Breast cancer repeat after 25 years, dip in quality of life

Hi catwoman 

I'm very sorry to hear that after 25 years, you've been diagnosed with cancer again.    

I've not had the same experience (having had BC once), but I do agree that taking the hormone tablets seriously effects an individual.  Don't know about bisphosphonate as  I take AD Cal tablets only from having taken my hormone therapy for 5 years.  

Taking the hormone tablets seemed to age me, I had a great figure, skin/hair was good etc. prior.  Now, I have an 'old woman's' figure having put on weight, skin's not so good, hair condition isn't as great.  My hairdresser recommended Kerotin shampoo and conditioner which helps a bit.  But yes, losing the oestrogen more rapidly does make a big difference to how you feel in yourself, I do agree.

Why not breast care nurse a call to get some emotional support?  If you BC nurse isn't great, then give one of the lovely people at Macmillan a call to give you some support from people who genuinely care. Telephone: 0808 808 00 00

Kindest wishes, Lesley

thanks for the support. 

I am so sorry you are going through this again. You don’t have to face this alone!

Thankyou. I do feel a bit alone at present as primary health can only follow instructions from the hospital consultants, so no joy there, and I have had no reply to my email to the  hospital clinic sent 2 weeks ago. I will try to phone this week to see why there is no reply even though the phone is supposed to be for urgent issues. I am not sure how far I should be looking up symptoms on the internet as it leads to 'doom scrolling'. It probably helps to try and focus on living as normally as possible despite nearly 3 months of  wind, nausea, abdominal discomfort and needing to have access to a toilet which really limits social life. I have started to take the calcium/vit D tablets (which can also cause stomach upset--what doesn't?) and do bone density exercises, but have held off on the bisphosphonates until I speak to the Breast Clinic. The taking of tablets to counteract other tablets is really affecting my mental and physical health. Does anyone out there have any similar experience and advice?

I think it’s a good idea to try calling the clinic this week—waiting that long for a reply isn’t okay, especially when you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms.

You’re absolutely right about the internet—it can so quickly turn into doom scrolling and make everything feel worse. Trying to focus on day-to-day normality, even in small ways, sounds like a very sensible approach, though I know it’s easier said than done when your symptoms are limiting your routine so much. Calcium can cause abdominal discomfort.

It also makes complete sense to want clarity before starting something like bisphosphonates (I had to stop my one due to a broken tooth), especially when you’re already dealing with side effects from other medications, although everybody says the first one can be tough, but then it should have almost no side effects. That “one tablet for another tablet” cycle can really take a toll.