Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, I have been having a spoon on life mel honey everyday. I started taking it the day of my first chemo on 30th October. I apart from the first 4 days feel fine.bought mine from tesco x ... View more

Hi, I too have just started chemo, today I'm one week on from my first dose of FEC. I had chronic heartburn, slimy mouth, tiredness and felt sick. However, I feel much brighter today, but not counting my chickens just yet. I was diagnosed in June, and bored already of the constant treatment, but having to do another 2 fec, 3 t and 12 herceptin I suppose I best get used to it. I've had WLE and node biopsy, clear nodes, unclear margin. I then had a left mastectomy and immediate DIEP reconstruction, so now for my last bit. I would love to hear from you all, I find the information I learn from you all and the kind words of support invaluable. Good luck a November Newbies x ... View more

Hi, I started fec on 30th November, I too felt sick but wasn't, had constant heartburn, a slimy taste in my mouth and very tired, felt like a mix of bad hangover and pregnancy sickness. One week on I feel much better, my lower back and legs feel achy and weak. I hope your taking all your meds they really do help xx Love Sara x ... View more

Hi there, I am 7 weeks post op from mastectomy and DIEP. It was a rocky road at times but I wouldn't change my choice of reconstruction, as it looks so natural, even without a nipple, which will be done at a later date. Bras are a nightmare really, I went from a 36c to a 40c, I was just so swollen, buy extenders too as they help, and don't buy expensive bras, they get ruined, matalan do sports bras at £4 each. Some surgeons insist you wear a binder, mine didn't. Buy comfy knickers, without lace, as this may irritate your scar. Front opening nightdress, as lightweight as possible, you will be so hot because of the heated blanket, buy natural fibres, Marks and Spencer's do good ones, you won't want to wear them again as you get better,so again buy cheaper ones. My advice to you is take small steps in your recovery, every second you will feel stronger, don't rush it and do your exercises given by your physio. I suffered from a lot of swelling in my belly and under my arm, eased by wearing very loose fitting clothes and by resting, remember your body swells up to protect. I left mine and it caused an infection in my belly scar, I have just spent a week back in hospital on antibiotics, sometimes seromas have to be drained, luckily by body absorbed mine. I start my chemo at 2pm today, it was put back a week due to infection. I wish you well, if you need any more info let me know x Sara x ... View more

Hi all, I'm due to start my chemo on Wednesday, FEC-T and was wondering what to expect. Recovery from my mx and DIEP reconstruction has been slightly problematic, I was due start my chemo tomorrow but it was put back due to an infection. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks Sara ... View more

Hi, I have my first appointment with oncology on 2nd October . Recovering at the moment from a mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. scarytimes, ehhh Sara x ... View more

Hi, I am two weeks into my recovery for the DIEP . I had my operation 3rd Septermer, however, I had to go back in within ours to remove a blood clot and then again to reconnect the flap to an additional blood vessel , 21 hours surgery in 24,tough times! Would I opt for that option again, yes,yes and yes. Ask your hospital for their care protercol as it tells you what to expect each post op day, mine was pout back two days due to the complications, but every day I became stronger,the care I received in hospital was amazing, the other girls I met I will. Hold close to my heart forever as they were a constant support for me. Coming home was. Wonderful, I'm lucky to have a supportive husband, you will need someone with you for the first week, and someone to do everything, driving, housework and cooking for weeks after. looking at your body for the first time is scary, but now I'm happy, my tummy looks flat as a pancake , Breast is amazing . I'm happy to give you advice on what. Little things make a difference to recovery, believe me, it's the little things that make the most difference. Take care, Sara ... View more

Hi, Have you got a date yet, I'm having my operation in the morning? ... View more

Hi, I'm having my mx and DIEP in four hours, I will let you know how it went once up and running. Sara ... View more

Hi Bernadetteh, have you got your date yet? I am going in 2nd, op on 3rd ..elkk .. ... View more

Hi, i know how you are feeling, but my advice to you would be to take it as it comes, keep a note pad and pen by your bed for when those questions come into your head in the middle of the night, to ask your BCN, read other people's postings, keep a personal journal and not to google. If you want to cry, laugh and scream, do so. i was diagnosed with IDC stage 3 on the 11th June (my wedding anniversary). I had a WLE and SNB on the 12th July. It went as it should have(any questions, please ask) On the 31st july I was told I had grade 3 HER+ IDC good news was there was no node involvement but I had no clear margins. My advice was to have a mastectomy and then chemo and herceptin. I was deverstated. I was given the oppertunity of one of the 3 immediate reconstructions. I was given my options and went away to think about it. I spoke with a lady I met in hospital who had had the same decision to make, my Dad,bless him researched the pros and cons of them all , and with the support of my Husband I decided to have the MX and DIEP reconstruction. i have a provisional date for the 3rd September( I go in the 2nd, my daughters bday) I was worried that the delay with me having the op and the longer recovery time would mean me not starting chemo sooner, but the doctors have told me it makes no difference. I am scared, but once you get your head around things it does get easier, most of the time. I hope you have a great team of people helping you, and you get a good result. Cancer seems to have hijacked my year, my anniversary, my sons 21st, my daughters bday, my holiday and my parents 50th wedding anniversary that I was meant to be hosting, But, I refuse to let it hijack me!! Take care Sara x ... View more

