Recovering from breast cancer

Hi Gemma

I'm so sorry you are struggling. Cancer is brutal. Even one year on I have days when I'm slayed by what happened (click on my name for information on diagnosis if you're interested).

Which hormones are you on? Tamoxifen? I was perimenopausal when I was diagnosed in Jan 2022 and have really struggled with tamoxifen. However, it's the only drug option suitable for me right now and I want to give myself the best chances, so I continue to take it (and moan about it constantly! ;-) )

Symptoms have included hot flushes, sleeplessness, aching joints, anxiety, tiredness and nausea. I'm not sure if symptoms are easing, but I think I'm maybe much better at managing them.

What I have learnt:

* don't do any reasonably vigorous exercise two days in a row.

* swim - and preferably with goggles and ear plugs! So lovely to totally disconnect and process your trauma.

* eat well, but have treats. I personally love a glass of wine and I will not give that up. After all, life is to be lived :-)

* remember that tomorrow is another day. I had a shocker yesterday, but knew it would pass.

* consider looking at alternative therapies if you can afford them. I'd love to do more, but not in my budget sadly.

I'm sure loads more will come to my hazy perimenopausal mind, but thought I'd reply now to let you know you are not alone.

Take care

Xx

Just a thought, have you called your breast cancer nurses re. possible oedoema (or however it's spelt?) I think that causes swelling.How long ago did you have surgery? What other treatment did you have?

Hi Gemma

I am so sorry to hear you are having a grim time of things at the moment. The ladies and gents on here are fab and will rally around to help you I’m sure. You have found this forum and you are being given hugs by everyone who read your post. I’ve only just starting my journey. I have second part of pre assessment Tomoz and then my operation next Tues for a bilateral excision along with  the sentinel lymph nodes. I’m bricking it atm. It’s all waiting; not only for appointments but also for results. We are all in this together so stay strong as you’re doing so well 

big hugs Lynn xx

Hi Dolly thanks for the message.

I was on tamoxifen but they put me onto zoladex injections, stopped the tamoxifen & put me on examestane which has now been stopped as they think the examestaine is causing my hands to swell & my joints to hurt & im going back on tamoxifen.

I had my last operation in August last year & stupidly went back to work full time as a production operative in November and everything is such a struggle.

I have had to go on the sick as my hands & wrist are in agony.

Thanks so much for your reply Dolly, how are you feeling?

Take care

Gemma

Xxx

Hi Lynn 

How are you feeling after your operation?

Last April i had a lumpectomy & then in the august my lymph nodes removed.

Hope your surgery went well.

Let me know how your doing.

Take care 

Gemma

Xxx

Hi Gemma,

My operation got cancelled due to dr strikes so I’m currently waiting for new date. I wouldnt mind but the consultant said 5-6 wks due to strikes and then they booked me in two wks later!! Got my 60th next wk and a break booked for the foll week so that’s all got to be cancelled as you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll rebook for then It’s having any plans disrupted and any sort of life changing from one day to another…

Anyway enough of the moaning…

How are you feeling? Are you still in a lot of pain?

Lynn xx