Skin changes post radiation
After radiation on my left breast I noticed a large 15cm bruise like mark on my back (same side as the radiation treatment area). My radiation oncologist didn't believe it had anything to do with my radiation and she suggested I use a topical steroid cream to see if it clears it...it didn't š I tried an antifungal cream as it is a little itchy however this also doesn't seem to be working. I was wondering if anyone had experienced such an issue? I understand my immune system has taken a hit and quite possibly it's just an immune response from treatment. I'm just perplexed as my breast skin didn't change at all post treatment. Thanks in advance š
Exemstane and Nausea
Hi Everyone, Just wanting to know if anyone else has had severe nausea with Exemstane and if so, did it get better over time? I had my diagnosis, op and chemo 2023-2024 and was then placed on Arimidex. I then developed nausea and liver function tests showed higher levels, indicating that my liver was struggling. I was then taken off Arimidex and placed on Exemstane (2025) and after several months, am now having persistent nausea. Blood and Liver Function tests are normal however I am struggling with the āgastricā sides of things. I have just recently had to have an iv of anti nausea medication in hospital plus an acid-reflux iv. I have been given tablets but was told that these are only for short term use. Any ideas?Understanding Breast Density - Professor Wendy Ingman
Mammograms are a fantastic tool for identifying many breast cancers - However, having Dense Breast Tissue can result in a later diagnosis as tumours don't always 'show' on 2D mammograms for women with more dense breast tissue, until they are larger & more dangerous. Sometimes dense breasts are also called 'lumpy breasts'. Mine were - but I was never told of the increased risk of delayed diagnosis of Breast Cancer. My own tumours were found 4 months after a 'clear' mammogram - when my GP suggested she check my breasts. Breast Density 'masks' Breast Cancer. A delayed diagnosis can lead to larger, more dangerous tumours and may even be Stage 4 at diagnosis due to not being picked up on previous mammograms (and I'd had about 10 - as I'd been 'called back' a few times, but never really told why.) Dense tissue shows as 'white' (or occult) on the mammogram, and tumours show as 'white' as well. White on White = unable to detect the tumour with a 2D mammogram. (3D Tomosynthesis machines are better at picking up dense breast tissue - but are not commonly available at Breast Screen clinics.) There is a need for Breast Screen clinics to advise women of their breast density - but currently only Western Australia Breast Screen actively advises their clients of their breast density. An Ultrasound is recommended for anyone with dense breast tissue - and biopsy on any suspect areas. Tell your daughters, sisters & any other woman who SHOULD KNOW THIS as a 'right'!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BJeLEjs2q4
My reconstruction turned into 4 surgeries, 9 transfusions & a cardiac arrestā¦ I need advice
Hi everyone, Iāve been going back and forth about posting this, but Iām really hoping to connect with anyone who may have experienced something similar or can point me in the right direction. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and went through the full treatment journey. In September 2025, I underwent reconstruction surgery. What followed was not what I expected at all. I ended up having four surgeries, required nine blood transfusions, and ultimately had the new breast removed. To make things even more traumatic, I went into cardiac arrest when they were trying to wake me up from surgery. I was told it was due to the anaesthetic drug-but I had previously had that same drug without any complications. I canāt shake the feeling that something wasnāt right. Iāve since questioned whether my body was already too weak, whether the amount of blood loss and transfusions played a role, or whether something was missed or mismanaged. This whole experience has had a huge impact on me physically and emotionally, and Iām now starting to consider whether I should be looking into this further from a medical and possibly legal perspective. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who: Has had severe complications after reconstruction or surgery Has experienced cardiac issues related to surgery or anaesthetic Has sought second opinions or independent reviews Has gone down the path of a medical negligence claim Can recommend good lawyers or specialists (especially in Victoria) Iām not looking to place blame unfairly. I just want to understand what happened and whether I should be advocating more strongly for myself. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this š
Eye health changes
Hi all, wondering if anyone else has experienced deterioration or changes in eye health? Iāve recently been diagnosed with early macular degeneration and a slight worsening of pre-existing glaucoma (a condition in my family). But on a day to day basis I have noticed my eyes (over the last five months) have been consistently red, sore and very dry, even after sleep (Hylo Forte drops relieves them) and even when I take a break from Letrozole, the daily Aromatase Inhibitor medication I use. I wondered if weakening eye health is one of the longer term side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Itās about a year and a half since I completed the 17 month TCHP chemotherapy and immunosuppressants, surgery and radiation treatment for triple positive invasive lobular cancer (ILC). Iāve seen a couple of posts on this topic dating back to 2017 or 2018. I am conscious my mother developed macular but she was in her early 80s when it presented and it compounded her sight issues from glaucoma so she effectively couldnāt drive or see faces and images. Whereas I am about to turn 64 (happy days!) this weekend, Iām still in the active workforce and I hope to have more of a runway with my eyesight to enjoy the environment, the arts and the beauty of family and friends.Interesting video explaining removal of Fallopian TUBES rather than ovaries
