Arnica tablets after surgery…

Hi NewJourney

Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer.  I suggest that you ring your breast care nurse and ask them about the tablets and any other supplements that it would be safe to take.

Wishing you the best of luck with whatever comes next for you.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi NewJourney , I used homeopathic remedies for years but had sort of drifted away from them when I had my breast cancer surgery 6 years ago. I’d be wary of taking anything without advice. My daughter had a wisdom tooth removed and was all set to take various remedies before and after, but she researched and found conflicting advice so in the end just went with the conventional’ advice, mainly salt water rinses. I think I read somewhere (sorry no idea where but from what I’d have classed as a reliable source) that arnica, though great for help with bruising, can have an affect on blood clotting. So I’d be wary. 
Re HRT - sorry I don’t know much about it, just that it’s quite commonly discussed here so hopefully you’ll get a response from someone who does know! Again, though, I’d be careful to check that any supplement doesn’t interfere with the beneficial effects of any prescribed treatments. 
I’ve found the Penny Brohn centre in Bristol a useful resource, haven’t been there in person but have attended a couple of online events. And Future Dreams House in Kings Cross, I went to a really interesting session by a dietitian re diet choices to try to reduce the risk of recurrence, particularly for those like me with hormone positive breast cancers. Assume yours is too as you’ve mentioned hormone suppression. It’s all a bit of a minefield. Love and hugs, HFxx

Ah thank you, it does seem to be a minefield. I’m still trying to understand it all. I know I’m Er 8/8 and Pr 7/8 but Her2 negative, I think that’s good? Think atm the plan is radiotherapy then the hormone suppressant tablet for 5 years, not sure about chemo yet- think they’re waiting on results from my surgery. It’s all hard to get your head around, and coming to terms it’ll be a slow process and not just ‘the op’.

thank you for the advice. I’ll ask the breast  care nurses for advice xxxxx

Hi, I got the ok from my surgeon to take arnica after lumpectomy. I used arnica cream too. Always a good idea to confirm with your team first x

Thank you for replying, I’ll give them a buzz today xxx

Hi NewJourney,

I am not sure of the tablets, best to clear it with your nurse. However, the arnica montana cream has helped a lot with my bruising and swelling. May be worth to try it.

I had a lumpectomy etc just week . I took Arnica 30c 3 X daily for 3 days and then j took Calendula 39c x 3 daily for 3 days . I did ask under the guidance if my friend who is a trained homeopath. 

I'm still quite bruised ..but I'm sure it helped . 

Hi there, I know it’s a year ago since you wrote about your diagnosis HER2negative and mine is similar also E8 and P8…just wondering did you do the radiotherapy after lumpectomy and how did it all go? How are you now? I’m 8 days post surgery not sure what’s next yet. Got arnica 30c tabs today was thinking they might help as feeling uncomfortable mostly

Hi Mammae00c2ff, I also had that diagnosis towards the end of February with a level 2 lump.    I had lumpectomy end of March and a re-excision early May to get clearer margins in ine area, as there were some pre-cancerous cells near the edge of the tissue they took out.  

I initially went to stay with my partner so i had someone around and am so pleased that i did. I healed well, drank loads of water and moved around a lot, but generally took it quite easy.  Slept at night with a soft pillow supporting my boob tho, as im a dd cup.  I wore my post surgery bra's in bed too.  I also made sure that I kept exercising my arm post surgery to avoid stiffness etc.

I was amazed at how well I recovered tbh.  I'd never had surgery before, so had no idea what to expect.  

I went back to work about 5 weeks after the 2nd surgery and had 5 sessions of radiotherapy at the end of july/ beginning of August.  It was fine in itself but whilst the soreness from the surgeries had gone, the RT does leave you pretty tired and a bit sore at times.  It was explained beforehand that this is the nerves and tissues repairing themselves from the RT damage. In hindsight tho, I should maybe have had a week or so off work afterwards to rest properly as I was quite exhausted for a few weeks.  But that gradually decreased.  I used flamigel on my skin, which the hospital gave me and have used organic aloe vera gel ever since and I have had no skin issues at all.  Oh and I drink loads of water, as recommended.

Luckily my oncotest score was really low (5 out of 100) so I didnt need chemo, altho to be fair, they did say at the start that I wouldn't. wouldnt.

I get my 6 monthly post surgery check up in 2 weeks time.

Hope all goes well for you, I feel like I've had a pretty easy journey and recovery compared to many on here xx

Thanks so much for your reply Aia! Sounds very like the journey I have just started. Mine is grade2 stage2 also…but not really lump more like a floater in the lobule…the only thinks I’m worried about is it was 3.4cm so while doc AY first saud radiotherapy and no chemo…he said 50/50 until the results come from surgery…should know in about 10 days.

Also I don’t live with my partner..he has asked me to do that he can help me but at the moment he has some work to do there and I’m very comfy at home…how did that go for you? Dud you move permanently?

Good luck with next appointment sounds very promising. 
M