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Re: COVID booster shots
Hmmm. Well I had my booster shot yesterday at my local chemist. My oncologist supplied a letter. My GP was going to do it (Pfizer) but I wanted the Moderna. No issues for me.
4 years ago Place General discussions
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COVID booster shots
So, government has announced that those undergoing active chemo, radiotherapy and/or hormonal therapy are eligible for the booster shots as they are severely immuno-compromised. I am 2.5 years NED and I am taking hormonal therapy. Silly question but does this mean I am eligible even though I am NED? If yes - I didn’t realise that I would classify as severely immunocompromised. Doesn’t make sense…. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/10/atagi-recommendations-on-the-use-of-a-third-primary-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-in-individuals-who-are-severely-immunocompromised_1.pdf
4 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: COVID 19 jab
I’m 43. Had my COVID jab on the 27th March (had the AZ). Very little side effects.
5 years ago Place Living with metastatic breast cancer
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Re: Ovary shutdown medical surgical or not?
I chose to have my ovaries removed rather than have the monthly injections. I am legally blind and so cannot drive - so for me, it was not as simple as jumping into a car and heading off to my GP once a month. The injections were taking a bigger chuck out of my day and one day, I ended up spending 90 minutes at the GP just to get the injection. And that was it. I figured it out - if I am to have the Zoladex injections for 10 years... it’s going to really add up. So I opted to remove my ovaries. I went into the hospital at 8am, home by 12pm and now I don’t have to worry about anything. just so that you know - if you have a hysterectomy, you have a greater chance of prolapses. If you have a prolapse of any sort, the surgeon can use your uterus to ‘anchor’ a sling but if you don’t have a uterus, it makes things a bit more complicated, treatment wise.
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Spams/cramps?
Yes - I have cramping in my upper back, under/around the shoulder blades which occurs even when lying down. Annoying.
5 years ago Place Side effects
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Spams/cramps?
Hi. I’m in my early 40s. I completed active treatment in April 2019 with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and axillary clearance. Ultrasounds, to date are clear. Over the last 3ish months, I’ve been experiencing episodes where I would have spasming/cramping symptoms under my left armpit which extends into the pec (breast area). Sometimes it would happen when I am leaning on my left arm whilst reaching for something, for example - I dropped something and it rolled under a low table, and I then have to get on the floor, lean onto my left arm whilst reaching out with my right ... then bam... spasm. Another incident would be where I have had a massive spasming episode under my left arm and around the pec area. I had just been holding a book in my left hand. Set it right off and lasted for about 30 seconds. Is this normal behaviour after BC treatment?
5 years ago Place Side effects
side-effects
treatment
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Re: Zoladex
Yes - I think it’s the oral AIs that gives more side effects. With the Zoladex, it does bring on menopause as well, but I do believe the AIs are the main drivers. I think I did say before that I took a one month holiday from the AIs, whilst still on the Zoladex, and my side effects pretty much disappeared.
5 years ago Place Hormone blocking therapy
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Re: Zoladex
Yes - you can take a short break, but only if your oncologist agrees and you work with them. Many people on this forum have had taken a little holiday (break) so, chat with your oncologist when it gets too much for you.
5 years ago Place Hormone blocking therapy
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Re: Zoladex
I was taking both exemestane and Zoladex. I was having terrible side effects, so my oncologist gave me a one month break from the exemestane to see whether it was this that was causing the side effects, or the zoladex. The side effects were from the exemestane. I did not have any issues with the Zoladex. I am now on another AI - side effects not as bad, but they’re starting to build up again. I think any side effects you’d feel from Zoladex would be more menopausal. The AIs just adds a whole lot of extra side effects (that is if you do get them). Like others have said - everyone is different, and so their experiences are of course, going to differ.
5 years ago Place Hormone blocking therapy
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Re: Blisters on sole of feet
Thank you to those who commented. I reached out to my podiatrist and this is what she said... Blisters on the feet following chemotherapy is a common side effect. When the chemotherapy reaches the feet it can commonly cause dry skin, redness, tingling sensations and blistering or cracks in the skin. It seems in your case that your skin is not yet strong enough to tolerate any friction - when we wear sandals and shoes without socks, we get more friction of our skin against the shoe, hence the formation of blisters. In the warmer weather our skin dries out a bit more, which is why you will be noticing this happen more so in the summer months Definitely one main way to help prevent this is wearing socks to help reduce the friction. Obviously in the summer this becomes a bit tricky as the weather gets warmer. If there is a particular spot in the foot that keeps blistering, we may be able to look at using some soft material in the shoe or sandal to help reduce the friction. In the clinic we have material called fleecy-web, which is great for helping protect the skin by reducing friction. Another product that would be worth looking into is ENGO patches. I've attached the link to the website below. These are little pads that you place in your shoes where your blisters usually develop, and these work brilliantly to help reduce the friction. People who run events like ultramarathons use these often to stop them getting blisters midrace. https://blisterprevention.com.au/blister-shop/
5 years ago Place Side effects
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Young women & breast cancer
This group is for young women affected by breast cancer. In the context of breast cancer treatment, ‘young’ usually refers to women who are pre-menopausal. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. We talk about things like fertility, pregnancy, early menopause, ovarian suppression, relationships, and the emotional impact of treatment and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. You are not alone during this uncertain and overwhelming time.
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.
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.

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