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Hi Rose-I think everyone is different and you just have to see how you feel. I had double mx at the end of September, was driving after a week, went on holiday after 3 weeks and returned to work at the end of October, but only because I had already had 10 months off due to previous op, chemo etc and was desperate to go back. I was lucky to be able to go back on a phased return whereby I worked part time for 4 weeks but was paid full pay. I am a teacher in a primary school so my job is full on but I managed well and am loving being back. Gives you something else to focus on apart from BC. Whatever you decide, be kind to yourself and only do what you can. Hope everything goes okay for you. Rachel x
Thank you Rachel. i feel not too bad just sore a tight i had my op this Monday gone. Yes you are about focusing on something eles apart BC, i have to have a goal.
Best wishes Rose x
hi im jane im 49 and have just been diagnosed this week with bc. im terrified, i have a very supportive family who i love dearly but i still feel so alone.i will get most of the information on monday but the news so far is i have to have an mri to which they will decide if it is going to be part of the breast or all of it.
i have high anxiety episodes in my life normally brought on by stress where i can neither eat or sleep i have suffered this for several years so this news has taken me back to that awful place again.i have had my lynph nodes checked and they said they were clear but want to retest again why do they im so worried. why do they have to do an mri also when we have had a mammogram ultra sound and biopsy.
i dont know how to cope with this and im terrified of the surgery too,
i cant concentrate on anything other than this,i need to talk with someone in the same situation. love to you all
Hi Rose,
They will give you the pathology results when you go back in. I had my chemo upfront, so it was slightly different for me, but if you haven't had the results of whether you are hormone positive etc, that will be when it happens. I had my MX last March, and found it surprisingly easy to recover from.
Janey, my heart goes out to you. I think you are expressing how most of us felt when we received the BC bombshell. I can't tell you that it is easy, or that life returns to normal; but it does become less hard to cope with. I found this forum indispensable when, like you, I was surrounded by family and friends, but just needed to talk to people who were 'in it' along side me. I'm sure you will find a lot of support and knowledge on here. Good luck,
Tracey x
Hi Rose,
Wow, you're well on your way through treatment now - all that chemo and now your surgery behind you too. Fantastic!
Results wise, they should tell you what they found - most likely to confirm what you already knew from before your chemo - and will tell you what they plan by way of follow up longer term. Hope it goes well for you.
As Rachel said, we are all different. I was told not to drive for six weeks or to carry anything heavy (over 5kg/10lbs) on the affected side for three months. But, that reflected that I had mastectomy, axilary clearance and LD recon all at once. I went back to work pretty much fulltime after about 8 weeks (I was told I had to have six off, and eight suited me and my employer better) but had begun to pick up bits and pieces after about four. I was lucky, my job is very flexible and I can pretty much choose my own hours.
I think the best thing is to have a goal, but not worry if you don't get there straight away. Perhpas you can get what they call a 'phased return" where you build up the hours over a few weeks? I would talk to the HR people or your boss to see if this can be arranged.
Janey, what you say is something so many of us relate to. I am now about 16 months post diagnosis, have finished all my active treatment and am busy enjoying life again. I still lurk and post here becuase these are my special friends with whom I can honest on the scary days, laugh when I find something funny and let off steam if I'm stressed. We all find find our own way through this, perhaps discovering relisilence we never knew we had. It sounds trite now, but you will be fine, you will get through and before you know it will be saying these things to someone else! Try to have a good weekend, do some lovely things and indulge in a few well deserved treats. <>
Hi janeypaney
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I am sure you will find it a great source of information and support.
I'm sorry to read of your diagnosis, the first few days and weeks are always difficult when coming to terms with things and getting to grips with your treatment plans, etc.
