Community

Hi there, I am new to this discussion so forgive me if I ramble on. Had right mastectomy Sept 2011 followed by chemo and RT. I know cancer can hit anyone but my diagnosis was a shock as no family members had cancer and I thought I wasn't in any high risk group till I looked up links between overactive thyroid (which I had years ago) and breast cancer. I Discovered a medical paper saying radioactive iodine (which I had to treat my thyroid in 2006) doubles the risk of breast cancer 5 - 10 years after treatment. Now I am really worried that I may be at higher risk of cancer appearing in the left side. I have asked to have a prophylactic mastectomy and then double diep reconstruction. Has anyone else had this? I am not suitable for LD as no tissue on my back. Diep is not done in Limerick so I am to be refered to Beaumont. Anyone know what the current waiting list is like? I feel I cannot get my life back together till this is done. I already had to wait an extra 3 months for the referal because my surgeon was on maternity leave and the locum wouldn't refer me!

Hi Just wondering if anyone on tamoxifen have any issues with their taste?I have noticed that every couple of weeks my taste changes and although i can eat nothing is enjoyable which is a disaster when it comes to my cup of tea!!!!I had thought it was left over side effect of chemo but am now wondering if its tamoxifen related. Thanks W

Hi guys Can't do Tamixofen because chemi has given me Clots so they are starting me on these next week. A few questions for anyone who has has these - what were the side effects and how did you deal with them. Was it better to take first thing in the morning or before bed? With or without food. Thanks guys any tips or hints gratefully Received.

Hello all Before I was diagnosed had got lots of sore throats and lost my voice regularly. This continued through every Chemo session. Bit concerned about it but medics ignoring my concerns. Anyone else experience this at all?

It's a big week for dee (tests) and Wicklow lady (operation). Best of luck to the two of you!! Will be keeping all crossed Xx

Well girls got very excited this morning as I have something growing on my head!! Couldn't say it's hair but it's something. Think maybe because I had a 20% reduction in my last 2 chemos the regrowth is quicker. Happy days think it'll be a long time before I've a pony tail but I'm happy with my chemo fluff lol xxx

Happy days I'm back in the ward since 6pm all is well I feel ok. I'm STARVING!! Please God the results will be good next weekxxx

I've been following the BC forum for the past 7 months and this is my first time to post. Tomorrow I'm due to have my last Taxol and I'm feeling kind of strange today. The chemo I had was EC x 4 and Taxol x 12. My treatment will not end tomorrow as I also have to get radiation x 28 and this will begin on 5th February. Did any of you feel strange or apprehensive before your last chemo? I can't believe I've made it this far (mastectomy and chemo) but when I think of all I've gone through the last 6 months, it's still all a bit of a nightmare. I just hope that the chemo has done it's job and that I never have to go to the oncology day ward again. Any feedback on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I have been reading your messages for some time but this is my 1st to write 1 myself. I was diagnosed last summer and have had my chemo, a mastectomy and rads. I was wondering if there is anyone that could give me advice on my reconstruction. I have been referred to Mr N Ajmal in Beaumont. Has anyone had their reconstruction done by him or can you give me any feedback on any of the plastic surgeons in Beaumont. Also as I am in my 20's and I'm considering having a Preventive mastectomy on the healthy breast. Has any one any advise on this too. Sorry for all the questions.

Hi everyone, Following a strong family history (Mother, aunt, maternal grandmother) I was diagnosed with DCIS on May 26th. Had wire localisation on June 15th which showed more cells in the margin! Back on July 20th for another excision to see if they can get the clear margin and will definitely be having radiotherapy. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation? Do surgeons keep going back until they get a clear margin or are they more inclined to recommend a mastectomy?