Forum Discussion
Hormone inhibitors
Hello all I finished my radiation therapy without too many problems. I'm booked in to have a bone density scan on the 12th and will see my specialist on the 19th as she intends to put me on oestrogen...
Hi @55Jlz,
I pondered whether or not to answer your post as I have had a really bad run on Tamoxifen and I don't want to put you off if this is what is recommended. Your oncologist will be able to give you the percentage of increased protection by taking these drugs versus not taking them.
I feel there are a lot more questions to be asked and answered about these drugs. The possible side effects and how to handle them are skimmed over in the information booklets as a bit of a formality. It's the last thing on the treatments list, so it's like here take these pills and thanks for coming.
I pondered whether or not to answer your post as I have had a really bad run on Tamoxifen and I don't want to put you off if this is what is recommended. Your oncologist will be able to give you the percentage of increased protection by taking these drugs versus not taking them.
I feel there are a lot more questions to be asked and answered about these drugs. The possible side effects and how to handle them are skimmed over in the information booklets as a bit of a formality. It's the last thing on the treatments list, so it's like here take these pills and thanks for coming.
Doctors seem to shrug off side-effects of hormone therapy as if they are only minor inconveniences. You get told about hot flushes, possible loss of libido and some aches and pains.
No body tells you that the hot flushes can be that bad they make you dizzy and nauseous or that the aches and pains can be that bad that when you lie still for too long you can't move. (Makes jumping out of bed for a loo run rather interesting when your hips wont' move) Between that and the flushes I am lucky to get 5 hours sleep a night.
They don't mention the the brain fog, decreased cognitive function, verbal memory issues and speech fluency, the inability sometimes to multi task (executive brain functioning) disorientation, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
It gets worse the longer I am on it, not better, like I was told. I can handle about 3 months and that's it. Do some research (I am sure you already have) and ask in depth about those "rare" side effects which sometimes are not as rare as they make out.
All the best.
XOXOXO