Repercussions of Cancer

I am a year after treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer. I had masectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. I was on Anastrazole afterwards but because of extreme fatigue my team have suggested stopping meds for 6 weeks and try a different hormone treatment . Weirdly it hasn't made much difference to my energy or fatigue issues. Could be my age as well, but my tummy is huge. I eat small meals and well, hardly ever junk food. Worried now that the cancer is spreading. I am seeing my consultant this week so all these issues can be discussed, we are going to be talking about reconstruction too. I am grateful to still be on the planet but every day I have to cope with prothesis, looking lop sided, trying out various bras, I know there are lots of ladies in the same boat. I have more or less decided to have my other breast reduced so that I can wear a smaller prosthesis and even up the look of my breasts. Reconstruction looks far too major surgery. I was not offered reconstruction at the time of my op, but was just happy to have the 29mm cancer removed. This cancerous tumour did not show up on the mammogram I had the year before! I have unsightly scarring where lymph nodes were removed underarm so the surgeon said that could be tidied up too. So in January I have another op to look forward too. 
Im writing all this as being a cancer survivor, these are issues that we live with, side effects from drugs, fear of cancer returning and being disfigured. Friends seem to think it's all over after treatment but we know differently, my cancer buddies! 
Silver 

  • Hello Silver,

    so good to see you pop up on here. 
     

    Yes people who haven't had a cancer diagnosis seem to assume that once the surgery and other treatments are completed we are suddenly transformed into healthy people again. No worries!! I wish....

     

    Yes if only it were like that. Especially having , as you do, to face reconstruction and other operations etc. Life is never quite the same and the 'head fear' caused by wondering 'will it return'. Did they get it all? etc.  It's not easy and we all have to seek our own way to find a kind of peace with it all. 
     

    The side affects of the hormones is another tough call. I just can't handle that so it's a NO from me. I take my hat off to so many on this site who manage pain and low mood owing to their meds. Its no small thing. 
    Yes of course I occasionally get a rush to the head and think it will come back but mostly I know I have made a decision that suits me. I am good with it. Or at least better with that than taking the pills!! 
     

    Just wanted to say re. breast reduction I recovered really easily and quickly from that op in comparison to my initial op to remove the cancer. I was really surprised. I was more or less  back to normal within two weeks. I am just 69 now too and think we are a similar age. Good luck with whatever you decide is the way forward for you anyway. 
     

    I wish you well. 
    Kebbs 

  • Good to hear from you, Kebbs

    I am going to discuss with my Consultant on Tuesday the benefits of taking an alternative medication or whether I can stop altogether. I have been 6 weeks without meds now. I don't have the stiffness in the joints, but it hasn't made much difference with the tiredness, beginning to think it's maybe being 69! I'm pretty active and still working when I can. I just have a bloated stomach which is strange, I'll see what the nurses say. 
    Did you have a masectomy or lumpectomy? I think having a breast reduction on my other side will help to balance me and as you say, not nearly so invasive surgery as a reconstruction. Constantly having to think about wearing a prothesis is so annoying, I'm just looking at a swimsuit now.  I spent a lot on a heavy prothesis and only wear £10 ones from M&S as they are much lighter! 
    But I'm still here on the planet so have a lot to be thankful for.

    My granddaughter achieved a 1st class honours degree in Psychology so I'm very proud of her! And my Lockdown puppy and garden keep me busy.

    Thanks for replying,

    Silver 

  • Hi Silver,

    I have a bit of a tummy on me(!) despite eating healthily and getting plenty of exercise. It's an issue that has definitely become worse with age. For  me I feel that's what's caused the problem rather than meds or cancer. 
     

    I didn't have a mastectomy nor a lumpectomy  I had a breast reduction when they removed the tumour, It doesn't appear to be that common as it goes but that's what the consultant advised.  I got equalled up last October  My treated breast is still  a bit smaller than my other one though as the radiotherapy has shrunk it! Such is life!! 
     

    What a delight to have such a clever granddaughter!!! Fabulous!! 
    Are you enjoying your dog?! I am 'mostly'! Not everyday but my husband is besotted with her. She IS lovely but also a demon at times!! 
     

    Take care of yourself. Life is precious as you know so well. Let me know how you go on Tuesday. 
     

    Kebbs x