This is probably going to sound like a whinge.I've been on exemestane for 4 years and I'm sick of having no energy, intermittent insomnia and dulled emotions, hot flushes, inability to lose any significant amount of weight despite doing all the right things.There doesnt seem to be any support in the medical profession other than giving you drugs. GP doesnt want to talk about it as it is the specialists job, only see specialist once a year. How are you supposed to cope with this long term?

Treatment is very hard sometimes and for some all the time. I think the drs aren't there to listen to how hard it is but they do know it's hard. They can't take on that supportive role. I expect empathy but not emotional support from them. Can you imagine how hard it would be if drs had to take on providing support other than the drugs etc. With the number of patients they see they would be so depleted emotionally they would be unable to do their doctoring. My view of health practitioners is this....firstly I am the project manager of my health and I engage who I need to manage myself. I use the GP as my prime source of care and to access specialist such as my oncologist (I live on permanent treatment) and dermatologist, psychologists, physiotherapy etc. However my gp can't solve everything so I also turn to other strategies to cope with fatigue such as exercise like walking and yoga. I get acupuncture too every now and then for immune and stress support. I practice meditation and mindfulness to help. In terms of weight management, I went keto and it was amazing and I feel better because of it.I think there is much we can do to help ourselves too bur for sure I totally get that at times it is super hard.

Totally agree with @GorgyS no one wants to here us talk about how hard it is. Not family, friends or anyone. Then I think we'll I don't want to hear myself either 😂. People just like good news and don't we all but yeah vent here is good for the soul.

No need to apologise @MicheleR we're all at different stages of the same journey, and it's good to know we're not alone. You sound like you are very fit, and really that's the main thing 🙂

@MicheleR. You have to vent, and most of us do this on this network. From day one of my diagnosis, I realized that no one wants to listen to what we are going through—not doctors, family, or friends. It does not mean that they do not care. Doctors, including specialists, are focused on our physical health, which they address with medication. I fully agree with Cath62. I, too, am a project manager of my health and well-being from the beginning of this journey and probably for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, drugs seem to be the only option, but fortunately, they are available. We need to take care of our health through exercise, healthy eating, and other complementary programs. It is not easy. I always have to compose myself to keep going. Most of us have the moments to "get off the bus". Take care

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/fatigue/Hopefully the link above will help you through! It's a so and so! I've just passed the 9 year mark and suffer all you mention on and off! Bone pain in the legs is the most debilitating.....yes I am whinging now!Take care

Stop the bus I want to get off.

MicheleR
Member
8 months ago
@GorgyS its different, not worse. I think chemo is a defined period. 6 months is a reasonable timeframe you can deal with even though its unpleasant. Hormone blockers are just long and frustrating (at times). You have to grit your teeth and get into a "its just maintenance" mindset.
MicheleR
Member
8 months ago
@Katie46 im getting there fitness-wise but im technically obese. Its not a vanity thing, im trying to avoid other health issues. I already have sleep apnea, varicose veins and am on blood pressure medication.
arpie
Member
8 months ago
@Michelle_R - ask your GP about you trying Oxybutynin to mitigate hot flushes/flashes and incontinence.

It is more known as an incontinence game changer (hubby was on it & it gave him his dignity back.) He rarely had spills after he started wearing the patches. (His were Oxytrol Patches- the active ingredient is Oxybutynin - you change them every 4 days.). I am not sure if there are 'female' versions vs 'Male versions' ... your GP should know.

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/oxybutynin-helps-ease-hot-flashes

My brother reckons that I am obese (not very complimentary, eh?) whereas I think I am just comfortably plump! ;)

ANY exercise is good for you, so well done you. An injection that is similar to Ozempic (called Wegovy) has been introduced to Australia this month, aimed at weight loss. Ask your GP about it - but be aware, there can be some nasty side effects, like major diarrhoea .... Drs are realising the benefits of using the injections to drop weight, which can help reduce other medical conditions as well ....
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/wegovy-launches-in-australia

take care & all the best
MicheleR
Member
8 months ago
Hi @arpie,

Thanks for your thoughtful response.

Im trying not to take extra medication to counter the medication im already on. I just wee a bit when i cough now. The hotflushes are a pain.

The lack of get up and go bothers me.

Re the weight, id say im slimmer in some areas (arms and chest) through exercise but my waist is larger a bit like a telletubbie. It is so hard to find pants for work. I used to be a size 14 (before diagnosis) and now Im a size 18.

The most annoying thing is how much effort i put in to not achieve diminishing waist.

Yesterday I bench pressed 35kg! Im weight training to improve metabolism and increase muscle. I guess Im lucky to be healthy enough to do it.

Oddly I felt great this morning in terms of fatigue. I slept really well. I mean every part of my body hurts muscularly but its an exercised hurt!

Michele

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