Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello Tracey   You may find that using product such as SYLK or YES helps with dryness -both are recommended in the BCC booklet on the subject and don't contain oestrogen. Wishing you well - this is just another aspect of being diagnosed and one which many people would dismiss as trivial but can make an enormous difference to your sense of wellbeing at this distressing time. Wishing you well. ... View more

I got annual multi-trip worldwide with Nationwide FlexPlus at a reasonable price - might be worth getting a quote from them - hope you enjoy your cruise! ... View more

So nice that you have something to look forward to after a tough time - just a few suggestions (I've been on several holidays post-op as I plan to make the most of every day now!)   Firstly I would strongly suggest either thin cover-up shirt-style tops or kaftans when in the sun and/or sightseeing, together with high (50) factor nivea sunscreen, which is endorsed by Cancer Research UK. Also a shady sunhat, which looks "cool" in every sense of the word.   Marks & Spencer do some very pretty "Secret Slimming" swimsuits which have ruched bustlines and are very good at concealing and disguising any imbalance (I had a single mastecomy and when wearing these even my best friend can't tell which side is which! These also have pockets for your porsthesis. (Their post-surgery bras are very good (and pretty) too and not too expensive.)   They also do post-surgery swimsuits but unfortunately they come up very high under the arm and irritated the scar where my lymph node was removed but best to try on in-store are see how they feel.   Last, but by no means least, have a great time! Best wishes, Poppyj ... View more

Having had single mastectomy & reconstruction 3 years ago, the only advice I can give is to invest in a couple of front fastening bras (if possible with the advice of your beastcare nurse) which you will probably be advised to wear day & night initially, and wait until everything settles down before investing in anything more permanent. You will find that any initial swelling will subside and then have a better idea of what will actually fit. I have found M&S post-surgery bras to be affordable (refund of VAT) and don't actually look much different to "normal" ones, which is a bonus in itslf. Their trained fitters are very helpful too. Good luck! ... View more

You may like to try Nationwide Flex Plus - I managed to get worldwide multi-trip from them when my previous company would only cover Europe. May not be the cheapest but I would rather go with a well-known company. I've read that it is better to get insurance as soon as you book in order to cover possible cancellation costs should it become necessary. Wishing you luck. ... View more

Sorry - should have said I was back playing golf within 3 or 4 MONTHS! Don't want to give the impression that I'm Superwoman! ... View more

I don't know how relevant my experience is to yours, but maybe it will shed some light on the recovery etc. I had a single mx with immediate LD flap recon in 2014. The scarring on my back is low down and I can wear an M&S "tummy control" swimsuit without the scars on my back showing. As to the front, the skin from my back that was used is slightly darker than the breast skin, and I opted not to have a nipple recon or tattooing, although the scars do show still. Recovery was not too long, but do persevere with the exercises as it helps, and I was back playing golf within about 3 or 4 weeks. You will be advised not to do any heavy lifting on that side for some time as it will upll on the stiches. Good luck. ... View more

Hello Chris My heart goes out to you both - all I can say is try to stay positive and don't let this dictate the rest of your lives together. It has been diagnosed and is being dealt with by experts. You are obvously both fit and active, so I feel certain that your partner will make a good recovery with your support - your planned journey may be delayed but NOT abandoned. I wish you the very best of luck for your future together. PoppyJ ... View more

Hi! I'm now 3 years on from mastectomy & LD Flap Recon, and am on Letrozole(Femara) too. Like you I still suffer from fatigue, also joint pain and insomnia. I also find I worry far more about things that, to others, seem unimportant. Could be partly due to the insomnia, but although Letrozole is a tiny pill it has far-reaching side effects. I try to console myself with the thought that it is (hopefully) keeping the cancer at bay, and I was fortunate not to require chemo or rads. My only advice is to go easy on yourself - hopefully the worst is over. ... View more

The best person to ask about equalising your breasts is your surgeon as he/she will be able to give you all the facts. As to age playing a part, I don't believe it is relevant - it is your general health and fitness that will be taken into consideration, after all we all want the best result possible as this will aid with recovery and self-esteem. ... View more

I agree that Letrozole can have very unpleasant side effects, but these vary according to the make. Have you asked to be put on a different brand? I tried several different makes before I found one I could cope with, and they do all vary as to how they affect you.  Might be worth exploring all possibilities before you come off them completely. ... View more

Hi Charys   After a lot of searching I have gone with Nationwide Flexplus. Have got worldwide and cruise cover despite BC and other issues, when most others would only give European cover.  May be worth a try. ... View more

Hello Adrienne   Have just logged on and found your post. I had single mx and immediate recon from back 3 years ago. So pleased I opted to have it despite the fact that I felt like a beached whale for the first couple of weeks. Now I hardly give it a thought as although the back scar is quite significant it is low down so can even wear swimwear, Still feels rather tight when playing golf but at least it was all over in one go and now not painful. Just do all the exercises and take care when lifting things (such as a full kettle). Good luck! ... View more

I had single mx and recon in Spring 2014, and as far as I can recall it took many months for the fluid to be re-absorbed. The surgeon was reluctant to drain it as it could lead to infection. Uncomfortable as it was, I went along with that, and now hardly notice the slight swelling I have been left with. ... View more

Hello Rosie   Try a soft pillow/cushion under the side you're trying to sleep on (then swap to opposite side when turning over). Sounds fiddly but you're probably not sleeping for long periods anyway at present.  Be assured IT WILL GET EASIER as time goes on, and just try to cat-nap whenever you can.  Be easy on yourself!       ... View more

Hello Isad   Have you tried M&S for swimsuits? Post-surgery ones are not too expensive, or they have tummy control ones, which are ruched or pleated over the bustline and also come up quite high at the back and hide my scars. ... View more

Hi Emily   You may find it best to wait until after your procedure to buy new bras as you will probably find your shape has changed.  I wouldn't waste a lot of money on 3 bras that may not fit.  Hope this helps. ... View more

Have you tried M&S Post-surgery bras? Not a huge selection but I've found one that suits me and have it in several colours - slight padding, but nice soft pockets for a prosthesis and comfy wide fastening that doesn't dig in. I did try their memory foam ones but after wearing for a little while the wiring became uncomfortable. ... View more