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About to commence Tamoxofen
Hi All, I am now 71 and was diagnosed with an ER+PR+HER- 10mm tumor in my left breast in Feb 2026. I had a lumpectomy, and lymph node removed in April 2026. There was no evidence of spread. 3 weeks of radiation followed. I am now about to commence taking Tamoxofen. I am terrified of the possible side effects, and yet am also terrified of the possible consequences if I do not take it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Jen x59ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsLetrozole and high cholesterol
I'm struggling to reduce my cholesterol, it's always been a bit high and it's now jumped up to 7, yikes! I'm almost certain this has been caused by the Letrozole as it's a known side effect. I have a pretty healthy diet and pretty much follow the healthy heart diet, and have for years. I spent 6 weeks being even more strict and managed to reduce it by 0.04 😆 I'm giving it another few months, and picking up my extercise, and will then seriously consider taking statins, if I haven't managed to reduce it more. I've lost 10kg since diagnosis 2 years ago. My good collestrol is still pretty good. I think I'm kidding myself that it will get better, my husband eats pretty much the same as me, but with more biscuits, and his is perfect 🙄 Has anyone else had a similar issue?189ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsSkin Reaction
Hi Looking for help with my skin, chemo and immuno has covered me in a rash which is dark and red. Can anyone help with anything that has made it at least fade or disappear. I have tried Cortisol cream ,Prednisole , Moogoo Oil and Sorbolene. Any other suggestions please. Thanks Jody66ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsTamoxifen and Constipation IBS Pelvic floor issues
I have been on Tamoxifen for just over 2 years and over that time have developed worsening constipation then pelvic pain and pelvic issues, have had a diagnosis of IBS and yet to sort pelvic issues, am having a trial off Tamoxifen and things have improved, just wondering if anybody else has had any similar experiences?122ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentOvestin Cream
Hi everyone!! I accidently sent this info to myself. So have worked out how to send it to everyone else. I had a recent appointment with my oncologist which went well. He doesn't need to see me for 12 months. Got my repeat for Anastrozole. I mentioned the Ovestin cream which I have started using again since surgery. At a previous appointment he said it was okay to use as I use it just twice a week. He said he didn't say that. I'm positive he did. I've stopped using it and have gone for an over the counter product he recommended. Replens. Then in the next breath he said if that doesn't work for me go back to using the Ovestin. I felt confused. Intimacy is uncomfortable as I am dry and sore inside again. Intimacy is an important part of our relationship. Because of this I really don't want to be intimate. I would love some feed back, please.155ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsFibromyalgia and Aromatase Inhibitors
Hey Everyone! I've been on Arimidex for about 14 months now and side effects have been quite debilitating in terms of joint, muscle pain. I came off as recommended for 6 weeks and kept a diary for my Oncologist, I am yet due to see him but the symptoms reduced dramatically. I know there are alot of women who suffer side effects and there are some women who also suffer NONE! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 14 years ago, as the years went on I forgot all about it and got on with life, lets face it who has time for it right?? My Medical Team said I suffered so badly through chemo due to Fibromyalgia and that for some reason it affects sufferers badly. I didnt think about it as I said I forgot all about it, it doesnt rule my life and I put up with pain. The other alarming thing that has come to light is and why I want to share this is, if you have FIBROMYALGIA any Aromatase Inhibitors such as Arimidex actually make the pain worse. I thought it worth mentioning to anyone else out there who has this and if you are suffering on medication this is most likely why. The answer??? I honestly don't know but will talk to my Oncologist, I know Magnesium is important with Vit D. but since going back on Arimidex the past 2 weeks have been horrific in terms of pain...and finally I worked it out. Melinda xo444ViewsSign in to react to this post18CommentsPalbociclib-anti cancer drug effects
Hi Ladies Just wondering if anyone is on both Letrozole and Palbociclib, I am about to start the Palbo and hope I can tolerate it so I can go back to work. I am 61 and have stage 2 inoperable cancer at the moment and the oncologist wants to try and shrink it over the next 6 months. I am worried about the nausea and fatiique and as I work in primary schools walking and talking a lot, feel stressed just thinking about it, but really need the income to fund all these private treatments and meds.95ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentHerceptin
Dear community, has anybody taken Herceptin without any other drugs before, with or after? I'm particularly interested in side effects. Shall greatly appreciate your experience.197ViewsSign in to react to this post5Commentspimples on head
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions to relieve or treat blind pimples that have started appearing on my head. They come up very quickly, are about the size of a 5 or 10 cent piece, inflamed red, no white head and extremely painful. I have had to take painkillers to try and reduce the throbbing and have also placed heat bags on them (which does help a little). I read that chemo can cause acne so I am presuming that is what these huge welts are. I am 3/4 through my chemo and these have only appeared in the last week. Any suggestions will be gratefully received.195ViewsSign in to react to this post5Comments1st 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.Thanks189ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsIf 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.171ViewsSign in to react to this post2Comments“Burning” feet
I finished chemo 10 weeks ago but my feet continue to burn to the extent that walking is painful and the pain never eases. Fingers tingle but bearable. No pain killers have helped neither has massage. Anyone got any tips what might help? It’s getting worse not better.622ViewsSign in to react to this post16CommentsStarting chemo this week: Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Pegfilgrastim then Paclitaxel
