Feeling lower than low.

I do emphasise,  hot flushes and mood swings. I'm 62 and really don't need this! but what can we do but ride out the storm and make the most of the lulls between sweats. I have so much more washing now!  I think somehow we have to reconcile that we will probably never quite be our old selves, its the price we pay for having cancer but I do keep reminding myself I still do have a life even if its a bit comprised xx

Hi Devon, I've not had my diagnosis yet, get that next week.  However I have been through menopause, hot flushes and night sweats and I bought a Dyson fan for the bedroom and it helps me sleep.   I  hope you new bras help x

@LesleyHelen, thanks for posting about the NHS predict tool, I wasn't aware of that.

I found some nice soft cotton ones. I got re measured and hope the new bras will be more comfortable. I wont use a fan it just makes hot air move around the room. Hoping this stormy weather will bring the temperatures down. 

Devon, Presumably you or if not you at this stage, your surgeons will know the size of your IDC?  I am sure they know the size of the IDC to be able to say it was stage 2, so you just ignore the DCIS when using the NHS predict tool.  I too had DCIS although not in the margins, I had 54mm in 2 separate areas as well as the IDC. DCIS is totally ignored when using the predict tool as DCIS is regarded as stage 0.  (My DCIS was also ignored with my treatment plan as it was ER/PR negative in comparison to the IDC which was ER+).

The size of my DCIS as well as the IDC and margins meant it was good news that I was large breasted, as I was able to have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy - so being large breasted does have it's benefits, even if it's uncomfortable without a bra and meant being burned by radio due to the rubbing of my bra band.  Pleased to hear you have found some cotton ones that hopefully will be more comfortable.

Gardinia They do update the predict tool, so it is something to keep bookmarked on your computer.  It's been updated three times since my diagnosis about 5 years ago.  (I'm on my last month of Anastrozole - yay!). I think it's updated as more progress is made with in cancer research.  For instance, when I was diagnosed, I didn't have samples sent for Oncotype DX testing - it was around, but not used much.  Nowadays, I see post after post of ladies waiting for their Oncotype DX testing, so it's amazing to see how much development is made in such a short period of time.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

I redid the predict thing this morning. Only a 2% improvement of surviving up to 10 years. 

Devon Glad you have managed to use it.  

I had 1% improvement from 5 - 15 years, but at least it gives you the information to be able to make the decision.  I figured if I was ok-ish on the tablets, that 1% was worth my while, but obviously it is a personal choice.

Your oncologist won't give you advice, so it will be entirely your own decision.  When I asked about the need for taking them my oncologist just replied "I can't make you take them" and that was the end of the discussion.

Obviously if you are suffering horrendous side effects the decision will always be quantity over quality of life vs the % benefit won't it?

Kindest wishes, Lesley

My oncologist said same the about not making me take them. 2% is neither here nor there.  I dont like the side effects. I feel to old to be going through not flushed and night sweats again for 5 years. Having been through menopause at 38 i missed out on my 1 chance of having a baby with my partner. So guess I am resentful about that to. 

Hi

Sorry you are suffering and feeling low.

The maximum side effects of radiotherapy are usually felt 14 days after treatment so you are nearly there. The hot weather won’t have helped you at all.

If you can let some air get to it it will help. It’s usually the two surfaces under your boob rubbing together that cause the problem.Please go back to the RT team if it isn’t healing.

I was told that the side effects of the Letrazole get better after the first 6 months and glide me it’s been true. I’ve also had acupuncture for my hot flushes which has really worked for me.

Some people find that a low dose of antidepressants helps with the hot flushes.

I do also get achy joints but it gets better with exercise

Hope you feel better soon 

.

I just feel at end of my tether. Had anti depressants in past with little effect. I cant keep going back to the hospital I dont have access every day to a car. The practice nurse says its ok But all I see is angry redness and what I see as little sores. 

All I know is I will with the best will in the world not take letrozole for 5 years. Its all I can do to make myself take it. 

I always knew I would get cancer as I have my late fathers genes he had cancer and lived 17 years. He only had one lot of chemo and radiotherapy in all that time. So for that reason I will try keep it in my head that they caught mine early and I'll be fine.