Breast Cancer Care Forum

Hi Jessica2401   Thanks for posting.   A number of people may experience some mild symptoms after a breast biopsy such as soreness, bruising and swelling.  However, the multiple symptoms you describe are not typical at all following a breast biopsy, and it sounds as though they are likely to be unconnected to the procedure.   It’s good to hear that your result showed a fibroadenoma. However as the symptoms happened on another two occasions, it would be a good idea to make an appointment at your medical centre to see a GP so they can be investigated further.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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

Hello Holliepea85   Thanks for posting. Waiting for tests results can be a really anxious time.   As Jan says the operated area can often feel different. Scar tissue can build up and how the area feels over time can change.   You mention that your consultant described your glands as abnormal. Hopefully you don’t have to wait too long before you get the biopsy results.   If breast cancer comes back in the chest, breast or armpit area, or in the skin near the original site or scar, it’s called local recurrence. You may wish to read more about the different types of recurrence.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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

Hello debbru   Thanks for posting.   It’s difficult to say why your breast has now become sore since starting Herceptin. Tenderness or soreness can occur during or after radiotherapy but is not a typical side effect of Herceptin.   We notice you have posted a few times on the Ask Our Nurse section of the Forum. You are very welcome to use this section but if you have symptoms or side effects these really are best reported to your treatment team as mentioned.   I understand we have linked to services before but don’t think we have specifically signposted to Moving Forward. This might be of interest. Although it’s for when main hospital treatment has finished, you can attend while on Herceptin treatment.    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

Hello Jen   Thank you for posting. I imagine this was a shock for you.   While a pathological hip fracture can happen as a result of secondary cancer in the bone, it can also happen for other reasons such as osteoporosis.   As you will see from the first link above the advice is to go straight to hospital, calling for an ambulance if necessary. As you say you don’t want any further damage to occur while you wait for a full assessment. Regardless of the cause of your fracture, it’s important you speak to your GP to see if there is any particular reason why he did not suggest going to hospital. You can also check whether he has spoken to your oncology team or referred you back to them, to ensure you are fully assessed.   Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for your CT scan so the cause can be identified and any relevant treatment started. Your hospital doctors may also suggest a bone and DEXA scan   Rockstarchic -  there are many reasons for symptoms, but do speak to your GP or hospital team about your concerns.   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.   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 rosielola   Thanks for posting .   It’s important to get to know what your breasts look and feel like normally so you can be aware of any changes and get them checked out if necessary. This is known as breast awareness.    Discharge from one or both nipples can happen either spontaneously or when the nipples or breasts are squeezed so squeezing the nipple to check for discharge is best avoided.    Breast changes can happen for many reasons. They may be part of normal development, hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle (period) or due to benign conditions (not cancer). You’ll probably find your breasts change quite a bit throughout your life.   We cannot say what is causing the spots you have noticed but we do encourage anyone with a new or persistent change to get it checked by their GP.  Although most changes are unlikely to be anything wrong your GP will hopefully be able to explain what has caused the change and put your mind at ease.  If you feel embarrassed or uncertain about seeing a doctor you can take someone with you. In most practices they can offer you the choice of a female GP.   You may also find it interesting to read about some of the things teenage girls may notice about their breasts.   You can give us a ring here on our confidential Helpline to talk about this a bit more if you like. It’s free (including from all mobile networks) and 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 Tracey   Thank you for your post.   It sounds like you’ve had a very difficult time and it’s good to read the CBT techniques have helped with the anxiety and that the colonoscopy was normal.   Digestive disturbance and pins and needles are common side effects of anxiety.  Although, Escitalopram (see under undesirable side effects) can also sometimes cause very similar symptoms. It’s worth thinking back to when these particular symptoms started and whether you think there may be some link.    I’m unsure exactly where you’re experiencing the burning and pin pricking type sensation on your skin.  If it’s in the area where you had your surgery (see sensation changes) or, radiotherapy  (see late side effects) it may be related to your treatment.  The sensations you describe are often related to nerve pain experienced during the healing process when tissue damage has occurred.   I wonder if you’ve discussed your symptoms with your breast care nurse.  It’s always important to let your team know, if you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t resolve.  However, if this sensation is not in the treatment area, it could be related to the severe anxiety you’ve experienced recently.   You may already know about Anxiety UK.  If not, they have a range of services that may help to support you further at this time. You can also speak to your GP about any of your symptoms or worries.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   Best wishes   Heidi   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 ginger   Thanks for posting.   It’s not clear what type of recurrences you have had but it’s understandable you want to explore all options.   However, the use of targeted therapies always depends on the features of the primary cancer or its recurrence, and what other treatments have been given. Not all targeted therapies are routinely available on the NHS.   Targeted therapy such as Palbociclib (Ibrance) may be prescribed in some situations to people who are ER positive, HER 2 negative with locally advanced or secondary breast cancer.  But its use will depend on any previous treatment that has been given.   I wonder if you have spoken to your oncologist. They will know your individual situation, the features of your cancer and your treatment history. In some situations, oncologists often choose to re test the cancer cells to check whether any of the original features have changed, which can help in choosing the best treatment. This might include any targeted therapies that might be helpful and available. This re testing can be done on the NHS.   Researchers have also recently been looking at finding gene changes that may help doctors to target and try to kill, or stop the cancer cells growing. You may also want to ask your oncologist about any similar clinical trials you may be eligible to join.   Sometimes it might still be possible to access a treatment that is not routinely available. There is some information about this here.   It might be helpful to talk all this through. We often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone   The free, confidential Helpline 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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

