Side effects and symptoms

Good afternoon Campbellf,

Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.  

My name’s Karla, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

Nothing prepares you for being diagnosed and treated for cancer. Feeling scared and not knowing what do given everything you’re coping with is understandable.

You’ve got a lot going on so let’s take it bit by bit.

Given what you’ve been through, it’s natural to wonder if these red itchy lumps on your right breast could be cancer. There are lots of different causes of breast lumps and it’s often something harmless or non-cancerous.

Here on the support line, we’re separate from the NHS, and we can’t diagnose what’s happening. However, we can point you in the right direction.

Given all your symptoms and as you’re currently having immunotherapy, we’d recommend you call your treatment/chemo team straight away so you can be assessed today. It’s important to let them know about your breast lumps, mobility problems, pain, nose bleeds, headaches and shortness of breath as these could be related to your treatment. You should have a 24hr telephone number you can call – call it as soon as you read this reply. If they are related to your treatment, hopefully more can be done to manage and minimise them.

I’m concerned you’re in a lot of pain and finding your general mobility and dexterity difficult. I wonder if these are being caused by peripheral neuropathy.

Regardless of the cause, your pain should be well managed. We’d recommend making an appointment with your GP. They can assess you and recommend the best way/s to cope with it.

Pain medications should be taken regularly as prescribed to get the most relief. If you don’t notice any significant benefit, it’s important to get back in touch with your doctor so it can be reviewed again.

Your mobility and dexterity also need to be assessed. You may benefit from the support of a physiotherapist to help with coordination, muscle weakness, balance and walking. And possibly an occupational therapist to see if any aids and equipment will help.

It's incredible you’ve continued to run your own business throughout all of this. You may not see or feel it, but that has taken so much strength and determination. I'm in awe of what you've been able to do.

I’m sorry your partner has offered so little understanding and support. I don’t think you’re asking for too much.

You could consider speaking to our money advisers or a benefits adviser at Maggie’s if there’s one close to you. They can help you explore what you’re entitled to and how to claim it.

It’s important to give yourself time to process what you’ve been through and are still going through with your ongoing treatment. Don’t feel rushed to make hasty decisions about your business or future.

Worrying and not knowing what to do is natural. Sometimes we don’t begin to process what we’ve been through until we try to get back to normality. We’d encourage you to let your hospital team or GP know how you’re feeling. If they don’t know, they can’t help. There’s lots of support out there, it’s just working out what’s best for you.

It might help to talk about how you’re feeling. Talking with friends and family is an option. For some people, it’s talking to someone who’s been through a similar experience. I’m glad to see you’ve already connected with some other members of our breast cancer forum.

I hope this information helps to guide you.

Sometimes it can help to talk things through with us. We often find that we can help people more by speaking with them on the phone. Alternatively, you can get back in touch with us here.

Take care and best wishes,

Karla (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Ref: KS/RC

I am calling the 24 help line now. 

Should have mentioned I have had two transplants. 

I am insulin dependent diabetic 

Have fibromyalgia and gastroporisis

Multiple allergies plus a few other things. 

I have slept for a few hours before t am now on my way to the hospital 

Thank you for your help.

Campbellf.x 

Hi Campbellf,

Thanks for getting back in touch. I'm so relieved you're calling the 24hr helpline and are on your way to hospital.

I'm thinking about you and don't hesitate to get back in touch if you need us. 

Take care and best wishes,

Karla 

(Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Ref: KS

Was sent back home as clinic closed early due to high winds. 

Told to come back to clinic tomorrow. 

If ill over night to call emergency number. 

Not really impressed but will see what happens tomorrow. 

Hi Cambellf,

Thanks for getting back in touch. My name is Sarah and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists.

I’m sorry to read you were sent home due to the weather, but I hope you have since been reviewed and your symptoms have settled down.

If there is anything else we can do to help please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Please know, you can always give us a call to talk things through further.

Take care and best wishes,

Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

Ref:  SMc/KS