Hello there

It's really interesting hearing your stories and I'd  like to share my notes about my experiences on ant-oestrogens. Five years on Tamoxifen and then Herceptin came more widely available during that time. So having had oestrogen +ve tumour I asked my oncologist why wasn't I being offered Herceptin,  he said even if it was around when I was commenced on treatment he wouldn't have recommended it and was really confident I was on the right stuff for my particular situation & type of tumour. So I got to the end of the 5 yrs with anticipation of coming off drugs, but also trepidation that I'd be on my own. Lots of yucky side-effects but what the heck I was still alive! Then I developed high blood pressure and got hooked on Celebrex (anti-inflammatories for all the joint pains.) Eventually got off that with the help of my chiropractor and tried to stick with Panadol, brufen, aspirin, whatever helped. Then I was offered Femara (another five years, oh no- but am I going to risk not taking it? No way!!) So had to have bone density studies first and shock horror- thin bones, had to start on Calcium & Vit D, and back to oncology for  Zometa infusions, six months apart, which made me really sick, just like have a small dose of chemo again. Had that three times, now just waiting to have another bone density check and keeping on the Femara. Like Tanya, I am finding that Glucosamine & Fish Oil & Panadol Osteo really help with the stiffness in the morning especially the swollen fingers, plus I'm going to a ladies gym which is fairly gentle (no lifting wieghts). Swimming & walking is harder  to fit into my schedule, but I found out the hard way, small amounts of exercise often really helps. I still get some really bad muscle cramps at times. Keeping fit seems to be a real key to feeling well and being able to cope with the hot flushes, cramps & so on.  Because I have turned into such a pill popper, I've got two of those pill dispensers to help me to remember all the various medications I am taking, LOL. I also have discovered that a regular lymphatic drainage massage helps me, as it's amazing how much fluid that shifts, that is otherwise  just hanging around my body and weighing me down. Despite all this, I really do feel great , happy and healthier than I have for ages.

Go Girls!