I think that's just procedure, I had bc in 2005 and again in August this year and both times I had bone scan. I didn't have it in lymp nodes this time but did in 2005. Try not to worry, I think its just done to stage the cancer not because they think cancer is there. Let me know how u get on. Take care 

Hi sandyh

Yes Iv started the hormone tablets, only on them about 2 weeks. I read all the side effects and there seems to be a lot, but I havnt felt any of them yet but maybe it's too early. I didn't need radiation treatment as I chose to have a mastectomy because it was my second time to have bc I couldn't face any more mammograms. I had been having one every year since 2005 and it was always a worry. When are u going to start ur hormone tablets? 

I am starting back to work on Monday after my Christmas break and I thought I would start them then. When I told my oncologist that I hadn’t started taking the tablets she was not pleased but respected my decision I am 65 and didn’t relish the night sweats etc, been there done that but I think I will now give it a go.  Glad you have not had any side effects you are now 2 weeks ahead of me so please update me with your progress.  Like you, I had breast cancer before in 2002 and had a lumpectomy but didn’t need radiotherapy just mammograms every year.  I agree that it was stressful but at least they were able to detect my latest tumour early it was very small, had op in Sept then was told they didn’t get a clear margin so had second op in Nov.  I asked for a mastectomy but the consultant wouldn’t agree so went for a radical excision.  I don’t know if they have different guidelines were you live but they didn’t give me a choice (I live in Co. Antrim. NI)  It’s great to speak to someone who has been through the same as myself.  Have a very happy new year and I hope we both have a better year than last one. Sandra x

Hi I'm living in Dublin, hope u have a good night happy new year, I'll message u again in the new year take care x

Hi Trixie,

i really hope you are keeping safe and well. I started my tablets on Jan 1st and so far no side effects apart from a few joint pains which I have anyway.  As you are 2 weeks ahead of me I am interested to know how  you are getting on? Did they put you on a calcium tablet? They put me on Calceos tabs I chew one every day, they remind me of the sweets I used to love as a child called refreshers. Still no word on my bone scan but I am sure there are more urgent cases than me.  Please keep me updated with your progress. SandraX 

Hi 

Lovely to hear from you. That's good that you're not seeing any side effects. I'm on the generic brand and so far havnt really noticed anything major, the usual joint pain like yourself. Yes I'm on calcichew twice a day, have to have dexi scan but wouldn't say it'll happen anytime soon with situation in hospitals as they are. Hopefully you'll get your scan soon. Did you enjoy your Christmas? Xx

Hi Sandyh

Sorry, you are going through this. A bone scan is performed if you are taking an aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole/Letrozole as this medication affects the bones

www.nhs.uk/.../

Hope this helps x

Hi Trixie,

How are you keeping? Hopefully you had a good Christmas and New Year I am  still taking my tablets with no side effects. I am back to work 3 days a week so less time to think about my cancer battle.  Had an appointment with my breast clinic nurse yesterday just concerned about my lack of energy  I am in bed every night at 7 pm exhausted but not going to sleep until 2 or 3 in the morning. I used to go for a walk every day but If you suggested a walk now I would cry.  She told me it could be a year before I feel  normal after the radiotherapy, it really took the life out of me.  Are you back to your usual fitness level.  Let me know how you are going.

Thanks for your reply.  I was paranoid about the scan, thinking they were checking to see if the cancer had spread, but I had a review with my breast cancer nurse yesterday and asked her what it was for and she told me it is only to check my bone density, such a relief. Have you been through breast cancer yourself ? Thanks for your support.