Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Amberstone,     Firstly you have come to the right place.  Its exactly a year to the day I received my diagnosis and without this forum I dont know how I would have got through the last year.  Like you I had regular mammograms and although it was a shock I felt numb. There are no right and wrong ways to feel or deal with what you are going through.  If you want to cry have a cry always best to let it out.  I think one of the best pieces of advice I was given is to take one day at a time.  It is a rollercoaster and you will experience a whole gambit of emotions.  Try not to think too far forward.  Have your surgery on Monday you will be looked after and will get pain relief.  There is lots of good advice here for anything your worried about but remember everyone is different so your experience will often be different to someone else. Sometimes its easier to post here how you feel I found that sometimes family cant support you or you are afraid to tell them how you feel, here we can be totally honest and vent your feeings.  You will have ups and downs just roll with it.  The forum also supports carers and family members so your daughter can also get support if she needs it . Hope all goes well for you on Monday gentle hugs Xx ... View more

Hi Amberstone,  Firstly you have come to the right place.  Its exactly a year to the day I received my diagnosis and without this forum I dont know how I would have got through the last year.  Like you I had regular mammograms and although it was a shock I felt numb. There are no right and wrong ways to feel or deal with what you are going through.  If you want to cry have a cry always best to let it out.  I think one of the best pieces of advice I was given is to take one day at a time.  It is a rollercoaster and you will experience a whole gambit of emotions.  Try not to think too far forward.  Have your surgery on Monday you will be looked after and will get pain relief.  There is lots of good advice here for anything your worried about but remember everyone is different so your experience will often be different to someone else. Sometimes its easier to post here how you feel I found that sometimes family cant support you or you are afraid to tell them how you feel, here we can be totally honest and vent your feeings.  You will have ups and downs just roll with it.  The forum also supports carers and family members so your daughter can also get support if she needs it. Hope all goes well for you on Monday gentle hugs Xx ... View more

Hello Tra 16 and Cocolily I am nine months down the line and coming to the end of my treatment.  I feel for you both and understand the wait is horrible one of my first posts was asking how you get through it.  There are no easy answers but just to say take one day at a time.  I found once I knew where I was I deat with it better the not knowing was the worst part.  Remember you are now in the system and today is about curing breast cancer the treatments are so much more advanced.  Hugs to you both x ... View more

Hi everyone just popped back after a good few days off radar but feeling much better now!  Sorry to hear about those of you that have suffered this week and those who have ended up in hospital, really hope everyone feeling much better.  Next treatment isnt til next fri but starting to think about it already dont want it to spoil any good days I have coming, but just seems like such a long road ahead.  Hoping to do some dreaded christmas shopping this week but feel so tired!    Love and hugs to all having treatment this week and those getting over last session xxx ... View more

Ladies all your comments are so true and powerful in respect of out mortality.  None of us know whats around the corner just look at our experiences already it may sound cliche but you do really have to appreciate each day!  Im not sure how you shake off that constant dread or fear that you have and will have for years to come my onco did number crunching and came up with two senarios? One better than the other!  Im willing to take my chances and have decided to put the percentages to the back of my mind many people have kindly mentioned "oh well you never know what's going to happen, you could cross the road and get run over"  ... helpful!!!   As many of you have said, you like me know people that have survived and sadly those that didn't.  It certainly is a very emotive disscussion. Just a thought when going through the chemo ... A young lady I know in her 30s has just completed treatment she lost her mum 8 years ago to the dreaded BC her aunie was diagnosed same time as her mum and is still alive today.  Her mum didnt have chemo (I don't know why) her auntie did.    Be kind to your yourselves big love and lots of hugs XXX   ... View more

Hello lovely ladies!   Had bad day yesterday but picked up today I had three ops in 3 months so want t chat about the physio thing, but, first of all has anyone had problems with tighteneing and soreness of the scar area a few days after chemo BCN said it was a coincidence but its so sore tight and uncomfortable.  Was told I would get offered physio but never received an appointment when I queried it was told ah you have enough appointments at the moment do you really want anymore?   Zelda I think your right its best to try not too think about it, one day at a time!   Peta How are you feeling now? How's your exercising going are still able to keep up with it with treatment.  Hoping your sore vein is much better have you tried a warm water bottle on it after treatment?   Lainie G Glad to hear yur back home now but sorry t hear that your not well enough and your treatment delayed - the injections do help boost you up hopefully you will get back on track soon its mad when it comes to asking for the poison!x   Junash sorry to hear the fec 3 hit you its the pants!  With the taste thing have you tried sucking milk lollies / ice pops during chemo?  I had an awful metal taste first time round, the nurse suggested it to me and I tried it and I have to say this time I have hardly noticed the bad taste.  I just took them in in a flask and sucked them slowly over the treatment time.x   Bettypoppit How are you doing this time apart from the chemo brain?  I would certainly eat when you can and not feeling nauseous x   Lah 21 Did you manage the journey okay to the third fec?  I have the injections day 5 to 10 and although get back pain as a se they do help alot x   GeeG loving the wig stories its the way you tell em!!! Hope your coping x   Jingo Linzz AM driver and anyone I accidently missed (Apologies) hope treatments are going well, think as others have said we are all amazing !   Take care lovely ladies love and hugs XXXXXX         ... View more

