Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was started on Ibandronic acid and Adcal3 about a year after active treamtnet fiished. I had a degree of bone density loss (Osteopenia), so my oncologist though it would be a win win for me. reduce risk of bone recurrence and improve bone density. It does disrupt my eating habits and I've just done my first night shift since and I'm a bit out of sync now x ... View more

Shame about the seroma and hospital being so far away.  I hope you're recovery improves and you get to enjoy Christmas.   Take care xx ... View more

I had MX with expander implant and full axillary node clearance last year.  Chemo and Radiotherapy too.  I developed lymphoedema in my arm and hand, which got much worse after radio.  Anyway, I was planning the DIEP flap surgery and asked my consultant about lymph node transfer and he and his colleague were willing to do it.  We talked about the risks of lymphoedema from the donor area and I took some time to weigh up all the pros and cons and see how things were after my hoiday and being back at work for a period of time.   I have really managed to deal with the arm/hand lymphoedema and have occasional MLD and do some simple drainage at home, so much so that my arm had gone down from 13% to 4% difference compared to my good arm.  I decided that I didn't want to take that added risk of the lymph node transfer, so would go ahead with the planned DIEP minus the node transfer.   I had my DIEP flap surgery 8 days ago and I'm doing really well.  Initially my hand swelled up in hospital, but it does so during any periods of immobility, but my other hand and both feet were puffy from all the IV fluids they gave me in the first few days.  My surgeon released a lot of scar tissue from under my arm during the op, and plumped it up with some tummy tissue, and was hopeful that in doing so, the lymphoedema may improve anyway.   I'm looking at my hand today, and I think this is the best it has looked since my lymphoedema first appeared last year.  He has always said that the research to back up node transfer is a bit sketchy, but that the DIEP flap surgery alone can lead to an improvement in lymphoedema due to replacing old scarred tissue with nice healthy stuff. ... View more

My plan was to have chemo before surgery, but unfortunately my tumour was a stubborn one which didn't respond to the chemo, so I had my surgery brought forward. I'm now back on the chemo road, although only one more to go. Don't be disheartened by my story though, as I know of several ladies who had a fabulous response to the chemo and didn't require as big an op, and one lady had a complete pathological response!! So it does work, I was just unlucky xx ... View more

Bev, I have had that feeling of not wanting to continue with chemo several times. In fact, my Husband can just about predict when I'm going to say it. I will have had 8 chemos all in (2 before surgery and now on a course of another 6), and with each one felt so miserable in the first few days that I wanted to end it all, but I didn't! And now I only have one more to go, this coming Wednesday. I dare say that on Saturday morning, I'll have the same thoughts and feelings as every other time, but at least I know, it'll be for the last time. Hang in there xx ... View more

I have the Pegfilgrastim injections once, the day after each chemo. I'm on Taxotere now, but didn't get it when I was on FEC. ... View more

Good luck with oncologist. Maybe no chemo as lymph nodes ok, but probably Tamoxifen. I'm having chemo, surgery and radiotherapy, as lymph nodes involved, followed by Tamoxifen 🙂 ... View more

Unfortunately, the tiredness does get worse with each one - I didn't believe my onc or nurse when they told me this, as I think I thought I was invincible :), so I've found dealing with this quite hard. Lack of sleep probably doesn't help either. I'm due my 5th of 6 tomorrow, so in 3 weeks time, I'll be having my last chemo.. Hang in there xx ... View more

I had an MRI scan before my treatment started, and after again 2 chemos. They can use it to monitor the effect of the chemo, so it's a very useful test to have done. Unfortunately for me, my tumour didn't respond so I had earlier surgery than planned. Mastectomy with temporary expander implant (with a view to permanant recon once all active treatment complete). The surgery was fine, a bit sore but doable with painkillers. Good Luck x ... View more

I used to run too and did at the start of my breast cancer treatment - initially chemo then surgery, but FEC chemo abandoned after 2 rounds and surgery brought forward.  Haven't managed any runs since my op as restarted chemo 5 weeks later.  Now I'm restarted chemo, on Taxotere for 6 rounds (had 3 so far) and just don't have the energy I had before, even for walks, although I try my best and keep as active as I can.  I'm getting quite frustrated at the no swimming thing and the reduced energy levels.  I feel you should just go with what you are able to do, you're body will let you know if you've done too much!  Good Luck xx ... View more