As well as the support you are receiving on the forums you might find it helpful to order the BCC resources pack. It has been specifically designed for those newly diagnosed and contains information to help you better understand your diagnosis, test results and the various treatments available. If you would like to order a copy just follow the link bellow:-
http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/pub ... cer-bcc145
Also, do give the helpline a ring if you need any further support or information. They're on 0808 800 6000. Open 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 Saturday.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
tsr and revcat thankyou it was so nice to come back here to see a reply to me.since first visiting the doctor with the outward change i saw in my breast which was dimpling and nipple change i still at that time held hope that it may be down to boob sagging and age related.this was not to be so since my visit to the clinic last wednesday my whole world changed.i didnt find a specific lump but around my nipple felt harder than the other side in the tissue area and on sharing this with my sister although now she tells me she was took aback by what she saw she never divulged as my nature is somewhat fragile but urged me to get it checked.my consultant tells me that it will be surgery scheduled in two to four weeks pending on the results of the mri.is it normal to have to have the breast taken so quickly with no alternative, what does this mean. i have to go to see her tomorrow and get booked in for the mri then there going to take it from there.is it possible that they can remove all the cancer with a mastecteomy and no further treatment would be needed. i am terrified of being put to sleep too. i hate to admit now that im a smoker but have smoked more since the news and are afraid of having anesthetic for this reason. do you feel ill when you wake from the surgery too, im sorry i have so any questions. i send my love to you and thankyou so much for listening to me xxx
Hi Janey,
The fear of anaesthetics is so widespread as to be almost normal I think! I was petrified that I wouldn't wake up... I know, and me a minster type person too! Once I started telling people this they all said "me too, but I've always been too scared/embarrassed/ashamed to tell anyone." I had bad memories of childhood dental anaesthetics - big black masks and evil smells, and of being physically sick for days afterwards. At my pre-op appointment I was asked if I'd had anaesthetic before and any side effrects, so told them my experience and fears. I also told the anaesthetist when I met her and she was lovely - her reply was "why wouldn't you be scared, I'd be scared". She gave me sleeping pills for the night before (I was first on list so in overnight before hand) and more as a premed. She also made sure they put antisickness meds in the last bag of my drip whilst I was 'under'. I can honestly say I went down as calm as anything, can recall nothing after they put the canula in the back of my hand, and woke up cosy and safe in the ward feeling fine - with two hours I was supping tea and munching toast. I never felt even vaguely nauseous.
Do tell them about the smoking - they will understand, surely why you are smoking more at the moment. Other people will be drinking or eating chocolate or shouting or any other coping strategy. Once you are the other side of this you can think about the smoking but for now, in my opinion anyway, just take one thing at a time.
Hi Janeypaney,
I was really scared of the anaesthetic, especially as I have a lung problem and my chest specialists told the surgeons I couldn't have recon as the anaesthetic was too long. This was known at the preop check, so guess they paid attention (!) and in the end woke up feeling the best I ever have post op, and had no post op lung problems, so put that worry to one side and deal with it when you get there.
Tell them about the smoking so they can advise about patches /whatever. They will have heard it before!
I personally would take the opportunity to give up smoking now.
If you're not working £5 a packet is money saved. The aneasthetic won't be so easy if you smoke. Veins not so good for drugs. Oxygen levels crap and the risk of vomiting higher. Also, you can't smoke in hospital. Ask about patches etc. They cost nowt.
thanks for our replies lavender and allkiki, i will try to cut down on smoking but i feel so scared most of the time.i have an appointment to see my consultant today so i woke early again. i wish i could keep the positivity going that i do have some days but its hard. i send my love to you both xxx
Janey when I was in a state of mostly un-knowing I found it very difficult to be positive, but once you know more about the disease you will get more positive and it will get easier.
I'm not scared of not waking up, as I will wake up, either here again or in a much better place, I shall try and not be too disappointed if I open my eyes in a hospital bed LOL.
all the best and hugs & love from Christine xx
thankyou network for replying to me, i saw my consultant yesterday and she told me it lobular but i have to wait for an mri to determine the size which should be in two weeks.
when did you get your diagnosis and how are you coping.i just cant think of anything else. i tell myself onward and upward but somedays the hill is too steep. xxx
janeypaney
i also have lobular bc and am waiting for my mx next friday 27/01.
i was diagnosed on 20/12 and had a mri scan a week later got the results on 05/01.
I have to have a mx and anc as it is in my lymph nodes as well, then chemo after that.seems i am in for the long haul but am so glad i went for my mammogram or things could be a lot worse.I can't sleep ay the momentbut think this is quite common among us ladies.keep your chin up debbie x
Hello all
It does get easier I promise, thought I still don't sleep properly even though it's all over now. My advice to all of you is just to take it one step at a time and look after yourself. Yes, it's a long time and at times it feels as if it will never end. But it does of course and things do return to normal eventually. Lots of love Rach x
ust woke and i feel very scared yet again, i seemed to cope better yesterday but this morning i feel sick to my stomach, im still smoking too.i seem to find myself going to bed about 6 oclock not to sleep but to watch a film or something when my concentration is better.ive never been a person like that and although my life has been turned upside down like so many others maybe staying downstairs will keep things feeling a little more normal for me.
im terrified of this mri in case it picks up something else
thankyou mollie and harp its lovely to meet you both and thankyou for your kind words they mean a lot. xxx
oops sorry debbie and rach.
