If you haven't yet, please introduce yourself to the community!

[SimoneHU]

Why not leave a short comment below and introduce yourselves. Give as much or as little information as you like. Feel free to ask your own questions here: healthunlocked.com/write/th... if there is anything you would like other people's opinions or advice on. This is your community!

[Alimo55]

Hi...I was diagnosed with stage 4 (breast) cancer in 2010. I have bone and liver metastes. 5 and 1/2 years later I am still here, still in palliative chemo, still surviving........

[SimoneHU HealthUnlocked in reply to Alimo55]

Welcome Alimo55! Thank you for being here to share your story with the community.

[Cartersnan in reply to Alimo55]

Wow you are truly an inspirational woman!! That's wonderful to hear. I was diagnosed with mets June 2014. I have had chemo and biological therapy. Do you follow any special diet at all?

[CancerkickerKathy]

Hello I am Kathy. From Northeast PA. I am bilateral mastectomy. Tripple neg. breast cancer and will be starting chemo after new year.

[SimoneHU HealthUnlocked in reply to CancerkickerKathy]

Welcome CancerkickerKathy!!

[Hidden in reply to CancerkickerKathy]

Hi Kathy

I'm Emily. What chemotherapy regime are you on? I have just finished 6 cycles of FEC-T and it wasn't so bad, the trick is drink lots of water, ask for strong anti-emetics and keep active as much as you can.

I was diagnosed in August with invasive and non-invasive ductal carcinoma with axillar node mets and I am due to have a total mastectomy with axillar node clearance in February. This will be followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy and then a reconstruction with a Tram flap 6 months after that, a bit of a long pathway but better to be alive!

I hope your chemotherapy goes well.

Any tips from anyone on preparation for the surgery is welcome.

Thank you

Emily xx

[CancerkickerKathy in reply to Hidden]

Hi. I just posted my treatments. I couldn't find this post. But I start with cytoxan/adriamycin every 2 weeks x4 then I get 12 weekly treatments of taxol.

The thing I had the most problem with after my surgery was wiping myself. Just seemed like I couldn't reach around without pain in the chest and drain site. If you can find something to help reach would be good. I am also a chubby girl so that may be why.

Good luck and stay strong.

[Valerie68]

Hi there

I live in Ireland and I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma left breast and invasive duct all carcinoma in Jan 2015

I had bilateral lumpectomy in Feb , and a re excision in march due to unclear margins . I had AC Chemo ( Devils blood) from April to end of July and had a few hospital stays during that . I then had 25 sessions of radiotherapy on each breast and now I'm on tamoxifen . I found a new lump before Christmas and they did mammogram , ultrasound and biopsy . Results ladt week showed all clear . I'm due more breast surgery after March to remove scar tissue . My team are amazing and we have great breast care here in Dublin .

[kimberly73]

Hi my name is Kim...I am n 42 yrs old.I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast.my option was a mastectomy so I choose a bilateral mastoctomy&reconstructive because I didn't want to take a chance of getting it in the other.had my surgery on Dec 16&now healing&in reconstruction stage.It ended being stage 1 cancer but I need no chemo or radiation.Its my choice if I want to take tamoxifen for 5 years.

[Valerie68 in reply to kimberly73]

Hi Kimberly , isn't it amazing at the amount of different types of breast cancer and treatments ?

Where are you living?

It's great you don't need chemo cod that's the hardest to recover from

[kimberly73 in reply to Valerie68]

Yes I never even heard of DCIS until I was diagnosed..... Im very thankful for my early detection.All the emitions of everything is hard but I did it&Im on my way to recovery :)i am from Dorr,Michigan

[Valerie68 in reply to kimberly73]

Well done you x

Onwards and forwards

[mags4]

Hi my name is mags

[mags4]

Hi my name is mags and i was diagnosed with breast cancer November 2015

[Hidden in reply to mags4]

Hi Mags. It is a hell of a tough ride and scarey but you can take some control by finding out as much as you can and asking lots of questions. There is a large community of women who will support you through this, just ask.

I was diagnosed last August and just finished 6 cycles of FEC-T chemotherapy, it was not half as bad as I thought it would be; having a good sense of humour helps!

