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DAG192
Member
2 years ago

Hormone Blocking Anxiety from Pain

In the last 12 months, I have had Tamoxifen, Letrozole and am now on Exemestane.  I have had chronic side effects from them all. My oncologist has flat out denied my symptoms are caused by the meds.  Hot flushes, the most painful aching joints, headaches, memory loss and I have blown up like the Michelin man! My legs are so bad now, the Physio and OT girls have put me in toe to knee compression stockings, that I have to wear 8-10 hours a day, I swell so much, sometimes I think my skin will tear. My oncologist told me I must have “incompetent veins”, over a phone consult….twice! I can’t sleep, because the burning in my joints wakes me up, and I have to get up and move around to take my mind off of it. I want to get a second opinion, but my confidence and self esteem have really taken a nose dive with my current oncologist and being shot down every time I speak with her. Any suggestions would be much appreciated, thanks. 

11 Replies

  • Incompetent veins? We work with the veins we have, ideal or not. As for side effects, many are documented, listed on the medication’s own information sheet. Get a second opinion. Better yet get a new oncologist that you can have a proper discussion with. The one you have may be very knowledgeable but clearly not very good in terms of human interaction. Best wishes.