I feel worse now than when I was having radiation

Hey @RipleyandJones

Dear @RipleyandJones
I feel for you - I was so grateful in some respects that I had just about finished going through the bloody awful side effects of menopause by the time that I was diagnosed. I feel so sorry for the ladies that are forced into an early menopause due to bc treatment as well as having to go through the treatment - I am not sure that I could have coped with it all.
It will get better - perhaps try gentle walking and swimming - the water will cool you down and the walking is so good for your headspace - well it was for me.
Take care  <3  <3  <3

Thank you so so much. I'll follow these up right now. take care 

No, you are definitely not going crazy, @RipleyandJones ..... Most of us go thru some ups & downs sooner or later .... I usually just try to keep busy with my favourite hobbies - or suggest that you take up a new one!   We all put on that 'brave face' to protect our families (in particular.)   Let it rip in the car when you are on your own .... scream as loud as you like!  Have a good cry too - it can be quite cathartic xx

Being on the cusp of menopause - maybe one of the other AIs could benefit you more?   Ask your Onc next time, why they chose Tamoxifen!  It has been round for decades - and my surgeon thought I'd be on it - but the Onc put me on a totally different one! 

Jump onto this post & see some of the other more 'fun' parts of the forum - showing off your garden, pets, art & crafts, or reading some funnies.  EVERYONE needs a laugh, now & then!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

We have members on the Gold Coast ...  and they have a support group there .... also a facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Womens-Cancer-Support-GC-438332736899429/?modal=admin_todo_tour

This is an 'old poster', so ignore the date ... but the phone numbers or email may still be 'live' - if you are keen to catch up with others in the area, to have a meet & greet?

take care xx

@arpie Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I feel like I'm going kind of crazy. I'm on the Gold Coast and although the medical care team is great, i was not at all prepared for just how bad I might end up feeling now. To the outside world I should be fine--I'm lucky! It's just exhausting. I'm not yet officially menopausal, so I think the tamoxifen has been more dramatic because of that. I'm 55 but pre-menopause has been dragging on and on: like one period every six months or so. People keep saying stuff like "you're such a strong woman" but all I want to do is cry with exhaustion. I really appreciate other people being willing to share. tomorrow i'll be stronger xxx

@RipleyandJones - I am so sorry that you are feeling down - what you are feeling it totally 'natural' - but you don't want it to get a hold, longterm.   Maybe give our Helpline a ring (in the blue banner at the top of the page) or Speak with your Breast Care Nurse (if you have one) or your Onc or Rad Onc - they should be able to put you onto someone to talk to you about coping mechanisms. Your GP may be able to put you onto a counsellor too .... 

The first few months since diagnosis is just a whirlpool, one appt after another, then the surgery, recovery, possibly chemo - then after radiation finishes .... NOTHING  ... it's almost like "Well WTF do I do now?" .... My wheels fell off in the middle of Rads (for a few reasons) and I just blubbed for days.  :(   Don't be too hard on yourself - both mentally & physically, you've been thru the mill .... 

Sadly, this bloody disease just keeps on giving and sometimes, the AIs/Tamoxifen can cause the body to ache, specially if you come from an arthritis background .... Tamoxifen is the only AI that I haven't tried - but is supposed to have the least side effects!!  I had already been thru menopause when diagnosed, & was lucky & only had the odd hot flush ... but they can be debilitating in themselves!  I am guessing you are 'younger'?  Have you not gone thru Menopause yet?  If you fill us in on some details of your treatment so far .... members may also be able to chat with you about their similar experiences xx  

If you add your town/city to your profile, members may be able to point you to specific services in your area too .... 

Check out this post - it is a well known psychologist, chatting about her OWN experiences last year when she was diagnosed with BC herself.  NO-ONE understands what you are going thru, if they haven't been thru it themselves.  
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23866/podcast-series-upfront-about-breast-cancer-what-you-don-t-know-until-you-do-with-dr-charlotte-to/p1

Also, this UK Breast Surgeon who was diagnosed & then had a recurrence as well - she did not have an easy time of it.
http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/

Take care, lean on us .... we've got broad shoulders xx

Hi @RipleyandJones  I hardly come on here anymore but I just wanted to reply and say it did get better for me.  I'm coming up to 3 years on Tamoxifen and I feel really well but it has taken time to get to this point.  The first two years (post surgery and radiation) was tamoxifen + zoladex + covid lockdowns and it was such a physical and mental struggle. I'm finally at a point where I am eating well, exercising, sleeping and not thinking about bc all the time. Give yourself time to heal... it's hard but hopefully it will get easier for you! 

@RipleyandJones

Your body has been through a lot!  Fatigue plays a big part

Here's a link from the BCNA website 

https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/fatigue/