Breast Cancer Now Forum

I was diagnosed 16 months ago with stage 3 IDC er+ i had my mammogram last week (avoided for a bit).. not heard but awful anxiety..the breast in question is definitely firmer/bigger but I am blaming radio treatment.. I start zometra infusions in 2 days..(preventative)  My consultant at first diagnosis (post biopsy) said this won't kill you BUT it was in lymph node so one removed on surgery day and no metion of other nodes /scan etc   every day is scary  ... View more

So great to hear a positive post well done xxx I was wondering when you say you have lots of aches an pains can I ask where they are as I started treatment in June plab an letrozole but have in the last few months been getting really painful knee joints an in the last week or so in my chest wall an sternum (where the cancer is ) it’s not painful but feels sore an tender specially when I touch it there ,it is such a worry because I’m thinking is it just old age wear an tear on my knees as I used to be a carer or the meds I’m on the effects of them , or is it where my chest is concerned , the meds are starting not to work so I’m getting these feelings it is such a web of worry I’ve got a monthly face to face app on the 1st so I’m going to mention it then sending big love hugs to all of you in this bloody horrid club we’re all in xxx ... View more

Hi I was on ribociclib but my bloods were never right, I have had a month on abemaciclib and so far have felt dreadful plus my bloods are still low so they have took me of them also for a week, this scares me something terrible Carol ... View more

Hi   I am in the same position.  I was on Anastrozole and after 5 years of struggling with it, I realised after reading the instructions in the box, the 20 symptoms I have been dealing with are side effects.  I was suicidal on Boxing Day, and not much improved from then but seeing a therapist is sort of helping. I got an appt with Oncology and was offered 6 week sabatical, then to be put on another 5yrs of Exemestane, which reading those side effects are not much different.  I was told the molecular structure was different, and its possible I wont have them as severe.  I have read that after 5yrs its something like 1% benefit, from 7 to 10 years is debateable if at all. I am 56 and have felt crap for 5yrs, literally crap.  I am not sure mentally I can cope another 5yrs, I left a job i had after 10yrs there, took a humongous pay drop because I simply could not think, my reactions were slow, my brain was spent.  I am now in another role and making lots of mistakes, and struggling and this is the easiest job I have ever had!....   I genuinely do not know, like you what to decide.  I know its likely I will panic not taking it or be of the mindset "what if".  That is wrong I do know that, but sat here typing I am struggling for words, to think and now not sleeping again. 😞 ... View more

Thanks for your response Ive had ultrasound and mine is 12 mm after 5 years of using tamoxifen. In order to keep me on it they would like me to have the mirena coil, which breaks down the lining. I would really like to know if anyone else has been ok on this combination-potential for recurrence and side effects.  thanks    ... View more

Hi Smash73 I understand you have spoken with your GP about this, and are seeking clarity. If you wished to speak to our breast care nurses too, you can reach our team on freephone 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). If you preferred to write in to them, you can do so here, or by posting on one of these four boards. Sending our best wishes Bernard     ... View more

Thanks for all the positive messages! Started Zoladex a week ago.  So far so good but I know it is very early days!  Start Anastrazole in two weeks and going to stay positive! My Dexa scan isn't happening due to the GP radiographers all being furloughed but I will remind my doc when things get a bit less crazy.  I have got myself a smorgasbord of supplements, have gone veggie and switched to all natural products. Who knows if any of that helps but it makes me feel healthier! Back running four times a week, strength and conditioning in between and working with a sports therapist. Best wishes to all you wonderful ladies and I hope your journey continues to be a positive one.    Xxxx ... View more

I had Paget's disease and lost my nipple, I was offered reconstruction but turned it down. I simply don't want to be pulled about anymore BUT I had surgery, chemo, radiation and Herceptin.   I had a tattoo but it did not last and I have a stick on nipple that attaches with eyelash type glue but I never wear it! ... View more

Hi Smash,   Thanks so so much for your reply - that puts my mind at rest. I always have to have something to worry about! I still need to practise with the insert as not convinced it’s doing the job just yet, but need to go and get measured and buy the right sized bra really now I’ve had my op x ... View more

Hi Everyone   I was 54 and my hormone level was borderline for menopause after chemo and my periods had stopped but before I could start letrozole my periods came back so I started zoladex. I was told I should have it for 2 years by which time I should have gone through the menopause. I assume they will stop the injections and see what happens. If my periods return at the age of 56/57 would be a surprise but I think they would restart the zoladex.   All the best.   ... View more

Thanks Tigerfeet for responding Very helpful 😀 I’m seeing surgeon at the beginning of July and surgery in August. Slowly coming round to the idea!! I’ve looked online to see what the results are for  breast uplift surgery but wondered if anyone on here had it.  I’ll post again to let you know how I get on.  Smash  ... View more

Hi MM/Sue Thanks for the info about the dexa scan. Sounds like the blood tests can be unreliable, which probably means for me at my age I will have the treatment for longer. I asked about having my ovaries removed last year but they are declining this now, they did offer when I was first diagnosed. I am worried, about the effects on my bones long term. I am on the 3 monthly injections. This is more convenient. Oncologist denied there was any difference in efficacy, same dose x 3 slow release over 3 month. He said if you can tolerate the increased side effects this is more convenient.  I’ll see what they say next time and if I get any answers will come back.  Wishing you both all the best with ongoing treatment.  Lucie ... View more

Hi, I’m on tamoxifen since February 18, and zolodex since September 18. I’m 40. The percent increase in survival I was told was probably 2-5% which when my odds of being here in 10 years was 50% it seemed to be enough to give it a go. I was very reluctant but, to be honest it’s not been that bad. It just intensifies the hot flushes for a week after the injection. No joint pain or any new issues. Give it a try - you can always stop again after a couple of months if it’s not tolerable x ... View more

Happy Birthday Mcnulcc, glad that alls well and that you are off for birthday celebrations xxxx Re tattoos-Glad to say not an issue here. The one on my chest is about the size of the nib of a ball point pen and looks like a faded freckle. I never gave them a second thought as tattoos have never bothered me, i have one that was done about 18 years ago, one mad Saturday just woke up and decided to go for a rose on my shoulder. As with all our journeys on here, we are all different and one situation can be felt totally differently by each of us. ... View more

Thank you so much Smash73 your advice has been so so helpful. Hope the results of your Dexa are good and you can continue on Zoladex. xx ... View more