Breast Cancer Care Forum

  Hi SLV94   Thanks for posting.   It sounds as if you’re having a tough time with your health anxiety at the moment.   Breast cancer is rare in your age group and more common in women over the age of fifty. Your symptoms are more likely to be due to benign (not cancer) conditions. Pain is mostly associated with hormonal fluctuations. However, we encourage everyone to be breast aware, getting to know what your breasts look and feel like normally (for you) and report any changes to your GP, so it’s good that you did this and were assessed at the breast clinic. You may find our information useful, Taking care of your breasts. This pocket sized picture leaflet describes a number of breast changes to look and feel for; a change could be anything that is not usual for you.   For more details see our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening.   It may be an idea to return to your GP to discuss your health anxiety and talk through your fears. The NHS website  has some information on strategies which might assist you. Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people cope with overwhelming feelings of negativity. Mind is a UK charity which may also offer you some support.   You’re also welcome to call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.   Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April. We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Addie     Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Meadowsandroses   Thanks for your post.   Some people do decline treatment particularly if they have other health conditions and caring responsibilities.   It’s natural to wonder if your symptoms may be due to breast cancer spreading to the lung. A persistent cough and shortness of breath could indicate lung metasteses, but could be caused by other lung conditions as well.    We always encourage people with a history of breast cancer to get any new or persistent symptoms checked out. You can speak to your GP or ask for referral back to your hospital team (if you’re no longer in touch with them), so that they can assess you properly.   At Breast Cancer Care, we offer a variety of services, which may support you now or in the future. You’re also welcome to call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Addie     Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi haggis Thanks for posting.   From the information in your post we are unsure how best to help you.    Do give us a call on our free, confidential Helpline  so that we can get more details about the service you wish to have an appointment for   The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.  Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April. Alternatively you can email our nurses directly and we’ll send a private reply or you are welcome to start a new thread. We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Eve Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Milly56   Thank you for posting.   Recovery following mastectomy and breast reconstruction varies from person to person and often depends on the type of reconstruction you’ve had.  You can read more about this on the link above.   We are unable to say what the small bumps and indentations are due to or if this is a normal part of your healing.  It sounds as though this is a new change so it would be a good idea to contact your treatment team to get this checked.  If you have a breast care nurse she may be able to arrange this for you.  If you are no longer having follow up at the hospital, your GP can check this for you and refer you back to the breast clinic if necessary.   Here at Breast Cancer Care we offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Eve Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

Hi Milly56   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open from 9am tomorrow (Thursday) if you would like to talk things through.    Please be aware that our Helpline will be closed on Friday and Saturday due to the bank holidays.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you   With best wishes.   Lisa   Ask Our Nurses Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer . ... View more

Hi lizandsarah   Thanks for your post.   The time it takes for chemotherapy drugs to be processed by the body will vary from drug to drug and person to person.  Generally speaking however, the body would not be totally free of the chemotherapy drugs until around four to six weeks after all the three weekly cycles of chemotherapy have been completed.   The effects of chemotherapy can last longer than this however, and it can take varying amounts of time for the body to return to normal. Your treatment team can answer any further questions for your individual situation.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through in more detail or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Catherine   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Braveface   Thanks for posting here.   A number of changes can happen to the breast area after treatment for breast cancer and it’s always useful to get any new and persistent changes checked out as you’ve done. Some skin changes are linked to radiotherapy, however, the change you have described is not one which is commonly reported whilst taking anastrozole.   Some breast changes maybe in fact be unrelated to your diagnosis or treatment, however as you are still worried it’s a good idea to phone your breast care nurse as you said to talk this through further.  She can then arrange for further assessment if this is necessary.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Catherine   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi FionaPicken   Thanks for posting here is the Ask our Nurses area.   Drugs such as exemestane can cause vaginal irritation, and many women report symptoms such as itching and soreness whilst taking them.  It’s possible the itching you are experiencing may not be due to thrush.   Pessaries such as canestan are an anti-fungal product which many women use if they have vaginal thrush. There doesn’t seem to be any reason why you shouldn’t be able to use it whilst on exemestane and zolodex.  However to be sure you can contact your local pharmacist to check.  Do see your GP for further advice on managing your symptoms if they persist.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Catherine Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi ValP   Thanks for posting.   After your treatment, you will have regular mammograms. As you have had wide local incision (WLE), you will have a mammogram on both breasts. The time between mammograms may vary depending on the hospital where you have your follow-up. Most hospitals will follow the recommendations set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), an independent organisation responsible for providing evidence-based national guidance on effective ways to prevent, diagnose and treat ill health (1.13 Follow‑up).   You may want to look at the booklet After breast cancer treatment: what now? This booklet explains what happens after your hospital-based treatments end. It includes information on follow-up care and being breast and body aware.  Here at Breast Cancer Care, we offer a variety of services to support you now, or in the future.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Grete   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Pipey   Thanks for posting.   It’s understandable that you’re concerned about breast feeding after your lumpectomy.   Sometimes it’s still possible to feed from a breast that’s had surgery. Surgery may disrupt the ducts in the operated breast and could reduce the way in which milk is supplied. If you’ve had radiotherapy to the breast, then the ducts will often be affected by scar tissue and may increase the risk of developing mastitis.   It’s difficult to say how your operated breast will work, but the other breast will usually adapt to providing enough milk for your baby. Do speak to your midwife, health visitor or breast feeding counsellor as they can support with helping you to breast feed successfully. You may not develop mastitis or engorgement, and if you do, your midwife or doctor can help.   You may find our Breast changes and pregnancy information helpful and you can find more information about breastfeeding on the NHS website.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Marretje   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Dear shirleyemm   Thanks for posting.   Having investigations for a breast problem can be a worrying and stressful time.   It’s good that you’ve already seen how supportive other forum users are and as suggested by Catokitty, it may be a good idea to have someone  with you when you go for your appointment to get your results. That way you can be sure there is someone there for support,should you need it. They may also think of questions that hadn’t occurred to you and remember things you may forget. It may be useful to take a notepad and pen to write down any information you want to remember later.   You may find it helpful to read our information in our Your breast clinic appointment booklet before you return on Thursday. You will not know for definite what the outcome of your tests will be, until your pathology report comes back. This section of our Forums might be partiuclaty useful if you wanted to post there as well   Here at Breast Cancer Care we can talk you through any treatment that might be suggested for you or support you in other ways.Once you know your results or at any other time,do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Marretje   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.     ... View more

  Hi Rebecca   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open from 9am tomorrow if you would like to talk things through.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you   With best wishes.   Lisa   Ask Our Nurses Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer .   ... View more

Hi    shirleyemm   Thanks for posting your question.   We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.   In the meantime our Helpline is open from 9am tomorrow if you would like to talk things through.    If you do phone our Helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you   With best wishes.   Lisa   Ask Our Nurses Co-ordinator Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer . ... View more

Hello Robynhug   Thanks for posting.   Women can experience breast changes for different reasons and depending on the cause, the outcome can vary. You mention that your breast has recently started looking darker, bruised and slightly bigger. When your doctor assesses the area tomorrow, they will be able to give you an idea of the possible cause and whether it may be related to your breast implants.   Your GP will find it helpful to know about the history of breast cancer in your family. If they are not sure what the cause is, they may refer you to a breast clinic to have the area looked at by a breast specialist doctor.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Teresa   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more

  Hello alisonv98   Thanks for posting.   I was unable to find out any specific information about possible interactions between tamoxifen, propranolol and clonidine with Menomagic.   The MSKCC is an American cancer centre that has a webpage about how some herbs might interact with various medicines that might be of interest. There are some aroma therapy oils that have shown an interaction with the way some drugs are metabolised. However, the best person to speak with is either a drug information pharmacist at the hospital you’re being treated at, or your breast specialist doctor. They will be able to tell you more about whether the aroma therapy oils used in menomagic could interact with the any of the medications above.   You may also find our information about menopausal symptoms and breast cancer and complementary therapies of interest.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.     We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Teresa   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hello Sophie   Thanks for posting.   This sounds like a difficult time for you all. Lymph fluid can leak through the skin and a tumour can also break through the skin causing fluid to leak, so it’s difficult to say exactly what’s going on for your step mum but it does sound distressing.   The GP has overall responsibility for the healthcare of people at home so the GP can assess your step mum’s situation and provide or prescribe all the necessary dressings. They may ask the practice nurse to do this as they have expertise and sometimes specialist training in wound care and dressings, as do district nurses. It’s also important this is monitored regularly by the nurses to check for any changes such as signs of infection. Some areas also have a tissue viability nurse who is an expert in wound care and may be able to assess your step mum and advise either the practice nurse or district nurses about suitable dressings. Your step mum can let the nurses know the impact this is having on her wellbeing.   As Pinky3 says the pharmacist can also be really helpful and may suggest something else.   Although her doctors (I’m assuming this is her hospital doctors) haven’t seen anything like this before they can still offer advice on how to manage it and whether any treatment would help control the growth of the cancer. I wonder if your step mum has been referred to a palliative care team. They can offer support to her and the family including help with managing symptoms to ensure she has the best quality of life possible. The GP or hospital team can arrange this referral. Your step mum may also be able to get some advice from a lymphoedema specialist if she hasn’t already. Helping manage and control the lymphoedma may help with the fluid leakage if that is the cause.    You and your step mum may be interested in the range of free services we offer to women living with advanced breast cancer. It might also be helpful to talk this through with one of us here. We often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone. The Helpline number, which is free and confidential is 0808 800 6000. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.    Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April. We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Jane Breast Cancer Care Nurse Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Livelifetothefull   Thanks for posting. It’s understandable you want to be sure you have all necessary tests.   A range of different tests are used in breast cancer but not all tests are needed for all patients. Decisions about this are agreed at the multidisciplinary team meeting. This means a number of specialists give their opinion making sure tests and treatment are tailored to the individual situation.   It wouldn’t be down to the patient to ask or request tests but you can certainly discuss any concerns with your team. I imagine you have a breast care nurse as your key contact.   Genomic assays such as Oncotype DX are usually only recommended if someone has negative lymph nodes. Some women will have a breast MRI but again is not appropriate for everyone. An MRI wouldn’t usually be performed either on the breasts or other parts of the body based on someone having macrometastases. We’re not sure what the previous correspondence is.   You might find the NICE guidelines about early breast cancer helpful.   Many women worry about spread, especially if their lymph nodes are affected. I wonder if it would be helpful to chat all this through. If so do call our free, confidential Helpline. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Jane Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi Hannahlizzy21   Thanks for posting.   Being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment can be really overwhelming. You are not alone in feeling this way. Many women worry that treatment won’t be effective.   Treatment is carefully tailored to an individual situation and agreed by a multi-disciplinary team so you can hopefully be reassured you are having the most appropriate treatment.   What can really help is having a range of support. Our chemotherapy monthly threads are where women can support each other as they go through treatment together. And our Someone Like me service might also be of interest. Talking all this through with one of us here might also help. Our free and confidential Helpline number is 0808 800 6000. Do feel free to call.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April. We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Jane Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread. ... View more

Hi ACS1   Thanks for posting.   There is no known interaction between folic acid and tamoxifen so they should be safe to take together. It’s always a good idea to speak to your treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any vitamin or herbal supplements. You can also search here for information about individual herbs and vitamins. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications.   Here at Breast Cancer Care we offer a range of free supportive services that you might be interested in. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The number is 0808 800 6000.   Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday. Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.     Please be aware that we will be closed on Good Friday, Friday 19 April and Easter Monday, Monday 22 April.   We are currently reviewing our Forum service and wonder if you would have five to 10 minutes to complete a short survey. The survey will help us gather information about this service and understand more about any improvements we can make.   Best wishes   Eve   Breast Cancer Care Nurse   Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer. This thread will now be closed from further replies. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread.   ... View more