Breast cancer

Hi Lucky3 welcome to the forum and glad to hear that at least all the treatment is past for you now for the recovery time.

I think that a little bit of us is changed forever when Cancer comes calling to our lives the person we were before is different to the person that emerges now. Life takes on new perspectives like how you feel about things and how you respond to things  maybe things that might have bothered you before doesn't seem to be very important now. 

Is there anyway that you can have a phased return to work to see how you cope with that first with a view to going back if it works out ok?

As for the hair I am not sure I do know that it can take a long time for it to revert to being in good condition  mine took over a year and I didnt have chemo but the Radiotherapy affects your hair as well.  

Hello Gail

Thank you for responding to me.

I think I can go back part time if I want to but will have to wait till after lockdown.

Jean

Hi Lucky 3

Everyone is different with cancer. All I would suggest is to do what your body tells you to do. 

I was diagnosed in Feb 20. Following a lumpectomy and full axilla removal, chemo and radio I still find I am struggling. My lymph nodes were11 out of 16 that had cancer cells. However I am still having treatment with Herceptin until August 21 and zoledronic for 3 yrs.

Regards my hair....it has been growing back even though it does it's own thing now! I did shave it again to get rid of the baby hair and when I did that it seemed to come on in leaps and bounds!

I'm very anxious myself about going back to work. But one thing I have learnt is that your health comes first so only go back when you feel ready to do so.

Look after yourself x x 

Have you thought about a wig? It’s given me so much confidence. I absolutely hate being bald. It makes me feel sick. I don’t have mirrors where I go now, until I have my wig on. It’s like my own hair, well better as it’s always a good style, no bad hair days. It stays on and keeps my head warm as I’ve felt the cold. I suspect it’s not for everybody but it’s an option and I love it. And nobody has noticed. In fact those who know around me are astounded that it’s a wig. I’ve just secured a job with wig on!!

I have got a wig and I do wear it if I go out sometimes but it moves around and annoys me x

Hi snj963

Thank you for your reply and advice. I am taking anastrozole for 5 years and I am also on a trail drug for 3 years xx

Hi Robbo16,

Thank you for sharing your feelings and decisions ! Sounds like you are doing great indeed, well done !

I've always been very self conscious of my thin, fine hair, so boldness is a very negative prospect. What sort of wig did you go for ? I've read about some of the options available, real hair is tempting but very expensive......

Best wishes for your job!

TalkingListening xxx

P.S. my sister has been wearing a wig for most of her life ( she's been near bald for most of her life) and only we and her children know.

Hi, for the first time I read about someone else who had positive lymph nodes, which makes me feel so much better! So nice to meet you Lucky. Id love to here about women with 7 or more positive lymph nodes and how successful they are. Would be good to here about success stories. I’ve just finished chemo (2weeks ago) and I’m about to start 3 weeks of radio. I have grey fuzzy hair like a mans beard! Lovely. Looking forward to proper hair to come through. 
I’m beginning a phased return to work next week, but virtually. I’ve had one covid jab, but I’ll feel much safer after I’ve had second. I work in school, so don’t see myself mixing until September. I must say school is very flexible, so I’ll just do what I can. Good luck Lucky, hope your work place is good to you.  

I am on a trial drug called ribociclib which my consultant advised me to take it he said it will reduce the chance of cancer coming back, I'm on it for 3 years and have to take it with my anastrozole which I am on for 5 years. Hope your radiotherypy goes well x