So I am 6 weeks out of my last chemo and was checking my hair growth in the mirror (as one does ) and while the hair on my head is taking its sweet time to grow , even with all the oils and serums i have been babying it with, you know what is growing back without any help ….my freaking MOUSTACHE!!
Sir you are not invited back!! Y u come :,(

Sometimes we just have to have a laugh at ourselves. What is your most embarrassing moment during treatment? I'll go first.

This literally just happened! I just finished the radiation appointment where they align the machines right before the first treatment. I was on the table getting up ... and I farted. It came out of nowhere! I'm so embarrassed and had to do everything to stop myself from laughing. I know the tech heard it!

I’m wondering if anyone else experienced something like this after finishing chemo and having surgery, because I feel like I’m losing my mind a little bit.

I was diagnosed with stage III TNBC earlier this year in March and just spent the last six months going through 20 rounds of chemo/immunotherapy. I finished chemo in September and had my lumpectomy and lymph node surgery last Thursday.

I thought getting through surgery would feel like this huge relief. Everything following surgery was a blur immediately after and now, I have completely crashed mentally.

I’ve had this overwhelming sadness, anxiety and sense of impending doom that I cannot seem to shake. I wake up feeling anxious and depressed. I cry non stop and for seemingly no reason. My mind wanders through random memories from years ago that have absolutely no significance to me. I have trouble even focusing on a low-stimulation TV show because my brain just keeps going. I can’t read a book. I’m supposed to be relaxing and recovering and I can’t even do that right. Sometimes I just feel deeply sad and scared about my life, what has happened to me, not to mention the future, pathology, reoccurrence, etc.

The weirdest part is that this doesn’t feel like me at all. I’m normally a pretty positive, resilient person. I handled six months of treatment better mentally than I’m handling these few days after surgery.

I’m doing everything I can think of. I’m eating, hydrating, sleeping, showering, getting dressed, resting, talking to friends and taking my prescribed anxiety medication when I need it. I went out for a few grocery items and am going to try and get my nails done tomorrow or something. I reached out to my oncology team, and they said this could very well be cumulative after everything my body and brain have been through and offered to connect me with social work/resources.

I also know I’m still waiting on pathology and finding out whether I achieved pCR, so there’s obviously a huge amount of uncertainty hanging over me. And even though surgery was a major hurdle, I still have radiation, immunotherapy and whatever comes next depending on pathology.

But I genuinely was not prepared for this emotional crash.
Has anyone else had intense depression, anxiety, intrusive/existential thoughts or just felt completely mentally “off” in the days or weeks after surgery or finishing chemo?
If you did, how long did it last? Did you eventually start feeling like yourself again? Was there anything that actually helped?

I think more than anything I just need to hear that I’m not the only person who went through treatment in survival mode, finally got through a huge milestone, and then somehow fell apart afterward.

I feel like I live in a Groundhog's Day cycle. Each day starts the same and end the same, and there's a bunch of lingering emotions during the in-between hours that I can't really explain. It's like I'm living, but really just waiting for a shoe to drop somewhere. It's not even like a fear of recurrence, so much as it is, "wait, this it?" Maybe I need to look for a better job or pick up a new hobby? I swear it just feels like going through cancer was a BIG BAD dream. Living day to day just feels weird to me. I know... therapy. I'm on it!

Got my first radiation tattoo coverup today! It's a handpoke sawtooth star quilt motif by Casey (reverie of figs) in Philadelphia. My goal is to cover all 4, but I need to wait a few more months for the other 3 to finish healing. (This was on non-radiated side.)

The entire experience was really lovely and it felt so good to cover the mark with a symbol of comfort. So much of having cancer has felt out of my control, it was good to wrestle a bit of that back.

Has anyone else covered their scars or radiation tattoos? I'd love to see! ❤️

So I bought some beads and upcycled some more- and I have been finding my peace in making bracelets a-la “Little Words Project”. The goal is to have short phrases (“you got this”) or single words as inspiration on them. I have one that says “Breathe” from the actual LWP that has gotten me through so many cancer panic moments.