Hello everyone  not posted since last week so hope I have not lost the thread must try to keep up!!!     Debtex the chemo brain! I didnt really believe it could happen until I misjudged a cupboard door to put my boiler on bent down to wrong cupboard  cut my eye and now have lovely bruise to match flushed face! Been doing all sorts of weird stuff tried putting the kettle in the fridge the other morning!   Zelda Thank you for your kind words as you say its always a sad time remembering a loved one, we never stop missing them but all the emotions seem to be so heightened while we are going through treatment.Hope the anniversary of your dad passing passed peacefully and you were able to recall happy memories. How is your hand now? its so painful when they can't get the cannula in love and hugs to you Xx   Lainie G Thank you too for your kind words, our pets become such a big part of our families!  Dont think I will get anymore so upsetting when they go!  I'm so so sorry to hear you are still in hospital and have had such a dreadful time of it  Hoping you can rebook your mum and dads special anniversary dinner soon.  Don't worry about having a good cry it makes you feel better and helps you to relax down.  Hoping by the time you read this you have had some good news xx   Nicnac 15 We sure do get attached to our pets dont we?  Glad to hear that your treatment went ok last Monday hope your doing well.  The hair loss is so upsetting I can't believe how much I cried but do feel much better now that its shaved, hope your coping a little better now. lxx   Peta  So good to hear your news about the house exchange good luck with the move how does the date fit in with the treatment? Hope your doing well XX   Murphy 1963 Thank you for your kind words re my rotten day feeling much better about it now.  Did you get over your UTI that can be very nasty hope its cleared.  I have found less nausea and more tiredness this time.  I know what you mean about leading a normal life again sorry to hear you have been feeling down sometimes the UTI contributes to that as well.  All of the treatment and talk of the BC takes over your life rant away we have to get through this anyway we can.  It must be very hard with young children its hearbreaking what they have to worry about!  My children are both grown up and married but both have young children my 10 year old grandson couldnt see me the other day because he had a bug and could not stop crying not because he was unwell but because he could not come to see me. Anyway thinking of you take care xx   Betty poppit Thank you I am feeling much brighter than last week emotional wise had 2nd treatment friday just so tired lack of sleep through blasted steriods! As you say its all part of lif'e rich tapestry.  Hope you are doing okay xx   Jingo X Is it tomorrow you are switching to T and C I know its always harder worrying about the unknown its far more scary than knowing what to expect.  Will be thinking of you I know its hard but try not to worry let us know how it goes love and hugs xx   Hi Lah 21 welcome I joined a little late on but group are fantastic and excellent support. Hope when you read this you are feeling much better.  It does help to share with people outside of your family I find I have to filter quite a lot its better to let it out here than bottlr it up!  I admire you so much for working.   I feel your pain like you I only had one lymph node involved just seems so unfair and so frustrating but we must look at the chemo as a preventative for the future and a battle against this nasty disease.  Hugs xx   Nana Jane Welcome to a lovely group its really helped me a lot looking forward to chatting in the coming weeks.   To everyone out there and apologies to anyone I missed have a good week and good luck with those having treatment Im off for a sleep sooooo tired love  nd hugs xxx   Nana Jane ... View more

HI Ruth thank you for your reply.  I did have it done for my granddaughters christening back in Sept but pre chemo days.  Was thinking about doing it again but after your reply have decided against it having 2nd chemo fri.  Are you new to the forums? ... View more

