Cancer Support thread 86 - Stay Positive

[LemonDrizzle10]

New thread as other one nearly full.

Yeah the HRT thing is WAY overblown in the UK it seems. I dont travel to Europe or the US and see it banged on about the way it is here. Not to mention the ladies claiming that the risk for breast cancer is overblown etc etc etc. If there was better monitoring here with lower mammogram ages then sure, maybe it would make sense, but there isnt and its already hard enough to be seen by a GP for anything. It shocks me to see ladies in their not even late 30s complaining about perimenopause (perceived or real) and everyone suggesting they get HRT ASAP. What happened to just normal aging?

Speaking of which, is anyone taking collagen for joint/tendon health? I need to ask my oncologist about that next visit.

@SierraSapphire that’s really interesting, I hadn’t heard about that in the news. I know my mum (who also had oestrogen + breast cancer at my age) gets fed up with people telling her that she could have HRT if she wanted. She is utterly convinced the fertility treatment she went through to have me caused her cancer and wouldn’t take HRT even if a doctor told her she could. I’ve been told I shouldn’t even get pregnant ever again let alone take HRT. We only ever wanted one child - but it still makes me feel very angry anyway.

Congratulations @AGreatUsername and speedy recovery @FangedFrisbee.

@stolenstoat thank you so much for delurking and taking the time to share your experience, it means a lot to hear personal stories. I’m sure it is something like this and I am being a drama lama but veer from couldn’t care less to being terrified all over again.
Thank you everyone else for kind wishes, will update with news asap.
In kind of other news, would have been my 20th Wedding anniversary today sometime else cancer stole. Is really hard not to wallow sometimes. Cats help! They always need feeding…
@EachandEveryone my chemo didn’t cause specific tooth pain but last week I finally had a tooth removed which was pretty grotty but sound prior to treatment and just didn’t survive the regime. Sadly is one of my front ones but falsie looks ok and wound healed well. I had constant checks throughout treatment and as Silkie says was prescribed extra fluoride toothpaste. Was lucky enough to sign up to a new NHS dentist just before the whole shitshow started when my original dentist went private over lockdown.
@WorryMcGee you really have not been given the best care. I would try a new counsellor if you feel up to it, but it took me almost four months from the end of active treatment before I felt that was something I was ready for, I was just a bit too unsure before then.
A sunny day is breaking here, so I hope to potter in the garden for a bit and get some Vit D, hope everyone has the best day they can.

There’s definitely a link with fertility treatment and endometrial cancer @WorryMcGee - and sorry about the pregnancy thing, even though it’s what you might have chosen it’s different when the option is taken away .

A friend mentioned collagen supplements to me the other day. They’re pricey but she said she thought they were helping (she has a lot of joint issues following an injury). I’d be interested to hear what your oncologist says.

I also have a chemo cat, acquired in cycle 5 after our previous rescue died of cancer after only 6 months with us, in cycle 3. (If I was a soap plot line that would be too much, surely?). He’s quite needy but never dull.

I’ve not got a chemo cat but after my 13 year old beloved dog had to be put to sleep just before I started Chemo I’m considering getting a puppy. Is this madness?
I’ve just arrived for round 3. I might go for 3 Kit Kats off the tea trolley today.

Hi all, new to the discussion, found a lump end March, had mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies 5th April, have my results appt 20th April. They told me my lump is 2cm and that I need to bring someone with me on the 20th (don't try to scare you much do they!). Anyway, my question today is - why did the radiographer and the DR I saw after ask me my bra size? Is this in preparation for something? TIA

Welcome @Scandimandy , but I’m sorry you find yourself here. Suggesting you bring someone with you is probably standard, so don’t read too much into it. We say this all the time on this thread, but waiting for results is the hardest part. You may well be told it’s benign. But if you’re not, you will have a plan and know what you’re dealing with. And that seems much easier to cope with than the horrible uncertainty. Re your bra size, I think it’s so they know what surgery options to offer you if it is a tumour. It doesn’t necessarily mean they think it is though. Whether you can have a lumpectomy depends partly on the ratio of tumour to breast size. If you have tiny breasts, the end result might not be acceptable cosmetically. Sending calming thoughts and solidarity.

Lots of beautiful cats 😍I have a lovely long haired tabby who keeps me company on shitty days when I stay in bed.

@Silkierabbit I'm a very realistic thinker, hate the super-positive gang also (hair free 🙄)

@FangedFrisbee that all sounds rough but had to at your DH, I went for check up last weekend as feeling crap and took an overnight bag "just in case" (didn't need it) as I know DH would be rubbish at that ("of course I would want pink lacy pants when I'm in hospital" )

@LemonDrizzle10 , go for it! (The Kit Kat, not the puppy). I was never offered a biscuit and they looked at me like I was a crazed diva when I asked if they had herbal tea when they offered me a drink!

