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Work/grief/sadness
Hi all, apologies if this has already been discussed but I couldn’t find anything elsewhere. I’m 46, had a right mastectomy (Diep flap) and left reduction in early December for stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma. My recovery went really well, no pain whatsoever. I still have another procedure to alter the flap and then…
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Otis Foundation Retreats
There will be many members who have joined since there was discussion if this wonderful non profit organisation that provides free retreats for those diagnosed with breast cancer . It is based in Victoria but has a number of retreats in other states too. They are popular so you may need to be patient /flexible. Just Google…
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Finally brave enough to call BCNA helpline, and they are closed ...
So, sorry about this, but I have to have a verbal vomit. And I did have a laugh to myself when I heard the message on the BCNA answering machine..... but now it's tears. Does this ever end? I'm 2 years down the track, after mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and reconstruction, all during covid, via support-less "click and…
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BreastScreen Australia are seeking your views and feedback - survey closes 20 Feb 24
The BreastScreen Australia Program is undertaking a review. I've just completed this survey in the hope that it may assist participation and early diagnosis. Thought I would share it here so others can share their feedback and suggestions. Stakeholder: You can contribute and share your feedback as a 'Consumer/ person…
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Not take any hormone therapy medication…
I’ve just had a six week medication holiday as suggested by my oncologist as Anastrozole wasn’t agreeing with me; it was affecting my mood and mobility. I often felt stiff and achy and lots of other things. Anyway, I wrote her a long email explaining how I felt off the medication and what I hoped for going forward in terms…
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UTIs ...... Do you get them often? What do you use to 'fix it'?
I've not had a UTI for a while now, but I know that when I DO - it is always unpleasant and painful. In the old days, I used to use Ural sachets to help reduce the pain & symptoms .... ooooh they do cranberry Ural sachets now! It only used to be a weird lemony flavour! Are there any other 'newer' preparations that you've…
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Great Article in the Guardian Today
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/14/im-an-oncologist-this-is-what-king-charles-and-my-cancer-patients-have-in-common I found this very interesting and very timely. Some of her comments really hit home.
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Tamoxifen then Letrozole and now Zoladex :(
Probably more a vent than anything else but I have had a bit of a horror run with my ongoing cancer meds. Tamoxifen was a no go, Exemestane was severe joint pain. I've kind of settled into Letrozole now however taking Celebrex to help with pain and have been in therapy for over twelve months trying to deal with…
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Breast Cancer & Fertility - a Q&A Webinar - 20th Feb, 5 - 6.30pm
For those interested in Breast Cancer & Fertility - register for this webinar on Feb 20th. Around 4,000 women in Australia under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. For those in their childbearing years decisions about treatment need to consider fertility, as treatments such as chemotherapy and…
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Tamoxifen after Hysterectomy
Hi All, haven’t been on for a while but haven’t forgotten what a great source of support and advice you all are. I’m 3 years and 3 months out of treatment. - LS mastectomy and tamoxifen. I am due to have mitral valve replacement within the next few months but I’m unfortunately having to undergo a hysterectomy beforehand…
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Zoladex or Tamoxifen or nothing
Hello from a newbie. Last November I was diagnosed with early stage lobial hormone positive breast cancer. I’ve since had a lumpectomy and having radiation soon. I’m 49 pre menopausal and had a month on zoladex. I’m unhappy with the the side effects so my oncologist suggested I could try tamoxifen instead. From what I have…
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Menopause symptoms after having ovaries removed post being on Zoladex
Hello BCNA fam a new poster here …diagnosed Feb ‘21 aged 40 early stage breast cancer - radiation and lumpectomy commenced Tamoxifen but had to stop just shy of 18 mths due to uterine changes - yay me for being lucky 3% club. I won’t bore you with the drama - facts are tamoxifen caused uterine issues and I am now facing a…
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An In Depth article on BC Recurrence - what to look for - well worth a read
The article (below) is a 'must read' .... I've attached a PDF of it as well, so you can download it too. http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/breast-cancer-recurrence.html?fbclid=IwAR3HS79ElQjVbGpDuHUU538J-cm9RfZZ1qZ8vO-3Xc4u87SWilz--wGvxa0 There is a specific link to Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer, within the…
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Relationship damage from cancer
Has anyone experienced significant damage to their relationship from a cancer diagnosis? My partner has stayed by my side and supported me throughout my treatment, but now that I'm coming out the other end into survivorship, instead of bringing us closer together, we are in a very bad place. He resents me because he has…
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Hot flushes after treatment?
Look into the Menopause Symptoms After Cancer Clinic or MSACC. They were able to supply me with a drug that halved my hot flushes. I feel so much better. It is suitable for hormone + or - cancer. The one I am on was originally developed for anxiety/ depression but they found it worked for many people in reducing hot…