Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi. The NICE guidelines say it is first line for secondary breast cancer. Any chemo you have had as part of a primary diagnosis does not count. I do not think your onc is alone in bending the rules for you. I have recently started Ibrance and letrozole after other treatments. First marker indications are that it is working.... ... View more

I would like to add my tribute to Helen who was a wonderfully supportive member of the forum.....There was long time last year when I came to the forum each morning anticipating Helens first post of the morning saying "good morning ladies!" with real pleasure  and missed it terribly when she managed to get away on her trip to America (although I was clearly delighted she managed to go on her dream holiday and really enjoyed it). I will really miss looking in to read Helens warm posts. Deepest sympathies to Helens closest friends and her familyxx ... View more

Hi.....I think we all use what we think best......I have been on capecitabine over 3 years.....I sometimes use underly cream during the day....sometimes use other creams which are a bit greasy but which are absorbed quickly....current favourite contains argan oil.....At night I use a cream with a high urea content which is much thicker...use flexitol heel balm on prescription from GP. Also use memory foam sketchers trainers and Mbt type shoes. Also time additional weeks off medication around holidays when I know will be doing more walking.....good Luck!!   ... View more

Thinking of Helen and her family and wishing her all the very best.xx ... View more

Hi Helen...you have been through so much over last few weeks..no wonder its all getting to you....Its so hard to get it right...to get as much as possible out of palliative/hospice services....without it reminding you of whats around the corner for us all......but truely no one knows when that will be....just been watching Clive James on breakfast....he had been told he was going to die with a terminal illness 2 years ago.......he was on with presenter reading poetry he has just written and talking about his grand-daughter.....frail but still hanging on in there.....no one knows!!...Take carexx ... View more

Hi Macie. I have been on capecitabine for just over 3years. I have never had a long break off it....But have had up to a cycle off....(4weeks if you include the normal week off. Currently I am taking it for 2cycles and then having an extra week off......and after 3 lots of cycles like this taking 2 or3 weeks off....mainly to fit in with hols etc...usually my markers fall during the time I'm off...... My hands never return completely to normal but get much better and my feet recover as well....good luck with whatever you decide.xx ... View more

Great to see you posting Helen. Hang on in with the radiotherapy. I had 5dqys of radiotherapy to a collapsedmvertebra in my back(touching spinal cord)4 years ago and going strong......hope the pain settles quickly.xx. ... View more

Best wishes to those of you going through the mill at the moment.... Especially Bev and Helen..... It's so scary waiting for symptoms to improve and fearing they won't....and long hours to reflect on it all with little distraction by day and too much at Night!.....really pleased to hear of those with good news...and stability. Sianie exemestane is a hormonal treatment. An anti oestrogen, often used when other hormone treatments have allowed progression.. It is often very successful...with fewer side effects than chemo. It held things relatively stable for me for about a year...longer for many others...... A lot of hand holding and hugs to those who need it tonight.xx ... View more

Yes it's certainly possible. I've been on several holidays when actually taking capecitabine....and got cover from Mia and on my recent holiday from eurotunnel...Discuss with your onc...I stopped capecitabine for a couple of weeks to allow my feet to be on good form...because after a few cycles they get very painful towards the end of the cycle...I restarted capecitabine whilst still away....last weds because I knew I wouldn't have side effects before end of hols..and had arranged to do so with my onc. ... View more

Afternoon everone. Ive been on holiday so ahve only had the chance to skim through the thread but first of all best wishes to Helen.....hope shes soon sorted and home ;and love to Sheila......such horrible news and so scary...but hopefully plans soon in place to treat this. So Ive had a great holiday...couple of days in Rome and then cruising...Olympia, Athens, Ephesis, Istanbul, Naples...planned my capecitabine tabs to have a break whilst away and so feet were fine...lots of walking and exploring! now left with washing and ironing to sort...but hey ho!....back to drizzle in south wales......but daffs not open yet in my garden so not missed them....feel ready to face next stage of the journey!! Good luck to everyone facing tests/results this week. ... View more

Helen so sorry to hear how your night was ruined. If you feel up to it it would be worth writing to the venue, telling them of your experiences from parking,walking, seating etc and say how upset you were.....they may tell you of alternative arrangements you can make..and may even try to make amends..........You must reveal all on thursday.xx ... View more

Hi I thought i would post my good news to share with those ladies suffering with S/es at the moment and to say with a bit of luck it is worth it!! so repeat spinal MRI and CT scan last week.(my first CT scan for 3 years). the CT scan shows  all clear....the MRI no progression in mets in multiple vertebra with collapsed T4. Ive been very fortunate to have 3 years of no progression on capecitabine and 4 years since secondary diagnosis. My fingers are now very tightly crossed that this may continue!!! ... View more