Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was diagnosed with TNBC in January 2015, age 48. I was previously diagnosed with BC in December 2011 (in the other breast). The first time I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. With TNBC I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. My nodes were clear. I was supposed to have 6 doses of FEC, but after two, I had a skin reaction and was changed to taxol. I was supposed to have 12 weekly doses, but after 9, I ended up in hospital, on oxygen, with lung damage. My oncologist said no more chemo. I then had 5 weeks of daily radiotherapy. I was tested for the BRACA gene, which was negative. I requested a full hysterectomy, as I'd had BC twice by the age of 48. I had that done last February and was plunged into a full blown menopause. Kings College Hospital in London put me on their high risk programme and I go there for a yearly MRI and mammogram. I see my breast consultant once a year, which was on Friday and was all clear. I think it's very daunting when you're given the TNBC diagnosis, but it responds well to chemo. There's no denying that chemo is hard, but you do get through it. I had long hair, but had it cut short before chemo started and went bald in the end (wigs and scarves didn't work for me). My advice to anyone going through this, is take one day at a time. You will have good days and bad days. If it's a bad day, just go with it and do whatever you need to do to get through the day. The good days are bliss. If possible, try to book a holiday or short break for when the chemo ends, then you can focus on that when you're feeling crap. I've kept my hair short and everyone says that I look 10 years younger. Going through cancer treatment is you're experience and nobody can understand it unless they've been through it. I wish all you ladies lots of love and remember...you get through this. XX ... View more

Hi Suzie, I was diagnosed with DCIS almost 2 years ago and had a mastectomy and reconstruction. At the time I was told that I needed no further treatment. 2 months ago I went for a routine check up & I asked about Tamoxifen. I had already asked if I should be taking Tamoxifen at previous appointments but was always told that it wasn't necessary. This time the oncologist has agreed to give it to me. I asked why it wasn't prescribed 2 years ago & was told it was protocol? Was you told why you were given Tamoxifen later on? I'm worried that they're prescribing it only because I've asked about it a few times. I haven't started taking it yet as I'm really concerned about the side effects, which I've read can be pretty horrendous. If it had been prescribed to me right from the start, I'd take it no questions asked,but I'm really confused as to why they're given it to me 2 years later. Have you had any side effects? I'm waiting for the breast care nurse to phone me back as I want to make an appointment to see the oncologist. I'd be really  interested to know why you were given Tamoxifen at a later date, as I feel I'm in the same situation as you. Thanks & best wishes, Sally. ... View more

Hi Anne,  I was very interested to read your post as I feel that I'm in the same situation as you. I was diagnosed with DCIS almost 2 years ago. I had a mastectomy & reconstruction and was told that I needed no further treatment. My mum had breast cancer 23 years ago & took Tamoxifen for 10 years. She has always questioned why I wasn't given Tamoxifen. In August, I saw my breast consultant for a routine check up & I asked him again about Tamoxifen. He said that he would mention it at the next meeting. A week later I was called into the hospital to see the consultant. He said that the oncologist had decided that I might benefit from Tamoxifen. I asked why it hadn't been given to me when I was diagnosed and he said protocol? I'm now really undecided about taking Tamoxifen as I've read about the horrendous side effects. I also have a friend who is taking Tamoxifen & has every side effect going, although my mum didn't suffer any side effects. Part of me feels that the only reason the consultant/oncologist have now recommended Tamoxifen is because I keep asking about it. A thought echoed by my GP. When I asked her what the consultant meant by protocol, she said they probably think that I don't need it. My GP was going to look into the matter & I'm due to see her on Monday. I really don't know what to do. I can't bear the thought of the side effects, but what if I don't take it & get cancer in the other breast. Have you got any further with your decision. I would really like to know what you decide to do. Best Wishes, Sally. ... View more