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Jailbirdstreet
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Joined 9 years ago
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Refusing tamoxifen
hi friends i am off to see my doc tomorrow to discuss tamoxifen. I am NOT KEEN. I am already suffering hot flashes and vaginal atrophy and muscle aches and no periods for nearly a year thanks to chemo (I am 48). My GP told me cheerily my ovaries are sterilised by the chemo my logic (?) is that ovaries produce estrogen and mine are cactus so I don’t need a drug to counter the estrogen am I misunderstanding? Has anyone else refused? From what I read there’s no data re recurrence or survival for people who refuse any thoughts appreciated x717Views1like23CommentsRe: Hello just diagnosed
Hi Kombigirl, if you can bring the trip forward and go, I would, but be aware they will probably want you to have more tests. I was diagnosed with a smiliarly sized invasive tumour on 1 Feb and they had me in surgery on 24 Feb. Mind you, I was treated at Ipswich and they had me in surgery before I could even see a surgeon at the Mater, so there is a 'window' but I would guess they will want to get it out soon. All the best, having fun when you can is a great coping skill for what is ahead! Which isn't all bad x8Views2likes0CommentsRe: Advice please re surgery options
Thanks, your comment re the 6 months is very well made. I guess I struggle because I have to accept so much on faith. I want to believe immediate reconstruction is possible, so I am doubting his assertion that it isn't! I appreciate the support x1View0likes0CommentsAdvice please re surgery options
I had a lumpectomy + lymphectomy in Feb and they found multiple foci of DCIS in the margins but zero cancer in 23 lymph nodes I was rushed into chemo due to a 'worrisome lesion' on my spine which they thought was probably not metastatic disease but treated me as though it was just in case. My post chemo scan found that lesion unchanged and the report says 'no sogn of metastatic disease. They want me to have my right breast removed in a couple of weeks. I said I wanted a bilateral mastectomy due to the risk of recurrence, but the surgeon is saying he will do my left breast when he does the first surgery for the implant reconstruction on my right, in about 6 months time. Even though the team that reviews the cases said I was a candidate for immediate reconstruction because they don't think I will need radiotherapy, he does not want to do that, as he says doing the two ops together can cause complications etc. I said yes to his plan (right breast mastectomy in a few weeks, no reconstruction til next year) but I came to work and sat down to tell my boss and started crying...I really am not happy with this plan, it seems like the worst option. Am I being irrational? I really want immediate reconstruction and I feel the surgeon isn't giving enough weight to my concerns. When I said I don't want to be lop-sided, he said "your breasts aren't that big, it won't be too bad" - I am a 16DD! I appreciate the single mastectomy will be less traumatic now, but then I have an extra traumatic surgery to anticipate in 6 months. A big part of my resistance is feeling like I have already been over-treated. They took my lymph nodes but there was no cancer and I've had intense chemo because of a lesion they never really thought was cancer. I know this is not helpful thinking but it is what I am thinking. I would love it if members could help me feel better about this plan / let me know if they think I should push harder for options.228Views0likes9CommentsRe: Anxiety, depression
Hi AA, sending you much love & the simple message that you will get through this. I was diagnosed in February and the anxiety reduced a lot once I had my surgery and had a plan for my chemo. Everyone is different, of course, but for me the unknowns were a big cause of anxiety. I have found mindfulness incredibly helpful, I have an app called Insight Timer (it's free) and I listen to meditations to help me stay calm. I had trouble sleeping after my surgery and I would listen to wave sounds or sleep meditations so I wasn't just lying in bed freaking out. This is horrible and scary and it is totally normally and sane to feel anxious and sad and worried. Have a good cry now and then and never be sorry for being sad! Do report these symptoms to your doctors, it's important they are aware, they can refer you to a psych on Medicare too. Personal opinion is try things other than pills first, as antidepressants can mess with your head too. We are all here for you xxx4Views0likes0CommentsRe: A bit of a whinge about more treatment
Thanks so much, the support and the advice really does help. A couple of days later and I am feeling more positive. @Zoffiel that's exactly what I want to avoid and hearing you say that does help me put aside my fanciful thinking and focus on what's important right now. Love to you all, ladies x4Views0likes0Comments
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Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