I have a total mastectomy with axillar node clearance in February followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy, I am scared, it is the fear of the unknown but I have found going to a local support group does help and you end up having new friends and a good laugh believe it or not.

Good luck with your treatment.

Emily x

[Hidden]

Hello

I am 35, diagnosed with breast cancer last summer, had chemo, mastectomy, currently on herceptin and tamoxifen with 15 sessions of radiotherapy starting next week.

[lozzap50]

Hi I am Lorraine and I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer last year (feb 2nd). I had 15 sessions of chemo then a lumpectomy in Sept followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy and still on herceptin every 3 weeks just now .

Chemo was a struggle for me as I went through every possible side effect and more ,even my consultant said I'd had it bad but I got through it and even the radiation was unpleasant after it finished .I still have some of the side effects from the chemo and wonder will they ever go ?

Just this week I have been feeling the odd niggle in my breast again and panicing that they havent got it all after all ,but surely it wouldnt be showing up so quick again ,can someone advise please . x

[Grocklie]

Hi my name is Christine, on 18th December 2015 I was diagnosed with 2 cm grade 3 aggressive Breast cancer and was told to expect chemo and radiotherapy. After nerve wracking bone scan and ct scan, had all clear on those. Left mastectomy on 14th Jan and clear result on sentinel node biopsy. Best news so far is that no radiotherapy needed and am awaiting oncotype test (in USA) to determine if chemo necessary. Otherwise a pill for 5 years. Had clear mammogram in June but found lump in November. ALWAYS check and address any suspicions immediately is my advice and being positive is just the best way to be, I have been lucky so far and have surprised doctors with my results, all down to dealing with it immediately. My goodness on reading this I sound like a preacher. Just want to give lots of positive thoughts to everyone. Onwards and upwards ladies.

[Zoony339 in reply to Grocklie]

I had mastectomy in Feb and 5 lymph nodes removed given the all clear no treatment no oncotype but have heard of this I'm not convinced as I was given all clear in 2014 after wide excision thinking of going for second opinion any views on this

Glad yours went well I'm good too back to normal apart from seromas and cording !! But getting on with life

Xx

[Tracey06]

Hi I'm Tracey, I was diagnosed with DCIS last year and was due to have a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, but they discovered another area so I opted for a mastectomy/reconstruction. Had op on 29/10/15. Dont need any further treatment, just tamoxifen. I'm very lucky. X

[lindafog]

Hi I was diagnosed with breast cancer April 2015 I had lumpectomy,16 chemo,20 radiation and still on herceptin and letrizole.I find this site supportive and encouraging,I suffer a lot with aching legs and arms,I am a chef and worried about being able to get back to work,i am 50 years old .Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories.

[pamhack53]

Hi,I'm Pam,,I am a mother to my 30 year old daughter who just found out in January that she has 3rd stage mestatic breast cancer..she starts chemo Monday.. She has a ,6 yr.old daughter and a great husband.. This has tore me upside down,,wasn't expecting this ..she's my only child..I know we have a long journey ahead of us

[Traceytopcat]

Hello my name is Tracey, I have grade 2lobula breast cancer, lumpectomy Nov 2014, tamoxifen Jan 2015 5 weeks radiotherapy in Feb 2015, a few scans and 1st pbc mammogram in Dec 2015, all clear, but now have ache and large hard lump in armpit, which is being investigated on 29th Feb, but reading some posts I think it is enlarged lymph node, still on tamoxifen, hate it, but symptoms are not constant, just need to get the 3stone off I put on after surgery, and I'm a dietician !!!

