Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi all, sorry I haven't been on forum for while now and I hope everyone is moving ahead with their treatment and looking to a better future. I have returned to work last week after9 months. I was diagnosed in Oct 13 and had chemo, Rt Mx /node clearance followed by radiotherapy(last one2nd June).i will be having yearly mammograms for the next 6years.There were times when I thought that I may not return to work but from the support of my colleagues and the that the NHS allows a phase return has made it easier. I'm working 3hrs a day this week and will be building up the time over the next few weeks. I am determined to get back to my normal routine, however I know life will never be normal, but I do hope it's going to be better. I'm going to join health club, have weekend breaks away at least once a month, and ensure I try and spend more time with the kids.In some ways having cancer has given me a new lease of life,a wake up call to make life better. I've realised life is too short to worry about the future, I just count my blessings and make the most of everyday.Blessing you all with a healthier and happier future. x Pam ... View more

Hi all, I had Rt Mx and axillary node clearance on 21st Mar as day surgery. Had op at 9am and I was at home at 4 with a drain which was to be removed after 7 days and the dressing to be removed within 7-10 days. I went back on the Mon to have the drain bottle replaced as it had filled up. Had drain removed on Thursday 27th and the dressing removed by the nurse at my GP's who said the wound looked fine. I have been feeling down since the dressing has been removed and haven't able to look at myself in the mirror to see the what it looks like fully. At the moment it feels soft at the front and under my arm, however it's painful under my arm, I have been wearing my husbands shirts as they are loose and cool. I'm not wearing a bra either worried that ii might open my wound. I'm doing my exercises My questions are 1)how can I pick up courage to look at myself 2) is it ok to wear bra this soon after surgery 3)is it ok to get the wound wet as I'm covering it which doesn't allow me to have proper shower/bath 4) 830mls of seroma was collected whilst I had my drain on, I am not sure the softness around the wound is Seroma and when exactly do I go back to get it drained? Thank you all for your advice. ... View more

I had my 5th treatment ( 2nd FEC) on 28th Jan and my levels were 3.2, however I had another blood test on Thursday as I had fluid seeping from my nails and the level had dropped to 0.2. I had 5 days of GSF injection following the chemo but it seems they hadn't worked so was given another 3 doses and antibiotics to take, and will have another blood test on Monday It is the first time this has happened and obviously I'm concerned as my last chemo on 18th Feb I don't want this delayed. I thought I had done well with eating the right food avoiding the public and too many visitors. Has anyone been in similar situation and how can I get my levels up? ... View more

I've recently had repeat ultrasound scan and mammogram midway of treatment (3xDocetaxel)and will be staring FEC next week.The scan wasn't clear and the mammogram showed no change, however when the consultant examined me she reported there was definite difference and she couldn't feel the lymph nodes as much. At least it hasn't got worse and it's stable, but I'm still worried that after my 3xFEC and planned surgery I will have to have further chemo instead of the planned radiotherapy. I know I should be positive as the consultant felt there was a change, however after my appt I have been feeling quite down.Has anyone been in similar situation? ... View more

Have had 2 chemo treatments not able to taste food for 10 days after any advise? ... View more