Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, thanks for the replies, always good to hear other people's ways of coping with pain etc. Thankfully the swelling isn't too bad, I think I was just panicking leading up to weekend as it always seems that issues crop up when the unit is shut or in the middle of the night when you could really do with a chat to all those friends offering their help! I also think I'm my own worst enemy at times as I have spoken to one of my closest friends, who happens to be a nurse and has also been through breast cancer treatment and she has told me off yet again for not taking enough painkillers, I'm just not the sort of person to take tablets, even for a headache and I know I have quite a high pain threshold, but I must admit felt a bit better today for taking ibuprofen. I understand completely about the bra issues, I always wear one of the soft non wired, sports type bra but I'm even finding that annoying at the moment, so haven't worn one for a few days, although I am lucky as I'm only small so have every sympathy for any larger ladies. How is everyone getting on with exercises?, am finding it quite difficult to raise my arm and am a bit worried as they may start the radiotherapy in a couple of weeks and I'm not sure I'll be able to lift my arm enough or hold it in the same position. Will be seeing my consultant for results next Wednesday so will bombard her with questions then. Have a good weekend all xx ... View more

Hi All, new to this thread, was previously on one for chemotherapy and found it really useful. I had a single mastectomy and lymph node clearance 2 weeks ago, I didn't enjoy the drain much and had to have it removed a day early as it had started to leak and I had to go in this Tuesday to have build up of fluid removed, but I already feel like it is swelling again, has anyone else had this problem?. The nurse at the breast care clinic said its best to leave as long as possible between drains as the body gets used to it but not sure if I will make it through the weekend at this rate. The actual scar isn't too bad, slightly itchy as it's healing but it's where the lymph nodes have been removed is an awful burning sensation, odd stabbing pains and so tender to the touch. I'm presuming this is all normal but getting pretty fed up with it!!.  ... View more

Hi Ros, thanks very much, back home now feeling ok bar the stabbing pains from the drain, will hopefully settle down next few days, just need to put up with sleeping on my back and upright which I hate. With regards to the nail lifting, mine started with ridges going down them, then became sore before turning dark as if you had shut them in a door and now the ends have gone a creamy colour. Thankfully haven't lost any but did feel loose, if ever I was worried about catching them I just put a plaster round for protection. Hope that helps 🙂 ... View more

Hi Ros, had pre op assessment yesterday so hopefully all being well op next Thursday. Went to my Look Good Feel Better session in the afternoon, really good and lots of expensive products I would never normally buy, now have the confidence to put on some subtle eyebrows!!. My fingernails have been a nightmare since the 5th chemo, 3 weeks on from finishing chemo and some nails still sore but thankfully have not lifted, they seem to get a pus underneath which eventually seeps out, then they have the appearance of having  been hit by a hammer, but growing out quite quickly. No hair growth for me yet and we all agreed at LGFB session that the one plus to all this was not having to shave your legs!. Only other issue is my numb feet which I've had all along, but looking forward to my reflexology Monday to ease this. Have a good weekend all and wrap up warm:) x ... View more

Hi All, glad to hear your feeling better Joyce, I've now finished chemo and had PICC line removed yesterday, weirdly I am awake tonight with heartburn and gurgling stomach!. I got my hairdresser to restyle my wig as it was too long for me, have been using a cropped style which everyone liked but it's a friend's one and it is quite tight, has probably shrunk with age so will have to let everyone get used to seeing me again with my original bob.   Have my look good feel better afternoon on the 19th so looking forward to that, also pre-assessment for op, flu jab, (not looking forward to) and organising days/nights out with friends before op on 26th!, busy busy x ... View more

Hi All, sounds like quite a stressful time for some with results, I know it's easy to say but keep positive.  Having PICC line out next Tuesday will be so nice to be able to put my arm in the bath! Feeling ok at the moment, usual SE's, constipation nearly returned, really numb feet and fingernails at the point of falling out but otherwise after initial worry about finishing chemo, now so glad it's over. Gearing up now for mastectomy and lymph node removal at end of November, spoke to a lovely lady in Oncology today who had her op first who gave me very positive feedback. Take care all x ... View more

Hi Josie, sorry I didn't make it very clear, my op in November is just for the right breast for now. My closest friend who had breast cancer about 4 years ago has had a reconstruction and opted to have elective surgery on her healthy breast so as to reduce the risk of it returning.  My choice is due to the fact I am only an A cup which has been the bane of my life and as I've basically requested a boob job to go to a C although I would be happy with just a B!, they won't do it in November as at reconstruction they can save the outer part of the healthy breast for reconstruction x ... View more

Hi All, final chemo done and dusted today and only in Oncology for two hours, keeping PICC line for 2 weeks in case any problems, do feel crap tonight though and already in bed so definitely going to take it much easier for the next couple of weeks, May even stay in bed tomorrow, something I haven't done since first session, that's if I can get my son to stay in more and look after the dog!  With regards to surgery I didn't have much choice other than to go for full mastectomy and lymph node removal as I'm so small and I don't think they like to do reconstruction until treatment complete, I think it is more difficult if you have a larger bust so I do feel for you. To get a positive from my surgery I have requested a preventative mastectomy on healthy breast and to be made at least a couple of sizes bigger, which my consultant is happy to do, but will be looking at early 2017 as with abdominal hysterectomy this Feb and op in Nov I will have had enough of surgery for a while!! Take care everyone x ... View more

Hi Everyone, have just caught up with posts and it seems chemo is really getting to us all now, so glad I've got my last one Tuesday as well. Have been ok compared to what some are going through, thankfully I haven't had the nausea with FEC although my eyesight is really bad at the moment and the eye gel I got from the pharmacy make it even worse. Also just about holding onto my fingernails, I have a ridge for almost every dose of chemo, lifting slightly and really painful sometimes, fatigue has really got to me and not feeling safe going out on my own as not good on my feet, probably due to the fact they are numb! Even so I feel I've come off quite lightly but we must remain positive and push through the treatment as best we can. Have a good week all 🙂 x ... View more

