Finally finished treatment......hmmm now the hormone therapy. Seriously confused.

I've been on Zoladex and letrozole for the past 5 months, honestly it's been much easier than I had anticipated. I had a similar diagnosis and treatment and personally wanted to take the most aggressive hormone  treatment option. 

I'm on Tamoxifen. I hate it but under 4 years to go.

I had a real ' No f*"#@&%g way' moment with the Zolodex.

 I was not quite menopausal and the aromatase inhibitors look like my best chance of survival but the idea of chemo and rads then monthly pellets in my belly fat for at least a year and having to have someone peering and jabbing every month and more waiting in waiting rooms and ..... I had my ovaries out instead. Sorted.

I've been taking Femara for 3 months now. Chemo really screwed me over and I ended up with myalgia in both legs. Now lymphoedema in one foob but the leg pain is easing. I thought Femara would make things worse, but I can honestly say it hasn't. Yes, I've been dumped into full menopause (the last step was a doozy) but that's sorting itself out and would have happened in time anyway.

I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years but had a recurrence after 10 so yes, it can come back anyway. We can only do the best we can. Marg xxx

I was on zoladex and tamoxifen l did have very stiff joints but didnt realise till l stopped them when l had my hysterectomy. Now on femara very little side affects the ones l did have went sfter the first month. Good luck with it all. Adean xxxx

Talk to your oncologist and get them to show you the difference between no hormone treatment or with it. It can be a big difference for most...depending on grade etc of your cancer. The idea being of course if there is any survivors left then they just die a slow and painful death of starvation.  Hoorah. I'm on letrozole and my day to day side effects are minimal. Kath x

It's worth remembering that nothing lasts for ever. I have another year of Femara to go, my oncologist does not believe that the questionable benefits of an additional 5 years are sufficient to justify the side effects in my particular case, thinks 5 years will provide as much benefit as possible. Sorry, nothing is guaranteed (wish it were......). Your oncologist is best placed to advise on the likely benefit and the possible side effects. You are best placed to weigh these up in terms of your life and your priorities. But whatever you choose, you can stop. If you are really unhappy about side effects, then you can desist - no-one can force you to keep on having any treatment. Many of us find that consoling enough to see the course right through. So if your oncologist thinks strongly that something will benefit you, why not give it a shot. The standard oncology line is still persuasive - if you don't do something recommended, and cancer returns, how will you feel? Best wishes for whatever you decide.

Hi Kez
Make a list of questions and front up to the oncologist again.  Explain any concerns and ask for statistics.  In my BC case along with other medical conditions it was decided the percentage was not worth the side effects.  Age does affect the statistics along with other factors so ask ask ask until you are satisfied - your body, your decision.
Keep us posted.
Hugs  Summer  :-)

Hi kez  
With lymph node invovement and stage 2 these are indicators for starting AI therapy ...start one see if itSE are not too bad (usually after month 2 your body will know then discuss continuation with onc at month 3) youcan switch to another if SE are severe. Alternatives ...dont use alone these are to complement the AI therapy.
BCNA have info sheets available.
Many have min SE but some have severe joint issues...so reduce weight get fitter is a must if you are overweight. AAlways exercise ..gently when you start the AI
Increase calcium vit D..
Blood pressure and cholesterol can be raised so have blood test to check all these
All best B

Know how you feel been there too.Your medicalor surgical onc should be able to provide % reduction in risk and I think primek found an online tool for you to work it out yourself.My radio finished 28/5 - had to have major dental then before starting hormone therapy in August plus had a holiday in Cairns did not want start until back home.Am post menopausal so Aromatase inhibitors probably Arimidex and as osteoporotic will need a bone builder probably Prolia injections 6 monthly. If you google it there is a site comparing side effects of hormone therapy options. I gather from talking to ladies on this site side effects settle down after 12-18 months and they have also kindly explained things they did to mitigate against arthritic pain eg exercise physiologist, magnesium , panadol osteo and glucosamine.Also your medical onc should be able to discuss side effects and how to deal with them - the bcna kit has a useful section providing questions you can ask and also info on hormone therapy plus fact sheets online. This site is invaluable for chatting to others who are going thu It who provide advice and support - will keep you posted when I know more about my situation 3/8 but just remember you are not alone there are many of us and we look after each other. xo

My onco took me off Tamoxifen and put me on Zol and Aro combination as he said it would reduce risk of recurrence especially in hormone positive cancers