Is it ‘have’ or ‘had’ breast cancer?
Im newly diagnosed and waiting on the results of an MRI before my surgeon finalises my plan going forward. As it stands now, I’ll be having a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy and then hormone therapy. My question is a bit out of the box and was hoping for some insight. After having surgery, and hopefully the surgeon is confident that margins are clear and lymph nodes are clear, do I then refer to having ‘had’ breast cancer or do I still ‘have’ breast cancer? So basically, when do I transition from ‘present tense’ to ‘past tense’? I know this question is a bit out there but I’m just wondering how do I describe my condition after a hopefully successful surgery.
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 😒 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 😊
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 “gastric” 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 arrest… I need advice
Hi everyone, I’ve been going back and forth about posting this, but I’m 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 can’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. I’ve 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 I’m 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) I’m 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 💕
Eye health changes
Hi all, wondering if anyone else has experienced deterioration or changes in eye health? I’ve 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. It’s 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). I’ve 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 couldn’t drive or see faces and images. Whereas I am about to turn 64 (happy days!) this weekend, I’m 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! I’d 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 [email protected] 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
