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Lower dose tamoxifen
I have taken tamoxifen 20mg for 6 years,I have now had a year off tamoxifen as I stopped taking due to side effects, my oncologist would like me to persist and start taking it again as I’m in my 40s and he considers this young. my surgeon said I could just take less,he said there has been research that says it may be as effective,or I suppose it’s better than not taking it, has anyone doctors been happy for them to take less tamoxifen than 20 mg? And if you take less have you noticed an improvement in the side effects? If so do yo take 5 mg or 10 mg a day?
Left sided mastectomy. Bras?
So next week I will be having a left sided mastectomy. So will be flat on one side - post surgical - and the other side I'm a DD cup. What do I wear afterwards? Do I wear a bra with an insert it in? How long before I can do that? Like weeks? I imagine I'll have to be careful of what's there rubbing it? But I guess I'll have dressings on the scar? I won't be doing any reconstruction at this time. Probably do that down the track once my health is better. What sort of bras do I buy? And where is the best place to buy them? HELP?!! Therese
Too Fat for flap breast reconstruction
Hi all just wanted to make people aware that after having a double mastectomy I was told I am To Fat/ overweight to have flap reconstruction despite having gastric sleeve, optifast mounjaro their expectation was to be ideally 80-85kg which I have never been even when playing sports. I just wanted to make people aware that if you have had a double mastectomy and may need a flap reconstruction and are on the heavier side please be aware of weight expectations. I don't think my body agrees with silicone implants.
Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hi all — I’ve been reading a recent research- esp. from the US, including the book Estrogen Matters, which questions the idea that women with breast cancer should automatically avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and how it can help with longevity etc. I’m planning to speak with my doctor about it, but I’m curious — has anyone here looked into this or discussed HRT after breast cancer with their team? Would love to hear your experiences or any studies/resources you found helpful.
Starting Radiation
Hi All, Tomorrow I will starting my first of 15 rounds of Radiation. What recommendations for creams post treatmen for skin burn. I was given samples of QV cream and LaRoche-Posay Lipikar baume and Cicaplast Baume B5. I already have Dermaveen and Sorbolene Cream at home. Thanks All
Considering EndoPredict before accepting Chemo
Hi everyone, I did a search and this topic hasn't been mentioned in a while since 2023. The main difference seems to be that EndoPredict ($2980) is now eligible for partial Medicare rebate ($1103). However, it is still a considerable cost for many of us. I'm having to decide whether to take the test and hope that maybe the outcome could be that Chemo is not of benefit to me. Going by what the medical oncologist told me it is doubtful that Chemo would not benefit me - the use of "aggressive" to describe my stage 3 cancer makes me think that. Though he did still mention the testing to me so I had a choice. I'm torn and scared. With my previous cancer (liposarcoma) I didn't have Chemo so it is an unknown scary beast. My two main concerns with Chemo are the heart and bone damage risks. I get that the decision to have the test is a very personal one and nobody can make that choice for me. For me it isn't just financial, the main choice is whether I consider Chemo is worth it. Even if the test comes out a low percentage for recurrence, is that enough for me to say no to Chemo? After all, the test is the risk of recurrence in 10 years and personally, I'm now on cancer number 2 (different types) in a 14 year period. Have many of you have taken the test? Or would you take it now that it is partially rebated by Medicare? Thank you for reading and being sounding boards.
Perth Breast Reconstruction Support Group Lunch /Fundraiser for BCCWA
You are welcome to join us on Saturday 25th October from 12:30pm at the Herdsman Lake Tavern in Wembley (private function room) where we chat about everything to do with breast reconstruction. It’s very informal - we buy our own food/drink & ask/answer questions from ladies that have done their reconstruction. This is the place to hear honest answers about recovery & what things you can do beforehand to make it a little easier. Simone Hall the tattoo artist will be there to present about nipple tattooing & you can purchase temporary ones to try at home to see what a huge difference they make to the finished breast mound. I will also be selling some gorgeous cookies to raise money for Breast Cancer Care WA - a fabulous organisation that has supported thousands of ladies & their families so please bring some cash (I can also take extra donations if you would like to add something more to help other ladies on their journey.) You are welcome to bring a female friend for company 😊
Radiation Therapy Omission
Hello, I have been informed by a radiation oncologist that I am at a increased risk of developing radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) from radiation therapy (RT) due to my having a connective tissue disorder. Following research around this I am currently weighing-up the risks and examining my options. I find the decision-making around this challenging and would like to invite members to share their experiences with: Decision-making around RT omission Experiences with RT omission Experiences with RIF e.g. immediate and late-onset effects Please include as much detail as possible. All comments are appreciated. Thank you, 🌷Klio