Breast Cancer Now Forum

Many thanks to you both for your replies, helpful to know your experiences. It's good to hear how other people are managing as it helps me feel I'm not alone. Thanks again ... View more

Has no one had any experience of this. Thanks ... View more

I have recently got a shell like prosthesis and it is a good fit. It is Amoema make. The BCN had several shapes and sizes which we tired to get a good match with the other side. I hope you get sorted soon. ... View more

Hi fa233 Your doing really well being back at work. My counsellor told me "you've been through a lot, don't be hard on yourself, you will get there". I was really feeling that I should be back to normal, but what is normal. Now my aim is to manage my side effect as best I can, don't get overtired and do things you enjoy. All the best. ... View more

I am about to starting going swimming and getting my energy levels improved. I have put on a lot of weight over the last year and having cancer and then the extra weight has really got me down, I have a history of depression. I also have an under active thyroid which was diagnosed within the last year and I think that can effect your weight, the cancer was only 6 months ago. Maybe it's just all the sitting about and eating too much chocolate ha ha. I'm concerned about people staring, I had one yesterday but it was more my tummy she was looking at, I think she thought I was pregnant, I'm 55 and had a hysterectomy 22 years ago so no chance of that. But I'm going to go swimming, we have to get on and enjoy life, it's too short as we all know. Go swimming. And all the best. ... View more

Hi. It's me again. Just another thought. Different brands of Anastrozole can have different side effects, I changed my brand after reading messages on this site and found a brand that suits me. So you may want to check out that side of things. ... View more

I'm on the same tablets after surgery last October. The only side effects I've had are hot flushes but even that is not too bad. I hope everyone's experience help you. All the best. ... View more

Hi Lilymole It's good to hear from someone who has had an uplift. It's sounds like what I have been expecting. Hope you next appointment goes well. Anyone out there looking for post op bra, I went to M&S and they had a good variety and remember when buying a post op bra remind cashier that it is VAT FREE. penguin biscuits ... View more

Hi My experience is that they can put it in at mx operation but the radio effects when the saline is increased. Ask lots of question and read up on it all. Hope all goes well tomorrow for you and your mum. PenguinB ... View more

Hi M Many thanks, I have a GP appointment on Monday so I will talk it all through with him. There seems to be lots of things to learn. I will try your tips. All the best and take it easy. PenguinB ... View more

Chrisalex I have now had all my saline put in but only with a full feeling in my breast for a few days after each treatment. My port is near where my nipple would have been and it is not sore. My surgeon is planning to exchange it for a permanent implant in about 3 months (my surgery was 7 weeks ago) and she has asked me to consider an up lift at the same time, on the other side as I am 55 and it is drooping. I hope you get things sorted out to make you feel more comfortable. It's very hard mentally and physically going through all this. Penguin B ... View more

I had a mastectomy 7 weeks ago and had a tissues expander put in at the time. Get your mum to ask about it. I have been going up to the hospital every two week and they put saline water in, to gentle expand the tissue. It feels a bit tight for a few days after each visit but its fine. So that bit is complete now. In a few months I will have a second op to put in a permanent implant. So far it seems to be working well and when I have a bra on with a small prosthesis in it, it's looks fine. You still need a small prosthesis as the expand is a flat shape. I had check out about reconstruct using your own tissue but I thought this was a better option. I hope all goes well for your mum and you (it's hard on you too). PenguinB ... View more

I'm 7 weeks post op and the hot flushes and pains are getting worse. My first packet of tablets was the Accord brand and the second is Sandoz. How have you found each of these brands, anyone had Sandoz or do the side effects get worse the longer you on anastrozole? Thanks everyone. PenguinB ... View more

I have now had two top ups and took paracetamol before going as you advised. It worked and was a great help. Just one more top up to go. Get permanent implant in the new year, thanks for you help. Hope things are going well for you. ... View more

I had an tissue expander after mastectomy nearly 6 weeks ago. I had lots of itching but that was a reaction the the antibiotics. But I know that itch at the wound after an op is a sign of healing so I don't think it is anything to worry about. My temporary implant is fine and I have had two to ups so I have just one more to go and then my replacement with permanent implant will be in the new year. It is a bit tight for a few days after each top up but manageable with regular paracetamol. I took two tablets before each to up as advice by another lady on the forum and it was a great help. Hope all goes well for you ... View more

Gilly. Thanks for that. Good to know what to expect. PenguinB ... View more

I'm 3 weeks post op so I have only recently started anastrozole but its good to know about all your findings. I already suffer from Depression so I will need to keep an eye on things. I will keep a note of brand and any side effects. There is so much to think about and learn so it good to talk. Thanks everyone. PenguinB ... View more