Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Sue Just wanted to wish you luck-and some answers to your questions- after your appt. You will hopefully feel more 'settled' once you know whats going to happen. I can recall, even after 3 and a half yrs, those feelings of trying to fit all the bits of the plan together and make sense of it all, so tomorrow is another day, Im sure it will get better for you Take care Cathie x ... View more

Hi angie Id give your BC nurse a wee ring, or do you still have contact with the district nurse? I had some leakage after my MX but I still had daily checks from the DN who sorted it out for me. Id imagine there could be a risk of infection if there is a leak? Hope it gets sorted and youre on the road to recovery. Best of luck for the future Cathie x ... View more

Hi Cazza Im sorry to read of your hubby troubles. I havnt had same situation, but, as Ive used this forum for three years, Ive sadly seen several threads on this topic. Im sure others with direct experience will be along to help you 'get your head' round the situation. Suffice to say, men dont always deal with their partners BC well...... Best wishes Cathie ... View more

Wanted to join this wonderful thread and wish the whole family many congratulations for getting through what must have been a very scary and worrying journey. Its good news stories like this that keeps us going and gives faith to those who have still got this to go. Much love Cathie x ... View more

Hi Sorry you didnt get a reply earlier before your appointment, so hopefully things have worked out ok and youve no further worries. We are all here for yoif you need us Cathie x ... View more

Hi Lisa Of course youre right to feel this way-Its happening to YOU. As Angie says, its sometimes when the partner/family hear formal diagnosis that they kick into action and support you. Lots of men, Im afraid, are beings who cant understand how we women react in this situation, We are worried about the more practical things, like whos going to help with children, cook, clean etc etc as well as the wholesome fear of the prognosis. Men think that doing what you did for him after his injury is just 'what we do'. No big deal huh? But they are no so good at taking the reins when we need them to. So, lets hope you wont need to worry further, but if you do, just tell him very clearly what you expect from him. Youre emotions must be all over the place so take it easy and remember you work best as a team. Best of luck Cathie x ... View more

Hi The first thing I did when I was diagnosed was write a will. I am a single parent, home owner and my son was 18 at the time. As i wanted to 'protect' him from himself (getting a house/money at a young age) I added a trust till he was 25. This cost around 250.00, although I was initially quoted around 150.00 for a straightforward one. Id def shop around to get the right deal-hope this additional hassle is'nt impacting on your quality of life. Cathie xx ... View more

Morning, Sorry you havnt yet had a reply, so although Im very different to you in age etc, I have been where you are and feeling confused scared and helpless. I also had a fibrodenoma about four years before I had BC, although they are NOT related, so please dont let this worry you. These are a common breast condition-sometimes called 'breast mouse' as they are kinda moveable. You are doing absolulety the right thing by getting it investigated. There is a waiting time target of 2 weeks for getting the first appt with the BC clinic. You may be lucky and go to one which does the whole range of tests as well as give you the results on the same day. The lumpectomy woudnt happen that day-this would only be after a diagnosis- and what you may be thinking of is a biopsy where they use a very simple little gadget to 'nip' a little a tiny sample if they are concerned. Its not easy if you are away from home, Id suggest you call the number on this site on Monday where you can talk to very understanding and informative staff who can answer your questions. Age isnt a barrier to BC Im afraid, and if there is a history in your family, youve done the very best thing as early diagnosis is often the key to a good outcome-Im proof of that !!! Really hope all ends well on this scary journey. Cathie x ... View more

Hi Im signed up to collect in Stranraer SW Scotland and at the two nearby ferry ports. Any helpers would be great!! Every pound counts!! Cathie x ... View more

Hallo there I can only give you my very positive comments. I had TRAM in July 2011 after my MX in Oct 2009. My very experienced plastic surgeon reckoned it is the 'Gold standard' of recons so I was happy to go along with him. I had plenty stomach, so no problem donating some. He was clear that I should not be a smoker, have diabetes or have previous stomach surgery, so I was put on waiting list. I was overweight, but he was unconcerned about this, although I did work hard swimming and going to a gym to help my core strength. This seems to have worked as I came through the op very well and had minimum hospital time. I can honestly say I have never regretted my decision. I understand your concerns given your girls. But they dont need the same 'care' as wee ones would so that would be a worry off your shoulders. Yes, you'll need to have a bit of support once you get home to allow you to recover well. It is important to know it is a big op-I was nearly 11 hrs under anaesthetic and you will have a hip-to-hip scar in the bikini area. They keep you VERY warm in the first few days to aid blood flow to the new breast, but I think thats a small price to pay for such a big step in your recover from this shi**y disease. As saffronseed says, the BCC peer support service was a great source of info as they seem to match you well with someone in a similar situation (eg family, age etc) I have buddied a girl locally who had same op a few weeks ago and it is really helpful to chat over some of the more minor things, such as what undies to wear after op and that sometimes you have a wee bit of interesting hair replanted in your new boob!!Which caught me out I can tell you!!!! Anyway, I really hope you get to make a decision which best suits YOU. Cathie xx Only negative-LONG waiting lists ... View more