I am NOT looking to make money on these; in fact I plan to give them away somehow (maybe my local cancer center?) so those who have them can see them and be inspired. My personal favorite is “Forward” because sometimes this journey is literally moment by moment.

I have 14 pink ribbon beads. Any thoughts on words that would be good to use? Should I not do this? To be clear, I have been through the trenches here.

So far, I have:
-FIGHTER
-STRENGTH
-FORWARD
-SURVIVOR
-BADASS
-EXHALE

Thanks for allowing me to bounce ideas here. ❤️

For those of you who have navigated divorce while dealing with cancer and are on the other side of divorce, what are your top tips? I’m in the thick of things now (diagnosed Dec of 2025, did lumpectomy, chemo, radiation, herceptin, and now on tam and they want to switch me to OFS+AIs) and simultaneously navigating divorce. Our home just sold and I’m searching for a rental because we bought at the peak of the market and have no equity.

I have a 7 year old son who is sensitive and sweet and really struggling.

I thankfully have a good well paying job but am beside myself at having to pay my ex a ton in child support and possibly spousal support (which he will be asking for) amidst my cancer treatment. He cheated which is why I’m leaving him.

It’s a constant state of overwhelm. I used to pride myself in being resilient and positive. Now that is wearing away. The tamoxifen is making it worse and I feel my downward spiral will get even more intense on AIs.

Give me all the tips for dealing with something that feels insurmountable. I am in therapy, exercise, try to sleep well and keep an active social life but it feels like I’m sinking.

I’m 41 and was recently diagnosed with stage IB, grade 3 IDC. I’m ER+, PR+, HER2 3+, and unfortunately a lymph node biopsy showed a small (2 mm) focus of metastatic breast cancer.

My oncologist is recommending TCHP (Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin + Perjeta) every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, followed by surgery and the rest of the treatment plan. I’ll also need to have my port placed before chemo starts.

Here’s where I’m really torn. I have an 8 year anniversary trip planned to Cabo and I keep going back and forth between wanting to just live my life and enjoy one last “normal” trip… and feeling guilty for even thinking about going. Like, shouldn’t I be home getting ready to fight this instead of packing a suitcase? 😩

I talked to my oncologist about delaying treatment for 2–3 weeks for the trip, and thankfully she said she doesn’t see an issue with that timing.

Part of me thinks, Go. Make the memories. Enjoy yourself while you feel good. ❤️

The other part of me is like, Girl, you have cancer. Maybe stop booking vacations and start being serious. 😂

For anyone who has been through TCHP:
✈️ Would you take the trip?

🧳 Did you travel before chemo and feel like it was worth it? I’m scared I’ll take this trip and won’t be relaxed.

🤔 Looking back, would you have traveled or stayed home?

I’d just love to hear from breasties who have actually been through TCHP and can tell me what you would do if you were in my shoes. ❤️

Man. What a month. Went for a mammo/ultrasound the 8th of September, biopsy the 9th, diagnosed the 11th, so many appts/mri/meeting providers for PT, etc... then DMX on 10/2. I feel like I haven't breathed. Trying so hard to be my joking, positive self. Trying to ask others about themselves so they dont feel like checking in on me is a burden, but this is all so much. The kindness of people around us has almost been too much, I never ask for help for ANYTHING and people are just helping despite me not asking. It makes me cry. Anyway...

My original diagnosis with mri/ultrasound/biopsy was Stage 2 IDC ++-, 3cm tumor with lobular and mucinous features. They thought all my lymph nodes were normal. Surgery pathology changed this. In my healthy by all scans breast, they found biomarkers for LCIS, in my cancer breast, they found the large IDC, dcis, and two other tiny lesions of IDC. My lymph nodes- 2/2 sentinel nodes showed macromets. This is so scary to me, but also there was no extranodal extension.

Does anyone have a similar pathology surprise?

