If not one thing then another

Question

Well, since my last blog I have been taken off Arimidex (chronic bone pain etc) and have been on Tamoxifen for apx 3 weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still a bit stiff but no where near as bad, down side is the hot flushes are worse!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Reading blogs from others really helps I think, as you realise what you are experiencing is "normal"!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Its over 12 months now since my masecotmy and axillary and still have the semi-numb feeling and tighness and of course fluid retention.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Like one of the other bloggers I have been having lymphatic massage and it has been such a help - thoroughly recommend it, though you need to be sure you get someone properly trained (my occupational therapist gave me a name).&nbsp;&nbsp; I am none to fond of wearing the compression arm sleeve but have to admit it does make a difference so am persevering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I do think this warm weather affects the fluid retention (i.e. you get more) but I wonder if the hormone blockers are also part of the problem.
I recall a blog mentioning "Pink Pilates" but I think it was in NZ.&nbsp;&nbsp; Has anyone come across it here in Oz (Sydney would be useful)?
Take care pink ladies.
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tonyam · Answer

Welcome to Tamoxifenland,otherwise known as hotflush city! I've been on it for over 2 years.I take a low dose antidepressant called Endep 10mg which helps a little.But I struggle in the heat wave weather.I have air con going during the day and at night I have a desk fan blowing on my face.I keep a supply of &nbsp;lemonade iceblocks in the freezer and take cold bottle of water when I go out. Last winter I only slept in summer pjs and a sheet -thinking of throwing out all my winter clothes.I've been having hot flushes for 10 years now and to say that I'm over it would be an understatement. I wish you luck with Tamoxifen and hope&nbsp;the hf's &nbsp;settle down for you.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tonya xx

Answer

Hi Maza,
It sounds like you are getting back on track with the changes to your treatment. Good luck - I hope the side affects continue to improve.
Regarding Pilates, I am not sure if you have come across the Local Services Directory on   our website as yet? If not the Local Services Directory helps people   find breast cancer-related support and services by location or type of   service and the Pilates services you mentioned above you should be able to find in the Directory!
Follow this link and search for programs in your area. I think there is an Encore program in Sydney which may be good for you - http://www.bcna.org.au/sharing-support/find-services-your-area
Just shout if you need more information or support.

Answer

Hi Maza,
It sounds like you are getting back on track with the changes to your treatment. Good luck - I hope the side affects continue to improve.
Regarding Pilates, I am not sure if you have come across the Local Services Directory on   our website as yet? If not the Local Services Directory helps people   find breast cancer-related support and services by location or type of   service and the Pilates services you mentioned above you should be able to find in the Directory!
Follow this link and search for programs in your area. I think there is an Encore program in Sydney which may be good for you - http://www.bcna.org.au/sharing-support/find-services-your-area
Just shout if you need more information or support.

maza · Answer

Thanks for your reply.&nbsp;&nbsp; Spoke a couple of weeks back with the lovely lady at the Encore program here in Sydney and am on the list for the one later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will check out the pilates via the link you sent .&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many thanks.

maza · Answer

My chemo prof recently put me onto Effexor to combat the hot flushes/sweats I was experiencing, which were hideous.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It certainly helped in that respect but lo and behold I developed a number of side effects from the Effexor!!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hands shaking, headaches, blurred vision, yawning (that one I could cope with!) and skin tingles (bit like those I had during chemo) so am now weaning off the Effexor and off back to visit the prof for options!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Appreciate any advice etc from you lovely pink ladies.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also taking part in the Mothers Day Classic at Parramatta, which I am really looking forward to, just the 4km walk tho, not up for more just yet but my husband is doing the 8km run.

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If not one thing then another

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