Breast Cancer Now Forum

You are not complaining...you are worried and that is understandable.  I agree a second opinion with someone who explains things to you should help deal with your questions and fears. Having the worry of your Mum as well is a lot to handle so be kind to yourself! Jenji x ... View more

Thank you Jo, that is what they are wondering I suppose...and what I am feeling!  The other one was hidden in a way and I would not be surprised.  It is difficult to pick up the phome to arrange biopsy but I will do it... Thank you for your support. xx ... View more

HI Lizzy  Is it possible to delete historical posts? Thanks Jenji ... View more

Hi Gwenbo I just want you to know that there are lots of us out here and I am sure that more people will reply...I am so glad to hear that you have a appointment and then you will find out what is going on.  It sounds very uncomfortable and worrying but it is better to know what is happening. Thinking of you over the weekend-take care of yourself Jenjix   ... View more

Hi Ali I agree with the others who have replied...I had something similar in symptoms and was really lucky that it was found very early.  It could be nothing and just hormones as you say but to stop the worrying go to your doctor and get it checked out... Wish you all the hope in the world Jenjix ... View more

Thanks Jenny   It was good to get your message...really good.  So my surgeon was concerned and thought he could feel a node and I had an ultrasound but the radiologist could not find anything suspicious. Then he saw me again and said it must be some altered scar tissue but I was so glad I hadn't been making a fuss over nothing if he was concerned...he was kind and suggested pain relief and as I am at the yearly follow-up in September he said they would keep an eye on it.   I am exhausted because I was going afterwards to babysit for my daughter and have just got home. Rest day tomorrow I think. Thanks for the huggles Take care Jenji       ... View more

Hi Marli For the first 6 weeks (right side mastectomy September 2013 ) , I used my previous soft M and S bra with a 'softie'...I was able to make a slit in the double layer and slide it in.  36E.  Then I had my first prosthesis fitted(although I think there should be a better word-it sounds so clinical!), suddenly my confidence was boosted and when I looked in the mirror I felt pretty good. And I didn't feel lopsided any more. Some weeks later I felt a nipple would be good for tight-fitted things and it was quite a funny event to have a special delivery of this tiny package by Parcelforce...having to sign for it and hoping the postman didn't know what it was. (NHS paid for this as well). Over the following year I seemed to shrink both round and in my other side and photos in late 2014 I looked as if everything had slipped.  I decided to make another appointment and treat myself to some new bras with a proper pocket and good support. I was surprised to go down to a 34D and a smaller breast-form and now I really feel (in the circumstances and disregarding the reason for all this) better to look at breast-wise with clothes on than I have for quite a few years.    I am 66, quite slender and post menopause my breasts looked enormous. Sorry this is so long but it might help.  I always undid my bra in the evening and to start with it was very tiring and tender but that does get better.  I decided against reconstruction.  Good luck with it all Jenjix ... View more

Hi Hannah   I really hope you find what you need by way of support  as it can be tricky for some people to understand it can be difficult.  Fortunately I eventually found a great gay woman support worker on the phone and it made all the difference   I am two years from my mastectomy now and I wish you all the best. Jenjix ... View more

Hi Lolly   I have just had year two mammogram on remaining breast and it is a question that went through my mind.  The other side has never had ultrasound or much attention paid to it once the scar settled down etc ! When I go for my post-mammogram appointment I will ask, because it does seem as if people wait for symptoms on the other side before drawing attention to it.  Take care Jenji ... View more

Thank you all so much for your replies...they have really helped.  Yes, I think it's about getting the tool bag out again!  And getting into all those things you mention which have helped me so far.   I went to my GP yesterday and she was very understanding about this anniversary thing and just said why don't we do a full MOT blood test to put my mind at rest about one of two niggling things.  I never thought I would be so grateful to have another needle in my arm but I was reassured that she was listening to me. She made a follow-up appointment for next week to get the results as she said she thought it much better than me just ringing up.     Today I am being kind to myself and watching stuff I have recorded, in the middle of the day which isn't what I usually do for some reason.  I will go round to my daughter's later and make sure everything is ok for them getting back from holiday on Monday. Take care all of you Jenjixx ... View more

Hi Karen It's very early days for you...apart from having major surgery you have had a huge emotional shock. Be kind to yourself and, as the previous reply says, it may well take 6 weeks to begin to feel anything like normal and more like months to recover. It will be 2 years in September that I had a single mastectomy and I think by Christmas of that year 2013 I began to feel that I could cope with most things again (I was retired and not working).  So that was 3 months for me but everyone's different.  I had to learn a great deal of patience...not easy for anyone!! Try and accept the fact that you are convalescing and it takes time to mend.  Rest when you feel tired and pace yourself. Gentle hug JenjiX ... View more

Hi Jenny I think that is the trick...to remember to do the breaking up into little bits.  You said you were 'older' as well.  I am 66 but still, as they say, feel as if I should be 40... Today I just went and looked at my garden and decided that the mini lavender bushes are at long last growing.  I have tended them from plug plants and at one point when I transplanted them I thought they wouldn't ever grow into the promised bushes full of lovely perfume.  But I have hope now.  They are a reminder for me to be patient with them and myself. So far the 2nd year mammogram in July is in a box in my mind somewhere and I seem to have managed to keep it there.  Long may it last. I think I will go to the local group which I had been avoiding, as I was trying to ignore what I had been through but actually thank you for nudging me in that direction. Take care Huggles to you too Jx ... View more

Hello Jenny That is comforting to have a quick reply to go to bed with!  Thank you.  I must go back to the basics of pacing!  Sometimes it isn't just other people who expect more of me but me...even though I live on my own now. I hope you have a good night Take care Hugs Jenjix  ... View more