Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Helen, I think we all panic when recalled from a routine mammogram. The fear of what it could be and what that could mean for you is off the scale. You will feel better once you know what you are dealing with even it is a cancer. Dont be tempted to search all over the internet as there is some scarey stuff out there. Stick to this site and Macmillan, they are factual and supportive. I was told I needed chemo, rads and hormone therapy after bilateral surgery so I had my hair cut off to prepare as my surgeon guaranteed that the chemo (FEC T) would result in hair loss, however when I discussed treatments with my consultant oncologist, we decided between us that chemo would have too many negative side effects for me so I refused the chemo, (no point cutting my hair off!) Once you have all the scans and biopsies done, you will know what you are facing but you still have choices in your treatment plan, you know what is right for you and your body and information gives you the power to make informed choices. Bear in mind, it could be good news, but it is natural to default to worst case scenario, to protect ourselves. It is a bumpy ride but there is a lot of support on this forum especially when you think you are going a bit mad (you are not by the way!) Big hug and best wishes, Jan x ... View more

great to hear good news. Thanks for sharing. Jan x ... View more

Hi Shellseeker, no matter what the results say, you will feel better once you know what you are dealing with. It can be a bumpy ride, but hoping you have good news tomorrow. There is so much support on here for whatever you are worried or frightened about. Get all the information you can, eg. your path report as this helps you understand not just what is happening. but why it is happening. Jan x ... View more

Hi Sally. You have every right to feel scared and probably life will never feel the same again. I have found that my outlook on what is important to me has changed enormously and have learned to be kinder to myslf and stop labelling myself as weak and pathetic. Every day stresses, like other people's issues have disappeared off my radar completely. I no longer feel invincible and realise that my body is fragile. I still wobble and can cry very easily but accept that this is OK and is part of a "normal cancer" diagnosis. I can now buy bras from ordinary shops rather than specialist large size specialists after my bilateral surgery. I know this seems trivial but this is amazing for me. Keep talking to your BCN, they are invaluable. Jan x ... View more

Hi to all you Bap zappers, hope everyone is doing ok? I finished my rads on 31 July and was advised by my oncologist towards the end of my treatment that I would feel rotten for up to 2 weeks afterwards. This has proved to be the case, I did feel so tired at the end and last week my skin went all lumpy and I developed small incredibly itchy blisters. They have calmed down now and I am still continuing with my skin care. The tiredness has eased now but I am still experiencing a few shooting pains which aren't too bad. I have to see my oncologist again on 10th September, the surgeon in November and then, I think other than my regular mamograms, I will be done. I have found the weekly day care sessions at my local hospice invaluable and meeting other women with breat cancer has helped me over the last few weeks. I also have weekly psychotherapy sessions and aromatherapy reflexology at the hospice. I am now starting to think about returning to work, which was unthinkable a few weeks ago. Good luck everyone, take care, Jan x ... View more

Well done Linda. I am seeing my bcn tomorrow at bgh. I agree with your thoughts about Miss G. And Dr. H. BOTH FANTASTIC! ... View more

I had my 9th session of 15 this morning. It does take more time to get into the exact position than the treatment itself. My boob is feeling very firm and pink and I have the odd shooting pain. I use both my aqueous cream and aloe vera a few times a day and have found keeping it in the fridge helps. Tell the radiography staff if you experience any problems. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Good luck Jan x ... View more

Janey, you are not a wimp at all. We are all swans gliding on the breast cancer water but all paddling like crazy underneath. I am 10 weeks post bilateral surgery and in the middle of roads and still had a major wobble and weepy day on Wednesday. Try not to label yourself with negative thoughts, you will get through this, you may not know how at this moment, but your body and mind will get you through. Cry if you need to,but do make sure you talk to prove and ask for reassurances if you need to. Jan x ... View more

WHMMHT: New shoes and New perfume! ... View more

Hi Toni, I am now a tattooed lady and was not given the option to refuse. They are not all noticeable unless I point them out. Jan x ... View more

