Karin

I had a really sore hip and had been seeing a physio for about 3 months with no improvement.  Was sent for x-rays which was when the cancer was picked up. Didn't know what sort it was until I went for all manner of xrays and scans and then it was picked up in my right breast.  Aside from the pain in my hip I didn't have any other symptoms.  If you are concerned you should make more of an issue about it with your oncologist - after all, it's your body!  It's better to have it checked out than worry about it constantly.

Good luck,

Amy

Thanks for your reply and am glad that you're stable and things are more manageable.

If you don't mind me asking ,how was your diagnosis of secondary cancer made? What symptoms did you have and for how long?

I have finished all my chemo and radiotherapy and have been on tamoxifen for about 7 months. Apart from the hot flushes and restless sleep I was starting to feel pretty normal. Then over a period over 3-4 weeks I have started feeling very fatigued and generally unwell. As I'm sure a lot of people do I am imagining all sorts of things going in my body and my Onc , who I saw recently ,brushed aside my concerns. 

Huddle

Hi Huddle

I have secondary breast cancer so the dr knew it wasn't working when I had scans which showed further spread in my bones plus my tumour markers had kept going up and up. 

Femara seems to be holding things stable - my markers have come down, no new pains, more energy and putting weight back on (although I'm happy for it to stop now!).  My hair seems to have stopped falling out too so pretty relieved about that!  I haven't had any recent scans yet.  Go back to see the dr in mid June and will discuss that then.

Good luck with your treatment.

Amy

Hi Amy,

I'm new to this site and have been reading all the wonderful blogs.

I'm 45 yrs and last year finished my treatment -Chemo, radiotherapy and am now on tamoxifen. This was my second time, had my first BC when I was 31yrs old where I had Chemo, Radiation and Zolodex

You mentioned that you have switched to Femera as the tamoxifen wasn't working and I was  just wondering how they knew it wasn't working? I have asked my Onc how they know and he told me they don't?

Would love any info on this.

P.S hope there hair has stopped coming out!!

Huddle

Hi Ziggy I am due to start on Tamoxifen next week. I was just wondering how you are going, and if your hot flushes have become any worse? I am 41 and also in medically induced menopause since my second chemo as well. I really did not expect to be having hot flushes for another 10 years. Did you start straight onto the 20mg as I have read that some start gradually over a couple of weeks to hopefully minimise side effects. Also can I ask do you take at night or in the morning as wondering what the best time is to minimise hot flushes!

Hi Ziggy101 it is so nice to hear that someone else is fighting with their doona all night long, thought it was just me going crazy!

Hi Karin

Yes lack of sleep is so debilitating.  Whilst on chemo I found it difficult to sleep.  I spent a lot of night time on the laptop chatting with others doing the same thing.  I suffer from sinus so have been taking a half of Zytex each night.  It also helps with my sleeping.  I try and limit the drugs I take but sometimes !!!!!.  Once my body gets back into a rhythm I stop taking the Zyrtex.  I once read that if you can't sleep, you should get up and read or watch TV until you are again sleepy.  Some times it works for me.  I really do appreciate a good nights sleep - and so does my husband!!!!! (takes away the grumpy me).  I nearly forgot, when I am really stressed from lack of sleep I return to meditating.  I really should do the meditating eah day but like all good things we only do it when it gets to the "must do" stage.XLeonie