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1st Chemo reaction !
Hi everyone, i started my first AC chemo this week post lumpectomy for grade 3 hormonal positive BC (Unfortunately I had anaphylactic reaction to the doxorubicin (red devil ! ) and needed HDU. My team is now transferring my care to a city hospital with allergy specialists and ICU support to consider a chemotherapy desensitisation. Has anyone had a similar experience?and how did you go about. Don’t meant to scary anyone else , as everyone has a different experience.ThanksHormone Therapy
I had a double mastectomy two weeks ago and need to take letrizole. I have also been told to have a bone scan and PET scan. I have a few questions, firstly, when should I begin taking letrizole, do I wait till I heal more or start now? I am worried about the side effects while I am still recovering from the surgery. I have the same question with the two scans, (bone density & PET) should I do those now or wait till I have recovered more from the surgery? I know I should have asked my surgeon at my last visit, but I was concentrating on her explanation of the pathology results and didn't think of it. The last 5 weeks since my diagnosis has been a rollercoaster of emotions and I still shake my head that I am where I am! I know that I tend to worry about the 'what ifs?' too much, and probably delaying all the inevitable instead of just getting on with it. Thank you for your advice.🗣️🩺Cancer Australia invites your participation in the Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) templates
Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) templates have been embedded within the Australian Cancer Plan demonstrating their importance in describing a national standard of high-quality cancer care. OCPs outline consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer with a specific cancer type or as part of a priority population group. Cancer Australia is reviewing and updating the common templates of the full OCP and the Quick Reference Guide to reflect current best practice and ensure consistency across all OCPs. The Guides to Best Practice Guide Cancer Care for consumers will be updated in the future. Your feedback as a consumer, in conjunction with healthcare professionals will help ensure the OCP templates are practical, relevant and fit for purpose to support consistent, high‑quality cancer care across Australia. You're invited to have your say via the Cancer Australia Consultation Hub by 7 August 2026 If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]DCIS, single mastectomy, no hormonal blocking therapy
Hello , Please I am looking for information/comments/ personal experience of receiving no hormonal bocking therapy post single mastectomy. Ive had a single mastectomy for a high grade DCIS , two areas, 5 weeks ago. Im reading so much information about hormonal blocking agents . Im 59 years of age and ceased my HRT immediately when I received my diagnosis. (recommended by my GP and Surgeon) I have been informed that I do not need any hormonal blocking medication. Are the hormonal blocking agents effective ? Are they only used when radiation has also been implemented? Im a bit confused . Many thanks.
Letrozole question
I am newly diagnosed & on Letrozole to shrink the tumour before surgery on August 12. I’m 68 so well past menopause. My mind is spinning with it all. I’ve been reading about side effects & I know that we are all different. But I’ve read a few mentions of teeth. What is the side effects for teeth? I’m having a DEXA scan tomorrow as a baseline.If you don't mind a buzz cut...
Just wanted to let people know that if you wouldn't mind getting around in a buzz cut, then do it early, as soon as you feel the hair falling. I went to a mohawk first, trying to keep a bit of style but regret it now as the middle sections that had longer hair get pulled out more by brushing/moving. So although I haven't lost all my hair (day 28 Carboplatin/paclitaxel), it doesn't look good.
Take 3
Today, I found that my second surgery, a lumpectomy revision had revealed further IDC and multiple DCIS , none of which showed up in scans, or were too small to show. I initially was checked 2 years ago with nipple changes, but mammogram and ultrasound were clear. This time there was a definate lump, but still no clear view on mammogram or ultrasound. Biopsy proved cancer present and my April Fool's Day gift was my diagnosis. I had my first lumpectomy at the end of April and lost my nipple, areola and a kiwi fruit sized bit of me. Pathology showed 7 tumours and a plethora of precancerous DCIS. Revision 4 weeks later has revealed further tumours and DCIS and, since these didn't show up until pathology was reported, I was unaware, until today, that I must again have surgery. I have decided, when weighing options up, that mastectomy will remove any further " lurkers". I am back onto the roller coaster of waiting for admission date and dealing with my head and an impending infection. How will I learn to trust screening in future? I had always been regularly to Breastscreen even after I passed upper age limit. I suppose I might live long enough for newer diagnostics, 80 next year....and now I need my routine colonoscopy due to family bowel cancer. Just a wee bit morbid and muddled.xx
Bilateral mastectomy + SLNB + TAD
Hi everyone, I'm having a bilateral mastectomy in two weeks, and while I've been getting information from my medical team, I know there's so much that only people who've been through it can share. If you've had a bilateral mastectomy, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Looking back, what do you wish you'd known beforehand? What should I realistically expect during the first few days and weeks of recovery? I'd also love any practical tips, such as: Things that made recovery easier. What you recommend doing before surgery to prepare. Items you found helpful to have at home or in the hospital. Advice for managing drains, sleeping, showering, getting dressed, or moving around. Things that surprised you (good or bad). Any emotional or mental health tips that helped you cope. I know everyone's experience is different, and I'm not looking for medical advice—just personal experiences and practical wisdom from those who've been there. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Reading your stories and advice means a lot as I prepare for surgery.Letrozole or Tamoxifin?
Hi Fellow Hormone blockers :-) Really need some advise , my situation 60yrs old with thin bones Had 15cms DCIS removed via mastectomy and a 5mm invasive cancer. The oncologist is giving me the choice between the 2 drugs for 5 years. If I was to go on Letrozole it will thin my already thin bones so would need to go on a drip 2 times a year with a bone strengthening drug in it also need permission from the dentist. Tamoxifin apart from the similar side effects it also can cause blood clots and uturus cancer, Im really conflicted. The oncologist is going to mail a lot of material out to me then in a months time we will make a decision. I really wanted to talk to the real people taking these drugs, your experience and if you have been on both your preference? Appreciate your help with this decision :-)