Channel 7 News has just shown this clip on reducing the chance of Ovarian Cancer by up to 80% - by removing the Fallopian TUBES rather than the actual ovaries. It may be suggested if a woman is already undergoing other abdominal surgery, eg weight loss surgery. (It is not usually done as a standalone surgery - tho TBH, I am not sure why, as they already do Ovary removal as a standalone procedure.) It does not bring on Menopause! Check it out! If there is Ovarian Cancer in your family history - maybe discuss it with your GP/Specialists/Surgeon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJIDJ9yfJJI
Share your views: Information and support needs of people following treatment of breast cancer
Hi everyone, Erana from BCNA here! Iād like to invite you to participate in a research study opportunity led by James Cook University. Please see details below. If you can't access the QR code you can also follow this link Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this research, please contact the research lead Tracey Ahern at tracey.ahern@jcu.edu.au This study has been approved by the James Cook University Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (#H9326).4 years since BC diagnosis & joining BCNA & my surgery ...
Woohoo! This year was the first year that I didn't actually 'remember' that Jan 5th was the anniversary of my actual diagnosis of BC ...... so that must be a good sign! So - today - it is now 4 years ago since I joined BCNA (at the suggestion of a girlfriend in Qld who had been diagnosed a few years earlier) .... and a few days later, Jan 15th, I had my surgery. What a roller coaster ride it has all been .... lots of tears, anger, melt downs, but there's also been lots of laughs and education - all emotions are a part of this shitty disease - but, newbies, take note - it DOES get better! During this time, I've really appreciated all the support & info & camaraderie from the group - but especially the wonderful friendships that I've made along the way - with regular PMs within 'The Famous Five' over the years .... xx. So ... a big THANK YOU to all of you who've helped make a difference All the best to those who've been recently diagnosed ...... reach out, lean on us, ask questions, and we'll do our best to offer support and info to help get you thru the rough bits xx take care, stay safe
Aromasin and weight gain, now I know Im not going mad...
Hey all, I had to share this as Ive thought I was going mad all these years, but now I know I'm not. I finished my treatment for my 2nd diagnosis in 2015 and was placed onto Arimidex, I was then changed to Aromasin. Post chemo I put on 6kg, this has blown out into 8kg now, to many they would say it wasn't much. However, in 3yrs I have tried EVERYTHING! exercise and diet, I would lose a little but it would reset itself back or more and now I know why. I am stuck on this for a further 2 yrs after discussions with my Oncologist, but Im upset that this is not discussed in depth with patients. I say this only from the point of full knowledge and understanding, not as to whether I would take it or not. This is purely for knowledge and knowing WHY I cannot get this weight off and so I can stop blaming myself and beating myself up. I will still continue to exercise and watch my diet, eventhough I know whilst on this medication not much will change, knowledge is just power isn't it? in a way Im relieved. Its hard to not get caught up in this post recovery of finding your new normal, but it doesnt help when we aren't told everything. There is light at the end of it I hope LOL Exemestane (AROMASIN) is a steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) Your extra weight may hang around and increase after chemotherapy if you also take hormonal therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor). If your body shifts into menopause because of chemotherapy, there's a tendency to gain weight. ... It's important to know that the hormone estrogen suppresses LPL activity on fat cells. The enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL)plays a major role in the metabolism and transport of lipids, and consequently is a participant in the development of obesityā¢One of its roles is to remove triglycerides from the blood for storage in both adipose tissue and muscle cells.ā¢ā¢Enzyme activity may also explain why some people who lose weight regain it so easily. After weight loss and weight stabilization, adipose tissue LPL is increased and its response to meals is heightened.ā¢People easily regain weight after having lost it because they are battling against enzymes that want to store fat. Fat storage is efficient, and fat oxidation is notā¢The activities of these and other proteins provide an explanation for the observation that some biological mechanism seems to set a personās body weight or composition at a fixed point; the body will make adjustments to restore that set point if the person tries to change it. Hope this helps others understand why they can't shift that extra weight post treatment and know you too ARE NOT GOING MAD!!! Hugs everyone, am wishing 2 more years away as currently am 8yrs on combined medications and had enough! xx M
