Hello there and thanks for getting in touch

I am sorry to hear about your surgery and appreciate how the waiting for results can be unsettling.

Unfortunately there can be delays for test results and over the christmas and new year period with several bank holidays  alongside staff shortages or sickness this sometimes cannot be helped.

I really hope you do know more next week and that everything works out okay for you.

Please try not to over think things and try and keep your mind on other things if you can.

Best wishes

Naomi

Thanks you don't think that this is an indication that it's spread then. Will try and keep mind of 

Hi,

Both my biopsy and surgery results were late in coming back! I too was worried but when the surgery results came back there was nothing else found. I feel your pain I was diagnosed last January and I'm still not over what happened and still worry and over think things.

sending best wishes 

kate x

Thanks Kate that's comforting 

Find it so hard that people just say get on with life whilst waiting

My sister recieved the all clear after surgery then 3 months down line was told had spread and terminal but lucky she's still with us 8 years on x 

I know people don't understood what it's like do they? How could they I suppose. I'm a massive over thinker and I'm trying to get on with my life but it's hard because it's always at the back of your mind. What I do know is how strong we are and that we can get through this. 
wow your sister is doing amazing! 
 

kate x

Hello again

I do appreciate how difficult the waiting and not knowing the results will be is for people. To have to go through the whole of the festive season and now into the new year with this hanging over you must be so hard.

It will only be your doctor who can say what the pathology results have shown but hopefully all will be well.

Hang in there, you are nearly there. Do give us a call if you like on 0808 800 4040, weekdays 9-5.

Take care of yourself and I hope you have good family and friends around you at this time

Best 

Naomi

Hi TJC. I too have had reconstruction with removal of tumour 3 weeks ago now & like you can over think things as older & wonder if less important. This could not be further from truth as an excellent result, neat scar. I am impressed. No results yet not even a follow up appointment . Wondering when radiotherapy  will start. If you or anyone reading this can suggest tips on how to cope I would be grateful. Eating before  or after? Moisturiser yes or no? I have very dry skin. Best wishes to all for this new year.

Hi 

Mine was diagnosed as hormone receptive stage 3 breast cancer had surgery too 3 weeks ago was excepting results yesterday and ike you when radiotherapy due to start allso hormone therapy. 

Been advised to wear bra but removed today for a sports bra

 Using arnica cream for bruising and this seems to have reduced the dry skin too. 

Suggested that I start to eat a low hormone diet which took some working out but in general all the things that boost estrogen in menapause rule out. 

I haven't really found anything that helps with the waiting the stress and sick feelings I get with it but it' helps reading that others feel the same and too are having to wait although not that others are suffering 

Take care and good luck 

Hello and thank you for posting in Ask the Nurses.

I see you have been given some advice before you start your radiotherapy, that is good. You say you have not heard when it will start or your next appointment so do contact your breast cancer nurse and ask, leave a message if you need to. Hopefully it'll start soon.

While having radiotherapy you will be guided by the nurses and radiographer team about how to care for your skin.

Meanwhile use non-perfumed moisturiser and see how that goes at keeping your skin less dry and if you feel it is not doing a good job ask your GP for advice. Some people do use scar cream or oil, such as Bio Oil but I would only use something that does not irritate you, to find out if it does try a small amount on your skin and see how it looks 24 hours afterwards.  There is no clinical evidence that this or other types of scar reducing creams or oils work but if you want to try them then do. However when you start your radiotherapy check that you can still carry on with them during your radiotherapy.

Eat well and as healthily as you can but do not feel guilty if you have a few treats now and then. There is no particular diet to follow unless your medical team have given you advice about that.

You may find it helpful to read about how breast radiotherapy is given and the side effects of it, you can see it on our website here 

I hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline