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I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Had chemotherapy, lumpectomy, mastectomy and radiotherapy. In May I discovered it had spread to my pelvis and spine. Had a tumor removed from my spine followed by radiotherapy. Am now on chemotherapy[Taxol] weekly. One week off per month. Feel very anxious as wonder if chemotherapy is working as originally I had only a partial response to chemotherapy. Find it hard to live each day day by day. Would love to hear from anyone in a similar position.

Hi all I havent posted anything in a while - im a year post chemo and mastectomy and life is good at the moment. Now Im starting to think about reconstruction - i do want it done but really dont want to go back to sick mode again and recovery. I am thinking the LD flap is the best option for me as i have had radiotherapy and am afraid the implant wont work. Does anybody who has had this done have any advise. The thing that is putting me off is that its not just one procedure I will have to go back later for a reduction on the other side. So what im wondering is will i be going around for a while with two misshaped boobs - do they give you fillets or whatever to wear in your bra so you look normal. Also has anybody had an implant after radiotherapy and was it successful. Thanks everybody bizzybee

Hi all, I am posting a question here more to put my mind at ease than to looking for an answer. My husband is 2.5 years in remission (praise God) from stage 3 high grade, B cell, mediastinum Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma with complications of a tracheoesophageal fistula. He's doing amazing and is back to himself. He struggled with chronic fatigue & still has his off days but is doing great. One thing that I wanted to ask if anyone has encountered is night sweats..well more like night clamminess post treatment? He's always been a warm bodied man, even prior to diagnosis, and gets clammy at night. He insists on wrapping himself up like a caterpillar at night. As soon as he removes the sheet for a few seconds get cools right down & stops sweating. This occurs maybe once or twice a month, not every night. He did have drenching night sweats just prior to diagnosis & during treatment that would wake him & sheets would need changing. This is def not to that extent & isn't a new symptom, but has me panicked as I'm the one noticing it not him. I needless to say don't want to worry him over something silly, but not sure should I make him get it checked out? His next Oncology check up & scan is November time. Any advice welcome I guess I'm the worrier as I had to watch him go through his treatment & felt "what if I'd noticed a symptom sooner". X

Hello to any younger women with a breast cancer diagnosis: In case you haven't heard of this, I just wanted to let you know of a Facebook group where I have found a lot of support. It's called 'Younger Breast Cancer Network (UK) Secret Group' or YBCN. It's well run/moderated etc and seems to be gaining a lot of recognition in the UK. Though it's a UK-based, secret group (so you have to message them to join) it's also open to women in Ireland. In fact they have recently set up regional sub-groups, including one for Ireland. Hope this info is of help. Maybe see you there. Ciara x

Hey, I'm Sarah, I'm 27 and I was recently diagnosed with stage 4b cervical cancer that has spread to my bones. I'm just wondering is there anyone on here with cervical Cancer or that has had it in the past?... Just looking for people to talk to that are in the same position. I'm not great at navigating around the site haha! Any body with advice or stories to tell about their situation I would be so grateful. Thank you xx

Hi to all stage 4 gals. Avril here. My trials[breast cancer spread to bone] are well documented on other posts! My motive is selfish as was just wondering how you all were and seeking support. Probably you are all very busy getting ready for Christmas. Is anyone else finding the whole Christmas thing tough? Am going through the motions. I have an only child aged 9 and sometimes I just feel like bursting into tears when I think about things. I have a great husband but who thinks that everything will be just fine. Have two more sessions of Taxol left, last one on Christmas Eve .Chemo went ok, just tired but not sick. And then scan in the New Year. Was 'researching ' on the internet and got really upset. Prognosis just seemed so poor and these were supposedly reputable sites. Gals, just cannot get into the 'Live for Today' mode aka you could be knocked down by a bus at ANY time! Though to stay sane it is what you have to do. Thinking of you all. Avril.

Hi, Is there anyone that chose not to reconstruct and have no regrets? In the first 6 months of this year, I had 4 surgical procedures; 2 were related to breast cancer. I'm thankful that I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. My life has returned to normal and I'm comfortable and happy with how I look post surgery. The fact that I'm in my early 40's, both my oncologist and breast surgeon are advising me to have breast reconstruction... (and they recommend sooner rather than later). I am happy with how I look and more importantly relieved the cancer hadn't spread beyond 3 lymph nodes....... do I really need to have breast reconstruction? Will I feel the same way in 2 to 5 years time!!!!

I am starting chemo AC-T in January and am wondering when I should go about getting the wig, now I presume. How long does it take to order the wig and actually receive it. Is anyone starting chemo in January, I have been told I will have Ac and taxol for 8 sessions every two weeks. This is harder than the one I thought I would get, I thought it might be every 3 weeks, but will just have to get on with it . Any advice from anyone to someone facing into this .

My 6 year cancerversary was last Friday 5th Dec....I actually forgot until today! Tomorrow, Dec 10th I get my fake nipple (aka fipple). Have been waiting 20months for this (clearly not urgent). It represents what I hope will be the final chapter of my BC journey (save the tattooing). Will report back in a few days LindyLu

Hi Ladies, I've just been perscribed the antidepressant Amitriptyline by my oncologist. I only filled the script this morning so haven't actually started to take it yet. Only 15mg. It's for lots of things really. I'm struggling 2.5yrs on with my tamoxifen. Just the usual stuff: joint pain, moods (my family are ready to divorce me!!) foggy brain, residual pain in my breast and under my arm from surgery etc etc etc. You all know them. Anyway I'm just wondering if anyone else has had experience of this drug. What I might expect etc. And when it says don't drink do they really mean DON'T DRINK or is it still ok for me to have a glass or two of wine on a Friday night. I've given up so so much in these last 3yrs. I'm not quite sure I'm ready to give up my two glasses of red at the weekends!! I know I should have asked my oncologist yesterday. I was so overwhelmed at being prescribed yet another drug that it went clear out of my head. Cheers Sarah