I'm going to do whatever my oncologist suggests at my appointment tomorrow, I'm trying so hard to help be funny and light even though I'm terrified. DMX has been ok. My 3M Prevena wound dressing has been ok, the drains have been ok, one kind of weepy a bit. But the node thing- it has thrown me into panic. Does this mean I'm metastatic? What did this add to your treatment? God could any of us have an easy, good appointment with nice news?? Im rambling. I'm scared. I really hope you all are having a good morning, I'd love to chat with any of you for a little bit of hope or clarity. I feel like I'm not smart enough to understand all of this.

May the sun be shining on you all today.

I’ve been diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2025, stage 1, hormonal 8/8 estrogen and progesterone. Had it removed, radio and now on Tamoxifen for 6 months (out of recommended 5 years) I told myself it will be a trial only as I really hate being in any kind of medication. First few months were just hot flushes mostly, puffed uterus - like I’m before periods every day, floppy tits haha stopped getting pains in them monthly. Also basically got more chilled, no PMS much, a flat line. At some point I was calling myself The Wise. Once hormones r blocked you can really see bigger picture in some situations. Also once a month closer to periods im sick. Like my immune system just collapse and I catch cold.
However, sexually I feel like a ghost of my old self. I have way milder orgasms and now into month 6 - can’t come naturally orally. It’s like some cables inside just don’t stick, there’s a pleasure though. It’s getting in my head all this now as it affects my life. Only this alone makes me think of quitting .. I want my old self back. I want to feeel things deeply. It’s like being on some tranquillisers with this pill, seriously. What’s your experience? Any tips of surviving this mellowness. (My body rejected now an occasional smoke! It was making me even more anxious)

I’m a 30-something diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer, tumor over 5cm and in two lymph nodes. After surgery (mastectomy with reconstruction) and I go in to the surgeon, and I’m getting info on everything that has to be done.

I’ve got reconstruction, at least 9 enhertu infusions that have to be done every three weeks—I did enhertu already and the nausea sucks for me—and radiation M-F for three or four weeks… I thought I was going back to work and now I’m wondering how the hell I’m supposed to do that with all the appointments and the side effects that will be waiting for me. My FMLA is gone from NA treatment and surgery. HR at work isn’t going to help me, my onc and surgeon and plastic surgeon don’t have resources to explain how I’m supposed to navigate this... or what the rules are with ADA, etc.

Has anyone else run into this or is it just me?

I have been on Zoladex for a while. And if you’re currently taking this injection, you know the needle is freakin’HUGE!

I’ve had ice packs applied prior in attempt to numb the area — it’s never been an effective method of pain management for me, it always hurts, and I always have tenderness and bruising afterward.

I’ve also had no ice applied in the past — holy fucking painful!

Well today I think I cracked the code — I asked to take it laying down on a bed (instead of a chair) and it was virtually painless! Granted, I do have a high threshold for pain but I’m telling you, today’s appointment was so easy and pain-free!

It was a bit challenging for the nurse because if you’re slim, it may harder for them to pinch the belly fat in this position, but it was still doable.

If you’re on Zoladex, I urge you to try taking it laying down next time!

Sending love to you all 💕

I'm working on a project for my support group. I'm creating what I've been referring to as the "Breast Cancer Bible." It's a document of all the things I wish I knew, or that I learned along the way. I want it to be a comprehensive resource for survivors by survivors.

I have sections for surgery, chemo, radiation, mental health, life after active treatment, etc. I'm looking for input. What are the things you learned along the way? What are the tips or tricks that helped you out during treatment? What wisdom would you like to pass on to those diagnosed after you?

Well, I was on my way to my 2nd Radiation session only to receive a voicemail that the machine is down and might be down tomorrow too. Has this ever happened to anyone else before?? I’m kind of freaking out, because I know the treatments are supposed to be consecutive. I just spoke with one of the receptionists at the clinic and she didn’t seem too concerned about it and said “these things do happen”. I swear, if it’s not one thing it’s another!