Thanks @dotty2, I was very positive about everything until I saw the Dr at the end who scared the bejesus out of me without saying anything negative, it was the whole change of atmosphere. I felt I was getting a diagnosis without getting a diagnosis. Re bra size, I am on the larger size breast wise so maybe that was it! I should have asked and will on the 20th - only 6 more days to go....
Very glad to have found this thread, the cancer research and macmillan forums don't appear to be very busy which I guess is fabulous news overall :)

Welcome also and apols you find yourself here @Scandimandy bra size for potential surgery. I said I'd like mine smaller if possible

@Catswithhats yes I would also like mine smaller if poss :) Did they say it was possible just out of interest??

I was joking when I said it to them but when I get to surgery discussion (I'm at the start of treatment) I will definitely ask . My boobs got bigger after pregnancy and I don't like that they are larger than average/make me need a size larger in tops.

@Catswithhats I'm going to really push to boat out and ask for a tummy tuck at the same time if I need surgery :)

@Scandimandy sorry you’re here, but the grim humour helps! Fingers crossed for you next week.

Welcome @Scandimandy to the thread nobody wants to join. I’ve had cancer both sides now so I have pert uplifted nice little boobs after a lumpectomy both sides. Bonus! When they do the biopsies they have a pretty good idea about your diagnosis but they don’t like to commit until the results are through just in case. I went in cheerily on my bike alone first time and had to send for DH to come and get me and the bike in the van afterwards. It had never even entered my mind that I would have a biopsy for cancer. Such innocence!
The rules while waiting are No Googling and keep as busy as you can. The Calm app helps if you can’t sleep for worrying too. You can come here and rant too. We understand. This bit is actually the worst part strangely. Once you know the results you will either be skipping happily off into the sunset or facing a treatment plan which makes it all seem more manageable. It will be okay!
Top

Thank you @TopOfTheCliff I have found this thread really interesting to read through. I can't not google but thankfully none of it is of any use without a biopsy result :) I feel like I am looking at everything from a "remote place" at the moment until I get my results. I like to be informed and I'd rather know the worse case scenario then nothing at all. I'm quite a practical person so it is whatever it is. Best wishes for everyone here!!

My rule is only to look at the information on the MacMillan website. Google is a minefield- take care. X

Hi @Scandimandy sorry that you find yourself here, and hopefully it will only be for a little while but happy you found the thread. I was called back from a routine mammogram to the assessment clinic at the end of Jan where they did a further mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. The doctor I saw at that stage told me there and then that the lump they found was very unlikely to be benign but was likely to be early stage. The 2 week wait for confirmation was hard, but I really appreciated his transparency and it did make the next biopsy results appointment a bit easier as I'd already got my head around the fact that the news wasn't going to be good. I've since had my lumpectomy surgery and start radiotherapy next week.

Hopefully you'll get a good result but, as @TopOfTheCliff says, the waiting is the hard part, so if not, you'll get an idea of your treatment plan quite rapidly and then your brain can stop juggling a million different scenarios and can just focus on what comes next. Keep us posted and hopefully you won't need us, but we're here if you do.

Hi I have been lurking on and off - I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in January following yearly mammogram - 1.4cm and told at outset very curable as picked up v early (so very grateful).
Few blips after MRI as it picked up 2 other areas of concern - I on each side but after further tests etc all ok.

I had my lumpectomy nearly 4 weeks ago and when I went for my check up results were not back - should be this week . So far it's the waiting that does me in - I'm being positive but every now and again (usually in middle of night) I have a mini wobble - waiting messes with my thoughts .

I am trying to remember to do the exercises each day and I appreciate compared to lots of people my bc is just minor but it's still bloomin cancer.

So obviously I didn't have breast surgery but my axillary clearance has gone into the breast tissue. My armpit is agony, does anyone have any tips to keep the swelling and pain in there at bay? Would it be helpful to get one of those heart pillows?

Aaargh! Rant time. Had a crap experience yesterday, had what I thought was infected area in my mouth (related to a tooth, it flares up periodically but usually calms down with careful eating and salt water rinses). It wasn't healing, assuming due to chemo and my inability atm to fight infections.

My GP wouldn't help (as he said it was dental, "why are you asking me to look at dental issues?" were his actual words over the phone, late on friday, how he thought I would be able to see a dentist at that point?🤔), my dentist was convinced it wasn't infected (without actually seeing me!).

Got quite upset as was sure it was infected (and worried it would just get worse over the weekend). Realised I should be calling my cancer treatment helpline. Called them, referred to local hospital out -of hours, saw Doc who confirmed what I thought, definitely infected, given strong antibiotics and very kind treatment (I wanted to hug him ). Restored my faith in the medical profession.

Hi @BeaLola the waiting is horrendous, my period after my biopsy I spent constantly binge watching tv to keep my mind off it. Fingers crossed you get good results

@Catswithhats Poor treatment seems to be par for the course at the moment doesnt it! No one seems to want to actually help. My cancer centre has been absolutely wonderful throughout while the GP has been awful. I always ask the CNS now instead of the GP unless it’s nothing to do with cancer.

I was admitted with an unknown infection during chemo too, put on 2 very strong antibiotics and got a dreadful case of thrush as my systems were so low. Order yourself some flucanozole just in case!

I've had some funny old "advice" via Macmillan. Fave so far was advising me to get a hair cut.

😂😂😂😂😂

I cld possibly tweezer some out my head?