Hi JeanW,

Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. To get a breast cancer diagnosis on the same day, really was a double whammy. If you have been looking up the internet for clarification, I am not surprised that you are confused. Much of the information on the internet is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the spectacular, so you are better to steer clear if you can.

Do you know what type and grade of breast cancer you have and, whether or not any of your lymph nodes were involved? There can be side-effects to Letrozole and Citalopram. The Letrozole is certainly meant to stop or block the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells. If you are thinking about stopping taking Letrozole, please talk to your consultant or breast care nurse first, as there are alternatives.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years. First of all I had a lumpectomy and then took Tamoxifen for a year. Almost a year to the day of my first diagnosis, I had a second bout. This time I had a double mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. I stopped taking this in July 2017.

If you are having problems with Letrozole, there are some things that help to reduce the side-effects. Some people find it best to stick to the original brand of Letrozole. This is called Femara. Others find that they cope better with a particular brand of Letrozole, whilst many find it easier to take it at night instead of in the morning. Some of the side-effects can also be helped by taking additional medications to reduce the individual effects on the body.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi JeanW,

I've just realised that I forgot to answer your question about bras. M & S do a total support non-wired post surgery bra. This has two pockets in it, which can hold a prosthesis. They only do this range in their larger stores or to order. There are also some online companies who stock post-surgery underwear and swimwear. You will Find that Nichola Jane, Amoena, Anita, Macom, Recova, Chums, Asda & Betty & Belle all supply post-mastectomy bras and swimwear.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

Thank you so much for your reply. I was diagnosed with Grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma with 2/8 lymphnodes affected. I had lymphnodes removed under my armpit and a lumpectomy. Your second diagnoisis must have been devestating! I did buy a coule of bras from M & S. I'm Trying to see if there are support bras that also have padding at the side as the swelling from my arm and side of my breast rubs against each other. 

Thanks again for all your help! 

JeanW

Hi JeanW,

I haven't seen a support bra that also has padding at the side, but there are some softer bras which are a little lower at the side. Am I correct in thinking that you need something that comes higher up to prevent the two areas of skin from rubbing against one another? Have a look at Asda online. They used to have post-surgery bras in their shops, but I believe that they are all online now. If I remember rightly, their support bras weren't as supportive as some others, but were softer to wear and were a good price.

I am just wondering whether you could manage with disposable perspiration pads. You could tuck these into the side of your bra. You can also buy a more permanent cotton anti-perspirant pad, but I suspect that the disposable ones might be better for cushioning. You shouldn't need them for too long , as the tenderness should lessen  as healing continues.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx