Thankyou ladies for your kind words. I'm short of people to talk to - lots of acquaintances, but not people I can sit with and debrief.
I've had a bit of a one-way conversation with the local breast care nurse - who is lovely, but doesn't have much in the way of suggestions except for additional medications. I'm an allied health professional (who has never worked in the cancer space), and I get the feeling that it's assumed that since I have a health background, I can find everything for myself, and locate the people and information I need. However, I don't have the energy, head space or time to do this effectively. She validated the symptoms (which was helpful). I have a somewhat strained relationship with my oncologist, but I'm rural, so there's not a lot of choice locally, and logistically, travelling for another opinion is challenging at the moment. Hubby sees a different onc, but in the same centre.
I'm on my second AI - started with Anastrazole (not good), but I stuck with it for 9 months before politely telling the oncology registrar exactly what he could do with the remaining pills. I was given a 3 week break (which was lovely - it let me know what the pills were doing). They switched me to Letrozole, which to be fair, is better than the Anastrazole, but I'm still worn out with it and its side effects. I can't take Tamoxifen, so that's not an option.
I have spoken to a psychologist. However, she just jumped on the band wagon of recommending I take anti-anxiety medications. It was awkward as I knew her from one of my workplaces. I'm from SW Victoria (Great Ocean Road area), and psychologists are pretty thin on the ground. I stopped just after the reconstruction, and haven't gone back.
I had today off work to take hubby to have a procedure, so tomorrow, I'm in catch up mode at work, and it's unlikely I'll be able to call BCNA in their hours. I'll try for Monday. I think I need to find someone to speak to who knows this space a bit better than the person I saw before, and I'm hoping they will have some contacts.
Thanks for the tips. Being kind to yourself doesn't always come naturally, but I'll give it a crack. It easier to be kind to others, I think.