Hello debbru   Thanks for posting.   Dry eyes  and a runny nose can occur with trastuzumab.   The links contain some suggestions about what might help. You could also have a chat with your local pharmacist.   It’s always a good idea to let your treatment team know if you are experiencing side effects, they can help with suggesting or prescribing something that might manage or reduce these. And as Jaybro says it’s important to rule out infection.   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.   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

Hello Ruthie212   Thanks for posting.   It’s understandable to ask about scans when you hear about others experience.   Scans are not offered routinely at diagnosis of early breast cancer (other than an ultrasound). A different type of scan might be recommended in an individual situation. For example, this might be if someone has a symptom that needs checking or if doctors feel the cancer may have started to spread already. If there is no indication of this then a scan won’t be needed.   Also, after the main hospital treatment has finished, many people think that having routine body scans, for example a CT scan (computerised tomography) will be helpful to check for any early signs of the cancer returning (recurrence).  Some people feel this will be part of their follow up care.   Again, body scans are only recommended after breast cancer treatment if someone has a symptom that might suggest a recurrence. This is because current evidence tells us that scans are not the best way of picking up any early signs of recurrence.   As Seabreeze says they are not always helpful.   The scans that are offered routinely after treatment are a regular mammogram and for some women a DEXA scan. If you would like to talk this through do feel free to 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   You may also be interested in the range of other free services we offer.   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 helenmann   Thanks for posting   It’s understandable you can’t remember all the information you were given following your surgery. How wounds are managed can vary depending on the dressings that are used and the preferences of the surgeon. So it would be best to ring your breast care nurse or the ward where you had your surgery for advice.   Our information about wound dressings may be 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   Best wishes   Val   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 Chowchow123   Thanks for posting.   At present we do not have a living with secondary breast cancer meet up group in the East Anglia area. The nearest monthly meet ups are in North Lincolnshire, Milton Keynes or Romford.   There is a weekly Live chat session which runs on Tuesdays at 8.30-9.30pm that can be helpful for people who live in areas where a monthly group do not meet.  This session allow people to talk over their experiences and offer support to each other.    If you have a breast care nurse she may be aware of other support days in the East Anglia area.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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

Dear debbru   Thanks for posting.   Many women who have treatment for breast cancer experience menopausal symptoms because of the effect treatment has on the ovaries.   This booklet Menopausal symptoms and breast cancer may be useful to read. In particular pages 10 – 15 have information about managing hot flushes and night sweats.   You may also be interested in some of the free supportive services.   Our mobile app BECCA provides day-to-day strategies, hints and tips to help you move forward. The easy-to-use cards give you bite-size information on everything including managing menopausal symptoms. Categories include food, exercise, mindfulness and beauty. You can also read blogs from people like you who are adjusting to life beyond breast cancer treatment.   You can download BECCA for free from Google Play and the App Store. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use the online version.   Do call our free, confidential Helpline if you would like to talk through any of this or have any further questions. We often find we can help people more when we talk to them on the phone. 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   Best wishes   Val   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 jdwilson   Symptoms of cystitis can be distressing and can impact on ones quality of life so it’s understandable that you are struggling.    Anastrozole reduces the amount of circulating oestrogen which can cause menopausal symptoms including bladder problems such as cystitis.  However, cystitis is not a common side effect of anastrozole so it’s difficult to say if this is the cause. Cystitis is a common symptom associated with vaginal dryness and there are treatments that may help, like vaginal moisturisers and vaginal lubricants. Sometimes short term hormone-based treatments for vaginal dryness can be used. Vaginal oestrogen may be more safely prescribed for women taking tamoxifen.   It’s important that you contact your treatment team when you return to the UK to make them aware of this worsening problem.  Many women find hormone therapy difficult to tolerate and your team may suggest a different drug or a different type of hormone treatment to see if this suits you better.   It’s not clear if you have had investigations for this ongoing problem but when you return to the UK it would be a good idea to discuss this with your GP.  You may also want to contact a specialist menopause clinic once you are back in the country for further support.   As you are abroad at present but your symptoms are worsening it would be wise to see a doctor for advice about managing this now.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 L.Rachelle46   Thanks for your long detailed post. It sounds like there is a lot of things going on for you at the moment. Breast cancer treatments and healthcare services vary so much in different countries and the healthcare system is very different in the USA. The information we offer is specific to what is currently available in the UK. You might find this link helpful in finding a cancer organisation in your country.   Finding out your breast cancer has spread and living with stage 4 breast cancer can be difficult.   The treatments for stage 4 breast cancer can include a number of treatments. When making decisions about how best to treat you, your oncologist will consider factors such as: where the secondary breast cancer is in the body, any symptoms you have, what treatment you have had in the past and your general health.   Having information about what’s happening to you can be a helpful way of regaining some control and help you cope, so it’s important your oncologist answers your questions as far as is possible including the plan for how best to treat and monitor your condition.   As you mention, some women with breast implants have been found to have a rare type of cancer called Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)  The most common symptom for BIA-ALCL is a seroma (a collection of fluid) that forms between the breast implant and the capsule at least six months after the breast implant surgery. Most cases have happened years after surgery. You may want to post elsewhere on this Forum to see if someone else has been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL.   You may want to call the American Cancer Society’s national helpline for further support.   Kind regards   Grete   Ask Our Nurses service   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 Izzy1601   Thanks for your post.   You don’t say why you had breast surgery. As Seabreeze says, surgery can cause scars to tighten over time and this may be causing the pain.   Breast pain is very common in women of all ages. There are different types of breast pain, and these are explained in our information. Most pain is due to benign (not cancer) conditions.   However, it is important to find out what the cause is. You could contact your GP as you may need a referral to the breast clinic to be assessed.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 Steph22   Thanks for posting.   It’s understandable that you’re concerned about your breast lump and isn’t silly that you’d like to have both breast checked, given your sister is having breast cancer treatment.    At the breast clinic you will usually be seen and examined before having an ultrasound or mammogram.  They would usually only do an ultrasound on the affected side unless there is a clinical indication to do the other breast.  However, if you are over 40 you can expect to have a mammogram of breasts.  Our information about what happens at the breast clinic appointment explains all of this in more detail.    If you ask the person doing the ultrasound, they might be happy to do both sides under the circumstances, although this is unlikely.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 EnglishRose19   Thanks for your post.   It’s understandable that you’re concerned to see the rise in levels of your blood test. It’s usual for blood test results to fluctuate within their normal range but this can cause a lot of anxiety.    The CA15-3 test can be raised for a number of reasons.  It’s rarely elevated in primary breast cancer and isn’t generally used to monitor response to treatment in this setting.   It’s important to discuss with your hospital team why you’re having the blood tests done. You could also explain to them that you are concerned about the latest results.   Here at Breast Cancer Care, we offer a variety of services which may be useful 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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 Maggie   Thanks for posting to ask the latest information on HRT and risk of developing breast cancer.   Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH) and Flat Epithelial Atypia (FEA) are shown to slightly increase the possibility of getting breast cancer. However, the level of risk varies depending on individual factors. Therefore the best people to discuss your individual risk with along with the risks and benefits of taking HRT would be your hospital doctor.   The latest evidence for the use of HRT states that the increase in risk increases the longer it’s taken for. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) provide a useful summary.   You may also find it helpful to talk it through with your GP, or to seek a second opinion which might clarify the situation for you.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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 Rab   Thanks for posting.   Radiotherapy is often used to control cancer or relieve symptoms for secondary breast cancer in the bones or brain. There are different types of radiotherapy techniques which are used depending on the area to be treated. Stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery for example target an area of cancer in the brain very precisely. This means tissues around the tumour receive a much lower dose so side effects tend to be milder.   The side effects you may experience will also depend on the area being treated and the technique used. You can read a little more about the side effects of radiotherapy on the brain and bones in our publications. You will also get the opportunity to ask questions about the treatment and side effects at your planning appointment.   You might be interested to know that here at Breast Cancer Care we provide a number of different services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support.   We have a secondary breast cancer online discussion forum for sharing information and support.  There is also a weekly Live chat session which runs on Tuesdays at 8.30-9.30pm.    Both services allow people to talk over their experiences and offer support to each other.    Our face to face Living with Secondary Breast Cancer monthly sessions also give you the chance to meet and share experiences with other people who understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it too.   In a safe and relaxed environment, our regular sessions provide information about all aspects of living with the disease, as well as the chance to meet and talk openly with other people with the same diagnosis.   These are held in various locations across the UK.  Each support session is led by a qualified therapist with group facilitation skills and relevant counselling experience.   You’ll hear from expert speakers about a range of topics such as pain management, side-effects, fatigue, clinical trials and benefits, and have a chance to ask questions. There’s the opportunity to find out about other available support and services too.   People are welcome to attend as few or as many sessions as they wish. Refreshments (including lunch at longer sessions) are provided. You can search for current locations dates and planned programmes on the above link or you can call 0345 077 1893 for more information.   You might be interested to know that we are currently running a survey to find out more about experiences of the care, treatment and the impact of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer. If you would like to complete this, please click here.   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 Monday 26 August due to the bank holiday.   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