Hi All, Sorry to hear your having a rough time with tax Chenks, hopefully final session will be better. I to am looking forward to final chemo at the end of this month and having an extra weeks breather before operation. Chemo brain has really set in for me, have had a few friends visiting last couple of days and I'm in the middle of talking about something and I just stop and don't have a clue what I was talking about!, they say it's nothing new but I was never this bad. Looking forward to being able to get out and about more and walking the dog, the FEC makes me so unsteady that I don't feel safe going out on my own. At least weather should be ok for weekend, hope everyone feeling ok to enjoy x ... View more

Hi Ros, thought it would be in bed because of turning around at night. I'm having mastectomy and lymph node removal so yes I think it's the balance of lots of rest but remembering to do exercises. Cookbook looks interesting will have a look today.  Have a good day all x ... View more

Hi Ros, thanks for the advice re drain, Pyrex bowl is interesting, did you have it in bed with you or on the floor!!. Op now booked for 26th November as long as last chemo session not delayed. Have my look good feel better pamper day on the 19th November after last chemo all being well. Had 2nd FEC session today even though still have cold so may find next few days challenging.  Hope everyone feeling ok ... View more

Hi Joyce, I discussed flu jab with oncologist Wednesday and she also said 3 weeks after final chemo but op also being booked week after, so only have a couple of days to sort out, also not sure if I want to have it before op as don't really want any delays. Not too worried about op as had hysterectomy in February and not as invasive but a bit nervous about carrying a drain around for a week and what about sleeping, does anyone have advice on this? Currently have a stinking cold and antibiotic eye drops from gp, could definitely have done without this and hope it doesn't delay 5th chemo next Tuesday. Enjoy the nice weather this weekend all x             ... View more

Hi Ros, god what a nightmare, you sound like your getting it far worse than me, good luck with the veins next time, I'm sure it will be ok. Thankfully my PICC line seems to be holding out. Chenks, I'm getting a lot more heartburn with FEC although I was thinking it was nausea at first, very similar feeling for me. Spoke to my breast care nurse today and she confirmed probably what I already knew and that is the need to rest much more and not feel bad about it. I tend to feel ok and get on with things, I've just done ironing but now having to lay on my bed to recover. Keep smiling all its getting nearer to the end x ... View more

Hi All, was having a good day, bit of gardening in morning, hanging 2 loads of washing out, decided to go to Tesco at 5.30 pm and only lasted 5 minutes as nearly passed out on escalator. I think I preferred the T. Not sure if it's the fact of having had 4 lots of chemo or just different se's, but feel unsteady on my feet, tight chest, numb hands and feet, you name it I feel like I've got it. Asked my son if I looked any different since I started as got a bit of a shock when I looked at myself in the mirror tonight and he says I've looked rough the last few days, well I did ask!! Will relax tomorrow and wait for my Tesco food delivery in the afternoon 🙂 take care all x ... View more

Oh Josie sounds familiar!, I think it was day 9 or 10 after T I started to feel normal, it is horrible though especially if your awake at night. It is a bit like giving birth as you forget how bad it was until it happens again, just the body and minds way of coping I suppose. 🙂   ... View more

Hi everyone, hope your all doing ok :), well 5 days on from first FEC and thankfully nausea wasn't really an issue and taste hasn't been affected too badly although because I can eat I'm feeling really bloated, not overeating and not sure if it's to do with injections which I am doing for 7 days instead of 5 previously with T. Even though I haven't taken any painkillers I do feel I'm away with the fairies at the moment and so don't feel safe driving, did anyone else have this feeling? Take care all xx   ... View more

Hi All, had 1st FEC this afternoon, was really nervous and was starting to feel nauseous before the chemo even went in, my mind is definitely messing with me at the moment!. Has anyone noticed that the time feeling better is shorter the more sessions you have, I'm still getting pain from finger and toenails, my chest feels heavy and I'm still sooo tired from last T. I'm going to stay in my bed as long as possible and do nothing all day tomorrow, it will be the first time I've done this since 1st T 9 weeks ago and I'm not going to worry about keeping the house clean, washing up etc, hopefully my boys will realise I can't do it all the time, what I really hope for is the day they use their initiative without having to be told to do things, unlikely I know!!:). Weather will be pants tomorrow so everyone should have a duvet day, enjoy whatever you do x ... View more

Hi Chenks, Have you been given a number that you can call 24/7 if you have any concerns?. I have to call the hospital and have a bleep number to speak directly to a MacMillan nurse. I wouldn't wait until Tuesday, not that anything is necessarily wrong but just for your own peace of mind and sanity. Take care x ... View more

Hi All, on my good week now so stuffing myself silly to get some weight back on before consultant appointment Wednesday. Have been soooo tired this time, heels are peeling and my nails on hands and feet have been agony for a few days but thankfully starting to ease. As weather was nice yesterday I sorted out he garden, so much nicer to look at now and although I was shattered the exercise is always good. Taking it easy now as youngest son starts college Wednesday, he's fine but I'm starting to stress, it's like the first day of school all over again but instead of buying shoes it's steel capped boots!, meeting up with work colleague's Friday lunchtime and out with my best mates in the evening. Sarahd I know it's too late for answer now but I don't think a few drinks hurt anyone, as long as your not on any strong meds at the time, once I stop Tramadol I'll have the odd one on my good week. I'm hoping I won't need the Tramadol when I start FEC next week, the worst thing for me is definitely losing my sense of taste. Enjoy the rest of this hopefully nice weather this week ladies xx   ... View more