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cording and lymphedema
Hi all This wretched disease...I finished rads in Feb and a couple of months later, noticed my breast was hard, and the movement in my arm was a little restricted - I can't straighten it fully above my head. The rad onc said the hardness is not unusual, and my breast would soften. I've been going to a physio for the past few months with not much improvement, so yesterday went to a lymphedema physio. She's found cording in my arm, and lymphedema at the bottom of my breast. We've started treatment and my breast is softer and I feel somewhat better. I had Stage 1 BC and only 5 lymph nodes removed. Straight after treatment I was advised to go to the lymphedema education session, but told that my chances of getting it were extremely small - so going to the education session was optional. I know this is bad luck, but I can't help but feel depressed. Surgery was in Nov, and I'm still battling the after effects. On the upside, I'm taking Tamoxifen, and while it initially made my hair thin, this has stopped and I don't have any side effects. What a huge pain in the bum all of this is... Rose141Views0likes5CommentsHair thinning and Tamoxifen
Hi all, I know people have probably posted about this, but I've done a quick search and couldn't find answers. I've been on Tamoxifen for 6 weeks, and my hair is thinning. I've never had a lot of hair - and now I can see my scalp. Any suggestions? Any treatments I can take to hang onto my hair? It's a short bob, and I really don't want to get it cut short all over... Reminders of this horrible illness just keep coming back...still, this is the only side-effect I've had so far, so that's something. Thanks all.130Views0likes6CommentsRe: Coping with the 'new normal'
Hi @SarahS, that's great that you're a psych who wants to help BC patients and survivors. I'm an academic, and while I support your research and career, it's not ethical to use people's stories from this forum. This forum is a safe space for people going through BC, and we are not research participants. We have not given consent for information to be collected or used, even if only for your information. I also don't think it's ethical for you to be on this site. You might want to discuss this with your PhD supervisor and rethink your approach. The admin team might also be able to clarify the policy on this. I wish you well with your work and your research.11Views0likes0CommentsRe: Coping with the 'new normal'
Thank you everyone - you're all wonderful! I was having a particularly bad day - but you're right @kezmusc, I got through that day, and the next couple haven't been so bad. And yes, long-term, big goals, are just beyond my comprehension at the moment. And I do do things just for me. I have a sport I love and train regularly, I take my lovely dogs out for walks, so I am getting some 'me' time. And you're right @Afraser - I haven't liked my job for a long time, but am taking time and space to work out what I want to do next. Thanks again everyone, you've helped so much.1View5likes0CommentsRe: Coping with the 'new normal'
Thanks Artferret for your wonderful advice. I did see a cancer counsellor a couple of times as I was going through treatment, and she was very helpful. I know I could see her again - but I also feel like a bit of a fraud. After all, I'm lucky as I got through all this relatively easily, and complaining about the difficulties of a 'good' job seems rather self-indulgent...7Views1like0CommentsCoping with the 'new normal'
Hi all I'm grateful that I've gotten through invasive treatment and life has kind of gone back to normal, although I'm still working out my 'new normal'. I finished rads 6 week ago and have been on Tamoxifen for the last couple of weeks. I've been very tired, which I know could be an after effect of rads, and am also very nervous about the potential horrible side effects of Tamo. I've also been very depressed and seemingly small things set me off. I really don't care about my job anymore, which in a way is a good thing, as it means I no longer work 60 hour weeks. I'm only working a regular full-time load. But it's making me very depressed and I'm considering a career change, but don't think I have the energy to start a new job. But everyone - apart from my partner - seems to think I should be ok. I have to have a performance review with my boss next week and talk about my 'career goals'. I no longer have any! Not working 60 hours a week is it! No doubt not wanting to climb the ladder is going to go against me - and I've been told before that if I don't go for promotion, I'll eventually be sacked. Up or out. But I'm really tired of other people saying that I should be thankful for my supposedly fabulous job. A close friend also advised me to 'stop being so negative' about my work. Telling a depressed person to not be negative!! I know I should probably see a counsellor, but I don't have the energy to deal with all that emotion... So, really, just a little vent to people who'll understand. Thanks all.685Views0likes22CommentsRe: scared.
Good luck Mic80. One step at a time. Good advice not to go to Dr Google - but also limit what you read on this site. While this forum is wonderful, and supportive, there are a fair few scary stories which may not help your mental health. So, just learn what you need for the stage you're at.1View0likes0CommentsRe: Does radiotherapy cause brain fog?
@Lynn65 You're so right! I'm just starting to realise that I'm not 'done', that I won't be 'done' for years. And it's a bit of a shock. People have said that if my hair thins, 'it'll grow back' - yes, in 5 years?? I started Tamoxifen yesterday. Only 4 years and 363 days to go...11Views1like0Comments
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