Would like to chat to others
Hi all I am 6 months post bilateral mastectomies and still having a few issues. Haven’t been to follow up appointments because I am a nurse and hate being in the patient side. Haven’t been to also avoided all counselling as I feel there are women far worse off than me but would be good to chat to women who have been through the same. Emma
Tamoxifen after Hysterectomy
Hi All, haven’t been on for a while but haven’t forgotten what a great source of support and advice you all are. I’m 3 years and 3 months out of treatment. - LS mastectomy and tamoxifen. I am due to have mitral valve replacement within the next few months but I’m unfortunately having to undergo a hysterectomy beforehand due to heavy periods (warfarin will not be my friend otherwise) I’m wondering if I’ll still need to take tamoxifen after my hysterectomy? ( I know I need to come off it prior to both surgeries) and … long term …. What are alternatives to HRT to prevent memory loss/ osteoporosis/ turning into a seething beeyatch? anyhoo. Lots of loves to all of you. Many thanks in advance for any enlightening comments you can give me ❤️❤️❤️ xxx
Still feeling discombobulated!
Hi everyone, I finished treatment, nov 2018, and tried to get my life back 2019, I feel like I take 2 steps forward then 2 back, and my the end of 2019 was feeling totally deflated again, fatigued, weight gain, unfit, constant dry mouth from radiotherapy, I think. Chemo fog and a reversion back into extreme introversion. I feel like I don’t belong anywhere, and feel so on the outside of friendships, have lost contact with lots of people, well, as I do hate being the cancer woman! lots of people dropped off, and I find it so hard when I run into them, as I really can’t be bothered with small talk. Bloody cancer the gift that keeps on giving!
Letrozole - Fracture in spine
Hi, a couple of weeks ago I posted about pain in my bones in my ribs and needing a bone scan. At the time the doctor was checking on bone mets. Well I don't have bone mets which is great but the bone scan revealed a fracture in T9 of my spine and osteoporosis. This is scary because I have not even injured myself. I do recall picking up my 15 month old grandson and feeling pain which prompted me to get more tests done. My ongoing treatment is Letrozole. I have only been on this for 6 months after switching from tamoxifen because of adverse side effects from that drug I had a bone density taken before I started tamoxifen in November of 2020 and it was perfect at that time. So in the last 2 years of treatment my bone density has taken a big hit. Spontaneous fractures are a bit of a worry. My GP gave me an injection today for the osteoporosis which I will now have every 6 months as well as taking vit D and caltrate with K2. I also made an appointment with my oncologist for Tuesday. Just wanted to see if fractures have happened to others on AIs? Also a reminder to keep an eye on bone density.
Ongoing side affects post treatment.
Hello, My first time on here, so thank you! I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS in July 22 and had a lumpectomy in August, a further 7 days later had another surgery to clear margins. (My left breast cut just under my nipple) Followed by 4 weeks of radiation therapy. I’m interested to know if any of you lovely people have had any sensitivity, ongoing pain? Soreness, irritation to your breast post treatment. I seem to have sharp pains, high sensitivity, aches. Putting on a seatbelt is uncomfortable especially the pressure. Even just gently touching my breast and nipple is painful. Hard to describe really but it’s ongoing and varies from different activities and times of day when it bothers me. It’s not just uncomfortable it’s painful. I am very aware of it at all times. I was told that it may be sore for a while, it takes time. Just wondering if anyone else has had experiences with this and if so what were your symptoms and how long did it last? Any advice, experiences or information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks BaaElly
I don't feel like myself
Hi, I'm new to the BCNA Online Network and have spent a little time today reading through some of your posts - just wanted to say thanks as I'm finding the posts useful, in some ways a little scary, but reassuring. I'm 54, I was diagnosed with early stage DCIS in late May this year - one week after starting a new contract job - and then it all just happened so fast. Thankfully I didn't need to have chemo and had radiation treatment about 6 weeks post surgery. During all of this, our family was dealing with dad's declining health (Parkinson's/dementia) and I took on the job of being with mum while working from home, visits to dad in hospital all while arranging a place for him in an aged care facility - I was desperate to get it all done before radiation treatment started. Yep I had a bit going on. I've been taking anastrozole for almost 3 weeks and the anxiety and low moods are really affecting me (hot flushes and night sweats aren't fun either but I can manage them). I'm also very emotional - just typing this makes me teary. I think my current role was a trigger for my anxiety and mood. I've lost confidence in my ability to perform the role, I feel like I'm letting my team down and myself - I feel silly for feeling this way. I'm currently off work because I had a meltdown (at work) and during this time off, I've been realising that roles with high stress/responsibility are not for me right now. My employer has been fantastic - very supportive and understanding. I'm pretty active and have a good diet and keep these practices going, even though some days are a struggle - it's one thing that's helping. I'm also seeing my GP this week to talk about all of this and about the medication - I feel like there is a lot more information I should know. But I'm not keen on treating these symptoms with anti-anxiety or anti-depressants. I'm interested to know if anyone has a recommendation for a naturopath that has experience in treating women dealing with the effects of hormone blockers. Thanks for "listening" - just sharing this has helped.
Anyone “sacked” their oncologist?
Hi there, I just heard a wonderful ABC radio podcast by Tim Baker, who has stage four prostate cancer. He’s an author. While it might seem to have nothing to do with breast cancer, I found much of what he says resonated so strongly with me. Firstly, like some women with breast cancer, he was put on hormone therapy which resulted in big mood swings and feeling suicidally flat. He says, like me, that he was given no warning of this by his oncologist and was just handed several sheets of paper listing possible side effects. He also says that after four years of seeing his oncologist and feeling fed up with the lack of support and empathy, he sacked him and found another. I am not at that stage but I might be one day… Is this something you have contemplated too? If so, how did you find one who did more for you?
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