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BirdGirl's avatar
BirdGirl
Member
11 years ago

A long time between posts - but I'm back!

Well it has been a good couple of years since my last post. Apologies for that but I guess it's also a good thing because it means that my life has been back on track! Treatment finished and I moved on with family life, apart from the interruptions with check-ups at the hospital every few months which would remind me of that horrible time in my life. My health has been pretty good all things considered and I have been constantly thankful for the second chance that treatment has given me. I celebrated my 40th birthday and finally went on an overseas holiday to London, Ireland and Rome. Fabulous! It was just what I needed to forget those dark days of treatment when you really don't know what lies ahead.

I have kept up with all my appointments and with taking my medication as advised. The tamoxifen became my daily friend for the past 3.5 years and I tolerated it very well. I gave up alcohol completely and have become a ginger beer fan! Fatigue has also been a constant in my life but is manageable as long as I remember to take a break and not to do too much. I have learnt to be a lot kinder to myself!

Now I am back not because I am ill again, thank goodness, but I have had a change to my treatment plan. As a result of the latest research in cancer for young women I have been advised by my oncologist to go off the Tamoxifen and onto Exemestane. I have also started a monthly injection of Zolodex to suppress my ovary function - in other words, to put this 42 year old into menopause early! Ah. But the research shows that my long-term likelihood of survival is a lot better with this new treatment so it's worth a shot isn't it?

I am now 10 days past having the first injection (ow, that is a big needle!) and started the Exemestane tablets last Thursday. Side effects so far in order of annoyance are: headaches, nausea and joint pain. Anyone else go through these after swapping medications? Did it get easier with time?

Looking forward to chatting with you all and touching base with people who understand the 'journey'.

Take care - Natalie :)

 

2 Replies

  • BirdGirl's avatar
    BirdGirl
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sonya

    Hope your treatment is going okay. It's not a fun time but you will get through it and learn how tough you are! Today I was back at the hospital to have a meeting with a surgeon about getting my ovaries removed. At 42 I am still a few years off natural menopause, so with the change to Exemestane and the Zolodex monthly injections, they have put me into it artificially. The needles are huge! Don't fancy them monthly for next few years so going to have surgery instead. They will remove the ovaries, tubes and uterus. I won't need the needles then but will continue on the Ex meds for a few years. Bit scary once again but I think you learn to just go with the flow. Anything is better than the alternative. I have two boys, 13 and 10 to be around for! Sending you healing vibes and lots of strength. Take care and be kind to yourself.

    xx Natalie

     

  • hooper65's avatar
    hooper65
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Natalie

    Great  to hear you are doing so well,  your travels sound amazing,  how lucky.  I have just begun my journey,  starting chemo next week,  then most likely tamoxifin after that.  I turn 50 this year and my body is still figuring out if I am menopausal or not,  getting bloods next week.  Interesting read with your change to Exemestane with the Zolodex.  I am going to mention this to my oncologist.  Good luck,  hope your side effects settle. 

    Sonya ?