Breast Cancer Now Forum

Radiotherapy can leave you feeling tired. The affect of radiotherapy can last weeks after the end of treatment. On the plus side, it will depend on how young and fit you are when you commence treatment, and how long your treatment takes. I think you'll be 'party-fit' by Christmas so 'enjoy'! AlexG ... View more

I too have had a total lymph node clearance. The advice I was given was: 1. Do not allow medics to take blood-pressure readings on the affected arm. 2. Do not allow any blood tests on the affected arm. 3. Take great care not to puncture the skin on the affected arm. So, take particular care when washing up or gardening - ALWAYS wear protective gloves. 4. Avoid sun-burning the affected arm. The danger of breaking the skin of the affected arm is that bacteria may be introduced and cause a condition called lymphodema. Lymphodema is an incurable condition which causes swelling in the affected limb and can be painful. I have found I have to 'defend' my arm from medics and have to INSIST that they don't break the skin. It is sounding as if I'm sounding all 'doom and gloom' but I'm ONLY suggesting CAUTION. AlexG ... View more

I had a long wait between surgery and rads because I could not move (and hold) my arm up in order to position my body in the optimum position to receive rads. Don't worry, seven and a half weeks is well within the time. AlexG ... View more

My cancer was picked up by a routine mammogram too. Not a sign of a lump, bump or dimple anywhere, so I'm very grateful for the screening programme. AlexG ... View more

Do go and consult your GP. It may be problems with your lymphatic system draining or something else. I can only speculate. AlexG ... View more

'Phone the Help-line or send an email to BCC. They are very helpful. AlexG ... View more

Wow! This guy has rattled our collective cage... and some! I agree with a previous contributor - please let this prat know what those of us who have faced this demon feel. He may be contacted via the publisher of this book - look inside the front cover for the address of the publisher. He should not continue to eschew such crap without redress! AlexG ... View more

You're in a very vulnerable place just now - you think they've removed it but they didn't get clear margins (been there, done that, so know how you feel) but to be told there is another op to remove even more 'margins' is bound to make you uneasy. Once we've been touched by cancer we think every twinge, ache and pain might be it coming back for another bite. Okay - you're right to be vigilant, but please, don't worry unnecessarily. AlexG ... View more

A couple of suggestions posted on this site before are: drink tonic water before sleeping, and when cramp strikes in the middle of the night try to find a cold place to put your foot/feet. If bathroom tiles are not available take a tin tray to the bedroom... but watch out it doesn't turn into an instant skateboard! ... View more

Not strictly a 'cancer' joke, but it made me smile. Question: "What is a waist?" Answer: "The space between a woman's breasts, and her other 'interesting bits'" Question: "So why is that a waist?" Answer: "Because there is plenty of room there for another pair of breasts!" ... View more

If I ruled the world I would make plastic wrapping of items for sale illegal. Prime suspects are; CDs, DVDs, Cold Meats, packaged salads, and even loo fresheners! AlexG ... View more

What was the morphine-based pain-killer? I ask because I'm taking one (not neccessarily the same one) and know that ceasing or decreasing them is not difficult. It may be that the very fact that she is dealing with secondaries is getting her down. Whatever its cause, she is lucky to have a caring friend around to support her through this difficult time. AlexG ... View more

A 'Victor Meldrew' moment! AlexG ... View more

Sweetheart, you're telling my story! Coldness... numbness, cramps, blood tests for thyroid deficiency coming back negative... There are so many side-effects from Tamoxifen but the medical profession doesn't seem to take us seriously. I'm not sure if there is any answer, but be assured, you are not alone. AlexG ... View more

That Youtube clip is brilliant! My daughter sent it to me but my computer security is such that I can't forward it to anyone. ANYONE WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR and a love of our canine friends - please check this one out! AlexG ... View more

How about a Bulldog Shitz tzu cross for our virtual kennel? (Sorry, couldn't resist it!) Incidentally, I once knew a Bulldog named Brenda. (Post edited by admin because they don't allow swearing!) ... View more

Chocolate Malteser - I want one! Mind you due to the difference in their size one of them would need a step-ladder to do the deed! AlexG ... View more

Another dog for our kennel - A Flat-Poo (Cross between a Flat-Coat Retriever and a Poodle) And another "If I ruled the world" idea - treat those idiots who torture or neglect their dogs to a dose of the same medicine! Same goes for child-abusers naturally! AlexG ... View more

I learned recently that a Standard Poodle is commonly referred to as a "Spoodle" (LOVE IT!) My two dogs are "Flat-Coated Retrievers" - the same breed won Best of Show at Crufts this year. I suppose "If I ruled The World", I might give my dogs the vote because they have the same level of intelligence and political savvy as the average voter. (Bitch Bitch Bitch!) What IS a pigadoodle? AlexG ... View more

I take 10mg amatriptalyne at night for pain relief. I was on 20mg but reduced it to 10mg when the pain lessened. The ONLY good thing about amatriptalyne is sleep. I have another (non-cancer related) problem which disturbs my sleep but amatriptalyne sends me straight back to sleep after my frequent trips to the loo each night! AlexG ... View more