Community

I've just had my last chemo (yesterday) . I'm meeting with the medical oncologist next week to discuss going on Tamoxifen. Are they're any questions I should be asking?

It was a year yesterday since my breast cancer diagnosis. In that time, I've had a mastectomy, attended my daughter's graduation in Edinburgh, moved house, started building another house, my husband had a heart attack, another daughter got engaged (& is planning to get married in oct- hope we're back in the house!), had scans, chemo, r/t, lost hair (but not hope), check ups, annual mammogram... followed by a call back for magnification, followed by the news that there is suspected dcis in other breast. Biopsy coming up on wed, results a week later. Looks like this year is just going to keep on going on...

Hi gals, just looking for some advice;maybe i'm fussing- but still; I had an axillary clearance 4 weeks ago on one side, and though I've been doing my physio exercises religiously, I still can't raise my arm above shoulder height. I mean when when i stretch it out at right angles as if i'm on a cross, I can't raise it any further. (I can raise it above my head when i clasp my hands in front of me). The pain only diminished in the last few days though there's still a lot of tenderness, tightness, funny nerves and numbness (but i think that's normal). I had a lumpectomy 8 weeks ago and had brilliant arm mobility within two weeks. Any idea if I should be concerned about this lack of mobility four weeks on ? I normally have good stretchiness! x to all

When I was reading side-effects of chemotherapy, one I read with bemusement was "chemo-brain", thinking to myself I'm like that at the best of times without chemotheraphy The smile is on the other side of my face today I can tell you. I feel as if I have had half my brain removed; my concentration levels are so bad that this morning I was driving and hit a kerb & burst my tyre. Then I was walking down town after doing the job on my wheel when I felt like I was going lobsided and had to sit down for a minute. My bones feel like as if weights have been strapped to my legs and I feel like as if I have ear-muffs on, because everything sounds so woolly. Worst of all, I have absolutely no energy.... it's like all picture and no sound with me. I got AC chemotherapy on Wednesday 8th June; I got a cold at the beginning of this week which had me in such bad form, (and to be fair to myself, I'm not a grumpy person), so maybe some of the symptoms are associated with that but would love to hear what ye think guys. I have one more AC to go next week before I start on 12 x Taxol so maybe this is just going to be the week where Elvis left the building or is it going to stay like this until chemotherapy finished? As for how long it took me to write this e-mail..... laughable!!!

I remember some discussion about this on this message board when I started out in cancer-world, but am not sure where the info is; also seem to remember opinions were inconclusive. So, does anyone know if it does work/really stops your hair falling out on chemo. I remember it seemed to eb a long time you had to stay with the cap on after chemo. Has anyone on this forum stuck with it? Am considering switching hospitals (same onc) for the treament as they offer the cold cap in one and not my current... thanks..

Hey Am just about to undergo my third round (Docetaxel and cyclophosphamide). Was nauseous enough with the first two, last time they gave me lorazepam as well as cyclizine for nausea, dexamethasone and emend, but then I got very constipated (nurse did say lorazepam could cause constipation) followed by diarrohea (took senakot like they told me, maybe too much of it!!) and then piles - all lovely stuff. A week on and it still hurts to go to the loo (sorry, TMI!) even though the piles have cleared. I've heard that chemo can screw up the bowels, anyone else suffering? I'm juicing like mad, drinking water, everything I should be doing I think. Any advice?

hi can anyone help me with what follow up check up etc is usual. Im having problems getting appts .Maybe what im being offered is ok.I was diagnosed triple negative end may 2010, surgery, chemo and 33 radiotherapy finishing at end feb 2011. What would usual schedule appts be eg breast surgeon and check mammo. would appreciate anyones experience. thanks

Hi folks! Done and dusted with my AC regimen so revving up to start my weekly Taxol next week. I'm wondering how did people fare out in general as the weeks went on? My kiddies are finished school today for the summer so I'm trying to figure out how much help I'm going to need - hope the weather is good to us or else it's going to be a loooooong summer!

Hi guys, I am 24 years old. When i was 19/20 i found a lump in my left breast, showed it to my gp, who called it a mobile mouse and not to worry. I have been reasonable about it, But I was never happy leaving it. I went to about 2 other gp's at the time who said the same "it was fine". But one of them referred me to a breast clinic at this time. So at the breast clinic the consultat there completely brushed me off and was basically telling me i was a waste of time and it was definetely benign,(he seemed really mad) I was being fobbed off everywhere and so I went along with it and said they know best (which they do, I realise how unlikely it would be for breast cacer at such a young age). When I was 22(still not happy and worried) I decided again for a second opinion, had ultrasound done (paid for it), the radiologist told me it looked fine but he recommended exision biopsy on his referral note to the consultant, but when i went to the (new) breast consultant this time , they did a core needle biopsy with the result- Fatty tissue Lump, I left it at that and left it for a year and half. But a year later (now) , Im 24 going on 25, I got worried again, I went back to the breast clinic and said that I really want it removed as im anxious about it all the time. The registrer said "ok " and it should be operated on in 4-6 weeks. Now I wish I had done this back 4-5 years ago, But they were all telling me not to have surgery!!! Ive waisted so much time worrying and NO one can be sure what the lump is. Has anyone had a "fatty tissue/lipoma " removed from their breast? Is it normal for the lump to have stayed there this long? I have got it into my head now that It IS cancer and I cant sleep.:( I feel as though it has probably spread. I think ive lost weight I hate the way young people are brushed off.... :( I am waiting for surgery date , I cant take the waiting, ive waited long enough

Hi I need some advice please. I'm trying to help care for my sister. She is 36 and had a mastectomy last week, We are waiting for results to see if the lymph nodes have leaked or not. Since the operation she has been in alot of pain and can't do much around the house or drive or play with the kids which she is finding extremely frustrating. I have had a few chats with her and she said that if she could speak with someone who has been there it might be alot better for her. I can tell her all I know but it isn't good enough. She wants to speak with someone who has experience or is experiencing it. I have looked extensively for support groups/individuals in my area and have come up with nothing. I of course will continue to help her as much as I can and be there but sometimes it seems that it's not enough and I understand but I would greatly appreciate any advice or help anyone can give me. Is there anything more I can do? Better still is there anywhere I can to try and get her some support from women who have been through it or are going through it. She has no internet access so she can't even come onto this forum. Please help! Sorry it was so long. Thanks so much for reading! Ruka.