Femara vs Tamoxifen

Hi Lucy!

Thanks for that.

The fasting has been shown to reduce side effects of chemo, when fasting the few days before treatment. It puts  healthy cells in defense mode, in a nutshell, and it would also assist with have a reinforcing effect on unhealthy cells. Have a look at this website, if it interests you:

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=3408

Annick

Thanks for that Lucy,

I have been doing ice therapy and fasting the day and morning before chemo, and these seem to help. I do have what seems to be worse neuropathy in my left foot, but I think this is because of Rx and surgery following a fracture ofmy left femur (because of mets ) last July. Doing the ice and fasting, I am hoping will reduce the neuropathy from getting worse.

Thanks for your reply, and keep well.

PS What is TAC

Annick

Hi Nick, I was put on Tamoxifen in 2009 following chemo and radium.  I thought the side effects were bad (aching legs, dry skin etc).  About a year ago my doctor changed me to Femara.  For me this is much worse.  Osteo, constant back pain, leg pain, dry eyes.  I'm usually a pretty tough cookie, but I  have made an appointment to see my GP on Monday to discuss with the specialist if I can go back on the Tamoxifen.

Oops, forgot to ask, have any of you delt with preventing neuropathy? Yesterday I ried ice therapy as one of the chemos I am getting has it as side effect, and since I already have a bit of neuropathy from 3 years ago (EC and Taxol), I am trying to prevent it from getting any worse.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Hello all,

Well 3 years after being diagnosed with EBC (Her2+) it appears I now have Metastatic breast cancer that has appeared in the bone (femur). AFter limping for 7 months, I had a fall mopping the floor and when I was operated on for a fractured femur they found metastatis in the femur. After spending 8 weeks in hospital, being back at home now since 2 weeks and having started my 1st chemo treatment yesterday, the realization of it all is sinking in. I have had ups and downs since returning home, but having great support from family and friends, doing daily meditation and yoga, as well as some vizualization and art therapy, I am feeling hopefull that I can beat this thing. I will beat it!

Still, having the oncologist tell me about being on chemo for 4-6 months, and receiving Herceptin for the rest of my life (ouch!) as well as other meds monthly for 2 years (foget the name - helps reduce calcium in the blood), was a bit daunting... Still I power on, and think with every thing I do along with the traditional treatments, it empowers me to live a full and meaningful life, and not worry too much about the "how many years left to live", "what if's", etc... I believe to make the most of this present day is what is most important, and also to have a sense that I have a major part in my healing process. 

I would love to hear about anything that has empowered you ladies in this journey, and/ or any advice you might have to help with the bone pain, and about using our brain to heal ourselves. I am also interested to hear what herbs have helped you, being a student of herbalist therapy. It is nice to know there is this group that we can express and share on, and that with each others help, we can grow stronger and wiser together :)

May you all be happy and at peace,

Annick