Quality of life is important to us all. As individuals we will have different reactions to treatments and for me it has been important to find a balance between recommended medications and quality of life. I am fortunate to have had good general health before bc and have preferred to try and counteract side effects through diet and exercise wherever possible.
I understand that Femara has the potential to make a big difference to my chance of recurrence (different for each of us depending on individual pathology) so I try to find ways to limit its negative effects on my quality of life.
Every medication has potential side effects. When it was discovered that I had bone density issues after being on Tamoxifen (this has negative bone effects for pre-menopausal women, which it turned out I was after chemo effects wore off) and then Femara (after ovary removal), it was recommended I start Prolia.
Side effects of Prolia include high cholesterol (maybe one side effect too many for me) and potentially reduced immunity amongst other things such as actual increased chance of fractures if you stop Prolia (the mind boggles ??). I searched for alternatives to medication and found a research based weightlifting program. For me this felt a better option and after just 6 months on this program my bone density is improving.
My cholestrol is already higher than it was due to Femara, but I seem to be managing this with diet and exercise too. Fingers crossed this continues.
I guess I have learned to ask questions and do my own research rather than just take medications that appear to offer "improved health outcomes". Interestingly my doctors have all been supportive of my medication alternatives (diet and exercise based) but I have had to do the research myself and be prepared to commit to on-going programs.
For me this gives me a balance between medication (Femara) and quality of life that I feel ok with. I agree that quality of life is something we all deserve and want after 'active' treatment ends. The impact that on-going issues have on our life is something that doctors seem to underestimate or almost downplay. But for us it is about achieving the best life we can, not just staying alive but really living again. Medications are not necessarily the best answer for everyone. I guess all we can do is find out as much information as possible, ask questions about our own particular situation and then go with what feels right for us.
Good luck with your oncologist visit, @melclarity. I hope you find a way to achieve your best quality of life. xxx
