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I am about to start RT next week for 4/5 weeks. I'm reasonably chilled about it, but concerned about the management of skin and exercise. I'm back to full fitness after surgery in late June, a regular long distance runner (10 to 18 k at least twice a week + 90 mins cardio in the gym at least 3 times a week + a wee bit of core strength - have had to give the weights a miss as too early re. surgery). I expect I will have to adapt my exercising again, but would really like to hear about how women here who do exercise to a reasonable intensity have managed their skin during RT? I have said elsewhere that I find exercise essential to keep my head straight through this little adventure of ours, and was quite upset some weeks back when my consultant radiographer basically told me I could forget about exercise for the few weeks. I hope everyone here is feeling good today! Thanks in advance for all tips! Catherine

Hi all, I've been reading all your posts for the last few months and finally registered. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and have read some great advice on this forum so far. I just want to say hi prior to posting any specific questions in the coming weeks. I'm starting chemo tomorrow and I'm sure I'll probably be looking for advice / reassurance on symptons in the next while! I dragged my husband to the cancer forum 2 weeks ago and saw lots of groups of woman together, so hopefully next year I'll be able to leave him at home & meet up with some of you instead! Best wishes to all! Pamela

I had a lumpectomy at the end of July. The last 2 days my shoulders are Quiet sore. I rang the breast nurse and she thinks I have just done to much and the shoulders muscles are sore. I rested yesterday evening and did very little all morning and the shoulder is sore again. Don't have any swelling. Anyone have this.

Hi, Mid August I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular BC Stage 2 also in Lymph System. I am booked to go for Bone and body scans in Galway tomorrow, not looking forward to being radioactive for 24 hours, also I have a big fear of hospital machines and all the sounds they make. I am trying to be strong and keep calm but this is very difficult for me. Sometimes I just feel like leaving the country and travelling around the world until I can't go on any longer. But of course I won't do that, need to look after my lovely retreiver called Daisy. Does any one else have a fear of all these tests or is that a silly question? Regards...Andrene

I have booked to attend both days of the conference. I am coming up from north Tipp so will have to stay over. I am looking for accommodation for the Friday night but the only affordable option is a shared dormitory in a hostel. I just wondered if any of the Dublin ladies going to conference would be able to put me up for the Friday night? Looking forward to meeting some of you there. Thanks, Karen

I am sure many here have read about the Scottish study, reported earlier this week in the Examiner, which showed that up to 40% of women on T did not complete their course because of side effects (though I did a bit of reading online, and it is not clear that the Scottish study actually enquired as to why women were stopping or not taking their treatment consistently). For those who missed it, here are a few links worth a look: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/wo ... 42039.html http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/i- ... 42153.html http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v109/ ... 3464a.html It is clear to me that the medical teams need to listen to women more, and offer them support and options. I thought it interesting that the Examiner's journalist's oncologist told her she'd feel 10 years older. Mine told me that if all drugs were as well tolerated, and had as good a pro to con ratio as Tamoxifen, the world would be a healthier place. Not sure what to make of it all... What do you wimmin here think? Also, I am on day 16 of 5 years worth of the stuff. So far, nothing to report. How soon did those of you on T notice side effects, if any? My ears feel slightly hot as I type this.... does that count? Hope we all feel good today! Catherine

Hi all Just wondering if there are any good stories out there regarding fertility after chemo? Im a little worried. Diagnosed at 29 years old and finished ACT in November 2012. I've had no period since second chemo in July 2012 and still no sign of it. 2 weeks ago My FSH blood test was 114 when it should be 10 ish in someone my age. It's getting me down. With triple negative cancer there was no more treatment from oncology so I feel a bit in limbo now especially when chemo is causing this. Ann

It is now two years since I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and what a journey it has been! On D (for diagnosis) Day, I started a blog so it seemed fitting to update it on the 2nd anniversary. Thankfully, I am fortunate enough that I can post positively: http://tommolloy.com/2013/09/16/the-cancer-dividend/

Hi again, Hx finished chemo & plan was to go to radiotherapy, but this has stalled without a given reason, yet. Anyone else in same boat? Know why? How soon, statistically, have symtoms, returned for sclc after chemo? Know it will vary case by case, but on average, how long do the benefits of chemo last? (Etoposide & Carobplatin). Scans done when chemo finished & all good, shrinkage, maybe not enough, what is % looked for? Tks

This is my first time on forum. Diagnosed in feb with metastic breast cancer . Very scared . Chemo finished . On hormones now . Any one out there with similar. Had first diagnosis twelve years ago. Full right sided mastectomy Plus chemo. Tamoxofen for five years. Thought I was home and dry.