Hi Janeypaney
I had my mastectomy on 9 November and am not back at work yet. i was planning to go back today but yesterday got the call regarding the oncologist appointment which is today - eek!! I am a smoker too!! When I saw the surgeon pre-op I told her I would try my hardest to give up and she actually said well if I were you I would leave it for a bit as you are going through enough stress at the moment without giving up cigs!! I have to give up though, they won't do my reconstruction if I'm still smoking. The anaesthetic was fine - once they put the needle in your hand you won't remember a thing until you wake up cozy in your bed in the ward. Perhaps you might think about taking a Night Nurse tablet at night to give you a good night's sleep - they work for me! Thinking of you! x
hi kiwi thankyou for messaging me its so nice to meet you. hope your appointment goes well today.i was told too its not the right time to give up but im putting those filter thingy,s on the end so hope that helps.
ive always been terrified of anesthetic since a child and i guess i have more concerns now as the op is as certain as the sun in the sky.my consultant told me mine was lobular apparently common in 45 to 55 year olds, i was scared to read about it at first.i didnt find a specific lump i noticed changes with my nipple and the surrounding area harder...... in fact now i cant remember how long ago its all a blur.what type was yours kiwi.how did you feel after the op when you woke up.i have my mri in two weeks and im so scared of that too. life feels so different now doesnt it.ive met some wonderful ladies here purple 42, revcat,lorna 45,supertrouper,nanny7,twinky68,debh tcr mollie thankyou all of you your my inspiration. im going to do some breakfast now as my eating habits are null and void some days love to you kiwi keep in touch xxx
Hi - thanks - I can't deny I am nervous about the outcome today - either chemo or hormone drugs - I'll post verdict when I can! Honestly I felt absolutely fine after the op - obviously a bit sleepy and sore and the drain is a pain in the neck - going to the loo etc but you soon get used to it! I only spent one night in hospital - I had the op at about 1pm, back on the ward by 4pm and fine a few hours later. It was itching to get home and my partner picked me up the next day at about lunchtime and was on the sofa with our two dogs not long after! Even managed a glass of red with dinner that night!! i know its easy to say "don't worry" but truly, you will be fine! And don't worry about your eating being up and down - thats normal with the stress you are feeling but try and keep yummy stuff in the frig that you can grab when you do feel hungry! And of course I'll keep in touch - ask anything - we're all here to help others in any way we can!
This is my second time - can't believe how unlucky I've been. The first time I had a lumpectomy, 6 weeks of rads and 5 years on Tamoxifen and here I go again - 16 years later!
XX
Hi Janeypaney (and anyone else that this might be helpful to)
You are exactly where I was a year ago. I got dx with lobular cancer on 22nd Dec 2010, had to have an MRI to double check size etc (Common with lobular) and had an mx and immediate ld flap recon on 27th Jan 2011.
(Kiwijan - don't worry too much about the smoking. I smoked, although not really heavily, I stopped two days before my op. I took the opportunity of a week stay in hosp and two weeks convalescing with my sister to break the habit - and I haven't had a puff since. It was a habit, rathefr than an addiction and I didn't even need any patches or gum.)
I ended up needing the 'full monty' of treatment - chemo, rads and I'm now on tamoxifen. It wasn't pleasant, but I got through it - indeed I managed to keep on working through most of my chemo. I was back at work full time by the end of Oct and today I had my first one year check-up. Got examined, had a mammo, US and results all this morning and I'm happily in the land of NED (No Evidence of Disease). I'll have a check up withh my plastic surgeon to talk nipples in the summer, but that's me done with BC for a year.
You are in one of the worst times at the moment, but it does get easier and you will get through it.
Hugs and good luck to all starting on the journey.
