Piccme
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Joined 8 years ago
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I hate cancer
It has been some time since I have posted anything. To start with it was simply because I needed time to heal. Recovering from treatment and the loss of my dad took its toll, then my mother’s health took a turn for the worse and I lost her just before Covid hit our shores. Thinking that things could surely not get much worse, my husband, 18 year old daughter and I had no idea just how easily a cancer diagnosis can change lives so easily…again. On the 20th of February I received my 5 year all clear, my husband however received his terminal diagnosis for throat cancer and it was our 24th wedding anniversary. My husband lost his battle with cancer on the 3rd of May, we actually never received a prognosis for his disease and I am left in shock as to how quickly he left us. I don’t mean to sound so negative because I understand that people come to this sight looking for help and guidance as I have over the years. We are so lucky to have a resource like BCNA, it helps inform and share experiences. There is so much information lacking for so many other cancers. I am terribly sad and broken but at the same time know that I could never have managed my own journey with cancer without the support that this resource offers and the knowledge I have learned from BCNA has at times also been invaluable in trying to support my husband with his battle.260Views0likes6CommentsRe: Beta Blockers may have additional benefit
The study is quite limited at just 64 patients but nevertheless very interesting. A few months prior to my diagnosis I was prescribed propranolol for tachycardia which I took up until a week after my axillary clearance. At the time my GP thought this was the best treatment for my heart palpitations and elevated heart rate. @Afraser, @arpie and @patdug I too hope that there may have been an added benefit for taking it, even though it was for a limited time in my case. As it turned out the tachycardia and heart palpitations were probably more related to anxiety I was suffering from a combination of significant stressful events. On diagnosis, I questioned my GP, breast surgeon, Oncologist, Radiologist and pretty much anybody I could, enquiring if stress might have been a contributing factor. While it was reiterated that lifestyle factors, genes (in about 5% of cases) and even just ‘bad luck’ can play a role in a cancer diagnosis, my thoughts on the role stress plays were quickly dismissed. It seems significant to me that: “research discovered that the ‘fight-or-flight response’ can increase metastasis, helping cancer spread through the body. We harnessed that knowledge by repurposing existing drugs. Our goal was to see if we could stop cancer cells spreading in the body. We found that beta-blockers – which halt the stress response – stopped the cancer invading”. It will be interesting to see what results future, perhaps larger studies of this nature might reveal. Perhaps stress may be included in ‘lifestyle’ factors? It would be an exciting prospect if there was a supplementary and or alternative to prevent/slow metastasis, particularly for hormone negative sufferers and for those who cannot tolerate tamoxifen/Al’s. It may also provide a little peace of mind for some against reoccurrence? I shall watch this space with interest.3Views1like0CommentsRe: Lung CT tomorrow, then the horrible wait
@primek, you are the first to suggest something reasonable, onc or GP didn’t query it even though my GP did mention that my thyroid function was compromised after recent bloods. No one has mentioned that a cough, swallowing difficulties or hoarse voice could be associated with it. I have been super careful not to put on weight so my thyroid hasn’t been investigated. I have been putting off investigating what it could be because I have lost my big girl undies and just couldn’t deal with it. After treatment I just wanted my life back for a bit. I’ve actually been too scared to look into the cause but it is so uncomfortable that I knew I needed to do something about it. CT done, now I just have to wait for results. I am still very worried about Mets to my oesophagus even though it’s really unlikely. I’m just tired of the symptoms. Thanks again ladies, a different perspective is invaluable.3Views0likes0CommentsLung CT tomorrow, then the horrible wait
On 4th October it will be a year since finishing active treatment. During chemo my voice changed around day 4 each cycle and felt weak. Not long after finishing rads I developed an irritation in my throat/oesophagus region and I also developed a cough. The irritation is worse after eating and when I breath in deeply. My GP prescribed Pariot to treat reflux for oesophagitis. I have been taking Pariot for about three months but haven’t experienced any improvement. I had my six month onc review last Tuesday where I discussed my symptoms and concerns. She basically dismissed the possibility of it being oesophageal Mets, but I’m still stressed about it. I have nerve damage inside my ears which she described as unusual but because of that she thinks I may have nerve damage to my voice box. However she did think it was reasonable to do a lung CT because of my cough. It’s the night before the scan and of course I’m starting to stress. I have tried to keep busy and not think about it but I just feel like I’m finally getting back on track. Has anyone else experienced side effects in throat/oesophagus after chemo? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sophie.195Views0likes12CommentsRe: Looking for reassurance please! Big decision to make......
Hi @Fletch, if you were to have desensitisation how many more cycles would you have left? I didn’t cope well with Docytaxol, my first being the worst. I too had an allergic reaction with my first. I then had dose reduction for the next 2. I still struggles though. I had three cycles in total after 3 FEC cycles. Personally, I found that side effects accumulated with docytaxol, the last being the worst . But we all react differently. As the other girls suggest, it is best to be guided by your team. I ended up getting through the treatment. At the time I wasn’t sure if I could. Just remember, you now know how you react to docytaxol and your team are there to help you get through. No matter which treatment path you go down, we are all here to support you. Please let us know which path you choose and how you go. Xx0Views0likes0CommentsRe: So much for good vibes. Scan day sucked . They've called me back.
Fuck, fuck, fucity fuck @kezmusc, I am so sorry to hear about this. Like everyone else I am feeling for you. I have everything crossed it’s just scar tissue as others have said. Sending you hugs and all my positive thoughts. Xxx0Views0likes0Comments
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Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe, supportive space to talk about sexual health and emotional wellbeing during and after breast cancer. We discuss topics like menopause, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, UTIs, and changes in libido, and share ideas and products that may help. Whether you're navigating intimacy with a partner or reconnecting with yourself, you're not alone here. This is a place for open, respectful conversations and shared understanding.