Hi my lovelies... not posted for a couple of days so just wanted to say...had an emotional day yesterday following visit to cememtery as it would have been my darling brother's birthday lost him a long time ago but feeling very raw because of this horrible BC and treatment and spent most of yesterday in tears came home and lost my lovely cat of 18 years he had not been well and passed away on sofa in the afternoon. Was trying to have a good week what with the hair loss and sore eyes they are worse now looking like golf balls! Anyway enough...   Debtex hope your arm is settling down I still have swelling from my first treatment over two weeks ago and found it very painful I tried laying a warm hot water bottle aross it although it didnt work miracles it did help to ease it and make it feel a little more comfortable, I guess anything is worth a try!   Zelda my heart goes out to you hearing that you lost your beloved dog.  Its so sad always had dogs and cats it's so hard when you loose them. Hope the results are good from your echo and that you are not suffering too much Xx   Lainie G and Peta ... Trying to gear up for Friday your both due number 3 you are both so brave only coming up to number 2 feel like I cant cope already! feeling anxious seems to have come round so quickly.  Lainie did you get your emergency card sorted for future, hope your feeling better following hospital stay any news on going home?   Murphy 1963 just to let you know my brows are holding on they need a tidy up but Im scared to touch them in case I prompt them to jump! How are you are yours still in tack?   Nicnac and Robynv how are you both?  Hope all ok yesterday thinking of you and hope that the Se's are minimal   Bettypoppit Hi there hope your doing well  where are you treatment wise?   Hello to anyone I missed love and hugs XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ... View more

Hi my lovely ladies feeling little better today thank you for all your commenrs and advice once again helps so so much x   Back from the hairdresser she has shaved it really close to my head feels much more comfortable and have been putting e45 on it which is quite soothing.  Was bit upset can't put any makeup on eyes are so sore eyebrows still intact no bottom lashes top once bit patchy.   Robynv - good luck for Monday.  I feel for you having long hair, I feel bad enough and I have worn mine short for a while now.  I don't know but I feel its like you loose another bit of your identity with all the other stuff we have to contend with.     Peta as you say can always go all the way next time, because I couldn't colour it anymore the back is dark and top is grey but looks so much better than yesterday.   Murphy 1963 good to hear about the body hair mine seems to be thinning same as the lashes but at least its under cover!   Having second FEC next Friday anyone same day?  Had Onco app yesterday sked about alternative to one a day for 5 day injection was told there is a one slow release one but cant have it because its £1600. I don't know if I can face the pain in the back again but was told benefits outweigh the side effects.  I know it wont be until Tuesday week but thinking about it already!   Good wishes to everyone having teatments this week be kind to yourselves and have peaceful and pain free weekend.   Xxx ... View more

Hi lovely ladies hoping your all hanging on in there and getting through the best way you can!  Reading your comments regarding weight I weighed exacly the same today as the first time.  They were happy with that when I said wish I could loose some they said no you are better to be carrying a bit extra its better for you. Didn't think to ask why!  I thought I might have lost a bit because I have not been eating as much, but they said the steroids make you put it on?  Anyone have any thoughts about that?   Hoping I can enjoy this week second cycle next Friday.  Eyes are so very sore any tips, onco said all drops are much the same.  Not much I can do.   Had a cry this morning day 14 and as told, hair coming out in handfuls.  Had it cut very short at the start but still a shock and felt much worse about it than I thought I would, hate the tufts and bald patches seeing hairdresser tomorrow to have it all taken off.  Any advice a number 1 or shaved? Can you please share your experiences think I might feel better once its all gone.   Probably lowest day so far  ... View more

Hello ladies day 10 and still not sleeping great and still waking with the headache!  Was quite scared today had the most excruiciating back pain apparently a side effect of the Granocyte last injection yesterday so hopefully all will settle down now.   Linzz feeling for you  its so tough but I do know lots of ladies whos bloods do pick up rather than not so I really hope your well enough for your 2nd cycle, its enough what we have to go through and its so hard to plan anything too.and understand what you mean about the delays and cycles being messed up, crossing everything for you.  Let us know how you get on Xx   Have a peaceful and restful Sunday everyone gentle hugs to you all XxI ... View more

Wow busy busy busy!!! Good evening ladies I'm stuggling to keep up only been away a day so good though to hear you thoughts and stories.   I'm now day eight and seem to have the munchies have had some weird cravings bit like being pregnant... no don;t get excited its impossible lol!   Jingox thank you for the welcome, Im looking forward to getting to know you all and welcome the support. Glad to hear your 2nd cycle slightly better hope it stays that way.  Have you tried changing the times of your meds.  I had a couple of bad nights but adjusted the times so I began taking them ealier in the morning and finishing earlier in the afternoon (as advised by my BCN) seemed to do the trick still wake early but manage to get 5 or 6 hours straight.   Hey Linzz  I love your idea of the Mohican I have said once mine has gone I will have a picture done with my son and hubby who are both folically challenged   Bettypoppit good to know headaches are normal part of the process seem to ease off now once Im up and about.  Had my hair cut very short just before 1st session.  Scalp has been quite itchy though.  Been shampooing and conditioning but its weird to think about it going not sure how I will feel apart from the above comment and the photo to look back on when the day comes that we are all post treatment.   Robynv my first was the 24th Oct and is on a 21 day cycle    Sue456 the flushing is a normal side effect I look like I have had a week in Florida! Temperature has to be over 37.5 or 38 before its considered high need to check with chemo nurse to see what your upper limit is mine is 38 although you should have been told a lower level as well.  Do you have a number to call if you are concerned about anything?   Ladies the stats thing!  My onco put the wrong figures in a painted a very poor picture I queried it against my path report and she re-entered with a much better outcome, I now worry that the chemo meds have been mis- calculated trying not to worry about it but can't help being concerned.   Quick question anyone administering their own injections of Granocyte?   Love and hugs to you all Xx ... View more

