Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was diagnosed back in 2010 and just lately I seem to be becoming very anxious that if it is going to return/spread then the time is getting closer.  I have booked a counselling session that I am hoping I will benefit from.  I am however keen to take some kind of preventative action as I am not on hormone therapy anymore.  I have heard a lot about cannabis oil and wondered if anyone has any advice on this.  I know it is somewhat controversial/illegal but I have read a lot about the benefits of it.     Does anyone have any experience of this or advice to offer as to how I can find out more?  I am also interested in finding out more about Artemisinin, a herb/natural treatment that I have heard good reviews about.  Does anyone have any information/advice to share on either of these.     Thank you.    ... View more

Hi just wondering if there is an Employment Law Solicitor out there who may be able to offer me some advice.  To give a bit of background I was diagnosed back in 2010 had a double mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment.  At the beginning of December I stopped taking Tamoxifen.  I have been in the same employment all along and have always been a conscientious employee.  Last week I was called in to one of the partner's offices completely out of the blue and told that they are not happy with my telephone manner (I have been Receptionist for many years and this has never been mentioned previously in my annual appraisals).  Then he went on to say that they have concerns about my declining/deteriorating (sorry can't remember exactly which word they used) appearance - particularly my hair!  I was gob smacked I am 52 (possibly menopausal) and have never been so insulted in my life!  I do not have very manageable hair but wasn't aware that it was that bad!!  Having had some time to think about this (and believe me I can't think about much else!) I believe this could be as a result of finishing the hormone treatment after a long period of time.   I no longer want to go to work each day and am unsure whether they are entitled to speak to their staff in such a manner.  Is there a proper procedure for this type of thing?  I am thinking of going to a Solicitor to see if there is anything I can do about this, and whether it has been handled appropriately.  If anyone has any experience in this and can advise me initially, I would be most grateful.  Thank you - Sunnyday or should that be Badhairday!! x ... View more

I recently had a blood test to see if I was menopausal as I am 52 and I haven't had a period for 2 years.  It revealed that I had an unexpectedly high level of oestrogen - this is something that concerns me greatly.  I was sent for an ultrasound scan and this showed thickened endometrlium (not really a surprise as I had taken Tamoxifen for about 5 3/4 years and this seems to be quite common with this drug).  I am being referred for further tests to see if this is endometrial hyperplasia or worse!  I am getting myself in a state, not so much over whether I have endometrial cancer but with regards the tests.  I am a very private person and I have never even had a smear test.  I have always thought that I would rather die than go through the humiliation and indignity of these types of examinations, and I have asked if I could be put out for them, otherwise I don't think I can go through with it.  I have a son of 16 and the only way I coped when giving birth was to use so much gas and air that I felt out of it!  I really want to improve my chances of survival by reducing the level of oestrogen, and am very keen to have a hysterectomy (I would like everything removed) but this won't be considered unless I go for these tests.  I really wish I had been stronger and hadn't allowed myself to be talked into taking Tamoxifen, which I consider to be a highly carcinogenic substance - especially as I try to lead a healthy lifestyle.  I don't suppose anyone can really help me but it helps to put my concerns down in writing.  Thanks for reading, Sunnyday x       ... View more

Following my annual appointment with my Oncologist I had a blood test to see if I was menopausal (I'm 52 and haven't had anything for 23 months).  The result came back that I had an unusually high level of oestrogen and she wants to investigate this before deciding whether I should change from Tamoxifen.  She actually sounded more surprised than concerned, so I am naturally hanging on to this fact.  My cancer was oestrogen positive and so I am obviously worried and anxious about this.  I have read on the internet (following various Googles as we do!) that at about the time of menopause or just prior to it women can have unusually high levels (oestrogen surge), before it drops right off.  Does anyone have experience of this?  I am really hoping that this is normal and nothing for me to worry about (but of course I will!).  Thank you x    ... View more

I was diagnosed about 5 1/2 years ago and am currently still on Tamoxifen - much to my dismay (but that's another story!).  I work full time as a Receptionist/Secretary but am quite unfulfilled in my role.  I feel I need something more challenging and I feel that my current role is dead end and that I have been put out to pasture!  I would like to apply for a job in a school, something that I have wanted to do for some time now, and I have seen a position advertised that sounds ideal for me.  However, and this is where I could do with advice or even just opinions, I don't have any life insurance - never took any out and would, I'm sure be really expensive now, but I do stand to get a death in service payment for my husband of twice my salary.  That's not a large sum but would pay off most of my mortgage (fortunately we only have a smallish mortgage).  I have stayed in this job and not seriously looked for another role for that reason only.  Should I stay where I am in order that if the worst should happen my husband (and son) would get some money, or should I be selfish and go for the position that appeals to me?  I realise that even if I apply I may not get the job, but is there any point in me applying or should I just stay put for peace of mind?  Also I realise that I may qualify for a death in service payment in this other job but there may be a qualifying period and I worry that I may not live long enough to qualify, in which case I would have been better off staying in my current role.  This is hardly something that I can bring up at interview so would have to wait to find out after commencing in the jobe.  I realise there are some ifs and buts here, but would like to hear some opinions please - think of my family, or of myself?  Thank you, Sunnyday x   ... View more

I had a double mastectomy without reconstruction 5 years ago this month.  I try to lead a normal life and have joined a Gym where I attend classes.  I try to participate in everything but don't use too heay weights.  I am unsure though exactly what I should and shouldn't do regarding exercise, and am hoping that maybe a health professional or someone in the know may be able to advise.  In the class that I attend on a Monday evening they have started to do lots of press ups, planks etc and I am not really comfortable with these.  My arms feel very weak, but I don't like to draw attention to myself by not doing certain exercises as I haven't made anyone aware of my history.  Recently after a class I awoke the next morning with a stiff neck and my neck/top of my back has been aching since then.  I believe I have pulled something and am wondering whether I should stop attending this class as it is inapproprite for me.  If anyone can advise me on this I would be most grateful.  Thanks x.   ... View more

I was diagnosed in 2010 with lobular BC and was told that alcohol can play a part in this form of BC so I should try to drink as little alcohol as possible.  I was never a heavy drinker, but liked a drink socially as it gave me more confidence.  Because I wanted to live I decided not to drink at all, and haven't had a drink now for about 4 years.  This time of the year I find quite difficult as many people don't know of my diagnosis (my choice) and I have to make excuses for why I don't drink (usually blaming it on medication).  I do think that people tend to think I am boring though, but given the choice I'm sure they would have made the same decision as me!     I have also become very conscious of alcohol being present in many toiletries and try to choose alcohol free options where possible, although there isn't much choice to be honest.  I have also tried to cut out parabens where possible as I understand these are oestrogens and my BC was er+.  I would love to use all the lovely smelling toiletries people buy me for Christmas and Birthday, but I have got to the stage where I am just too afraid to use them!  Again it makes me feel boring.     Do others feel the same way as me?  Or am I taking this too seriously, as I am sure that no-one can say with any certainty that if you don't ever have a drink and you cut out products containing alcohol wherever possible then it won't come back.   Other peoples views on this subject would be welcomed.  Thank you - & Happy New Year let's hope it's a good one for us all x  ... View more

Hi ladies, just went on the Amoena website to buy a white t-shirt bra in white (couldn't find one I liked anywhere  else).  When I entered the site I discovered they are offering 20% off all clothing until, I believe, Tuesday.  What a result!  I know their prices are quite dear, but obviously this helps.  Just wanted to share this with anyone else who may be looking for a new mastectomy bra.  Happy shopping! ... View more