Member: primek | BCNA Online Network

User Widgets

Contributions

Re: Very happy Birthday wishes to @primek for 27 September
Hi thankyou all. We are on tight restrictions but having a restaurant meal delivered tonight. :) I'm keeping well. Still working through my cancer experience with a recent diep reconstruction, which went without complications. Can't believe I'm almost at 6 years since I found that little lump.
4 years ago Place General discussions
Views
2likes
Comments
Re: Creative Corner!
@ScorpionQueen Bella sits proudly on the wall near her favourite spot, the mat close by the dining table. I regular touch her face. X
5 years ago Place Creative corner
Views
2likes
Comments
Re: Your eyes and AIs and chemo
My sister suffers with dry eye issues (not related to AI) and she was recommended by her specialist to have flaxseed oil daily as well as liquid tears. It's made a huge difference. Using mobile devices and computers also increase risks as we blink less. This article talks about it. https://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/flaxseed-oil.htm#:~:text=Daily%20supplements%20of%20flaxseed%20oil,redness%20and%20intermittent%20visual%20disturbances.
5 years ago Place Side effects
Views
2likes
Comments
Re: microblading - eyebrows
I had a very faint block eyebrow colour done before I lost mine completely. My regrowth grew exactly into the brow. 4.5 years on need I need a touch up now. I had no infection issues and it made my day so much easier. I wore bottom eye-liner only as I just couldn't do the top lid and used only a soft brown. No harsh black.
5 years ago Place General discussions
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Reconstruction or not?
I had a very small her2 cancer and it's known to be aggressive. Although I was told my surgery was potentially curative the recommended treatment was an aggressive chemo and herceptin. Mine was grade 3 and I had a clear mammogram only 6 weeks before. I didn't want to live with regrets if not doing all for cure. So I did follow the recommended. It was hard but I have no regrets. I also had a bmx but with reconstruction. I wanted to reduce my chances of local recurrence or a new primary growing and being undetected. I continue on also on anastrazole as my cancer was estrogen positive as well and am almost at 5 years with another 5 to go. I knew from the beginning I would need chemo. It didn't stop me being weepy when I had that consult and sitting waiting for my heart scan in prep for herceptin. It's all part of the acceptance and acknowledgement of facing a life threatening illness.
5 years ago Place General
Views
2likes
Comments
Re: Through the rabbit hole but not sure there is closure
You might find this interesting to read. Of course if things persist or worsen keep telling your Dr. Sometimes a scan can elevate the stress related to pains at least. https://therapy-a.com/pain-after-breast-cancer-costocondritis/
5 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Black stool and vomit
Black stools generally mean old blood and can have a jelly like consistency. Black vomit suggest your bleeding in your stomach or close by. It's important to have this investigated very soon. If happens again today please visit an emergency room. There are many causes of internal bleeding none which can be sorted without investigation. A lot of red wine and spinach can give a similar look. Tamoxifen is very unlikely to be related to any of this.
5 years ago Place Hormone blocking therapy
Views
5likes
Comments
Re: Paclitaxel - Taxol the Tyrant (Triple Tʻs), have just completed Wk4...tears and sadness
I didn't find taxol easy. I was just miserable on it. I did make it through though. I did very little but I went to the pool and walked at least 3 times a week. My balance was affected. And I was teary. I needed pain relief for the aching muscles from day 3 to 5. You aren't alone. Many if us have trod this path ahead and get it. I couldn't have hot showers or wear jewellery due to the skin rash. My nose would spontaneously drip and bleed, armed with a tissue in every pocket. My eyes watered and were sensitive to light and chlorine (I wore safety glasses in the pool to reduce splases). But here I am 4 years on. I would do again if I had to. I was on herceptin also and this was stopped earlier than the planned time. I was upset but I recovered and accepted I had done all I could. Trust you team if they say it's enough. It's hard and scary to stop early if necessary but it's not uncommon. X
5 years ago Place General
View
2likes
Comments
Re: Fear of recurrence
I think even the most resilient of people would have experienced some ongoing anxiety after that experience. I'm over 4 years on after treatment and found some lumps in my forearm. Of course I was certain it was mets so opted to not get tested until I finished my last assignment for my uni study. Sounds weird I know...but I know how hard that initial stage of testing is etc and I just wanted to finish...cancer already put me behind 4 years. So in that 3 weeks of course z I was constantly feeling the lumps which turned out to just be fatty lipomas...why are they there..who knows? Anyways...perfectly normal response and I'm so happy you had a good outcome.
5 years ago Place Managing stress and anxiety
Views
3likes
Comments
Re: husband not coping with my physical appearance since failed reconstruction
I was going to suggest wearing a pretty nightie if nudity makes you uncomfortable. My weight has fluctuated widely since breast cancer and I struggle keeping it down. It doesn't bother my husband but does me. My recon was not a failure but when I gain weight now I just get side boob rather than bigger boobs which I loathe. I personally avoid mirrors when naked and just try to dress so I feel feminine. I'll never know I guess if I would have had such weight problems without bc but looking at my siblings it was likely to have happened regardless. They were cruel comments and I doubt his body is the same as when you married him also. Hopefully you can forgive and forget (I doubt I ever could) and remain happy together.
5 years ago Place Caring for someone with breast cancer
Views
2likes
Comments

Groups

Work and breast cancer
PUBLIC GROUP - This is a space to connect around the challenges and questions that come with managing work and breast cancer. Whether you're navigating time off, returning to work, dealing with workplace conversations, or exploring your rights and options, you're welcome here. This group is open to the public (not just members of our online network) to help broaden access to important information, practical advice, and peer support.
24 days ago17 Posts
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.

User Profile

primek

User Widgets

Work and breast cancer

Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me

Choosing breast reconstruction