Hi everyone!  I began my chemo last friday so Im day 7 today! Been meaning to hop on thread all week, but better late than never I suppose!  I hope you are all managing and we can share experieces, have found the forums to be a life saver!  Been okay had a few wobbles and some low days but cos feeling little better I'm trying to put it behind me!  Has anyone experienced bad headaches?  Also do the side affects get worse with every cycle?   With the nail situationI heard that a drip of tea tree oil under the nail tip every night helps, I also heard wearing the cotton gloves helps but be careful as they can harbour any infections.  As you say Linzz its worth trying anything in the hope it might work?   Can anyone tell me what day you start to experience the hair loss?     Love and hugs to you all Xx ... View more

Hi Em,   I have had similiar experience.  I found gentle massaging of of the area twice a day and in the bath or shower does help.  Just excersise when you can just do a few of the easier ones if you can manage. I use e45 cream emoiient.  If you cant reach the back of our arm get someone to do it gently for you.  I have heard just stroking the area with a scarf or a feather helps.  I had a second lumpectomy and lymph node removal in July and the district nurse recommended emu oil or blue ease from holland and barrat it promotes nerve activity and although quite strong as in dont get it in your eyes, it really helped.  If you did try it do not put it on the scar.  My symptoms improved greatly and I had a lot more movement in the arm but had to have a completion mx in sept so have numbness and pain back cant use the emu oil now so use the e45 which seems to be helping.  Persevere it does get better,  the burning and pain does ease the numbness you do tend to get used to.   I drove for the first time 6 weeks after my 2nd op but found it difficult and suffered a bit after.  Automatics are easier to drive if you have one!  I also tried 7 weeks post op from mx but think because of three ops in as many months it will take a bit longer for me.  Think for insurances purpursoses you have to wait 6 weeks so you might want to check with your provider but wish you luck with it.   Hang on in there! Hope I have helped had my first chemo on fri so trying to keep busy!   Take care gentle hugs Xx  ... View more

Hi there I have had Lymph nodes removed and a Masectomy in seperate ops but on both occasions was sent home with drains in place.  Think it is fairly common now and most hospitals encourage it.  You will go home with a ' softie ' to wear in your bra before you are fitted with the real prosthesis I believe you get one on the NHS any additional ones you purchase yourself. The softie is made up of a very soft stuffing I found the all in one sports bras with pockets the most comfey post surgery until you can wear a 'proper' bra. Pockets ideal for your softie and the real prothesis, underwear is not provided but I bought mine in asda but most of the big stores do them they are like a crop / vest top made from stretchy material. The fitting for the proper prothesis is a few weeks post op when you have started to heal its far too heavy to wear straight away.  Wishing you luck with it all I start my FEC-T next Friday any tips for this Im really scared!!! Take care Xx ... View more

A gentle hug back!  It all seems never ending doesn't it?  I can't wait to feel 'normal' again and be my old self as you say though knowing its not unusual certainly helps.  Hope your feeling better soon take care Xxx ... View more

Oh wow I feel for you all !  Is it because the medical staff make everything sound so straight forward? Then afterwards it is so matter of fact!  As it has been said it is such a roller coaster! I hope this sounds right but it does make me feel better knowing I am not on my own and although every case is different this is ' normal' what I am experiencing.  Thank you again for your posts it means such a lot this forum is what keeps me going!   Love to you all gentle hugs and hoping all our recoveries will be speedy Xx ... View more

Thank you lolloy and rattles will try the tips you have advised.  Part of my problem is that I was so independent before and I am very impatient.  Consultant said it was healing well.  There is a swelling but not enough to drain. The advice was to keep doing the excercises.  Feeling quite low at the moment everyone seems to go through so much, I been told today that I will need Chemo and Rads feel like I have not got away with anything!  Still the alternative is unthinkable so will press on !  Seeing onco Monday week will know more have to see an Urologist as well beause of reoccuring water infections, feeling tired of it all but have to find the strength to keep going.  Love and gentle hugs to you both thanks again for advice Xx ... View more