Breast Cancer Now Forum

Anyone in Knutsford/Wilmslow areas fancy meeting up for a coffee? I work first half of week so Weds to Fridays best for me. Let me know if any takers? Janey x x ... View more

There seem to be a few of us nearby...does anyone fancy trying to meet up in the New Year? Maybe in Knutsford or Wilmslow? I also had my treatment at Macclesfield. Janey x x ... View more

Hi there, Have only just seen this thread, sorry. I am near Knutsford. Was diagnosed 4 years ago, had mastectomy, chemo, rads. Am happy to chat or meet up. Janey x x  ... View more

Hi Cherry....I know exactly how you feel. I have had this problem since changing from tamoxifen to letrozole and am now on examestane. I tried replens,sylk you name it andnothing helped. Ended up being referred to a gynae nurse at Christies. Amongst other things she said if you are post menopausal need to use oil based products. Things like replens, sylk and ky jelly are all water based. Told me to use olive oil (bought from chemist olive oil bp ) and also use aqueous cream in the bath/shower to wash those parts rather than soaps etc.  Have followed her advice religiously and my god what a difference! Its not as before but so much better! Feel free to pm me. Janey x  ... View more

I have recently been changed from Tamoxifen to Letrozole. Have been taking it for about a month and have had much worse hot flushes than before and feel really washed out and tired. Has anyone else had tbis? I expected joint pains but havent had any (so far!) but not this. Generally was feeling really well on Tamoxifen so not impressed so far but it is early days Thanks Janey xx ... View more

Hi there. Its a difficult one. You are entitled to all of your medical records and don't have to give a reason why. There is usually a charge (I have been told a maximum of £50) I have currently applied for some of my notes relating to my reconstructive surgery. Its a long story but I have a lot of unanswered questions and am hoping this may help. I don't know if it will. For you it depends on what you hope to achieve, will it help you to put it to rest or make you more upset? As Dawn suggests maybe discuss with your bcn first, not that you need her permission but might help you in making that decision. Good luck, Janey ... View more

Hi, I have also been considering this but dont know if I'd have the nerve to go for it! Also Ive had radiotherapy so dont know if it would be a good idea. I too remember seeing a link on here but cant remember where. Love Janey x ... View more

Hi there, My surgeon has always told me to stop tamoxifen for a month before any surgery and to restart once am home from hospital. Hope that helps Tessa x ... View more

Hi there, As far as I understand it, it depends on your age and if you are premenopausal when you start tamoxifen. If you are younger then its normally 5 years tamoxifen and then stop. If like me you start it in your late 40's they often change you over once they think you have gone through the menopause. Hope this makes sense! Tessa x ... View more

Hi there, I am going through exactly this at the moment. Had a delayed LD reconstruction to left side last June. Am now due to have a small implant put in on good side to match me up. I have been wearing a partial prosthesis for what seems like forever and hate it. Its not silly at all and any good surgeon will do it for you. Good luck xx ... View more

Hi Naz, It was probably me! I had to stop mine a month before surgery and restarted when I came home. I was told it increased the risk of blood clots. I would check with your bcn though as may have a different policy. See you Thursday, Tessa x ... View more

Hi Lynne, That is really good news and can understand your relief. I had a similar appointment a couple of weeks ago. Despite both my mum and my aunt having had bc, along with me we weren't considered high risk. Mainly due to them both being diagnosed over 65, whereas I was 46. Again my younger sister is having mammograms yerly till she is 50 then will go on the normal 3 year screening which my older sister is (she's 51) It was a huge relief to me as I wasn't sure I wanted to be tested anyway. My daughter is only 11 so will reassess situation re screening when she's older. Like you they will keep me on file and can be seen again anytime if needed. Janey xx ... View more

Hi there, I agree with the others, you are not ready to go back yet. You have had major surgery and need to be both physically and emotionally well. Also sounds like you would be advised a phased return when the time comes. Its good your employers have been supportive, makes a big difference. I had 9months off last year after mx, chemo and rads and even though I only worked very part time hours (2 days a week) still did a very gradual phased return and a few hours at a time.My employers have been fantastic, I am currently off again as I had breast reconstruction 6 weeks ago. Dont feel ready to go back yet but hopefully in 2-3 weeks time. Put yourself first. Work can wait Janey xx ... View more

Hi, I had a delayed LD reconstruction 5 weeks ago. I started driving last week and so far no problems. I saw the physio today for a follow up appt and asked him re swimming. He said not until 12 weeks post surgery! I thought that was a long time and thought it could be beneficial but he said no. Seems like we are all told something different! xx ... View more

Hi, I'm in cheshire too, just south of Knutsford but could get to Nantwich. Finished treatment a year ago but had reconstruction surgery 4 weeks ago so still off work. Also have school hols to work around but may be possible. Would be great to meet up depending on when?? Janey xx ... View more

Hi Naz, In answer to your question you can get replens on prescription and also sylk. I have used both and found the sylk better for me. Discuss with your GP or bcn. You are definitely not alone in this. Will speak to you soon Tessa xx ... View more

Hi I would suggest you take them with or just after food. I'm not on citalopram but on venlafaxine and found initially felt sick and jittery if not eaten. Been on them nearly a year now and always take about 9pm after have eaten. Give them a few weeks to settle down xx ... View more

Hi, I am also in Cheshire, just south of Knutsford. Am always up for meeting up with others. Finished my treatment last year but going in for ld reconstruction on 13th June. Tessa x ... View more

I am interested in this thread as am in the same situation. Am booked to have a delayed reconstruction on 13th June, but the plan is to have an uplift and implant to match on the 'good' side a few months later. I am currently an A cup and keep wondering if its the right thing to do. I have a lot of faith in my surgeon, but you do still think am I mad to operate on a healthy breast dont you? Will let you know how it goes. My other question is....how do you decide what siza bra to waer btween the two lots of surgery? I assume you have to go with the size of the reconstructed breat, but then will be too big on the other side?? Any advice welcome Thanks Janey x ... View more

Hi, I am from near Holmes Chapel in Cheshire and always up for a coffee. Do meet up every now and then with someone else from this site. Tessa x ... View more