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Original poster

**Tamoxigang Thread 52** With virtual tea, cakes and chat for all with cancer concerns

994 replies

Lilymaid · 20/03/2015 10:25

We were almost at our 1000 post limit for Thread 51 - hope the title is OK but wanted people to know that we aren't just about people on Tamoxifen but for all with cancer concerns!

OP posts:
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lovebeingananny · 11/06/2015 13:51

Hi Just popping on to say my chest X-ray and mammogram came back all clear Smile

Think I now have the confidence to accept the new job I have been offered. Finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Xx

VenomousVorpent · 11/06/2015 14:42

I hope everyone is managing to enjoy this lovely day.

mrsrhodgilbert · 11/06/2015 17:41

Fantastic news nanny, congratulations on the new job too. Have they given you any explanation for the pain though?

lovebeingananny · 11/06/2015 18:54

Hi mrs sadly no! But hoping to see Lymphoedema nurse and get my breast taped up again for a bit, and see if that helps. I'm almost certain it's connected to that. Have Oncologist appt in a few weeks, so if taping doesn't help I will discuss with him! Well try, listening doesn't seem to be their strong point!

Hope you are doing well? Xx

malteserzz · 11/06/2015 19:57

That's great nanny and well done for getting a new job :)

Beautiful weather here today, shame I had to work but at least I can sit in the garden this evening

mrsrhodgilbert · 11/06/2015 20:48

Taping?? The mind boggles, this is something I haven't come across yet.
I'm fine thanks, we are mid A level season, I suppose that's why we're having lovely weather.

Marshy · 11/06/2015 20:53

Fab news nanny! Smile

lovebeingananny · 11/06/2015 21:26

Nice to be able to share some good news for once Smile

It's called kinesio taping, it's supposed to help the flow of lymph fluid by gently pulling the skin! Very odd and looks weird, but if it helps with the pain and reduces the swelling, I'll give it another go! Wink

mrsrhodgilbert · 11/06/2015 22:30

Oh, just had a google, it's the stuff athletes wear. I guess anything is worth a try. I hope you don't have to do battle with your oncologist again.

hotchocforme · 12/06/2015 18:57

Good news Nanny. Hope the taping works.

royalmama · 13/06/2015 14:42

It is so good to be reading the good news here as well as the tribulations.can I ask about when the diagnosis comes in, did any of you seek a second opnion or was that pretty much it? How sure can were you of the treatment plan that was set? I am racing ahead which I don't know is that good or bad for my mental state of mind!!

Original poster
Lilymaid · 13/06/2015 14:54

At my NHS Hospital all tests, scans etc are looked at by the team rather than one person, so I think a second opinion is not necessary. You might, however, think about a second opinion about surgery/reconstruction.post diagnosis I receive treatment on BUPA so only see one Onc (and one surgeon when that was on the cards) so I suppose I could ask for a second opinion. However, as he's the head of the breast unit at a major teacing hospital, I'm not too worried!

OP posts:
Rivercam · 13/06/2015 21:45

I didn't ask for a second opinion. A close family member had just gone through it so I knew a little as to what tests would be carried out, treatment options etc ( although it did vary a little due to being in different parts of the country).

Also, you can google breast cancer to,you are blue in the face!

I think I trusted the various people I spoke to. However, do ask as many questions as you feel you need to when you are with the doctors. I'm sure we asked a lot, some being fairly basic, and some more involved.

cleanasawhistle · 14/06/2015 19:50

Hi Everyone,hope you are all recovering and progressing with your treatment.

I have a question about mastectomy with lymph node clearance....would appreciate it if anyone could help.

I had the operation on the 4th June.
I have one continuious scar from my cleavage to my side which is about 10 inch long.
I have a huge lump which is now the size of an apple on my side,which has got bigger and redder each day.
The drain was taken out on Thurs and the nurse had no concerns.
Friday I felt very ill,in a lot of pain and my temp was 37.9. I went to see another BC nurse and she didn't seem concerned either.

Would like reasurances from those who have had the same operation.

malteserzz · 14/06/2015 20:59

Clean as I had a lumpectomy and node clearance so a bit different but is the lump a seroma, a build up of fluid ? They are quite common and sometimes they drain them or leave them to go away by themselves. I think in your position if I was worried I'd go and see my GP for some reassurance. Sorry I can't be more help.