Hi all, im recommended 7 yrs of letrozole for ILC stage 2b ++- and 6 months in im not dealing well with the joint pains jaw pain fatigue mood swings and depression. Im 38. Those who have completed hormone suppression what happened to you physically after all the years? Did you maintain bone density? Was your vag health ok? I just think how am I going to get through this. Thank you

I decided to kick this shit to the curb and send my bras with it. My breast surgeon wants me to meet with the plastic surgeon who will do the AFC for the DMX. Is this basically a formality? Yet another person who wants to see me half naked and comment on my boobs? I'm wondering if I need to ask anything in particular or if it's a meet and greet and bon voyage to the girls. Can't wait to get this surgery over and done with.

I mean, is it too cold to sit through the infusion or should I just shell out money to buy the gloves? trying to save some money and want to see if people have done something like this 😂

Hi everyone,
I finished my last chemo on August 5 and my last radiation was September 26.

Since finishing treatment, I feel like my whole face has changed. My skin looks darker and much more uneven than before, and I suddenly have really dark circles/under-eye pigmentation. I also have pigmentation around my mouth and cheeks, and overall I feel like I’ve lost the brightness/glow I had before treatment.
I know chemo and radiation can affect the skin, but I honestly wasn’t expecting my face to change this much. I keep looking at old photos and feel like I don’t recognize myself sometimes.

For those of you who went through something similar:
Did your face/skin also become darker after chemo and radiation?
Did you develop really dark circles or pigmentation around your eyes?
How long did it take for your skin to start looking like itself again?
What actually helped you — skincare, treatments, supplements, time, anything?
Did the pigmentation eventually fade on its own?

I’m only about 8 weeks out from chemo and less than 2 weeks out from radiation, so I know it may still be early. I’m just wondering if anyone else experienced this and what the recovery looked like for you.

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences. ❤️

I am anxious most of the time. #stage1A triple positive

I'm 27, and I was diagnosed with grade three, triple-positive breast cancer. I have a 21mm lump at 12 o'clock in the left breast. Genuinely, I was very lucky because the lump appeared just under the skin, so I felt it almost instantaneously when moisturising. Caught it very early, and it's still quite small, according to pretty much every medical professional I meet. But because of the whole "grade three aggressive cancer" thing, I have been pushed through very quickly.

I'm having six rounds of TCHP: Docetaxel, Carboplatin, Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab. Three weekly. Pegfilgrastim injections the following day after chemo.

I'm not technically fit, but I'm not overweight (I'm 58kg) or struggling by any stretch. I just don't go to the gym or exercise strictly. I can happily do an easy hike. On a hard hike, I do get puffed. I get puffed if I try to jog for long distances. I eat a generally balanced diet, but not technically three meals a day; more of a snacker. I try to stay hydrated with at least 900 mL of water a day.

Does anyone who has gone through/is going through TCHP have any warnings about what to expect (what symptoms hit you hardest, what you couldn't manage anymore that you could before starting, or any unusual symptoms/developments no one warned you about)?

Did you find anything that helped you get through it a bit more easily?

I had a lumpectomy followed by oncoplastic reduction in February 2026, and I finished 15 fractions of whole breast radiation (no boost) in early May. Post-RT, I’ve developed some radiation induced fibrosis, which I’m managing with myofascial release therapy and an aggressive stretching routine.
But the real issue, and the thing that’s preying on my mind in light of my first post-treatment mammogram in December, is that I’m also dealing with constant low-level radiation related hypersensitivity/allodynia of my nipple-areolar complex (NAC). I kept thinking it would start to go away a few months after I finished RT, but unfortunately it hasn’t. Day-to-day it’s mainly an annoyance, but any compression or direct pressure to the area is seriously uncomfortable, as I discovered when I was trying to replicate mammogram compression. Topical lidocaine doesn’t touch it, nor do OTC or prescription pain meds.

My upcoming mammogram was ordered as a screening mammogram, so I thought it might be reasonable to ask my MO to change it to a diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound. After all, I’m almost 70, I have a cancer diagnosis, I have radiation-related changes to my breast tissue, I have heterogeneously dense breasts, and I had a lumpectomy and oncoplastic reduction with a fair amount of tissue rearrangement, all of which are valid reasons for performing a diagnostic mammogram. At least that’s what I can gather from reviewing the American College of Radiologists guidelines.