[moey64]

Hi my name is moey i had a mastectomy on my left breast and all my nympth nodes out aug 2014 had a implant in sep last year it feels really uncomfortable can anyone tell me if it gets better over time thanx xx

[annec_1959]

Hi I'm anne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 got all clear in 2012

[Candybabe]

Hi, I'm Aline. I was diagnosed last January (2015) with grade 3, IDC. I had a left breast mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, with silicone implant in the March. This was followed by an axillary lymph node clearance, where only 1/21 nodes were affected. In the May I started 3 weekly cycles of chemo (3 x FEC then 3 x T). My last dose was 3rd September. In October i started 5 weeks of radiotherapy finishing on 10th November, as well as starting to take the hormone tabs Tamoxifen. By this time my hair, eyebrows and lashes were returning. I have recently started phasing a return to work after 10 months. Now all the medical bits are done, this is a whole new mind challenge

[Sandy108]

Hi, I'm Sandy and I'm 36

I've just undergone a left sided mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using LD Flap on the 7th Jan, I was diagnosed with a 20mm pre cancerous lump with calcification surrounding it, due to size of breast they recommended the surgery I had. Unfortunately and unexpectedly they actually found 72mm of precancer and two tumours of invasive measuring 12mm and 14mm. I'm being told this is a bit of an abnormality and they're not sure whether I should have chemotherapy now, they have sent a tissue sample for an Oncotype test in America and just waiting on their recommendations, if they say my cancer is likely to return it will be having FEC chemotherapy.

Has anyone else had the Oncotype type test.?

I'm just taking it step at a time, trying to prepare myself for chemo, but I'm finding the waiting is the hardest bit at the moment.!

[Grocklie in reply to Sandy108]

Hi, I have had the oncotype test, results last week when I was told I would need chemo otherwise I have a 30% chance of cancer returning. At least I know that I am having it because I need it and it is not just being given as routine. Waiting to see oncologist which is nerve wracking as now I know I need it then I want to get it started asap. Keep positive.

[Nixh]

Hi my name is Nix, I'm 42 and was dx with bc in May 2015. I had 2 different lesions one grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma and a grade 3 lesion, near my nipple which also had signs of Pagets (yes I've been greedy!). I'm part of the family history screening program as my mum and 2 aunts died of bc. Mine was picked up in my yearly mammogram and MRI scan luckily. I do look at it as luckily as could easily have never known as tumours were tiny and I had no symptoms.

I had a skin sparing mx in August 15 with a temporary expander implant. I had planned to have a bilateral mx straight away and have a diep recon but was told I needed rt as well as chemo as I had one node showing cancer after a sentinel node biopsy luckily the further 19 taken in the auxiliary node clearance were clear.

So after 6 fec100 chemo's and 15 rt sessions I'm now playing the wait game, skin needs to recover from rt then I'll have a bilateral mx and recon.

Has been one hell of a journey so far, feels like I've been on this train forever, this weeks been odd as finished rt last Friday and have only had to have my portacath flushed so has been very quiet. Had my hair cut (cold capped) as was straggly and had a few thin patches but can't wait to be able to dye it! Any ideas how long I should wait?

This is a fab site wish I'd found it earlier,

Nix X

[Grocklie in reply to Nixh]

Can you tell me a bit about the cold cap. I'm starting chemo soon and if there is a possibility of saving my hair then I'm willing to try. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Grocklie]

I didn't opt for the cold cap during chemo as I knew a lady who had been diagnosed 7 months before I had and she tried it to begin with, she said first 20 mins of having it on are painful as its freezing your scalp , after that it was bearable she said. However I know several people that have used it over the years and they all say it just delays the inevitable, instead of losing hair during chemo it fell out months aafter I am on radiotherapy at present and a lady I see there every morning had her chemo last June with use of cold cap and her hair has started to come out in clumps just last few weeks so she's looking into a wig. Its really down to you as an individual to make that decision but I've never known anyone using it so far to not have thinning or total hair loss despite it this is reason I didn't go for it and I'm still glad I didn't, also its a small chance but because the cold cap keeps the chemo away from your head residual cells can linger and I didn't like that thought. Best wishes for your treatmentx

[Nixh in reply to Grocklie]

Hi Grocklie, the Cold Cap is a miracle really, I think I managed to keep about 60% of my hair. I have very fine curly hair , but lots of it so 'quantity wise' it felt like lots was coming out (especially after the second chemo). It is painful am not going to sugar coat it and I think I dreaded that part most of all. But nearly 2 months on from my last chemo the thinner spots have filled in and I've had it cut short now so it can grow at the same time. Lots of people can get away with not having to go short after mine was too patchy though. I wore hats when I was out and no one knew I was having treatment. My 10 year old son was happier as he didn't want me to lose my hair and I looked sort of normal. I think that's what kept me going.

