Worried about after effects of breast cancer treatment.Help!

Hi all.

I am new to the forum so here goes sorry if I get things wrong , muddled or offend.

I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in Christmas eve, Merry Christmas eh!  Had lumpectomy January and started Tamoxifen soon after. Have also had 15 sessions of radiotherapy and now trying to cope with the after effects which I feel are numerous.

The hot flashes are so debilitating at times I have to sit down with my head between my knees before I pass out.

My fingers are so swollen (? Fluid retention?) They look like jumbo sausages and I have aching joints. Joints that feels like a sprained wrist and worsening arthritis.

I am constantly shattered (did have pre-existing thyroid problems)

There are many more but my main concern is about a seroma. I had a huge very sore and tender one which they wouldn't drain and advised it would go away itself. It has receeded several times but not completely disappeared but then goes up and down again. I can't put my arm in its natural position of by my side as the weight of my arm puts pressure on lump, causing more pain. I walk around with my arm constantly on my hip. I also get a very heavy arm feeling and pins & needle like feeling that can wake me up at times. 

IS ALL THIS NORMAL? IT'S BEEN ALMOST 4 MONTHS

  • Hi there ...

    Well your deff going through a rough time right now ... and there's so much can be down to the radio therapy ... but I must say , I'm not qualified so this is just my look on it ... if you have swelling , I can't understand why they are not draining it ... I had 2 drainings of fluid under my scar ...  and antibiotics... 

    But you should have numbers of ontology nurses ... if so phone them tell them how much your going through ... ask what is or isn't "normal" ... tamoxifen has a time where your body is getting used to it .. I would have thought you'd have that after radio was finished, but I'm only guessing..

    You could always give McMillan a call where you can chat to trained nurses on there .. their number is on their home page .. or our lovely nurses have their number on our home page... you can call them, Monday to fri .. so please don't wait... reach out ... and fingers crossed, they can help you ...

    I know it feels never ending right now .. but try to just live in the day ... one day at a time ... it will get better ... lots of us breast cancer lasses on here... your not alone ...  Chrissie xx

  • Hi, 

    I had the same treatment as you over a year ago and have just had the same surgery again with a new cancer found at first year check up. I found the Tamoxifen effects do settle down after several months. I also found exercise really helped with my well-being, I swam 3 times a week. I found different brands of Tamoxifen gave different side effects, I found the Wockhardt was the best brand for me and the chemist in my local Boots was so helpful and always got me this brand.

    I also found I didn’t feel totally normal until around a year after treatment started. I totally agree with Chriss just take one day at a time, it does get easier x x 

    Jo