Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi all, I had to go back into hospital for more surgery last week to have tissue expander removed as I was unlucky and got an infection. I did find this a bit upsetting as was getting used to my new look, however the tissue expander was uncomfortable and was only a temporay measure untill I had finished treatment, I will then have reconstruction. This has meant my chemo had to be put back but only by two weeks so I will now have picc line fitted on 14th Feb and have first chemo (will be having 6 FEC) on 15th Feb. Went and got my wig yesterday (got a means tested voucher) its a bit longer than my hair and I liked it in the shop but not so sure when I got it home. May have it cut but will wait to see if I get to like it first. Was just going to go with the hats and scarf look but decided to cover all bases. Although I have not been posting my thoughts have been with you all at the various stages of treatment. I like to know as much as possible about things good and bad so I feel prepared for all eventualliaties so thank you all for sharing your experiences. xxx ... View more

Hi valentines, it looks like I will be joining you if I may?I was diagnosed on 8/11/12 with 4cm, grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. er + Her2-, lymph node involvement. Had mx and anc on 14/12/12 with tissue expander. Have recovered well from op, although it took a good 5 weeks to not need painkillers any more mainly due to tissue expander. Saw onc on 15/1/13 and will be having 6 lots of FEC chemo folllowed possibly by rads (onc spoke about trial taking place which will be discussed nearer the time) then Tamoxifen with reconstruction when recovered from rads. Have been referred for genetic testing as strong family history of bc (lost my mum 4 days before I found out I also had it) I go to a group info session at chemo unit on 29/1/13 and will be booked in then.I have decided not to use the cold cap as I get migraines and have got short hair anyway. I dont think I will be getting a wig as I know from an alopecia sufferer how uncomfortable they can be, will stock up on hats and scarves instead. Heres hoping we all have minimum side effects and stay as strong, happy and healthy as possible. Gentle hugs on the good side to all xxx ... View more

Thank you all for your advice, I will have a look around. xx ... View more

HI you two, just wanted to say best wishes for tomorrow, I will be thinking of you. I got my results last Thursday so can relate to how you are feeling as I was petrified. Thank God I had good news, only 2 out of 20 nodes were positive. I was expecting much worse as one of my lumps was in my lymph nodes. I hope your news is the best possible. xxx ... View more

Hi ladies, I'm feeling a lot happier today. Got some good news, they have kept my bc at grade 1 following surgery (was told its likely to go up), it was 4cm and out of 20 nodes removed only 2 had cancer in them. As one of the lumps was in my lymph nodes I was expecting bad news on that bit. I see the oncologist on the 15th to sort out chemo. I will be celebrating with my 2 son's tonight. Feel so relieved can't stop smiling. xx ... View more

Hi to all January jems. I would like to join you all on this mad rollercoaster ride. I get my results from surgery tomorrow, had mx and full node clearance on 14\12\12, then it will be onto chemo for me, whoopee!! Looking foward to giving and receiving support and keeping each other smiling as we tread this path together. May our side effects be mimimal and our sense of humour remain in place. sending you all hugs xxx ... View more

Thank you so much Suzanne, RoadRunner and Tuppence for you kind supportive posts. now christmas and new years eve are out the way I do feel a bit better. I think it was because these times were always spent with my lovely mum and it just felt so empty without her. I have started seeing a macmillan councellor which I am finding very helpful but have not seen him for 3 weeks due to my surgery and the holidays. will be seeing him again next week which I know will help greatly. Also I think going for my post op appointment on Thursday will be a step foward as then I should find out all there is to know about this awfull disease and will be on the way to starting the next stage of treatment which will be chemo. sending love and hugs to all you lovely people. ... View more

good luck getting results today, I will be thinking of you. I had MX and node clearance on 14/12/12 and get my results on 3/1/13 so am in the same rocky boat. xx ... View more

Hello everyone I have now got a date for my surgery its on 14th December, Ive got mixed emotion,s part of me wants rid of the cancer but the other part feels sad that I have to have my boob removed as they were the one part of my body I liked. I have a question about what (if any) bra did you find comfortable after surgery? and any other tips or advice to help me prepare for the operation and recovery afterwards would be greatly appreciated. Sending everyone hugs xxx ... View more

Hi Clare I am so very sorry for your loss and send you lots of love and hugs. I have just lost my mum and know how heart wrenching it can be. Thinking of you and your family. xxxxx ... View more

I saw my surgeon yesterday and feel relieved. I thought I would have to make big decisions on if I wanted immediate reconstruction and what type, but as I will need radiotherapy they have decided the best option for me is to have a tissue expander fitted so some of the skin is kept to leave my options open for reconstruction after treatment has finished. I was shown some photos of ladies who have had this done and it dosent seem as scary now. Ive got my mums funeral tomorrow which I am dreading as I am worried I will break down. I have managed to hold it all together so far but know the tears will have to come at some point. my sons have really struggled this week and this will be the first funeral they have been to so I will be looking out for them. Thinking of all you wonderful people who are on this rollercoaster. xxxxx ... View more

Thank you for your replies, its so difficult making decisions when you head is all over the place I cant seem to think clearly at the moment but I guess thats understandable as I am arranging my mums funeral for friday and having to deal with my own diagnosis at the same time. Also im a single mum and it was so difficult telling my sons on thursday that I had cancer as they are struggling to deal with thier nan passing away from the same awful disease. I will be speaking to my BCN tomorrow to arrange appointment to see surgeon, I will discuss my options with her. Sending love and hugs to all XX ... View more