Webchat with experts from Breast Cancer Care - Friday 12 May, midday - 1pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We’re running a webchat on Friday (12 May) lunchtime (midday - 1pm) about breast cancer with two experts from Breast Cancer Care, who are one of our guest charities in May.

During the hour Rachel Rawson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care and Jane Murphy, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care will be on-hand to answer all your questions - from diagnosis, supporting someone who has breast cancer - to living with and beyond breast cancer.

Join us on Friday (12 May) at midday and if you’re unable to join at that time, do post your question in advance on this thread.

One person every 10 minutes is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. While survival has doubled in the last forty years the overwhelming effects of the disease can be long-lasting. More people are diagnosed and living longer with breast cancer than ever before and NHS resources are stretched.Breast Cancer Carehas information and support to help people move forward from breast cancer with confidence.

Rachel Rawson joined Breast Cancer Care in February 2007 after many years working in the NHS as a breast nurse specialist. She has a specialist interest in breast cancer and family history and writes widely on the issues that affect women and their families and friends after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Jane Murphy is Breast Cancer Care’s lead on primary breast cancer. She directly supports the Helpline and Ask Our Nurses email services, calling on more than 10 years’ experience of providing information and support to people affected by cancer.

Thanks Rachel, although to be honest that doesn't even attempt to answer my question.

@GoldInTheAirOfSummer

Thanks for the reply. I know that I need to stop googling symptoms but I am just desperate to hear a good news story from somebody who presented with a dimple or indentation. When you say breast changes, do you also include these?

Yes an indentation or dimple needs to be checked. Thats why the GP has referred you to the breast clinic. But its doesnt mean you have breast cancer- call us to talk this through if it would help 0808 800 6000

I'm a cup's half empty rather than full person by nature and this is making me incredibly anxious. Just got to get through the next 13 days until the appointment!

Thanks again.

@ArgyMargy

Thanks Rachel, although to be honest that doesn't even attempt to answer my question.

I have included a link to the campaigns we have been involved in, now and in the past www.breastcancercare.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-us/what-we-think. we are always keen to hear from people as we work with the government and the NHS to ensures that the voices of those living with and affected by breast cancer are heard. If you would like to contact the campaigns team you could email them directly [email protected]

Thanks for having us. Please feel free to call our Helpline with any further questions. 0808 800 6000 or you can email our nurses
www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/support-you/someone-talk/email-our-nurses

We also offer a range of services for poeple affected by breast cancer www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/support-you

@CateGory8

OK, as there is a lull can i ask another question? I have a bilateral reconstruction with implants with skin sparing and nipple sparing (as you can see from previous question). My surgery was due to family history and mutated gene etc. Prior to my surgery I was having surveillance at my local breast clinic, it was an annual mammogram. Following my surgery my consultant wanted me to continue to have surveillance or ultrasound (can't remember if she said mammogram or not). I think it was down to the fact that I've retained my nipples. My GP is all for it too BUT my local breast clinic says it isn't necessary and won't do it. For clarity, my consultant is outside my PCT/CCG so this confuses the issue. Should I continue to fight for the surveillance or except the decision made by clinic.

Thanks for posting. Usually post bil mastectomy women won't need to have mammograms because there is so little breast tissue. Screening will differ from person to person so you may want to seek a second opinion via your GP

Brilliant - thanks very much Rachel.