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kmakm

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Joined 8 years ago

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Re: Hot Flashes
Hi @FTA. My hot flushes were insane. I have brought them under a semblance of control with two medications, Gabapentin (I take two before bed) and Oxybutynin (which is Ditropan as mentioned by @Philippa above, half in the morning and half at night). These have transformed my quality of life. I still get hot flushes but they are nowhere as nearly intense or frequent. Speak to your oncologist or GP about them. Good luck! K xox
4 years ago Place General
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Re: Tribute
Thank you @iserbrown. I too talked to Tracey in the PMs a bit and have often wondered about her. I'll never forget hearing her on ABC Radio speaking so eloquently about regional BC services without once mentioning her plight. Rest in peace Tracey.
5 years ago Place Living with metastatic breast cancer
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Re: Chemo test confusion
I had a genomic test, and it came back clearly indicating I needed chemo. Or to put it another way, it revealed that my cancer was more likely to metastasise than not. I'll take the chemo thanks! @PetraSminsk, I was petrified of having chemo. I'd absorbed all the horror stories, and two nights before had a massive, horrifying panic attack. But like many things, the anticipation was worse than the reality. Losing my hair didn't worry me. It was an interesting experience in and of itself. No one enjoys looking like the cancer patient that you are, but you get used to it. Lots of people have fun with scarves, or wigs. Over the years I've read posts from women who wore wigs so good that people never knew they'd had chemo. Nothing about this is fun, but most of us tend to do what the doctors and science suggest. You pull up your big girl undies and you get through it. Your mum is under a lot of stress at the moment and I love that you're there for her. Please reassure her that we're here for her if she wants to reach out, and that we understand. We've trodden the path that she's on and she is not alone. K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Despair
There can be however, a very fine line between speaking one's truth and being offensive. Proceed down this path with caution! Kindness should always triumph. K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: 4 years later, and all good!
Huzzah Jenny! Marvellous to hear. K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Good news
Well done @Stork! Go you good thing. K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: I'm bloody tired... Peri menopause, or Chemo fatigue nearly two years post treatments!
I had TC as well. It put me into menopause. I am always tired, and still sometimes get slammed by fatigue. No one seems to be able to tell me if it's menopause, permanent side effects of treatment, or side effects of the medication (Letrozole and assorted others). I hope it's the medication. I realise slowing down is a part of getting older but I didn't realise permanently feeling exhausted was the deal. Surely it's not she said hopefully...
5 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Anxiety, hot flushes and gebapentin- help
Hi @Jovdp. I'm on Gabapentin for hot flushes and have found it to be very helpful. My oncologist added Oxybutynin and that helped again. I tried acupuncture for several months but it didn't work for me. Give it all a go. You can always stop if they don't work for you. Best of luck, K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Single or double mastectomy?
Hi @JayMB. I had a BMX after a diagnosis of cancer in the right boob. I had a strong family history of BC so it was on the cards from the start. My breast surgeon actually initiated the discussion. My mother had a mastectomy in 1986 and said she wished she'd been given the option to have the other one off. She's a worrier and loathed the anxiety she had to endure every year. It was not an easy decision for me. Having chemo gave me time to think but it was months of agonising. Using the BRECONDA tool was useful. It turned out I have a gene mutation so it was a very good thing I had lefty off. I have no regrets (sadness yes, but no regrets) and my relief at not having an annual mammogram knows no bounds. There's no right or wrong, and the only surgeon I'd even DREAM of letting tell me I was silly would be one who's also had breast cancer. How rude and insensitive! No feelings are "silly" when it comes to cancer. There's no wrong or right. Undisturbed, flat or reconstructed, the only person who has to be comfortable with your decision is YOU. K xox
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Men diagnosed with breast cancer
I love love love BCNA but the relentless pink, the outdated logo and gendered representation (with the occasional exception) often frustrates me. I would love to see that bit of blue added to the pink ribbon.
5 years ago Place News and events
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CR Connect
This is a dedicated space for BCNA Seat at the Table (SATT) trained Consumer Representatives (CRs) to connect, collaborate, share ideas, experiences and resources.
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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kmakm

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