Thinking of all the Burnley girls sweltering in this heat. I have been told to stay out of the Sun whilst on rads. Phew! Jan x ... View more

I have just had 7 sessions and have the weekend off. I have been attending the cancer unit in Preston and all my appointments have been at 8am. Like you, in and out and have the rest of the day to myself. My boob is feeling very hot and firm and I am struggling to lie on that side. I have a skin care appointment on Monday so I can discuss my aches and concerns. This heat is killing me! I am really looking forward to finishing treatment Good luck with yours, Jan x ... View more

Hi Linda, the parking is still there it is just really really busy and there are lots of cars circling for spaces. We were there early today so when we couldn't find a space, ended up on the main car park. The free car park pass covers any car park, luckily. I am told it depends on the time of day your appointment is generally, as we were leaving at about 4.20pm today there were lots of spaces outside the building. They do treat up to approx 7.30pm in the evenings so can accomodate most peoples' needs. I prefer to get it done and then have the rest of the day to do what I want. I have a couple of linchtime appointments too but that is because they check in with you about treatment, side effects and skin care. You also get a free drinks voucher for both yourself and whoever is with you for the duration of your treatment at the coffee shop in the middle of the centre. The building is air conditioned too! Phew! Jan ... View more

Hi all. First rads done! The worst was the drive to Preston in my Dad's very hot (no air conditioning car) and the sharking for a parking space. As it was my first time, it seemed to take ages to get me lined up with my tattoos and in the exact position on the bed, The treatment itself lasted about 2 mins so on the whole, not too bad. I have an early start and have to be there at 8.30am tomorrow and all next week my appointments are scheduled for 8am but that means I can enjoy the rest of the day. Wendy , be sure to rest up, and Maggie, my cancer was grade 3 and I have managed to avoid chemo. I will keep you all posted later next week Take care, Jan x ... View more

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well. I start my rads tomorrow and am feeling a little more positive and have stopped labelling myself as pathetic and weak and can see that I am OK and more in control of any negative thoughts. Enjoy your hols Linda Jan x ... View more

Hi Numb, even though I was told I would have to have chemo by my surgeon, my oncologisit (1 week later) advised me against it, Ask lots of questions and talk to your BCN, you will be reassured no matter what the future treatment may be. Good luck, Jan x ... View more

Yes BlackSwan I do know the basis of my oncologists advice which he put in writing to me too so I could be clear about the information he was giving me. My previous medical history and other factors suggested to him that I would be extemely likely (75%) to develop neutropenic sceptiscemia and other serious side effects and as I said, this advice was very personal to me and not the general rule by any means. I did not make the decision lightly and asked him what he would actually advise me to do rather than ask me to decide based on the risk factors and he, himself said, he wouldn't put me through it with those odds. We had a really long and detailed discussion and I felt empowered by my decision which I feel is right for me. I do think we have the right to take control of our bodies and the medication and treatment we receive as long as we make informed decisions and not decisions based on fear or ignorance. I would still urge the original poster to find out as much information as she can and ask as many questions as possible to take the right path for herself. ... View more

Hi Liz, My story sounds similar to yours except mine was grade 3 Invasive Ductal 3.8cm with no node involvement. I am both oestrogen and progesterone positive but protein negative. My oncologist spent an hour with me talking to me about risks and my medical history and support network. He offered me chemo but between us decided that the chemo would do me (personally) more harm than good. He actually told me that there would be a 6% benefit to having chemo however, 75% chance of making me very ill for 18 months to 2 years and as I live alone, he advised that he wouldn't accept those odds for his wife which made my mind up. I am 51, had bilateral surgery in May, just started on Tamoxifen and starting rads on Thursday. My advice would be, talk to the experts, your BCN, your oncologist, your GP and make an informed decision. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly or rushed. Write down all of your questions and ask them. Chemo is still available to me if I feel I need it down the line but for now, I am moving forward without it. Good luck in whatever you decide Jan x ... View more