Dx
nice to meet you dj thankyou for your comment it really helps, as soon as i wake i have to get out od bed as my mind goes into overdrive again.i was told i would need the full monty too and yet again i think how will i cope with feeling ill, how often to you have to go for chemo and what are worst side effects. do you have to take it for long and also how do you feel with the rads. im sorry its so many qestions.im so glad you are ned now dj
kiwi im so sorry you are back on this journey again but we are here for each other and if you would like my mobile so we can tex each other i,d like that. love to you both jane xxx
Janeypaney,
I am a fellow smoker - I know it is crazy to still smoke when you have cancer, but if it was that easy to kick the habit there wouldn't be any smokers at all.... So, try and not stress over it too much.
I have invasive ductal cancer, had two lumpectomies, the margin was not clear on the first one in October and November. Surgeon told me that you heal better if you don't smoke but I had not problems either with the anaesthesia or healing afterwards.
My lymphnodes were clear, thank God, but I had a largish tumour (2.5 cm) and it is HER2+. Also, apparently, I am 'young' (48) so I am getting the full monty: chemo, radiation, Herceptin and hormone therapy for 5 years.
Just had my first chemo on the 9th of January and it was nowhere near as bad as I thought (if you look at any of the 'Undergoing treatment: chemotherapy' threads you will see this a lot!). I get 6 cycles of chemo - it is once every 3 weeks (the number of cycles can wary and sometimes it is administered every 2 weeks). Chemo is administered intravenously. I get two types. The nurse inserts a small tube into your vein and hooks you up to an IV thingie. First you get some saline solution, them one of the chemo drug followed by more saline, then the second one, followed by more saline. It does not hurt but it is a peculiar feeling, you feel the liquid in your veins (it is colder than your body temperature). Otherwise I felt OK. The whole thing took about an hour for me. I was OK after to drive home, but had my sister with me. The hospital gave me some anti sickness tablets and steroid to take before the treatment and anti sickness tablets to take home. I've not been sick once, and felt generally OK, if a bit fuzzy... This is now my second week and I feel more or less normal. Never even lost my appetite, probably eat more than usual!
Can't help with how you feel during radiation that is still in my future, but I try not to worry about things that are in the future and just concentrate on getting through today..
Hope this helps! I was bricking chemo, hence my handle but it is truly not as bad as you think it will be.
Julianna
hello juliana hugs sent to you. thankyou for posting me. i got my letter for my mri yesterday and its next thursday the 26th. do they do a full body as on the letter it says scan left breast right breast. i am so scared of this. i keep getting theses horrible pains in the centre of my chest had them on and off for a week now not sure if its indigestion or stress. i feel quite low again today.the info was great you gave me thanks so much for that.im still smoking too much cant seem to cut down, keep in touch julianna hugs xxx
hi all todays the day for my mx im terrified i dont want to go i just want to run. never felt so scared i just want to cry.
Hi Janeypaney
Huge, huge hugs to you! My mx is on 13 Feb and I know I will be absolutely terrified (I'm not great now). However this forum, as you well know, is full of people who have their mx and are going great guns, getting on with their treatment and soon you'll be one of them.
xx
Hi JaneyPaney,
today it is exactly one year since my mastectomy... the waiting was far, far worse than the reality. Hope all goes well for you and in a year's time you are every bit as well as I am, if not even more so.
(((hug)))
Hjaneypaney,
Don't be scared today it will ve ok.I had my mx and anc a week ago today and I was scared just like you. the op is alot better than you think (the waiting is worse).As my bc nurse said just think that it is getting rid of the problem.I had one night in hospital then home to bed for a few days.i had a nerve block in my arm which has been brilliant no pain under the arm until today.I will be thinking of you today and if you need any questions asked let me know debbie xx
mollie revcat and historygirl hi its 2.30 in the morning ive had to get up as the pain is too much. i didnt have any drains put in as my con said she believes they only cause infection. i have so much fluid under my arm i cant move it properly. i feel really sick and can only lie on my back. my mobility isnt good when trying to get up in a standing position.goodness knows how long this is going to last. the op was really scary although when the needle goes in you know nothing but when i woke from the anesthetic i didnt feel too good but after about an hour i was better although really whoozy and jelly legs.i was kept in overnight as it was late afternoon when i had my mx but couldnt sleep as there was walking up and down and blood pressure pulse taken every few hours.does anyone know how long it takes before the fluid will start to disperse, the pain is mostly in my shoulder and under my arm although under my arm is really numb to the touch.thanks for listening lovely ladies. jane xxx