Forum Discussion

Hazel_M's avatar
Hazel_M
Member
10 years ago

Hi from Hazel M

Hi everyone, hope everybody is doing as well as can be expected. It's been quite some time since I have checked in on the website. Couldn't really handle the new site very well. My last post was terribly depressing and I figured I wasn't doing anybody any good talking the way I was. It's coming up 3 years since my diagnosis and lumpectomy, and I am pleased to say I have had 3 good check-ups with nothing suspicious found. My depression and anxiety which eased somewhat after my chemo and radiation, has returned unfortunately. I am constantly trying to train my brain to overcome this. My partner, who was diagnosed with heart failure during my chemo is doing well and we have remained very strong together. I have been browsing through the posts and noticed Deanne is still offering wonderful advice:) Rowdy, glad to hear you are doing fine. Is Robyn still on the site? 

I am still on Arimidex, coming up 2 years now, I haven't had any of the severe side effects but I'm not really happy with them. I remember the oncologist saying that I would feel like an old lady to which I didn't give much thought at the time as I was in my fifties and didn't regard myself as young. Getting out of bed these days I sometime feel 80! Sex drive is non existent. I am due to see her in January and see what she can do. Of course, you have to weigh up the aches and pains against getting another breast cancer. I will probably stay on them for the 5 years, but I know they are currently thinking 10 years might be better. That's a decision for the future. The other side effect is the deterioration of bones, I am on 6 monthly injections of prolia and my last bone density test showed some slight improvement. 

I will sign off now, hopefully on my bright days, I can offer some comfort and advice to the lovely ladies on this site. 

Hazel xx

side-effects

17 Replies

Show More
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Hazel,

    so nice to see you here. I am sorry you are struggling with the dreaded anxiety and depression. I too battle with anxiety and it is not nice. I meditate every day and try and get out ands all 10000 steps each day (not quite up to Deanne's base camp walk yet). My 53 year old body feels 90 at times and am struggling with bursitis and a torn hamstring so a bit slow at present. 

    I am now 5 years since my second diagnosis and 6. 1/2 years from the first so have to remember every day is a blessing. 

    Really nice to see you back here. 

    Paula xxx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hazel.Hazel.Hazel!!!!!!!!!!!!How wonderful to hear from you! I have wondered so often how you are doing? I don't know if you saw it,but Sarah54 put a post up yesterday,and she hasn't been on here for such a long time.I don't come on  here much any more,or should I say,I don't reply to posts much,unless I really feel that I can help.Sorry to hear you are still struggling with depression.I am doing really well.It is 3 years since my diagnosis on the 2nd September.I am still on Tamoxifen,and I will stay on it because my osteoporosis is so bad.But like you,I had some improvement at my scan.I try to  eat well,I exercise regularly,and all my checkups have been good.I have recently become a GP (twice!!) so life is good Hazel.It is so nice to hear from you.Please stay in touch Cheers Robyn

  • Melhay's avatar
    Melhay
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Hazel,

    Just wanted to thank you for your honest & candid post.

    I personally find it so helpful & re-assuring to read about others personal breast cancer experiences - the good, the bad & the ugly.

    Great to hear your follow up breast checks since diagnosis have been all clear :) 

    Take care

    Mel xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hey Hazel,

    So good to hear from you. I often wonder how you are going. Great to hear that your partner is doing well and that your relationship is strong. It is a challenge for any relationship when one or both of you are faced with serious health issues.

    I hear you about the effects of hormone therapy. I was fortunate to have almost 2 years on Tamoxifen. My quality of life on that drug was pretty good. Last year in July they decided it would be best for me to have my ovaries removed and change to Femara. This drug has been a lot harder to live with!

    Like you it has affected my bone density and my doctors wanted me to go onto the Prolia injections. I really want to avoid this and yet another set of side effects to deal with but I also don't want to have worsening osteoporosis. It really knocked me down and I became very stressed and anxious about my future.

    For now, I am trying diet and exercise with the professional advice and supervision of a dietician and exercise physiologist. I am really hoping that this will work for me. 

    The best I have felt in the last 12 months was a three week period in April/May this year. With my oncologists advice/permission I went off Femara so that I could take part in a trek to Everest Base Camp. The good news was that those 'feeling like an 80 year old' aches and pains vanished almost immediately!! For three weeks my 50 year old body managed to keep up with a couple of 20 something young men as we trekked all the way to Base Camp and back.

    When I feel anxious about the future that is the knowledge that keeps me going! One day (yes it might be 7 more years on this drug for me) I will get off this drug and hopefully feel better and remain cancer free. Until then I just keep doing all that I can to make life ok for now.

    At least we can help each other to keep going forwards on here. It does help simple to just know that you are definitely not alone with the effects and challenges of hormone treatment!! Take care and so wonderful to hear from you.

    Deanne xxx

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Hazel welcome back so good to hear from you. I'm reading your side effects sound very similar to mine.I started on Tamoxifan but changed last year, yep I feel old when I get up in the morning to top things I have had issues with my knee (work related). Good to hear your husband is doing well, you are very lucky to have each other. I do grumble about my husband sometimes but he tries ( very trying )

    Sending you a hug xx

  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Hazel, lovely to hear from you. I'm nearly 4yrs out from diagnosis... can I ask do you see a psychologist to help with the depression and anxiety? You are entitled to enhanced primary health care form... which entitles you to see psychologist under medicare. I have been seeing one for about 12 months now  and it is helping... I was meditate to help me let go of my anxieties naturally.... 

    I was triple neg   so chemo plus rads no ongoing drugs....... it still plays with our minds the what ifs ...

    Im 56 now  ..... not young but have morning where my body feels like Im 90....

    We need to realise we give the newbies hope..... 3 yrs and 4 yrs out.

    Im encouraged by my local support group by ladies who are going strong 30years on...

    Alice