Rivercam · 14/06/2015 21:58

Clean - what don't you give the bc nurse a ring tomorrow, or ring the med sec at the hospital and ask to speak to the consultant. They should be able to reassure you.

I had one of those moments earlier. I feel absolutely fine and healthy, and yet are being investigated for something quite serious. I was walking through M and S, with order nary life going around me, and the contrast seemed huge. I came over all emotional, thinking I don't really know what's going all in my life at the moment.

It's also coming up to three years since I discovered by by lump. Part of my should be celebrating three years on, the other half of me wished I 'd never start d this treadmill.

I'm probably waffling and not making a lot of sense, so sorry for rambling on.

cleanasawhistle · 15/06/2015 00:00

Thank you both so much for replying.
I was worried sick to read and see that it alls seemas it looks so awful.

I said to my DH that I was scared to google it incase some awful pics popped up so he said he would do it and he was surprised to see and read that it all seems to be expected and the lump could get even bigger.

Yes I wish none of us had to start on this treadmill...nearly 8 months since I found the lump and I wonder what has happened to my life and me.

But I must say to those just being diagnosed that everything is doable and not as scary as it seems from when you are first diagnosed...you can just sometimes get fed up with it all

royalmama · 15/06/2015 08:21

Clean, i am senindg you a whole lot of positive vibes. For someone who has yet to knwo what lies ahead, i so feel for you.
Can i ask those of you who have jobs were you able to work with the treatment or did you have to take time off? As I teach, I am also worried about disruptions.

malteserzz · 15/06/2015 08:54

Royal I'm a teacher and was advised not to work through chemo because of the risk of picking something up, I couldn't work during rads either as the appointments were every day. I had 10 months off work in the end and went back the week after rads finished. Looking back I was knackered and could have done with a few more weeks off but I was desperate to get back to ' normal '

Sienna17 · 15/06/2015 13:58

Hi Everyone, hope everyone is ok and coping with everything being thrown at them.

I was supposed to have my follow up appointment this afternoon but they phoned to say my results won't be ready until the end of the week at the earliest. Feel quite down about it as I just want to get on with it and the waiting is horrible. Am hoping the delay doesn't mean bad news.

Rivercam · 15/06/2015 22:21

Hi, I had a lumpectomy and rads, but no chemo. I took two weeks of after the op. I was generally fine, although obviously had to be careful, and take things a little easier.

I found radiotherapy fine. My hospital is only a few miles away, so I used to get an early appoint,met, then drive to work, and carry on as normal, with some limitations. If you are office based, you may be fine. I found the main problem was that it made me feel weary in the evening, and by the end of three weeks, I was going to bed 1-2 hours earlier than normal.

Three years ago today I found my lump. Kinda feel weird about it. Especially as I've had further developments. Found out today my biopsy from hysteroscopy result was clear, but my gynaecologist wants to,do another biopsy to check they haven't missed anything. This is next week and will involve a general.

Thanks for listening everyone.

Sienna - hope,the week flies past for you. Cake

Sienna17 · 15/06/2015 22:57

River, sorry to hear you need another biopsy. All the testing and the waiting really plays with the mind!

Your experience of radiotherapy sounds encouraging. Mine will be a 60 mile round trip every day to the nearest hospital that does it so am not looking forward to that!

Preciousbane · 15/06/2015 23:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsrhodgilbert · 16/06/2015 07:02

Sienna, I'm sorry you have a longer wait, its the worst bit and I know it's going to be a difficult week for you. You have my sympathy and fingers crossed for a positive result.

Rivercam, firstly what a relief but also how frustrating. I know it's good that they are being thorough but three years in you must be so fed up of being prodded and poked with all the associated worry.

Precious, when I was diagnosed last year lots of people offered help and support. Not that many actually followed that up really. If she's up for it proper talking is best, phoning or in person and keep doing it. Many people send the odd text but cancer is desperately lonely and actual contact is better. Not just for a couple of weeks, but for months and maybe years. The body may heal but the fear lingers.

lovebeingananny · 16/06/2015 07:14

river well done on the clear results. But what a pain that you have to go through it again. I had the procedure under general and it was fine. I think the advantage is they can get a really good look without having to worry about causing the patient discomfort. Let's hope this is the last time they will have to do it. Xx