9 months on Arimidex

Hi Sandy J, 

It was quality of life that made me decide, I was just unable to get out of bed and that is no life at all, I just had to do it. I have 4 grandsons that I love dearly but the pain was just too much, I couldn't be active in their lives while I was stuck in bed, I just had to take the chance. 

Hi Mrscaro, its great news that you are still cancer free after 14 years,  that's a great achievement...

As difficult as it is putting up with the pain I just can't make the decision to go of the Arimidex, I couldn't forgive myself if I stopped taking it and a secondary raised its ugly head.  I have a new grandbaby due in a few weeks and life it too important to me to take that chance.  I'm not sure how you did it?

Hi Tracey, I'm only on my second session so the jury is out on whether or not its a good fit. ill let you know...

Hi Sandy, luckily I'm way down the track, I've been clear for 14 years in January. I was unable to take Tamoxifen due to DVT so I was put on Arimidex, I took it for two weeks and was unable to get out of bed due to joint pain, I was that bad I had to be taken off it and took no medication at all. Since then I have been diagnosed with RA which I fight with everyday BUT I'm still alive and cancer free. 

I can relate to the depression and physical joint pain and I am not on any hormone therapy yet! I have been seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist for the past 10 years because of my mental health disorder. The only advice I can give you is when you find a psychologist make sure he or she is the "right fit" for you. Alot of the time we may just use the one that we have been referred to by our gp or recommended to us by a friend or family member but this doesn't mean they are the right one for you. i moved to Victoria 5years ago and it has taken me 2 attempts to find a psychiatrist and 3 attempts to find a psychologist that "fit me". Take your time because this decision is for and only about you Most of us spend more time finding the right new car to fit our needs!

Thanks Loraine,  panadol osteo is also a daily ritual, especially first thing in the morning to try and get the joint pain under control to make getting out of bed easier. I'm lucky in a way because I've been claiming on my income protection since diagnosis in April last year. It's allowed me to concentrate on healing and adjusting to the 'new normal' starting back part time in March, so I'll see how that goes.  

Hi Brendas, hopefully you will have less side affects than I've experienced. Unfortunately is seems quite common to have multiple side affects and I know of way too many ladies that quit the hormone treatment. That's too much of a risk as far as I'm concerned so just trying to get used to the 'new normal' ????

Thanks!  I was determined to go into that theatre calm and I did each time (3 in the last few months for BC).

I tend to cry over a silly movie........ but the big things I keep in perspective.

We're all different and I know I am strong - a friend of mine has come to resent that strength...........she is very weak; that is what BC does you find out who really cares for you. 

Take care

Christine

Hi Christine.... You were very brave to hold back the tears, I was a blubbering mess !  Just remember that crying can actually be very good for you, it's a release and can be very cathartic and it is NOT a sign of weakness at all , and it's usually guaranteed to give you a good sleep ?? you take care. ??

Interesting. I am only half way through the chemo as yet and my oncologist hasn't enlightened me as to what my hormonal therapy will be yet. None of it sounds like much fun.