Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Helenbythesea I do not have implant but do get lymphoedema to the chest. Around scar area. It was quite bad a year ago, but now hardly noticeable. I dif the stroking type of massage daily to start with now just once a week I found it really helped. My lymphoedema clinic also provided me with a special bra that I wear which has also helped. In addition to that they have me a small bumpy piece of material ( not sure proper name of it ) to insert into bra to help the lymph flow. Ask at your hospital to see if they have them. Take care x ... View more

That's fantastic news ! Lovely to see ibc ladies doing well. I'm just over 2 years since ibc diagnosis & feeling good. (((Big hugs))) x ... View more

Hi Westmids I am sorry you are so stressed out and worried at the moment. I don't know of any particular IBC specialists but I think you need to ask all these questions to your GP and see if he/she can help in any way. I know it is very hard to diagnose it took me a year of pestering to get my diagnosis. My breast shrunk instead of enlarged which is a rare symptom at diagnosis it was half the size of the other. It had a small red patch & no orange peel. Mammogram clear, 6 biopsies, ultrasound clear. But it did show on MRI. I did not have flu like symptoms, aches & pains which may mean it could be some sort of infection, perhaps ? As there are lots of benign breast problems. I have now successfully finished all treatment and 2 years on from diagnosis. Hope you get the answers you want, but I think you should return to see your GP and let them know how you are feeling. X ... View more

Hi All   Just like to share my recent Travel Insurance Quote. I have just had quotes ranging downwards from £550 .... But the best one and the one I'm using is with " insurewith"... ( specialising in cancer ins ). It is £88.97 for 2 weeks travelling to USA. I was diagnosed Feb 12 so under 2 years. I am NED from IBC & 7 nodes. I am on tam/still have 4 herceptins left. ... View more

Hi All   I finished chemo in Set 12. My eyelashes are getting there but are also feel a little shorter. I have used revitalash and although a little pricey, does last for ages as you only need a little. I feel that as made a difference as they are quite thick. My eyebrows however are much finer than before, and have to fill them in with pencil. ... View more

Hi,   Loved the Hair Diary Jellytot, your hair looks fantastic. I finished chemo sept 12 and have had 2 hair cuts. It is not as long but I am on herceptin so I think that hinders growth a little. I think the key thing with the growth is to be as gentle as possible with it as mine is very dry. I recommend moroccon oil. Also when long enough to visit a salon I have a proffessional treatment, Tony & Guy do a Kerastase one and it made my hair feel in great condition. ... View more

Hi,   I am so pleased you are so happy after your DIEP recon. I am about to visit plastic surgeon regards my own recon. I was leaning towards the ldflap. But now having read this am seriously thinking about the DIEP. The recovery time was an issue and was also worried about the scarring after discussing with bc nurse. I am naturally very large breasted so will have to have a reduction on the other side. Dreading it all but looking forward to putting on normal bras etc again. Has any one had this with a reduction on remaining breast ? Would welcome any advice. Wishing you a continued speedy recovery chiilipink.   xx ... View more

Hi Good luck with your appointment vonz and asking all the right questions ! It's daunting but amazing what can be done. I am not at reconstruction stage yet. I have to put my name on waiting list in August for possible recon December. Although not looking forward to more surgery, will be nice to have it done. Let us know how you get on. X ... View more

Hi Sophie, Sorry to hear you are so worried at the moment. Breasts go through so many changes that are harmless especially so soon after giving birth, and it probably is something harmless. But if you feel something is not right, if only to put your mind at rest I echo what other posters have put and insist on a referal and perhaps take someone with you. I had 2 visits to the breast unit only to be told everything was fine, nothing to worry about, clear mammo and clear ultrasound. Only it was not ! I was misdiagnosed ! Twice. Eventually I did get diagnosed my breast was hot, warm and shrunk in size. No family history and in my forties. So I always urge everyone with ANY changes to stamp their feet until you are taken seriously. Now this does not mean you have something to worry about because most changes are NOT cancer but thorough investigations must take place to rulke it out. Good luck and let us know what they say. Best wishes xx ... View more

You deserve it....enjoy x ... View more

Thats brilliant news. I am so pleased for you, it sounds like they have been quite thorough so please be reassured and don't let it rule your thoughts. It's always great to hear good results. You have been through the mill this last week or more ! At least they are also keeping an eye you. Best wishes Mum and gran xxx ... View more

Hi Hay 123, I have not had recon but do have lymphoedema of chest on mx site. I too have had MLD by the lymph nurses and shown how to do simple lymphatic drainage massage. I must say I can see a difference when nurses do it apposed to myself. They have ordered me a special bra. Perhaps you could ask your clinic if its available for you. Not arrived yet so not sure how effective it will be, but perhaps worth a try. xxx ... View more

Hi TSR, Thanks for your post and sharing your milestone. Its always inspiring and uplifting to hear good news. I have just had herceptin no 6. After having chemo x8, mx and rads just over a year after diagnosis. Back at work hair growth good but slow and starting to have a normal(ish) life. So its great to here from other people doing well further down the line....long may it continue ! xxx ... View more

Hi Ylimed, So so sorry that you have been dealt this blow. Big hugs. At least it has been found, your team will put together a treatment plan and you can then gather your strength focus on that. Take one day at a time. Post on here, ask any questions...Its all so overwhelming at first...sending you love and positive vibes xxxx ... View more

Hi So sorry that you find yourselves in the ' waiting room '. It surely is the most stressful part. Here s hoping everything is OK and as JCJ said 9 out of 10 abnormalities turn out to be harmless. Hang on to that fact and if it turns out to be different you have found this forum which will provide lots of help and support. Good luck with your appointment and big hugs xxx ... View more

Hi Oh what a position your in, no wonder you are feeling upset, because uncertainty is what sends our minds reeling ! Sending you big hugs. Your team are doing all they can by the sound of it. And to give another check 6 months on is excellent, although I know this makes you feel worse. At least they are being extremely thorough. Not only myself but lots of other younger women are misdiagnosed as the breast tissue is too dense to show up anything on mammogram, not only for ibc. My skin was not thickened just red, but the tissue inside was quite thick. My breast also shrunk in size which is rare as mostly it increases in size. I initially had a skin biopsy and core biopsy, this did not show anything. So when I went for my results I had to have the further biopsy that resulted in the diagnosis. The waiting is very stressful. Hang in there Mum and gran, it still could be something completely harmless. x ... View more

Oh Mum and gran how awful . Especially meaning the results are now going to be after Easter, which I imagine you feel is ages away. You rant away and have a tantrum ! xx ... View more

Bump ... View more

Hi I am having herceptin No 5 on Monday and went for results of 2nd muga today. It has gone down from 68% to 56%..Herceptin going ahead as normal mon. They are doing another Muga in May and if dropped again they said may stop it. I am only in forties with no other heart issues before. I have no symptoms eg breathlessness etc. My questions are similar to Nickyw's. What is the lowest they will give it you on. Is there anything you can do to get it back up ? saw different registrar this morning and had another questions so forgot to ask. Any advise greatly appreciated xxx ... View more

Hi, Im really glad you had a good day out in Brighton. If everything goes to plan you should have had your results this time next week. Hopefully it will be all clear and if so you know they have investigated in depth and you can be reasured its OK. And if not, you will be able to get on with the plan your team advise. At least everything is happening quickly. My mammagram was clear and ultrasound and was found by 2nd guided biopsy. I have everything crossed for you Mum and gran. Keep busy and feel free to pm me or post on here if you have any questions. xxx ... View more