Breast Cancer Now Forum

I am 11 years out from finishing BC treatment and have been fine and clear since. I rarely look at this thread now. You find people who have got far away from their DX and treatment tend to have other stuff to think about and as months and years go by you will dwell far less on what you've been through.   At first every little twinge and ache will make you panic, but this will go, I promise!   Good luck. ... View more

Cough cleared up soon after this posting so not as worried! Best wishes and thanks to all who replied. Feel a bit of a time-waster! ... View more

Sam, a year is nothing. I was DX in December 2004 and had the full works of treatment. It took me a good 3 years to feel back to 'normal'. My energy levels were zero and when I got out of bed I just wanted to crawl back into it again. I was diagnosed with depression but to this day I don't know if it was that or if it was just the fatigue, the one can cause the other! Doctors don't really want to know either when you say you're tired. Didn't help that chemo threw me into menopause at 51! I always remember a friend telling me to 'get a life' when I told her I couldn't meet her as I didn't feel up to it (a 60 mile drive). I was shocked and hurt. Anyone else think that's cruel? Sorry, this is horribly negative and I do hope you pick up faster than I did. Mainly I wanted to say that how you feel is totally normal and it will go away, I promise. Be kind to yourself and try and get as much rest as you can. ... View more

I wish it were that easy to get a CT scan! I didn't even have one when I had my primary DX. Spoke to BC nurse at hospital today and she said it might be an infection that's not clearing, so seeing GP next week and see what she says. Hopefully antiobiotics will get rid of it. And Laura, when you say nobody seems bothered do you mean no treatment given? ... View more

Thanks Elizabeth, you make it sounds so easy! We are just this week having our mortgage valuation done so I just hope NatWest agree the mortgage. They seem to have taken ages. But you're right about putting memories behind me, even tho the BC was 6 years ago. ... View more

quite honestly I'd just buy what you like, but if you can afford it get a good quality one like Aveda or the Kerastase professional range. They have less detergent so don't strip hair down. Waitrose also do a good paraben-free one by Jason which is about £8. Hair tends to grow back thicker and stronger after chemo which is one of the few advantages! ... View more

Thanks so much for all the kind advice and suggestions - a lot to digest! I am trying to keep reasonably calm as I am mindful of the fact that stress can cause cancer to recur, I firmly believe that. To the ladies who moved either during or around chemo, you have my open mouthed admiration. I could barely function during mine! Re cleaning, am trying to keep house clean for the duration so there will be less to do on the day. Luckily it's a small house (we're moving to one with 2 more bedrooms!) so not too hard to keep clean though moving beds/furniture can unearth horrors I know. I do appreciate all the replies. ... View more

We are most definitely using a removal company. I can't imagine what it must be like moving from Australia. We are only going 3 miles up the road! And lucky enough to be going to a larger house, so it's not a question of a quart into a pint pot. In fact, we won't have enough furniture to begin with. Thanks for the comments. I do know moving is one of life's top stressors - and I firmly believe cancer is linked to stress. After all, stress diminishes the immune system and it's that system that keeps cells in good shape. I must try and find a way of getting thru this that doesn't involve wine!! Again, I appreciate the replies. ... View more

This may be too late but for what it's worth I've experienced breast pain during the 6 years since my treatment! It's lessened in the last year but seems to recur if I'm under stress, for some reason. FYI I have not had to take any oral hormone treatments. 'Just' had surgery, chemo and radio. ... View more

Even BUPA will cover breast reconstructions - they don't classify it as cosmetic surgery so why on earth the NHS would is beyond me! ... View more

Sorry I must have been in a state of shock when they did the tats! Or confused, not for the first time. ... View more

Thanks for the comments but my point is not to hide the r/therapy marks. It's that if they are indelible (as mine are) why not use the same pen to put tattoos elsewhere on the body, e.g. arms, instead of those horrible needles! ... View more

I am now nearly 5 years from diagnosis and still log on to this site about once a week. Like JaneRA I have become interested in the 'mechanics' and details of BC and have some quite heavy duty books on the subject, along with gruesome photos! It's easier to deal with when it's all over I find. Log on as long as you like if it helps. Don't be swayed by what people think you 'should' be doing. Even your BC nurse hasn't experienced what you have. Do what you want to do. If you haven't earned that right when will you? Love, Sue ... View more

Watched both of these programmes with interest. Couple of points: - No mention was made of lumpectomies. They seemed to concentrate purely on mastectomies and how devastating they can be. Many women now have the choice of a lumpectomy and I felt this could have been pointed out but I guess it doesn't have the emotive power of a mastectomy! - Dawn Porter said BC was the biggest killer of women in the UK. I had thought that was heart disease. And lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of women. Wish they'd get their facts right! ... View more

I always remember the word of an oncologist speaking on Radio 4 during the Herceptin controversy. She said "Cancer doesn't care what you eat or drink." ... View more

I would like to add I think it's wrong of the surgeon not to give you guidance. I know the NHS is now meant to be all about choice but, God, what a choice to have to make! You might ask her what she'd do if she were in your shoes. ... View more