Hi Wockhart - no likey! Had them at the beginning and felt awful so got onto APS which were great. Unfortunately they are no longer available so about to start TEVA. I foung with my my independant chemist and Boots were very accomodating and always got APS for me. Hope you get settled ok Cathie x ... View more

Mornin Its bad enough getting through treatment with all that goes with it, without sleepless nights Im on Venlafaxine 150 mg for help with sleeping, although I dont, thankfully, have hot flashes so I dont think the meds are the cause. They did help with sleep although did take some weeks to properly kick in. Im a wee bit groggy in the morning though. I think there are other drugs which are more effective than Venlafaxine for flushes, so hopefully youll get a reply with this info. I wouldnt just persevere though and Id be speaking to BC nurse or GP for a better alternative. Good luck Cathie x ... View more

Hi Clares Id advise you to speak to either your BC nurse, or even better,a physiotherapist who would have a better understanding of the situation. I found them to be very helpful after my MX See if you can get a chat with them and explain your fears, which are absolutely understandable. We dont need any more problems, do we !! Take care and good luck Cathie ... View more

Im sooo pleased to read your uplifting message. I know you still have a lot to go through but some of the more difficult treatments are not on your radar. I was nearly the same as you (Had mastectomy) but didnt need anything else other than Tamoxifen, so I too feel 'lucky' compared to some. Im now over 3 years since DX and apart from a little tidying uplift and nipple tattoo, life is pretty good. Best of luck for the coming months Cathie x ... View more

Hi Ness So glad you 'found us'-this site was my saving grace when I was DX (diagnosed) in Oct 09. I was almost same as you. Found one fairly large-to me anyway- so went for tests etc. Initial plan was lumpectomy. By time all tests etc done, I was told I had multi-focal too so had right MX (mastectomy). I was ES pos and grade 2. I needed no other treatment than Tamoxifen, so doing good now and just waiting to get a wee uplift and nipple tattoo on reconstruced boob Its amazing to look back, especily to read of someone at the start of this rollercoaster trip. Theres so much support here and on helpline so I hope you find that, once you get going on treatment, youll feel on top of the mega changes to your life. Best Wishes Cathie x ... View more

Hi Great to hear you have got your 'gold star' for 5 years!!I have heard that some consultants are offering between 7-10 years as latest reseach has found that its the later years which provide the most protection. Hope you get to have a chat with your team to see if this is the case, as I know the thought of loosing that 'comfort blanket' is pretty scary. Good luck Cathie ... View more

Hi. Just wanted to add my experience. I had a delayed TRAM in July 2011 following MX in Oct 2009. Ive always had a weight problem-too much unfortunately!!!!. When I saw my plastic surgeon in Mar 2010 I was over 16st and Im 5.5ins. He is a very experienced and skilled professional and didnt mention my weight. When I raised it with him he said he was more concerned that I didnt smoke , have prev stomach surgery or be diabetic. I did loose a bit of weight and got fitter before the op and it was very successful. Ive got a full d cup to match from the results and Im delighted .Hope you find a surgeon who is understanding of your personal circumstances. Good luck Cathie x ... View more

Hi Sorry to hear your story-Im in Scotland. If thats any good, private message me and Ill give you my surgeons name who is fantastic and very skilled Cathie ... View more

Hi I dont know if this is helpful, but I had a MX in Oct 09 and have (thankfully) never seen an oncologist. I was managed by my BC surgeon and didnt need any futher treatment apart from Tamoxifen. I have to say I was quite shocked by this news as I had , wrongly, thought that chemo was given to everyone with a cancer DX. So maybe no news is good news. I understand the horrible gut wrenching that goes on in your head when you dont know whats happening, but try to relax and remember. you can only worry about the things in your control.Hope your news is positive Love Cathie xx ... View more