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Old radiotherapy?

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AlieOxon Fri 05-May-17 10:07:30

Does anyone else on here have symptoms now which they think could be late effects of radiotherapy in the past?

I was diagnosed with left breast cancer in 1996 and had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. Although I had severe fatigue after, this seemed to halt the cancer.

But I have now been investigated for various symptoms over the last year, and have been diagnosed with - a silent heart attack at some time (irregular heart), restriction of breathing, a previous broken rib (leading to pain under the left breast), and still have lymphoedema of my left arm and breast. Oh, and spinal scoliosis.

All of which is affecting my life considerably. I get tired and breathless very quickly on exertion.

I saw my GP yesterday and she agrees this could be right, and she would refer me to a specialist - if she knew where to! I have gathered that these late effects are only being realised in the last few years.
Does anyone have any information on this? anyone with similar? ....I know we have some medics here too!

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Karanlouise Fri 05-May-17 15:31:26

Hi Alieoxon, I do feel for you, its great that that the treatment worked but the side effects are obviously having a big impact on your life. Have you tried ringing Macmillan, they might know who you could be referred too and they also have support forums on thier website. I have found them helpful and supportive, even if you just want to sound off. Also your local hospital might have a post radiotherapy group, where you can meet people who may be experiencing the same symptoms. Hope you find the help you need and start to feel better soon. flowers

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morethan2 Fri 05-May-17 15:40:26

flowers hope our feel better soon and get some answers. Somtimes even just knowing the reason can be a bit of a relief. As an after thought I haven't seen you here for a whileAlieOxon

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AlieOxon Fri 05-May-17 16:45:50

Thanks folks! And hi again.
It was such a relief to have the GP agree with me!

Actually I have talked to MacMillan's, and they sent me a link today to a possible specialist in Oxford - so I have sent it on to my GP. They have been helpful and also the Maggie's Centre at the Churchill Hospital, where I originally had my op.

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AlieOxon Mon 31-Jul-17 15:36:49

Yes, I did go to the consultant, but I think what I had heard before was right, that their main experience has been with late effects on younger people who had cancer very early on in life.

The consultant agreed that I do have symptoms of late effects, but he then discharged me....now I find that there may be some things that can still be done. Maybe.
He didn't seem to think so.

And my GP is off for another 5 weeks, I can' t yet MAKE an sppt with her until 15th August and then it'll probably be another couple of weeks.
Symptoms are affecting my like rather a lot!

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AlieOxon Mon 31-Jul-17 17:27:50

Isn't there anyone else here in a similar situation?

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whitewave Mon 31-Jul-17 17:30:33

Yes my friends heart was badly affected. She had drugs and complete rest for a while and certainly got better.

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AlieOxon Mon 31-Jul-17 18:18:06

Any details, ww ? could PM me....what drugs?

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whitewave Mon 31-Jul-17 18:29:15

allie I've pmd you

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AlieOxon Mon 31-Jul-17 18:52:19

flowers ww

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