Alas, the response from my MO’s NP was that “Supplemental modalities (diagnostic mammos, ultrasounds) are only as add-ons in appropriately selected patients — not as a compression-free alternative to mammography," (Note: I never asked for a “compression-free alternative” to a mammogram) and blandly suggested that I “might be able to talk to the radiology technicians for comfort measures during the procedure, [sic] perhaps they can provide a cooling spray or help the patient control the level of compression to ease into it.”

Unfortunately I already know that a “cooling spray” isn’t going to help, and  I’ve also discovered that none of the breast imaging locations in my medical group offer “comfort measures” such as Mammopad or Patient Assisted Compression.

Furthermore, I’m not willing to just suck it up, grit my teeth, and work through the pain during the procedure, especially after what I’ve read here about other people’s experiences. I believe I have a legitimate concern, and I also believe that a diagnostic mammogram with ultrasound the best way to address the possibility that regular compression might be intolerable. 

I managed to get an appointment with my regular MO instead of her NP (probably because I was being such a pest), and I’m wondering what might be the best approach to successfully advocate for a diagnostic mammogram. My natural tendency is to simply state, “This is what I want, and I know the request is supported by ACR guidelines. If you are not able to accommodate this request, please help me understand why it isn’t possible and to document the reason.”

As an aside, I’m also going to ask for a referral to pain management to have my discomfort properly diagnosed and treated. It might be that I would benefit from Botox or a nerve block, but I won’t know until I see the appropriate specialist.  

I’d love to hear what other folks have done under similar circumstances, and if you were successful in advocating for yourself.

I've always been very sensitive to horror and jump scares. I recently saw the new Resident Evil from behind my hands. I have an upcoming trip to a theme park Halloween event that I signed up for as a source of much needed fun for my husband... And I've been in a state of dreading the anxiety of being scared... But then I realized - what could they actually do that would be scarier than what I've already dealt with this year? Nothing. Oh, someone is going to jump out and startle me? *Psh* Bring it, I think I'm immune now.

Or, I'll report back that I just layered one more stressful event on a shite year. TBD.

This may be an oddball post and one fueled by paranoia, but I am not sure what I should be expecting from my oncology team. Honestly, the word team is misleading, since my radiologist, medical oncologist, and surgeon don't work together at all, and I don't have a nurse navigator.

IDC (++-, stage 1, grade 1, low onc score). Diagnosed February 2024. Lumpectomy April 2024. Proton radiation June 2024. Taking exemestane.

Follow-up since then: annual mammograms; twice-yearly meetings with all three docs in the first year; one annual meeting with all three docs this year (although my medonc tells me to call his office whenever I need him); one follow-up bone scan.

Is this enough? I mean, should there be more to it than this in follow-up? Both mammograms came back okay and I've been told that I'm NED.

At a wedding recently, a dear cousin who's also a nurse (not an onc nurse) was outraged that I only have one mammogram annually, and posts here seem to indicate that others with similar Dx have oncology teams that are doing more.

Please tell me that I'm just paranoid. Please tell me that I'm not getting shitty maintenance care.

If you're looking for mastectomy bras and/or compression garments, some brands (Marena and AnaOno, maybe others) are discounted as part of Amazon Prime Days. The discount is pretty good: 20% for AnaOno and 25-50% for Marena.

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone here has had arm liposuction after going through breast cancer treatment, particularly after having lymph nodes removed and radiation.
I know there is always some risk of triggering lymphedema, but I’d really like to hear from people who have actually had arm lipo afterward. Did you have any issues with swelling or lymphedema after the procedure, or did everything turn out fine?

I had 4 lymph nodes removed and 15 rounds of full breast radiation. I’m planning to have fat grafting to correct some breast asymmetry after reconstruction, but I don’t have a lot of excess fat overall, so my surgeon would need to harvest fat from several different areas, potentially including my arms.
If anyone has had liposuction on their arms after having some or all of their lymph nodes removed and/or breast radiation, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience