@FionaM - That's interesting that Anastrozole was the one badly affecting you ..... as it was the 3rd one that I tried and had less side effects than the other 2! Letrozole was the worst for me (I lasted 2 months on it) then I had Exemestane for 6 months before settling on Anastrozole for the last 5 years!
To be honest - I don't think it matters which AI you 'start off with' - as I reckon that FIRST one will always be the one that hits you worst as your body reacts to it, often badly. :(
It's a shame that they all just want to push you onto more meds re the aches & pains etc ....
If you don't have a 'good' relationship with your Onc - please consider changing to another one (eg your hubby's?) My first Onc was a male chauvinist pig .... I only had 2 appts with him & swapped to a lovely lady Onc, who then looked after both hubby and me - and is still looking after me.
I'm surprised that ethically, you could see a psych that you are 'known to' ..... I saw one last year & wasn't allowed to see my first choice, as we had a brief association some years ago - but would't be called 'friends' ....so had to see someone else! There are lots of pyschs who do Telehealth consultations - so being rural shouldn't really prevent you finding someone you 'gel with' xx.
Being rural and in Allied Health - I am guessing you know about the Travel Compensation scheme where you can claim for petrol and some accommodation costs when you need to travel to bigger centres for your treatment etc? THis doc covers all states ..... and we have a rural/regional private group where we update info as we find it - feel free to join xx
https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/sites/default/files/publications/pats-fact-sheet-and-guide-2023.pdfTake care & I hope you can chat with the help line sooner than later
@Mez_BCNA - is there any other way that Fiona can chat with someone out of work hours? Ta xx
