Community

Hello to any younger women with a breast cancer diagnosis: In case you haven't heard of this, I just wanted to let you know of a Facebook group where I have found a lot of support. It's called 'Younger Breast Cancer Network (UK) Secret Group' or YBCN. It's well run/moderated etc and seems to be gaining a lot of recognition in the UK. Though it's a UK-based, secret group (so you have to message them to join) it's also open to women in Ireland. In fact they have recently set up regional sub-groups, including one for Ireland. Hope this info is of help. Maybe see you there. Ciara x

Hi to all stage 4 gals. Avril here. My trials[breast cancer spread to bone] are well documented on other posts! My motive is selfish as was just wondering how you all were and seeking support. Probably you are all very busy getting ready for Christmas. Is anyone else finding the whole Christmas thing tough? Am going through the motions. I have an only child aged 9 and sometimes I just feel like bursting into tears when I think about things. I have a great husband but who thinks that everything will be just fine. Have two more sessions of Taxol left, last one on Christmas Eve .Chemo went ok, just tired but not sick. And then scan in the New Year. Was 'researching ' on the internet and got really upset. Prognosis just seemed so poor and these were supposedly reputable sites. Gals, just cannot get into the 'Live for Today' mode aka you could be knocked down by a bus at ANY time! Though to stay sane it is what you have to do. Thinking of you all. Avril.

Hi, Is there anyone that chose not to reconstruct and have no regrets? In the first 6 months of this year, I had 4 surgical procedures; 2 were related to breast cancer. I'm thankful that I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. My life has returned to normal and I'm comfortable and happy with how I look post surgery. The fact that I'm in my early 40's, both my oncologist and breast surgeon are advising me to have breast reconstruction... (and they recommend sooner rather than later). I am happy with how I look and more importantly relieved the cancer hadn't spread beyond 3 lymph nodes....... do I really need to have breast reconstruction? Will I feel the same way in 2 to 5 years time!!!!

I am starting chemo AC-T in January and am wondering when I should go about getting the wig, now I presume. How long does it take to order the wig and actually receive it. Is anyone starting chemo in January, I have been told I will have Ac and taxol for 8 sessions every two weeks. This is harder than the one I thought I would get, I thought it might be every 3 weeks, but will just have to get on with it . Any advice from anyone to someone facing into this .

My 6 year cancerversary was last Friday 5th Dec....I actually forgot until today! Tomorrow, Dec 10th I get my fake nipple (aka fipple). Have been waiting 20months for this (clearly not urgent). It represents what I hope will be the final chapter of my BC journey (save the tattooing). Will report back in a few days LindyLu

Hi Ladies, I've just been perscribed the antidepressant Amitriptyline by my oncologist. I only filled the script this morning so haven't actually started to take it yet. Only 15mg. It's for lots of things really. I'm struggling 2.5yrs on with my tamoxifen. Just the usual stuff: joint pain, moods (my family are ready to divorce me!!) foggy brain, residual pain in my breast and under my arm from surgery etc etc etc. You all know them. Anyway I'm just wondering if anyone else has had experience of this drug. What I might expect etc. And when it says don't drink do they really mean DON'T DRINK or is it still ok for me to have a glass or two of wine on a Friday night. I've given up so so much in these last 3yrs. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to give up my two glasses of red at the weekends!! I know I should have asked my oncologist yesterday. I was so overwhelmed at being prescribed yet another drug that it went clear out of my head. Cheers Sarah

Hi ..Had mastectomy and lymph nodes removed two weeks ago. My arm is hypersensitive if touched, like sunburn pain. Also, If I raise or extend arm, it is very painful on the inside above the elbow, as if muscles and tendons are being/or have been overstretched. Can anyone relate to this. Will this go away soon?.. Doing my exercises for arm but doesn't seem to get any relief .Kind of difficult to describe really, but maybe someone can relate. Thanks in advance. Mar 63

Hi all I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May, had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal and 20 sessions of Radiation treatment which was horrific as I burnt so bad blisters formed had to stop treatment for 2 weeks. Now I have another lump in same breast. Has this happened to anyone else?? Surely it can't be cancer so quick, going to breast clinic on Tuesday to get it checked am so worried

Hi all, has anyone had bone/joint pain after chemo? I finished my chemo at the end of March and I have my last Herceptin treatment on 25th of this month but I have this awful joint pain. My knuckles, ankles, toes, knees, etc all feel as if there are full of fluid and ache all the time. Also my back but I just had a bone density and this confirmed that I have osteoporosis of the spine now! I just want to know if this will last or will it eventually fade? Has anyone had anything similar? Thanks

Hi All, I have just finished six months of chemo[Taxol]. because of bone mets. Then had bone scan but oncologist couldn't open disc to read it and then told me that bone scans could not tell if the Taxol had worked or not! Why bother having the scan then? He also told me that I will be beginning a new hormonal treatment this week[Letrozole did not work for me as developed mets while on it.] He doesn't plan to do regular scans as according to him they do not affect eventual outcome and only cause stress! He is going to be 'symptom driven'. Was so shocked to hear this as believed I would be scanned regularly. I was so confused and cried my eyes out for the evening. To add insult to injury have clots on my lung so will be on blood thinning medication for these [an injection every day for six months] Has anyone else had a similar experience? Has anyone else changed their oncologist midcourse so to speak? I know you always want to shoot the messenger, I am mentioning no names and would not, but would really appreciate advice. Anyone out there who just didn't click with their onc? Avril.