Inflammatory Breast Cancer WTF?!

Zoe’s feeling ambivalent about the end of trimodal treatment, and deals with radiotherapy, Phesgo and Zoladex side effects. We talk about Inflammatory Breast Cancer as a hidden disease, the meaning of breasts (!) and prurient/useful cancer books. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources (not recommendations)

The Body: A Guide for Occupants

What Can I Do to Help?

Call the Midwife

NHS trust to review 4,500 more breast cancer cases after failings

Breast Cancer Scandal: Exposing the Harm

Breast Cancer Uncovered

7 Hidden Signs of Breast Cancer That Doctors Want You To Know

Zoe is in the tri of the trimodal Inflammatory Breast Cancer treatment, radiotherapy. What happens? What's the dose? How does it all work? What are the side effects? We lobby a politician, get some stats from the oncologist and share cancer book recommendations. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources (not recommendations)

Macmillan

Cancer Research UK

NHS

On Topic Off Script (Apple)

On Topic Off Script (Spotify)

In Gratitude

The Undying

As Zoe recovers from surgery, she and Laura use the extra headspace to advocate for more attention to be paid to IBC at policy level with Laura’s MP Steff Aquarone. It’s time for a tonic, so Zoe’s off to the seaside. It almost feels…normal? Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources (not recommendations)

Goodburn pleads for more funding for rare cancer research

Rare Cancers Act 2026

Cancer Care Map

Cancer and mental health support

The lull between surgery and radiotherapy gives space for roving thoughts. Zoe is de-institutionalising, Laura is watching doomy thrillers, and we're feeling a bit more human. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources (not recommendations)

The Silent Signs Of Breast Cancer

We're back, after a hectic month finishing chemo, prepping for surgery, having surgery, recovering from surgery. It’s mostly about surgery! Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources (not recommendations)

LYMPHA

DIEP Flap Reconstruction: Everything you need to know

Breast Advocate

Breast reconstruction using tissue from your tummy

Breast reconstruction

Zoe is preparing for surgery. And having spent too much time in hospitals, she and Laura are obsessing about spaces and weaponised words. What are the odds of getting Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Thanks to magical thinking, Zoe has raised her chance of a big lottery win. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF

Resources

Dame Phyllida Barlow DBE RA

The Essential Leonard Cohen

Zoe and Laura update the story so far, ramble about AC chemo, reconstructive surgery, and why rowing and the Thames mean so much to Zoe. Oh and why Laura probably won’t write a book called ‘All about me’. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF.

Resources

Breast Cancer Predict Tool

American Cancer Society

Dana Farber

Breast Cancer Now

Macmillan Cancer Support

IBC Network UK

The IBC Network Foundation

Goodbye Paclitaxol and hello AC. Check those side effects! Zoe and Laura are figuring out how a mother helps her adult daughter, and Zoe is challenged by the weird world of breast reconstruction.

Zoe's taste buds have taken a hike, Laura got an MBE, all the 'parents' are happy with how treatment is going, and we dig into Inflammatory Breast Cancer getting lost in the wider breast cancer conversation. Follow on Instagram @inflammatorybreastcancer_WTF

Links:

Macmillan - Heart Health and Cancer Treatment

British Heart Foundation - Chemotherapy and the Heart

Macmillan - Peripheral neuropathy

NHS - Peripheral neuropathy overview

It's not about the wine...more's the pity! Zoe and Laura dive into portacath world, and blether about being pissed off with your body when you get Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Resources

Cancer Research UK

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/chemotherapy/how-you-have/into-your-vein/portacath

Macmillan

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/cancer-drug-treatments/implantable-ports