Tamoxigang cancer support thread 54: A new thread for a new year!

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Welcome one and all to the wonderful Tamoxigang thread! May 2016 bring us all health and happiness

If you are new here, then an extra big welcome to the club nobody wants to join. The thread is for people with any type of cancer, and also those who are waiting for results. So don't be shy. We are more than happy to hold your hand while you are waiting for a diagnosis, and we will be here to celebrate or commiserate, whatever your news

No question is too big or too small, someone will usually have an answer, or an idea of where you might find one. You can laugh, cry, shout, swear, and, of course, eat chocolate it is a bit of a safe haven from the mad world of cancer, the head-tilting and talk of bravery, and all the nonsense that comes with this diagnosis :)

So feel free to introduce yourself. And oldies, feel free to re-introduce yourself if you'd like.

We only have one rule here and that is no Googling!

Ooh retirement next year that would be nice, Lily

Mysillydog do you have a research nurse to talk it through with? I was invited to do a trial, but it was four cycles of chemo, instead of eight. I decided against it, but the research nurse was really helpful with all my questions, and very supportive of my decision.

Hi
Yes there is a research administrator to talk with. I think I'm probably too risk averse to go through with it, but I will listen to what they have to say. I can see lots of advantages to not having the extra surgery, and it may well be over treating. However, I cannot forget that my core biopsies showed DCIS with no lymph involvement. I was aiming to take 4 weeks off work and then get back to normal, because I was told chemo and radiotherapy would not be needed. So I'm not sure how much faith I have in detecting cancer without surgery.

I have a lot of numbness, and generally feel uncomfortable from my first surgery. I tried shaving my armpits this morning for the first time, but was too scared to take much hair off. It felt peculiar shaving an area with such little sensation. Any tips? I'm also a little scared to put deodorant on with it all being a weird mixture of tender and numb.

Your armpit sounds the same as mine MrsSilly- not shaving at the moment as all hair gone through chemo, so no advice I'm afraid- I guess doing it very carefully is the answer rather the quick stab with a razor I used to give mine in the shower. As for deodorant, yes it feels really weird, especially as I can't feel hot or cold on it either - what do people think about the theory of the aluminimum in deodorant causing breast cancer? I'm giving green people's natural mineral one a try, but it's so expensive, doesn't do as an effective job and can't see it coming close to keeping my pits dry once the summer months come!

Hello all. Alot of interesting discussions going on, but I will wade in towards the end.
fresta i did a lot of reading on deodorants and the aluminium content and eventually opted to get the, yes more expensive, but less risky one without aluminum. I like the smell too! I know there is no conclusive evidence that the ones with aluminum can vause cancer, but when you have cancer, you so not want to risk anything anymore i guess!

I'm still using normal deodorant. I bought an electric razor to do my armpits but it's rubbish so I just do the affected one slowly and carefully looking in a mirror. The lack of sensation is really strange. I can also still see the vein going down my chemo arm, I don't think anyone else notices but I'm conscious of it.

And Lily retirement would be good ! I'm now working in a much less stressful way and it is nice

Thank you all so much for your good wishes - I found it so supportive here, but am very much aware I've been one of the lucky ones with this.

Fresta - they said it was just age (I'm 49 but no signs that I've noticed of perimenopause, period on 28 day cycle, was still getting pregnant until 2 years ago). I wrote everything down, and this was what was said: 'you body changes - the ducts dilate, the nipple sinks in, it's probably oestrogen levels behind it - the nipple will probably keep going in, then close to a slit, and it might happen with the other one.' The nurse then said it was just as some people get thinning hair or put on weight, just a sign of getting old, but it was such a worrying one. Every leaflet and poster I saw from cancer groups seemed to emphasise it. I still have a lingering worry to be honest, but they saw inside, I'm telling myself that . . . and I can keep looking at the notes.

In retrospect, I am particularly furious with the psychiatrist. He acted as if I was making anxiety disorder up and he was bemused that I would be the way I was. I'm going to take it further, as his approach was appalling.

Aluminium in antiperspirants? The 'jury is still out'. To use a phrase. [baffling for autistic folk everywhere, since, as far as I can see, there is no actual jury involved...]. Some research showing that aluminium can affect breast cancer rates. Other research saying no it doesn't. I tend to use a non-aluminium one now, (Bionsen) which does a reasonable job and is not too expensive.

There really is so many articles around about things which possibly cause breast cancer that it just seems a minefield. The latest which keeps popping up is chemical sunscreen and glycophosphate. The latter of these is garden weedkiller, which I have used lots of in the last 10 years as I have garden which has a huge long brick paved path and have regularly sprayed the weeds with round-up, and I admit not been especially cautious about getting on my hands either. It makes you wonder. Have also worn daily sunscreen on my face for the last 24 years. Will be stopping both of these (not least since the info divulged about the impact on bees with the weedkiller! .

Just popping in to wish everyone a lovely Christmas

Merry Christmas Leslie and everyone else too

Happy Xmas to you all. I was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 2 ductal at the end of November. Sentinel nodes were clear. I am waiting for my oncotype Dx test results. Am 39 with two dds who are 6 and almost 8. This experience has been such a shock!! It has been so comforting following this thread. I posted once a while ago, Amber thank you so much for your reply it helped me feel so much more positive. I think I am mostly over the shock, although I still get waves occasionally. Hope you all a great day tomorrow.

Wishing Everyone, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, hope you all have a great day xxxxx

Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas to you all. Enjoy to the max:)

Morning all, I am trying to enjoy Christmas morning whilst in limbo and not coping very well. I went to Drs on tues because after having some tenderness for a couple of months I discovered a lump in one breast. Dr confirmed that there is something there and I have been referred to breast clinic. Appointment is on 4th Jan. cannot seem to stop thinking worst possible scenario and keep getting waves of complete crushing panic. I know the odds are it will be fine but I cannot shake this feeling that it really isn't. It hurts lots more since the dr had a good poke around which means it's an almost constant reminder. I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter. It has to be ok, for her.

Good morning earthy, sorry you're stuck waiting over Christmas, I hope you have lots of distractions today

Hello earthyambitions. Of course we totally understand how it feels and the anxiety. So many different morbid thoughts come to your mind. I would be lying if I said it is ever easy, but untill you find out what that lump is, do try to keep busy and just think of how ok you actually are despite the turmoil going on in your mind and the fear. Chances are it is benign. If you go over some more recent posts here, you will find a couple of posters came on with your exact same situation, only to then be told it is nothing serious! In the meantime, please feel free to come and talk to us and express your feelings as we have all been theough this. I wish you all the best of outcomes.

Thank you it definitely helps to have an outlet when the panic takes a hold!

Merry Christmas to all!
We are in a cottage on the edge of the Dales. DH is pot washer and chauffeur, DSs are chefs and I was the quartermaster so there's loads of food!
Currently got the stinkiest cold for years so am reclining on the sofa giving orders!

Earthy we all understand the worry and of course the chances are that its fine. If not then breast cancer is very treatable these days.
Merry Christnas to all, keep thinking 2 years ago I had just finished chemo and was in my wig

Mum2 - yay for you and all the progress you have made

Earthy - everyone here has been in your shoes and we know how ghastly it is. I hope you have had a nice day. I hope too that you get good news on 4th Jan. Chances are you will, but even if it's not what you are hoping for, you will be ok. Stay with us. Hugs for you.

Lily...your Christmas sounds fab...except for the cold obvs...but great reason to be on the sofa issuing orders

I have had a good family day. I've done all the cooking but guests were very appreciative and dh now sorting out the bombsite kitchen while I drink wine on the sofa....so I'm happy

Thanks everyone, made it through Christmas Day with only two panics and otherwise feeling a little more positive. Had a read through this thread and a bit of the previous one and found that oddly reassuring invade it is the worst case scenario. You are all amazing supportive lovely ladies.

Hello ladies, hope you are enjoying yourselves and getting some well desreved rest and food[sgrin]
Has anybody else experienced jaw pain/ pressure with chemo? I also feel like I am sometimes clenching my teeth, something I never ever used to do. anybody else? I read somewhere it could be either the steroids or the injections?

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all enjoyed the day. It's been absolutely pouring here in Yorkshire and I'm desperate to get out for a bit of fresh air. There's so much lovely food in the house but I really need to get out for a walk or I'm going to be harpooned on the sofa soon. The dds have gone to the sales with instructions to return with some Vick for my cold. I thought I had everything prepared, getting a cold was not in the plan.