Breast Cancer Now Forum

I agree with SamLee, ask for everything if it helps. I was very lucky and was offered Emend at the start, I didn't have to ask. I took this and all the other medication as directed and I wasn't sick once. If you do get sick then they will give you somehting else instead so make sure you tell them of any side effects, not just nausea, as there will be something to help. Good luck xx ... View more

I had a "tidy up" about 5 weeks ago - nipple recon, dog ears and lipo on my breast and hips. As Saffronseed says it is part of the treatment and it is worth it. While my scar was healing after the original DIEP I massaged it with BioOil. ... View more

I had a mx and the immediate DIEP recon on one side in Nov 11. From the start I was delighted with the result. Although the area is numb it nevertheless feels very much part of me. I had a nipple recon and lipo on the new breast 4 weeks ago and now just await the tattoo. It is a BIG op - i was in hospital for a week and I had 6 weeks off work but it was absolutely the right choice of recon for me. I have a hip to hip scar across my tummy but below the bikini lineand areas of my tummy are numb. Scarring on the breast is minimal and once the tattoo is done it should look no different form the other one. If you have any specific questions please do ask. Good luck x ... View more

I have been treated at the Marsden in Sutton (with a few outpatient appointments at the London marsden). I have had brilliant treatment - mx with immediate DIEP recon, chemo and 3 weeks ago nipple recon. I have also had acupuncture for pain in my feet from side effects of Letrozole. The staff are all lovely and although busy I have never felt rushed at appointments. The NHS at its best. ... View more

My onc referred me for acupuncture as I was having terrible pain in my feet and legs. I have had 6x weekly sessions and it has helped enormously. I can now get out of bed in the mornings and walk normally to the bathroom - I don't know how long the effects will last. I had the 6th one on Tuesday and go back in 4 weeks for a top up. ... View more

Me too! Have never had any allergic reactions until breast surgery. After my DIEP in Nov 11 I developed blistering on my tummy from the big white plaster. I can honestly say it was more painful than the DIEp wound, the mx area and the underarm all put together. A week ago today I had nipple construction and lipo on my hips plus tidying up on the DIEP scar. I woke up with another big white plaster across my tummy and yet agin I have a painful itchy sore rash. I have found the old fashioned calamine lotion helps the most. ... View more

Hi ladies I started on Letrazole about a year ago and have been suffering with pains in my legs and feet. I am just about to go to the hospital for my 6th acupuncture treatment. It has really helped and may be worth you asking for a referral. Clare x ... View more

Hi Lynberi, I have been on Letrozole for just over a year. I have been really achey for about 9 months now. It is worse in the morning and when I have been sitting for a while. My feet and legs are causing me the most difficulty - they seem to seize up and I hobble about, although it does ease with movement. Some days it is really bad and I take painkillers. I also take cod liver oil and glucosamine plus evening primrose oil for hot flushes. My hospital have recently been giving me acupunture which has helped a bit. I'm 56 but feel about 86! Clare x ... View more

I was refused a maasage and facial at a spa. I had booked this as a treat between surgery and chemo and as you can probably imagine I was very upset. At my next hospital appointment I asked the doc to write me a letter to say it was ok and I take this with me when having any pampering. My hospital offer massage as part of their patient care so surely it must be ok. I think jackie is righr that they are so scared of being sued. ... View more

Hi There is a thread called Anyone from Surrey/Hants - you will find it in the "In your area" section of the forum. There are a number of ladies there being treated at the Royal Surrey. I am not far from you (Effingham) but under the Royal Marsden in Sutton Clare x ... View more

Hi ladies, this is a very good article "After treatment finshes - then what?" http://www.cancercounselling.org.uk/northsouth/extra4.nsf/WebResClient/1761049276601BD68025735B00604834/$FILE/article3.pdf ... View more

Sorry ladies, I will have to pass this time - I am working on the 11th and on the 19th we will be in Norway. I booked this Northern Lights holiday last year - it is something I have always wanted to do and the bc diagnosis made me realise how fragile and short life is. Looking further ahead I am at the Marsden (Sutton) on April 19th if that's any good? ... View more

Hi Sue, I was also diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Grade 2 and they paid out. My policy had only 4 days left to run and I had decided not to renew because of the increased cost. It was fortunate I went to the clinic when I did, although I would much rather have not had to claim on the policy. ... View more

Hi, I was advised 6 months too. I waited the 6 months to the day, couldn't wait to get rid of the grey! It was fine. I know some ladies used dye before then with no problems but I didn't want to take the risk. ... View more

Sorry posted twice! ... View more

Hi ladies, I live between Epsom and Guildford. I had surgery in Nov 11 (mx and DIEP recon) and started chemo in Jan 12, finished April 12. Would love to meet up. ... View more

Here's to a happy, healthy future xx ... View more

Tabitha, so sorry to read of your news. Have you been given a full diagnosis yet or treatment plan? There is so much information and support on this site and others will be along to help you through this. Posts disappear quite quickly so keep adding to ensure you get to the top of the latest posts, or you may want to join a particular thread once you know what path your treatment is taking Clare x ... View more

Hi Ladies, I'm from the January 2012 thread and I just wanted to send you best wishes for your journey ahead. We were where you are now a year ago and we all got through it with the help and support from this forum. For me the first chemo was the worst as I had no idea what to expect and my fear was far worse than the reality. I kept a diary throughout the 6 chemos of how I was feeling each day and there was a definite pattern so I knew which would be my good days and so I could plan to see friends etc. If you have any questions please ask - I had 6 x FEC Clare x ... View more

Hi Caroline, to reassure you, not everyone has a horror story to tell. I managed to work for 2 weeks out of every 3 in my cycle and coped with over an hour commute to London 4 days a week. I was never sick although felt nauseous at times, this was eased by eating often, and as you will probably read on this site, not many of us lost weight, quite the reverse! If sickness is a problem ask for Emend, you might not be offered it as it's very expensive. Clare x ... View more