Hello everyone, this week I start chemo. As I understand it, 4 cycles of Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Pegfilgrastim then 12 cycles of Paclitaxel. I am looking for any advice and tips on how to get through it. We all know that experience and side effects are all different and individual but it would help to know how others have coped. I haven't had my introduction session with the oncology nurse yet and the fact sheet is a bit scary. I am in Melbourne and will be treated at St Vincent's private in East Melbourne as that is where my medical oncologist works. For the time being I am remaining a private patient as insurance covers it. I am choosing to try the 'cold cap' to see if it will help with not losing hair but as I have fine hair and already experiencing age related hair loss, it may not work. I know it will add about 2 hours to treatment and am willing to give it a go. My plan is to take audiobooks and colouring books with me to pass the time during treatment. I'm aiming to keep busy but not taxing myself too much. At this stage I do not plan to work on treatment days but do plan to work from home other days. A friend has suggested a probiotic as a precaution as a relation and her mother used one during their chemo and found it helpful. Has anyone else found this? With the second treatment and Paclitaxel I am concerned about the possibility of peripheral neuropathy side effects due to a previous condition. I read in another post that some ladies have tried cold gloves and socks - has that worked? I will have to look into it further but am curious and want to be prepared. Thank you all for reading and any advice and tips :heart:633ViewsSign in to react to this post13Commentscephalexin
hi all, i had a lumpectomy on my right breast about two and a half months ago, i recently got quite bad internal pains and an ultrasound found an infection (retroareolar abscess). i'm half way through my prescribed dose of cephalexin, which has hit me hard, like dizziness, weakness, tiredness, stomach pains, basically every side effect it could have is happening. i'm wondering if anyones had a similar experience with cephalexin and how they managed it? thanks!!88ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsRadiation skin changes: dimpling
Hi all, I finished radiation back in December (whole breast, 3 weeks, following lumpectomy). My skin has calmed down nicely, darker colour is fading, nipple almost matches the other. However 2 days ago I noticed a large dimple only visible when I lift my arm, in the lower part of my boob (my original scar is closer to top). I’m very aware that this can be a symptom of a tumour which is freaking me out but can also be just be skin changes following radio. Would love some reassurance from others who have perhaps had a similar dimple post radio that was just skin changes and nothing sinister. Thanks in advance, from a chronic worrier!125ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentCoeliac Disease and Chemotherapy
Hi, my mum (post menopause age 68) has recently had surgery for stage 3 locally advanced breast cancer (metastasised into 4 lymph nodes.. hormone positive receptors) and has been recommended to undergo chemo > radiation > immunotherapy. She is healthy but has been navigating highly sensitive coeliac disease for many years. One of the factors in considering chemo is concerns over gut health and chemos effect on a person with coeliac disease (small intestine). Has anyone here with coeliac disease had any experience with chemo?140ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsTamoxifen and haemorrhoids.
Hello I wondered if anyone has had **bleep** bleeding while on Tamoxifen and feel that it is a side effect. I have just started bleeding after being on Tamoxifen for 6 months. Whether it is related I don't know. The doctor is treating me for haemorrhoids. Early days.146ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentNeuropathy- need some moral support
Hi all, I had one dose taxol and 2 doses herceptin. They have since put treatment on hold 3 weeks ago due to neuropathy in feet and legs (I was borderline for needing it anyway). Im now in a vicious cycle or spiralling anxiety and worsening symptoms, despite them only being mild to begin with. I’ve upped my antidepressants which will hopefully kick in soon. But I’m so scared that this is going to be permanent. I get zapping, tingling and varying numbness. Some days are good, where I barely notice, and other days, like today, it feels debilitating. I guess I’m looking for some good news stories or tips on what worked physically or mentally to help get you through this. many thanks, Anna403ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsScalp issues on medications
Hi. Just wondering if anyone has any issues while on Abemiciclib and letrozole with scalp dry patches? I’ve always had beautiful healthy hair and skin but since my diagnosis and treatment I’ve had scalp issues. I didn’t have this problem during chemo etc. but have the last 2 months. Any tips on how to resolve it would be very appreciated. I have tried several creams, shampoos etc. X288ViewsSign in to react to this post6CommentsRecovery lumpectomy
Hi Lovely People At the end of November I had a lumpectomy for 5 invasive carcinomas and or as I refer to them, the bloody mongrels. It was not the NST kind and they were ER++ PR++ HER2--. The combined tumours were approximately 196g so I have a long and deep scar from nipple to my underarm and I completed radiation a couple of weeks to go. So far my recovery has been “as advertised” and I still moisturising, massaging and exercising. I also got migraines due to the change in weight. This week or so though, I have experienced significant increase in pain. I’m assuming it’s the dreaded nerve pain I’ve heard about and my lymph nodes were tricky to remove. It’s just seems that the pain is everywhere in the breast not just the surgery site and arm. I’ve returned to regular paracetamol and ibuprofen routine but can’t stand the thought of a cool compress. Are there any things other people have tried for nerve pain? I would love to start hormone therapy with better health so I can monitor its side effects. Thanks for your help.311ViewsSign in to react to this post4Comments
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