General comment

[Penguingirl]

Having been diagnosed last year with breast cancer I thought that this site looked good to interact with others going through the same thing. I have completed my chemo, surgery and radiotherapy and have just had the all clear from my annual mammogram.

[SusanFletch Administrator]

Welcome and I am pleased to hear your good news

[Penguingirl]

Thanks Susan.

[ginimelesi]

Thats so good to hear . I imagine as euphoric as that makes you feel to get to the end of all your treatment, it might equally feel quite scary too ?

I know that many patients tell me that they feel quite at sea and 'lost' at this point. We are keen for this site to give that type of support once treatment finishes and your trying to remember who you were and where you were heading !!

[Penguingirl in reply to ginimelesi]

Thanks Gini

Yes you are right with the feelings felt at the end of treatment. Life for a year is one long round of appointments and then suddenly, you are very much on your own. To combat this I have upped my exercise regime and have even started doing park runs. I am not a natural runner but enjoy this sociable 5k run. I am also doing aerobics and circuit training. One thing cancer has done for me is to also give me an inner strength as I refuse to let it take over my life.

[Lindakelly in reply to Penguingirl]

This is great to hear! I am not at the 1 year mark yet but have a very positive attitude. As you say the exercise is great , both mentally and physically. The cancer has also given me 'inner strength' but I have the HCCN to thank for that, for providing the meditation. Good lick and 'keep on running'!

[Rachel33]

Hi, I have not yet reached a year since my breast cancer diagnosis and although my treatment is all over (surgery and radiotherapy) I know that it is still a lot in my mind. I would be interested to know if you are taking Tamoxifen and if so whether you have side effects? I have been taking it since January and although I generally feel okay I was reluctant to start taking it and wonder if I would feel even better without the drugs. I am interested to hear from people who decided not to take it and why as well as those taking it and how it effects them.

[Penguingirl in reply to Rachel33]

Hi Rachel33.

Yes I take Tamoxifen and have been on it since February. From what I have read I don't think my side effects are too bad. Yes I get hot flushes but they are manageable, and have hot moments at night, but I generally do get a good nights sleep. I get the odd ache here and there but find by keeping as active as possible helps.

Hope this response helps

[Rachel33]

Hi, thanks for replying and telling me how it is for you. The hot flushes have got worse for me but I realise that there may be other things I can try to decrease that, like acupuncture. My legs and joints are currently very painful which is inhibiting my usual exercise at the gym, pilates, walking etc but that may have nothing to do with the Tamoxifen. I shall go on researching how it works to make an informed decision about it. Thanks

[Dido66]

I know the feeling - going for the annual checks!

[ginimelesi]

Bone and or muscle pain can be a massive problem for some ladies and not others. It tends to be hip / pelvic pain but can be in any number of joints - even hands, wrists 7 knees. There is no magic answer, some ladies take anti - inflammatory tablets. Exercise if you can do can help !!

Occasionally there is a tumour flare reaction for a couple of months and the pain can settle but for others it does not go away.