Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi Smash73   As I've said for me the tattoo does not seem to last very long.  However even though it has now faded and I will have it repeated, it completed transformed the look of the breast and made the whole reconstruction look like a real breast as there was a focal point (if you know what I mean)?   The nurse matches up the colour of the tattoo ink with your other nipple and areola to be as close a match as possible.  It doesn't take very long to do.   I was told that the tattoos will fade so always knew it was not a permanent solution and so next year I hope to get it re-done and will continue in that mode for the future.   I'd say go for it!   MM x     ... View more

Thanks Chick1 for your reply.   I think I just need to try and stop worrying about it and wait and see what happens at the appointment.    I think because this is my final hospital check I've built it up into something bigger than what it probably is.     Yes, I was told when I switched from Tamoxifen to Anastrazol that I would stay on it for the remainder of the 10 year period so hopefully that hasn't changed.   Thanks for replying to me!   MM xx ... View more

Hi Smodge   I had a nipple replacement (from the same reconstruction, not nipple sharing) and it went flat very quickly, within a few months which was upsetting.  I also had tattoos done.  I had a second lot of tattoos done in December (normal to have 2 lots), but it has almost comleptely gone now only 10 months later!   With hindsight I wouldn't bother with the nipple reconstruction.  At first it looked fabulous but only stayed that way for a very short time and all the visits to hospital etc to check it and the surgery itself I found it not to be worth it.   I will have the tattoos repeated though as it is a quick procedure and really does make the breast look normal and balanced.   Hope this was helpful!   MM x ... View more

Hi Sue   I am the same age as you and am wondering the exact same thing.  At the start I was told by oncologist I would be on it from between 2 to 3 years.  Have had it now for nearly 2 1/2 years now.   Prior to starting Zolodex my periods came back so I was swiftly started on it as the previous blood test I had taken had given an inaccurate result about my menopause status apparently.    Agree with Smash73 that it is on each persons own circumstances as we are all different and I don't think anything is actually set in stone!   I will be very reluctant to stop having Zolodex just yet and so hope I can stay on for another year or so because I am on Anastrazole  and you need to be post menopausal to take that.   Hope you find some answers! :)    MM xx ... View more

Thanks ladies for your replies.   Allbobs I agree with you about not wanting to change drugs in case its worse.   I do hobble abour like an old lady first thing in the morning or after sitting for too long as ankles, knees and feet get so stiff and sore and Im only 52 but it takes me a while to get going. Also have to careful about going down stairs first thing too.   Its reassuring to hear you too have the same issue with the shoulder.  I actually had a DXA scan today so hopefully that will show that my old bones are ok, fingers crossed! 😁   Thanks everyone! 😁   MM XX ... View more

Hi Tor   Like you after going through all the treatment and surgeries the last thing I felt I could cope with was further surgery for a reconstruction.  However, also like you after 2 years of wearing a false silcone breast inside my bra, I was not particularly happy with it.   2 years after my mastectomy I had a PAP reconstruction.  It is similar to a DIEP but the donor site is the inner thigh area.  That was now over 2 1/2 years ago and it was without doubt the best decision I made.  My new breast looks so real and honestly I now think of it as my real breast.   I can now wear what I like and do what I like with no worry of having to have an implant replaced at a future date.   I certainly was not ready for reconstruction before the 2 year point and even though it is a big operation and does take a lot to recover from, afterwards I finally felt more like me again.     When I was still unsure whether or not to go for surgery I went along to a Keeping Abreast meeting and there I saw final results of other ladies who had been through it.  I was amazed how good they were.  I also met a lady in her 70's who was also waiting to have it done and she had put it over for over 15 years but had then decided not to waste any more time. After speaking to her I decided that reconstruction with my own tissue was the right decision for me.   Good luck with whatever choice you make.  At the end of the day it is whatever you are comfortable with.   MM xx     ... View more

  Sue C My GP is confident that it is not secondary spread which is what I was worried about.  I will be monitored though and if pain gets worse over next few weeks or doesn't go I'll then have xrays and other tests but I have to say the last day or so the pain has reduced a bit so hopeful.  Am booked in for a DEXA scan just to check my bone density as it's 2 1/2 years since my last one.   Thanks for your support!   MM x ... View more

Thank you Evie-S and Sue C for your replies   I've got a GP appointment tomorrow so fingers crossed for me.   I've had various pains and biopsies this last few years.  This July will be my 5 year sine diagnosis but I've never had pain like this.  To sit or get out of a car is extremely painful.  Standing straight and walking is ok but its the sitting getting up or down.  Initially I thought it was my back but now pretty sure it's coming from my hip.  Had so many hot baths and hot water water bottles and for someone who doesn't normally take painkillers I've been relying on them.   A month ago I was absolutely fine no problems at all and was jogging etc and then I had an ache in my thigh and then a week after that the pain started bad.  Now had for 2 weeks.  Really hoping it's not what i'm scared about.     I'm on Anastrazole together with Zolodex injections and I know my joints are all very creaky etc since being on that but this is a whole different level.  I am normally fit and jog etc but now can't really go far from laying on sofa.  Has anyone heard of these drugs doing this to bones?  I do take Ibandronic acid and vitamin d to help with bones.   Just feeling really anxious.   Thanks ladies for your support!   MM xx ... View more

Hello ladies   I have been on zolodex for 2 years now and was told at the start it would be from between 2 - 3 years.   I am now 51.  I am untrusting of the blood tests as I had blood tests taken shortly after finishing chemo (age 47) and before starting tamoxifen (which I was on for 2 years).  As a result of those initial blood tests, I was told I was post menopausal and as such was switched to anastrazol after 2 years on tamoxifen as that was the standard pathway.  After a few weeks of only taking anastrazol my periods started and it was a very scary time indeed.  It was then decided that I was only in peri-menopause and the original blood tests were actually wrong!  I now have zolodex alongside the anastrazol but am concerned about when the time comes to stop the zolodex probably this summer when I will be 52 years in case I am not fully post menopausal.   I had a Dexa scan before starting anastrazole which showed oestopeania but no mention has been made about having another scan done.   Its all very challenging isn't it!   MM x ... View more

Hi again   Thanks everyone for your helpful replies.  I will now go and investigate them.   Thanks for your help! :)    MM xx ... View more

Hi Aimee    I've been on similar, Anastrazole (a different AI) plus Zoladex for 2 years.  I don't have acid infusions but instead take a daily Ibandronic Acid tablet.   The main s/e for me is achy joints especially in the mornings but am used to it now so not so bad.  Other things are things connected to menopausal symptoms ie mood etc.   After my first few Zolodex injections I would feel like I was coming down with something and woud feel quite achy that evening but now I don't seem to get those symptoms at all.   Everyone is different with their s/e's etc.  Good luck and hope it all goes well!   MM x         ... View more