Breast cancer

Hi! I hope you are feeling ok? I’m 41 and was diagnosed last Oct. Had mastectomy in Nov and everything removed successfully. 1 out of 3 sentinel nodes were cancerous so then had separate op to remove them all and none contained cancer. I’m currently having chemo to reduce the risk of it coming back as oncotype revealed high risk at a score of 26. 

What discomfort are you in? Is it in your armpit? I had severe cording so bcn referred me to physio and it’s made a big difference. They’ve also done cupping on my armpit and breast. If I don’t keep on with my exercises then it’s uncomfortable again so trying to keep moving. I would definitely get a physio referral. 

Can I just ask what reconstruction you had? I was told I couldn’t have reconstruction until after 12-15 months from the date of the end of treatment 

Hi Mashmish  I'm one of the champions in this group and I just wanted to welcome you to the club that no one wants to join. Glad to hear your surgery went well and hope your recovery continues to plan.

It's good that you’ve found this forum, you'll find a supportive group here, whether you have questions, want some advice or a chat or just want to rant!  Lots of experience here and everyone is willing to share.

It's very normal to be anxious about treatment, chemo in particular, and the side effects are scary but most people find a way to manage through it. Best wishes 

Hi, hope you are ok too. Yeah under my arm is more swollen than it was after surgery and feels so heavy, luckily I have an appointment with my surgeon today for the next steps on treatment so I can mention this. Regarding the reconstruction I have an implant. I was under for around 3 hours in total. How are you feeling with the chemo? And how many months have they advised you need it for? xx

Thank you x

2 weeks is a really short amount of time. I had a mastectomy and immediate diep reconstruction on the 4th December. At that point they told me not to drive or do anything too heavy for 6 weeks and I definitely needed that amount of time to feel normal. I had radiotherapy in February with minimal side effects but I still have occasional pain from the lymph node removals and all the wounds from the main operations. Be gentle with yourself and try not to push yourself too much. It will get better but it does take time. 

Thank you, I hope you are doing ok also x 

Sorry for late reply only just seen this. I’ve had 2 sessions of chemo now and so far I have just suffered with bad constipation but they will literally give you a pill for every side effect which is reassuring. I am still working and attending my weekly reformer Pilates class.

I am having 9 weekly sessions of taxol and carboplatin then 3 sessions of EC every 3 weeks. 

When do you start chemo and do you know what your regime will be? 

Hi Mashmish, I’m sorry to read of your recent surgery. It’s overwhelming to be in the early days of cancer so do give yourself all the rest you need.

25 years ago I had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction when I was 47. My lymph nodes were sampled and luckily no involvement so didn’t need chemo or radiotherapy but I took Tamoxifen back then as that was the thing; side effects were minimal. I remember allowing myself time to heal and tried to remain positive, losing myself in books. I can never forget at the time my GP told me that his friend had had the same 20 years earlier so I took great comfort from that at the time. I remember being SO terrified when he was speaking to me. In fact i saw him a few months ago at the UrgentTreatmentCentre and reminded him of how that gave me hope  … 

However I now find myself with Colorectal cancer, very recently diagnosed and have to say I was terrified of the Chemoradiotheraphy. I’m 4 weeks into a 5 week stint and the side effects haven’t been too bad so far  Supposedly I‘ll have a break for scanning then start 12 units of Chemotherapy which I admit I’m very nervous of. perhaps surgery later on in the year.

I find that reading people’s comments on here is helpful and uplifting. All the nurses and hospital staff are excellent. Wishing you speedy recovery and sending hugs your way.

xx