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SueRi's avatar
SueRi
Member
14 years ago

another year another round

Hi all Hope everything is going well so far this year.

I have just had a hectic Wednesday with tests - it feels like I have had a service & Friday I had the maintence as it was infusion day!  Wednesday I started with a CT scan and during the time given to drink I went and had a mammogram, 1st one since 2009 diagnosis and this one hurt I now have 2 bruises 1 for each boob. After CT I had a UltraSound then I finished off with a Gated Heart Pool test. I was supposed to go back on Friday for a Whole Body Bone Scan but was already booked for my Herceptin infusion so now have to go back this Friday for that one. Here's hoping all results will be ok, it sems strange to have all these tests especially as it has been 3 years since last mammogram and ultrasound, makes me wonder why it was necessary????

I am traveling a bit better than I had been, the hot flushes are a bit better although I still get them. I definitely dont like the hot weather it knocks me around and tires me so much. The body aches are still as bad as ever but I guess I am just dealing with it better. I do still get days where I just want to lay down and cry but they are fewer as I know it doesn't help I need to be positive.

Hopefully things will keep improving for me.

Sue

4 Replies

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Leonie

    Of course the main risk of Tamoxifen is uterine and ovarian involvement and unusual bleeding. I neglected to say that I had a complete hysterectomy at 29, so these didn't apply to me. The next major side effect is blood clots.

    My hospital and pharmacy always print out the drug information sheets for me, often scary as they have to list everything, but it is better to be prepared.

    With love

    Joy K

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Joy,

    I was on Tamoxifen for 4.5 years and was never told about blood clots.  Probably would not have gotten any anyway as I have a blood disorder (factor Xi deficiency) which means I don't clot very well.  The high risk I was told of Tamoxifen was uterine cancer so every bleed that I had was investigated and I had lots of D&C's. XLeonie

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sue

    Have you changed treatment centre from your original diagnosis?

    All these tests are necessary to set the benchmark before treatment so they can measure the effectiveness of the chemotherapy/targeted treatment. The gated heart test is to establish that your heart is strong enough to undertake the Herceptin treatment

    Have you been on on-going Herceptin or is this a new targeted treatment for you? 

    Can't help with the hot flushes, didn't get them at menopause, and haven't had them on my latest treatment of Tamoxifen, even though I was told I would.

    For post menopausal women the main side effect of Tamoxifen that we have to watch out for is blood clots, usually in the legs.

    With love

    Joy K

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sue

    Have you changed treatment centre from your original diagnosis?

    All these tests are necessary to set the benchmark before treatment so they can measure the effectiveness of the chemotherapy/targeted treatment. The gated heart test is to establish that your heart is strong enough to undertake the Herceptin treatment

    Have you been on on-going Herceptin or is this a new targeted treatment for you? 

    Can't help with the hot flushes, didn't get them at menopause, and haven't had them on my latest treatment of Tamoxifen, even though I was told I would.

    For post menopausal women the main side effect of Tamoxifen that we have to watch out for is blood clots, usually in the legs.

    With love

    Joy K