Use non perfumed/coloured shampoo and conditioner, I used Philip Kingsley's stuff and it was fab as had no smell to make me feel yuk. Is expensive but only finished it last week. Don't wash too often I washed mine about once a week sometimes twice. Make sure the cap is on properly and check for areas that aren't touching your scalp, they will thin of not. Just be kind and gentle with it!

Good luck, is tough but doable x

[Daisydan]

Hi, I was diagnosed in Feb 2014 with DCIS stage 3 in my right breast. Had mastectomy and full node clearance where 14 out of 26 were cancerous.chemo and radio followed. Am now on tamoxifen and waiting to decide whether or not on reconstruction. It was my 2 yr anniversary of my diagnosis yesterday

[CurlyCarole13]

Hi My name is Carole, I am 55 years old and I had a tumour 2mm from the chest wall as well as DCIS so I had my mastectomy in Dec 2007 and underwent 3 further surgeries to correct rare issues with Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction. If anyone is looking for pros and cons for this type of reconstruction I will gladly answer your questions based on my own experience and those of members of PINK (no names of course) as I am chairperson for PINK in Aberdeen and have regular contact with a wide range of cancer affected women.

It does get easier ladies, the waiting for results, treatments and surgeries is a very difficult time so I wish everybody well. Take care, Carole xx

[moiragreg]

Hi all, I was diagnosed with BC lobular January had a R Mastectomy and axillary dissection. Due to start chemo FEC-T soon but had a problem with bloods as I had taken herbal meds which made my liver toxic so just waiting for start date and bloods are settling.

Any advice appreciated please thanks.

[Wildeone1234]

Hi Moira,

I Had right masectomy Christmas after three lots of surgery dating back from august. I was put up for oncotype course which has come back with no chemo needed. i have started radio theropy got ten left to do. I cant give advice on chemo. I to have taken herbal road with fresh fruit blended every morning. Manuka honey 1 spoonfull and lots of water and a strong mind. I am a little burnt from the radio theopy but thats a little price to pay. Keep strong and possitive xx

[sarah-21]

Hi My name is Sarah I am a primary school teacher in the UK with two adult children.

[Liz61]

Hi there, my name is Liz (54) and I was diagnosed with Oestrogen +, HER2+,  multi focal grade 2 breast cancer that invaded 4 nodes, in 2010.  Had total axillary node clearance and mastectomy, followed by chemo, radio and Herceptin. Been on Tamoxifen ever since. Decided against reconstruction, as it wasn't offered to me at the time of my mastectomy - not sure why, but after all my treatment I didn't want to bother having the whole area opened again after healing so well and my breasts were always small, and never my finest attribute!! Lol I live in it's shadow, but am keeping positive as I have 2 boys, now aged 12 and 14, who help keep me going! I've been reading a lot on here, but never introduced myself, so here I am !

[Rattyp in reply to Liz61]

Hi and welcome. I was diagnosed last year, two ops (last one being a mastectomy), chemo, radiotherapy, herceptin and tamoxifen. It's been a hard year physically, emotionally and financially. I am quite down at the moment as I had to stop my happy tabs. Can't seem to pull myself out of it. Start a five week course next Tuesday (my birthday!) , life after treatment, hoping this helps x

[Hidden]

Hi.  I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular in February, and the next week had double mastectomy with 13 lymph nodes removed.

I have been on Letrozole treatment for a little less than two weeks now.

[lamblite]

Hi I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2015.  It was early stages so I've had surgery, chemotherapy,radiotherapy and am now having preventative treatment for a year.  I feel very lucky that the tumour was successfully removed, but still think about it every day! Is this normal?🤗

[lollypoplyn55]

hi i am new here i been told i have got invasive duct cancer grade 3 i can not have chemo ,radio therapy or operation has i also have heart problems n emphysema so the only option is letrozole i am really down knowing that they can't take the cancer away and i got to hope that the tablets will control the cancer i am so afraid that it will come up somwhere else