tamoxifen for five years. The outlook however is good. Its just going to be very hard for the rest of the year...... I am currently battling a very painful infection in my hip donor site and have two loads of high dose anti biotics because I need that clear before I can start the next phase. I am also waiting for genetic results to see if I have a brac gene which can also cause ovarian cancer. Hoping no but if yes surgery to have them removed.   I am looking for advice from any ladies who are going through similar things.  I have heard that removal of all the lymph nodes can result in frozen shoulder and then you have to be exceptionally careful with your arm and the risk of infection.     The chemo I am due to have is FEC I think or something like that.  What are your experiences.   I am a mumy to a four and five year old and will do ANYTHING to be there for my family.  Grateful to connect with anyone to give support and get advice, knowledge.   xx ... View more

I was diagnosed with breast cancer DCIS 3 weeks ago. I have to have the blue dye in my sentinel nodes and will be going for reconstruction at the same time as my mastectomy. I can't believe how complicated it sounds. I have two little girls 10 months and just turned two years old. I am so worried that I will be out of action for ages. Whats your experiences. My mastectomy is on the 11th of May and then I was told I would be in hospital for a week with arecovery of 8 - 12 weeks. I am so nervous. Its really sinking in how scary it is and totally unknown. I won't know if it has spread till the pathology on the breast is done 3 weeks after. whats your experiences? helene x ... View more

Hi there. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago. It was a huge shock to me even though I have quite a large lump in my breast. My babies are just turned 2 and 10 months old. The most difficult thing I have found was telling people. I have been push push pushing the hospital and now 8 weeks after i found the lump I go to the hospital on Monday to get an appointment with the surgeon and plastic surgeon. The only option is a mastectomy and reconstruction. I am DCIS stage 0 although been told it could have spread won't know until the pathology of the breast. I am 36 years old. I have been recommended for the 8 hour operation with reconstruction. CAn I have any reassurance as to how people have got on with this? I am really quite nervous. I am also getting a lot of numbness in my arms now and feel like my lump is growing. Thank god I just have to wait till monday to find out when my surgery apointement is. Grateful for any support, advice! Oh and I forgot to mention my husband left me 6 months ago so its been a bloody hard 6 months...... ... View more