Angela

Hi Chris

Just goes to show - different medications suit different people.  I know there is Arimidex, Femara and Anastrasol (I think), but my GP said I might be able to take Tamoxifen!  Will see what the oncologist says when I see him on 11th Oct.

Thanks. Judi x

I am on the Gold Coast and fortunately we have our monthly meetings too.

I am in North Brisbane. We meet twice a month...once in the morning and then the next in the afternoon for those that work. I go to both so I can catch up with everyone!

Regards,

Lynne

Hi Lynne

You have written some lovely words.  It is indeed comforting to know we're not alone in this, what we feel, others are feeling too.  Well done.

I hope you enjoy your meeting tomorrow morning.  I am part of a group called Cancer Support Sisters and we meet once a month for a meeting, then lunch together. Where are you?

Regards - Judi Ann

Exactly why our group get togethers are so important.......to me anyway!  We have a connection that no one else has and it is so easy to  talk to every one there. If I have a twinge or an ache I can mention it and one of the others will have had exactly the same twinge!  So reassuring and comforting to know that you aren't imagining things. Just because I haven't lost my hair and my scar isn't showing doesn't mean that everything is back to normal and the others all understand this.

And the best thing is....we are meeting tomorrow morning :o)

Regards,

Lynne

Hi again Chris

Could you tell me was your breast cancer 'Hormone Receptor Positve'- like mine.  I was wondering whether I might be able to take Femara instead of the Arimidex which causes such joint pain.  Femara might not have the same side-effects - but then it all depends on the individual as what might be good for one person, isn't necessarily the case for another.

Re leg cramps, I am on a trial period of stopping Arimidex to see if the joint pain eases (which it has) and yet lately have been having leg cramps in bed myself.  Chemist has recommended Blackmores Magnesium Compound - one in the morning and two at night.  Started it yesterday.

All the best - Judi Ann xx

Hi Genetten & Chris

Genetten - you are so right in that by being able to talk about things and support one another, we are not alone.  Like you, I get frustrated with the after effects etc.

Thanks very much for sharing - and caring.

Hi Chris & Judi-Ann,

I agree that one of the best things is we can talk to each other about our differant symptoms. You don't feel as alone. Friends try to be supportive but don't quite understand the frustrations of the after effects. I think a lot of people think you have had your op, chemo, radio etc and now all done & everything should be back to normal. If only!. Sometimes you wonder if the aches and pains are real or imagined.Good to share with you girls and know we aren't making up these symptoms and you can understand the frustration I feel with the after effects.

Thanks for listening.

Hi Chris

Nice to hear from you.  A Cancer Council help-line nurse spoke to me some time ago and she mentioned Femara too as an alternative - though I understand they all have similar side-effects, particularly with painful joints.  My GP mentioned Tamoxifen perhaps, but I did read up about that on the internet and there's some scary stuff there.  It would be great if you don't get joint pain and I'll be interested to hear a few months down the track how you're going. 

It will also be interesting to see how the clinical trials go.  I was told by one nurse from an organisation that most people take this medication for 5yrs.  I've been taking Arimidex for over 6yrs and surgeon wants me to take it for 10yrs!  I'm currently off it on a trial basis (3mths) and I must say my joint pain has certainly improved.

Overall, we're all here being able to discuss the medication and that's the main thing.

Best wishes Judi Ann