I'd like to cancel my subscription to cancer please!

Hello Fig1972, I was drawn to your post when I saw the title, "I'd like to cancel my subscription to cancer please!" The number of times I have said things that expressed this sentiment.... so on that, a big, "Yes, me too!"

On the use of natural products, I am very much in favour, but I would advise checking with your oncologist prior to starting using specific items. This is because some things can interfere with chemo, while others are perfectly ok. When I was on chemo I cleared the use of even just vitamin supplements, just to be sure. Sometimes, when the oncologist isn't sure, the oncology pharmacist will be able to help with that.

Hey, thanks so much for the reply!,  the BCC nurse I saw on Monday basically said the same but not to take anything at all at the moment, also had my coil removed yesterday as cancer 8/8 for progesterone too.  F xxx

HiFig1972

i too was drawn to your title. Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, it’s ok that you’re feeling numb right now, it’s a lot to process.

I too had to come off my HRT when I was diagnosed with oestrogen receptive breast cancer last October. Luckily I had a prescheduled Gynaecology appointment and she suggested I try Oxybutunin to help with hot flushes. It’s primarily used as an incontinence medication but a trial was done on patients with hot flushes and it was found to drastically decrease the frequency. 

I started on 2.5mg and am now on 10mg slow release, it’s definitely helped some, especially with the night sweats. As has M+S Cool comfort bedding and pyjamas, that wick away moisture and help regulate body temperature.

As Greycats said, do check with your oncologist whether Oxybutunin and any other meds would be right for your circumstances.

I’ve just recently been told I can takeSage by a breast care nurse, after thinking I couldn’t, but have just looked online and it says to avoid if oestrogen receptive…so I’m going to check with a Macmillan nurse online today!

Best of luck with everything your dealing with.My advice would be, ‘be kind to yourself’ something I’ve constantly had to learn to do throughout this process, still trying now lol.

big hugs  

Hi, I love your title!  Also just been diagnosed with IDC with suspicious nodule in armpit.  Find out results from MRI today along with treatment plan.  Also have had to come off HRT.  I'll ask about progesterone as also have Mirena.  Just wanted to say hi as going through similar and thinking of you. I've quietly lurked on this forum for a few weeks and found it really helpful. Big hugs.

Drawn in by your imaginative title, as others have been. It's brilliant and sums up how we all feel I think.

I had similar to you but not in a nodule, but near armpit, no chemo, but scoring like yours for oestrogen, and grade 2-3. Just wanted to say all the best really as not a lot I can add as I'm on Letrozole and I would like help myself from others, if there is any. My joints ache a lot.

Thanks so much, I will definitely ask about oxybutunin as yesterday I was getting hot flashes every 20 mins and was so emotional I had to come home from work, very emotional again today as was told I now need a CT scan of my chest pelvis and abdomen before seeing consultant again xxx

Good luck, please let me know how you get on today, I have my mri today and was told that I also need a CT scan for chest, abdomen and pelvis, so many appointments! For someone who generally avoids the doctor this is a nightmare, sending positive vibes to you xxx

Thanks lovely, I'm always available to chat if it helps at all, I just feel this is who I am now "anonymous cancer patient" and its taken me until the age of 50 to know who I really am and I don't want that to get lost in the horror show of cancer. Xxx

Yes i loved the title too. Its like those subscriptions that you get signed up for but had no say in the matter. Afraid I don't have any suggestions for you as I'm rubbish at taking medication. Takes a lot of oomph to swallow tamoxifen at night (swallowing issues with pills!) I have had acupuncture post treatment which has helped me a lot with hot flushes and energy levels. Depending on where in the country you are/hospital trust, this may help you and may be offered as part of treatment. good luck x

Tired Minion said:

I have had acupuncture post treatment which has helped me a lot

I was thinking of acupuncture at some point, then my oncologist said, "not while you're on cheno." Pity; I think it would have helped, as it did for you.