Good luck, but you'll be fine. And you'll feel a lot better afterwards xx ... View more

I had a shower the day after my mastectomy, even though I had 2 drains in. I used a cloth and just made sure I didn't rub around my wound too hard. Deodorant a must too 🙂 ... View more

I did get some Chlorphenamine (Piriton) at the start of my chemo infusion, which I thought was to reduce the risk of reaction to the chemo, but it may be worth asking for some more for the following few days, if it helps with the after effects - thanks x ... View more

I had my first Docetaxel 2 weeks ago and spent the first 3 days in bed with profound tiredness and dreadful joint aches and pains (probably made worse as I had spent so much time lying down)  The next 2 days, the pain was bearable but still there, but since day 6, the fog lifted and the aches and pains have gone.  I too was fine with FEC, besides feeling tired for a couple of days.  Good Luck for future rounds x   My FEC unfortunately did nothing for my tumour and I had surgery brought forward, so I'm now scheduled for 6 lots of Docetaxel............. ... View more

I've heard of chemo first to try and shrink tumours, but not hormone therapy.  I thought that came after to prevent recurrence.  But I'm no expert, just another unfortunate going through treatment 🙂   Good Luck with the oncologist xx ... View more

My plan was to have chemo first and then surgery, but FEC didn't work, so surgery brought forward. Anyway 5 weeks ago had expander implant fitted during mastectomy and had it expanded during surgery and twice since. Restarted on T chemo yesterday and due to be expanded in about 4 weeks, which is just after my next chemo. My consultant just said to watch with dates so that expansion didn't coincide with low blood count period as they are sticking a needle into the skin, so a risk of introduing infection. Good Luck. I'm quite small, so it shouldn't take much more expansion, and already looking ok with a bra on, just a bit perkier than the natural boob 😉 ... View more

I'll tell you story that happened to me a few weeks ago.  To set the scene: I have breast cancer and the plan was to have chemo first and then surgery followed by radiotherapy.  I had told family, friends and work colleagues, anyone else was on a need to know basis!  Anyway, at the point at which this story happened, I'd had 2 chemos and had lost my hair, so was either wearing a scarf or my wig.  On the day in question, I was wearing a scarf, or it probably wouldn't have happened, as my wig is rather good.  Anyway.........   I was at the school standing in the playground talking to another mum, waiting for the bell to go, when a woman I know (to say hello to, not much more!) passed by and nodded over.  She went passed, and then turned around and came back and said in the loudest voice (and very slang scottish accent), pointing to my scarf, "Whit happened to you?"  I replied "I've got cancer!"  Her face dropped  and she said, "Och, I didnae know!"  (why would she? - need to know basis ;)) and then she asked "Whit kind?" to which I replied, "Breast cancer."  The conversation went on (well I say conversation - it was more her prattling on and digging a bigger hole for herself, while my friend was cringeing with every word!).   Her: "Aw hen, huv ye to get the breast aff?" Me: "Yes, I'll get a mastectomy" Her: "Aw well, when you get older, these things don't matter!"  (BTW, I'm 43 and yes they do!!!!!!) Me: "I'll get a reconstruction at the same time" Her: "You just don't know the minute!" Me: "No you don't"   She then reverted to prattling on about mundane things in her own life, and meanwhile, me and my friend were finding it very hard to keep straight faces.  Thankfully that day my head was in a good place or there may have been a murder, or at the very least a lot of snot and tears from me!   It still makes me laugh, and for the record, she has not spoken to me since 🙂 ... View more

Good Luck Holi-day, hope it works out for you x ... View more

I too have had MX and ANC just last week. Had 2 chemos first but plan abandoned as no effect on tumour. Will restart chemo and have rads too. With regards prosthesis, I had an expander implant inserted during surgery, so I'l hopefully not need one. Have a look at the website http://www.knittedknockersuk.com/. They supply free of charge prosthesis to women with breast cancer and they are very light and soft. Good Luck x ... View more

Hi riversidedawn. I had my sugery Tuesday and got home home today. The op went well and besides some pain which was managed on regular painkillers, I have been ok until the painkillers decided to play havoc with my insides and I was sore, bloaty and generally full of s**t!!!! Feel much better now and glad to be home. Back at clinic for pathology results on Thursday and then back on the chemo and rads road after that! ... View more