Hi, i know how you are feeling, but my advice to you would be to take it as it comes, keep a note pad and pen by your bed for when those questions come into your head in the middle of the night, to ask your BCN, read other people's postings, keep a personal journal and not to google. If you want to cry, laugh and scream, do so. i was diagnosed with IDC stage 3 on the 11th June (my wedding anniversary). I had a WLE and SNB on the 12th July. It went as it should have(any questions, please ask) On the 31st july I was told I had grade 3 HER+ IDC good news was there was no node involvement but I had no clear margins. My advice was to have a mastectomy and then chemo and herceptin. I was deverstated. I was given the oppertunity of one of the 3 immediate reconstructions. I was given my options and went away to think about it. I spoke with a lady I met in hospital who had had the same decision to make, my Dad,bless him researched the pros and cons of them all , and with the support of my Husband I decided to have the MX and DIEP reconstruction. i have a provisional date for the 3rd September( I go in the 2nd, my daughters bday) I was worried that the delay with me having the op and the longer recovery time would mean me not starting chemo sooner, but the doctors have told me it makes no difference. I am scared, but once you get your head around things it does get easier, most of the time. I hope you have a great team of people helping you, and you get a good result. Cancer seems to have hijacked my year, my anniversary, my sons 21st, my daughters bday, my holiday and my parents 50th wedding anniversary that I was meant to be hosting, But, I refuse to let it hijack me!! Take care Sara x ... View more

Hi Bernadetteh, Thanks for the reply, you really have been through it, I hope you reman strong to fight this new battle. I'm still waiting fr confirmation of the 3rd, maybe my surgeon is your surgeon I had my WLE and SNB at King George's in Chadwell Heath, they were great in there and after having the next operation will also be having my Chemo and Herceptin at Queens. I haven't gone down the route of genes yet, maybe I should as both my great grandma and grandma had breast cancer, however my mum hasn't, thank goodness. I have a daughter also so it would be a good idea to have that conversation with my BCN, but what a can of worms it may open. i love dogs too, Dylan is a cross jack Russell/collie and is lovely, Likes a lot of exercise. I Hope your date arrives soon, as waiting I feel is the worst thing. Im off to Body Jam at the gym then to Notting Hill for the day, I hope whatever you do makes you smile too. Sara x ... View more

Sorry Bernadotte, that last message was for bonnie. I have been given a provisional date for 3rd September, just waiting for confirmation from mr rumakristian. Ave you heard anything yet. Sorry to see its your3rd grade 3 cancer, you must have been going through all of this for ages. Are you local to chelmsford, seems that people travel from all over the UK for mr to do his magic on them. I'm from Romford, so it's only 30 minute drive. Take care, Sara x ... View more

Hi Bonnie, It's true, every cancer seems to be so different, it's best to just sit back and let it ride I suppose. good luck tomorrow, I will be sending to you positive vibes. At least when you come home you'll have fresh as daisy doors to look At, Three dogs,wow, I have one,Dylan he is sporting a red mark on his head, a tomato sauced sausage, off to find the baby wipes! Sara xx ... View more

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, why are they checking your other breaone now, did you have anything come up on you first mammogram? Are you Her+ too? i worry about the genetic thing too have you been offered genetic testing? xx ... View more

Hi Chillipink, my surgery is provisionally booked for 3rd September which will be 5 weeks from te day I made my final decision. I have already had WLE amd SNB but although nodes were clear my margin wasn't so I'm having a mastectomy and immediate DIEP. If I Have have a delayed reconstruction the wait is between 18 months and two years. The end result is amazing, you even geta free tummy tuck (every cloud ehh) x Sara ... View more

Hi, i have also decided on the DIEP as an immediate reconstruction. It for me is the best option, I wanted a natural breast that grew and aged with me. The thought of having more surgery after this cancer left been kicked out is not something I will want. i went to a meeting at my hospital, Broomfields in Chelmsford where I saw the reconstructions and spoke with the ladies who had had them, some of tthem had blips but it was mostly positive. My advice to you is not to google images, I did and wished I hadn't. I am provisionally booked in for 3rd September, sooner the better for me as I'm too have chemo too. Speak to you BCN for advice on underwear, although Asda are great. I wish you well x Sara x ... View more

Hi Samjs, I have been following your journey, and am refreshed how positive you remain with the discomfort of at his blasted breast cancer. I have had a WLE end SNB on 12th July, results showed no clear margin but lymph nodes are clear,( every cloud ehhh?) I am HER+. I am waiting for an appointment for mastectomy and have decided to have an immediate reconstruction DIEP. However, I'm to wait until the first week of September, as the surgeon is on his holiday too. This scares me as I will then have, what with the recovery, a longer wait for chemo and herceptin. I hope you get on ok today, keep your chin up x Sara ... View more