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posted by AnnMaria
21 May 2023

PICC Line

Last reply: 28 May 2023 19:20
Hi, I’m recently diagnosed with Er/Pr + breast cancer. I’m 6 weeks post op breast conservation surgery. I start chemo next week. I was shocked that I would need a PICc Line. This will be inserted the morning of my first chemo. Is this usual. I will have to cope with the sore arm & stress of first chemo experience. (other arm still not back to full use after node clearance surgery). Can you advise please as I’m struggling with all of this new information. Thank you
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posted by Sunnyshe
21 May 2023

Letrozole

Last reply: 04 August 2023 23:11
Hi. I'm currently on letrozole for estrogen positive breast cancer. I have completed my surgery and radiotherapy treatment. I've been on letrozole for about 10 weeks now, I'm finding the side effects very difficult and they are impacting my daily life. I have joint and muscle discomfort, along with very low energy. My G.P has given me paracetamol to help off set the pain, and I am also on Vimovo. When I return for my follow-up oncology appointment, I will mention these side effects. My main question is, is there anything oncology can add to my treatment care to help with these symptoms, also will things improve over time, or would I be best to change to an alternative medication to letrozole? Thank you in advance.
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posted by GRNHL
14 April 2023

Low neutrophils

Last reply: 19 April 2023 13:17
Hi, I have had my 6 rounds of RChop for NHL, I've always had a problem with low neutrophils throughout my Chemo. Now 6 weeks later im on immunotherapy and I still have low neutrophils. Is there anything that I can take such as foods or vitamins that will help with this?? I was getting injections but my team won't prescribe these anymore. Thanks
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posted by Sunnyshe
04 April 2023

Joint pain/stiffness

Last reply: 04 August 2023 23:13
Hi. I've recently been started on 2.5mg of Letrozole daily, as part of my breast cancer treatment. I've also just completed a course of Radiotherapy. This is week 4 of the Letrozole treatment, I've noticed my joints have become quite stiff and painful, just wondering, will this settle over time, or is this going to be long term, its making me a bit miserable to be honest. I'm due back to my Oncologist in the next few weeks.
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posted by libra1975
08 March 2023

Breast size difference

Last reply: 10 March 2023 16:23
Hi everyone, I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I had a lumpectomy a year ago, followed by chemo and radiotherapy, herceptin and tamoxifen. Now my left breast, where I had the lumpectomy, is a good lot bigger than the healthy breast. Is this normal? Any information I can find states the operated on breast could end up smaller, but never bigger. There is also hard lump/tissue in it, and it still feels tender. Doctor and breast nurse said everything is fine, but didn't say anything why the breast is bigger now.
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posted by annashels
02 March 2023

Dentist work and chemo

Last reply: 07 March 2023 16:27
Hello! I’m starting chemo in less than two weeks, so decided to go to the dentist yesterday. Turns out I need a couple of fillings. I’m just wondering if this is something I should get sorted asap before my first infusion or if there’s time to get them while I’m receiving treatment? I’d also like to know if there are any schemes that cap the cost of dentistry work for cancer patients that you know of. Thanks!
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posted by Doyle
16 February 2023

Prostate Cancer

Last reply: 20 February 2023 15:26
I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is Gleeson score 7 (3 + 4). I have been told that my two options are surgery or radiotherapy. I have researched both but I am struggling to decide which is the best option. I think I may have to make this decision myself although my urologist will be coming back to me in the next week or so. Both treatments seem to be equally effective but I am struggling to decide which to choose. Any advice would be welcomed.
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posted by fionamay23
14 February 2023

Ovary Cyst Removal

Last reply: 14 February 2023 18:41
Hi My 11 year old daughter had an ovarian cyst and one fallopian tube removed due to the cyst being twisted around the tube. This was in November 2022. She presented with severe abdominal pain and it was discovered during a laparoscopy. The gynaecologist was happy with the outcome of the procedure. I enquired if there was anything to be worried about with regards the cyst and it appeared he wasn’t concerned. He said it would be sent away to be examined but would take at least 2 months for results as it would not be deemed priority. He told me when she was being discharged to ring for results to put my mind at ease in 6-8 weeks. It’s now 14 weeks and they say there is a backlog of up to 20 weeks. I got a discharge summary sent to me in the post and there is no mention of waiting on results but says was discharged for gynaecology follow up. I rang the gynaecologist secretary and she said results were not back but the follow up would be based on these results. She also said she can only tell me if results are back and I’ll need to discuss with my own gp. So I’m a little worried and confused by it all. What is the procedure for getting results and should I be worried as it’s taking so long. My daughter is in excellent health and good form. Thank you.
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posted by Sunnyshe
10 February 2023

OncotypeDX test

Last reply: 13 February 2023 11:30
Hi guys. Just wondering if my Oncotype DX test result comes back in the high range, with a high occurrence of family female cancers (uterine, breast and ovarian cancers) is it a possibility that i may be put forward for, hysterectomy, ovary removal and double mastectomy with reconstruction, along with chemo? I'm also waiting on genetic test results. My head is telling me this would be the right thing to do, to ensure a cancer free future, but not sure if this would be a "norm" in my situation.
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posted by kransom
17 January 2023

Skin irritation on face

Last reply: 25 January 2023 09:36
My skin on my face seems to have gotten very bad since starting chemo. Particularly on my two cheeks it’s red with raised bumps like pimples. This wouldn’t be the norm for me as I don’t get acne or the like. I don’t know what skincare I should be using or what might help? Has anyone experienced this or would have any recommendations on skincare to use on it?
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