Arimidex

Hi Pollyanne,  It was a big relief when I had the drains removed after two weeks.  I have an infection at present but otherwise I am fine.  I am going walking and just enjoying life.  I feel the same as you.  I am glad that I have survived and turning 60 next Month.  The experience has taught me to appreciate what I have and to be greatful for every day.  Love, Ruth xx

Hello Bella, I agree wholeheartedly with you regarding having a masectomy.  Although I had all the information from the genetic clinic and people telling me that iif they were me that they'd have a masectomy, I had to feel right about it.  When my surgeon recommended it and I had another lump, I felt that it was time.  It is no use having it done if you are not going to be comfortable about it.  I have known that I had braca 2 for 13 years and it took me all that time to make my decision.  It is important to have your check-ups and be on the look out but  you are the one who knows when you are ready.  I had an oompectomy (my ovaries) removed when I finished all my treatments because there was a history of ovarian cancer and it is very hard to detect.  I later had a hysterectomy.  I am not sorry that I had my masectomy and I can wear a soft prothetic bra and I have decided to put my name down for recontsruction.  It is your choice and you have to feel right  before going ahead with anything.  I wish you all the best and hope you had a great time away.  Love, Ruth xx

Hi Finita,  If it helps, I have found out that more cancers are caused by non-genetic reasons, than are caused by faulty genes;  but if you carry that gene mutation it puts you into a much higher risk category.  I have to say that when I was diagnosed by first thought was "oh, that's the type of cancer I got", because I always knew with our family history that I would get cancer at some point.  It didn't rule my life, and I wasn't even really conscious that's how I felt, but when I was told, that was my reaction.  My second was' how to tell the kids.  Anyhow, I digress.  I have gained weight from first Arimidex, now Femara, I have constant aches and pains, and other side effects;  but I just put up with them and figure at least I'm upright and breathing (mind you some days are harder than others).  I hope the Lovan helps you, the mood swings and irritability can be quite daunting, although I have to say mine don't last all that long, so far I can manage it (just dont come near me some days).  I have given up trying to explain the side effects to some people (including my GP), just try to manage.  Anyhow, off to have a lovely weekend with my cousins, won't be near a computer for a couple of days.  Take care, bella x 

thank you so much finita!  and I apologise for not replying sooner;  I find it a bit confusing to work out which messages I have replied to.  I am very grateful to be here, and just enjoy every single day.  xx

Phew!  thank goodness it was just a lipoma;  but it shows just how it's never far from the back of our minds that every ache, bump, pain etc .. might mean "it's back".  take care, bella x 

it doesn't hurt :)  turning 60 that is...

Hi Ruth, thank you for your emails and offer of contact, I really appreciate it.  I figure I have a bit of time to make up my mind re the masectomy, - hopefully being on Femara will provide some form of protection.  I know it would be a relief, but to be honest, I'm just not quite ready to make that decision;  I need to talk to some people re their experiences;  and I'm hoping to do that at our local support group.  I also apologise for not replying sooner;  I find the messages I get from the BCNA website a bit confusing, and I think I've replied to everyone, and then find out I haven't!  Sorry.   I hadn't heard of Lynch syndrome until you mentioned it;  you've certainly copped it.  I am concerned about passing the gene to my sons, they haven't decided about being tested yet, and I respect their decision, whatever it is.  We have a huge history of prostate cancer (which is linked to BRCA1 and 2);  so I am worried;  but try not to let it overtake.  Off to spend a weekend with my cousins, so probably won't be near a computer until Monday.    Take care, love, bella x

Hi Ruth, thank you for your emails and offer of contact, I really appreciate it.  I figure I have a bit of time to make up my mind re the masectomy, - hopefully being on Femara will provide some form of protection.  I know it would be a relief, but to be honest, I'm just not quite ready to make that decision;  I need to talk to some people re their experiences;  and I'm hoping to do that at our local support group.  I also apologise for not replying sooner;  I find the messages I get from the BCNA website a bit confusing, and I think I've replied to everyone, and then find out I haven't!  Sorry.   I hadn't heard of Lynch syndrome until you mentioned it;  you've certainly copped it.  I am concerned about passing the gene to my sons, they haven't decided about being tested yet, and I respect their decision, whatever it is.  We have a huge history of prostate cancer (which is linked to BRCA1 and 2);  so I am worried;  but try not to let it overtake.  Off to spend a weekend with my cousins, so probably won't be near a computer until Monday.    Take care, love, bella x

Bella,

don't pay attention to anyone that doesn't understand your happiness or gratefulness , I turned 62 last February and although I never celebrate or even worry about it, it is always good ...it means one more year on this beautiful planet earth .   Many happy returns and may you live to be 100 !!

lots of birthday hugs and wishes

finita xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi bella,

I am sorry to hear about your results, and as I don't know much about it , what I do know is that  the ovaries as well as the breast are usually removed, but you will need to do more research and don't leave any stone unturned.   As for my Brac test, they made it very clear that the fact that my sister died at the age of 47, was unfortunate and that there is no explanation, because my mother did survive. Also the fact that on my mother and my father side, all family members lived to old age and no cancer involved that is known !  I have four more sisters, and they said that if anyone of them were to be diagnosed with breast cancer, then and only then will they take my family into consderation. So, I will just leave it at that and pray for the best...in the meantime I just try to go on and forget . Also I still get a few side effect from the arimidex, I have gained 5 kilos but it is stable , and pains and aches but winter is not helping , so I use lots of heat packs .  I have recetly been put on Lovan , anti-depressant and anti -irritability...because my moods swings were getting bad...two weeks on, and so far I feel like I just want to sleep for ever but already I am feeling more relaxed, and that is good.  Good luck with your research and all the best ...keep in touch .

Love and hugs

Finita xxxxxxxxxxxxxx