Member: Christabel03 | BCNA Online Network

User Widgets

Contributions

Tamoxifen then Letrozole and now Zoladex :(
Probably more a vent than anything else but I have had a bit of a horror run with my ongoing cancer meds. Tamoxifen was a no go, Exemestane was severe joint pain. I've kind of settled into Letrozole now however taking Celebrex to help with pain and have been in therapy for over twelve months trying to deal with survivorship. Randomly two weeks ago I had my first period since 2021 and had been told all the way through treatment (I was HER+) that I was in menopause. So apparently in some cases Letrozole etc can cause ovarian recovery syndrome and the body can scrape up enough oestrogen to give you periods. Enter into my life now being told Zoladex once a month for the next five years. I've come crashing down, had my first injection last Monday and after the first couple of days just feeling sickly, I'm now angry and feel quite low. The option now is a hysterectomy. I just feel so angry at the world right now and I felt like I had put so much work into trying to get on with life and to accept what has happened to me to now just be given something else to try and navigate. I know I am probably just feeling sorry for myself but geez it's just a lot. :( Has anyone else had similar side effects with Zoladex?
2 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
Views
0likes
Comment
Re: Bra
Thanks @Julez1958 yes there are but haven't been too keen on my options from them so far, I love a good recommendation so was just seeing if it might have been another option.
3 years ago Place General
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Lymphatic Drainage Massage Suggestions Brisbane Area
Thanks everyone @Kristen such a great idea thank you I didn't even think of doing that :)
3 years ago Place General
Views
1like
Comments
Re: A vent and question about joint pain
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and messages very much appreciated as always. I am now taking panadol osteo on the worst days and Magnesium every now and then too. It really is frustrating especially when you are trying to exercise and help yourself along the way. If you don't move you get stiff if you do move you get stiff it's almost a no win!! Will certainly be talking more about this with my oncologist at my next appointment.
3 years ago Place General
Views
0likes
Comments
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Suggestions Brisbane Area
Hi all, Hope it is ok to post this question and hopefully I am in the best forum to ask, I am looking for a good lymphatic drainage massage person in the Brisbane area? My surgeon has given me one name but I can't seem to get an appointment for months as she seems very booked out and I am not having much luck finding anyone else. I really value other peoples recommendations with cancer type things (for want of a better word!) and am hoping someone may have a suggestion? Thank you in advance :)
3 years ago Place General
Views
1like
Comments
Re: Bra
Hi @Julez1958 can you put a softie or prosthesis into these playtex revolution bras?
3 years ago Place General
Views
1like
Comments
A vent and question about joint pain
Having been on Tamoxifen, Exemestane and now changed to Letrozole for the past six weeks I'm curious about joint pain or bone pain. Curious or maybe I just need a vent! I had no pain on Letrozole until a week after I waltzed into my Oncologists office and said how great I was feeling on the new meds after doing not so great on the other two...silly me! Now I am back to hardly being able to get out of my chair if I have sat for too long and generally everything aching. Is this just the way life is now? Does anyone take anything (vitamins or other) to help with joint pain or to help with just generally feeling awful? I'm sure the chemo induced menopause is also not helping and I generally feel bloated and fluidy all the time as well. I know this is probably a discussion for my medical team but I just wondered what others take or do. Trying so hard to remain positive and to be thankful but geez it can be exhausting!
3 years ago Place General
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Chemo first and surgery after
Hi @JuneXie I was diagnosed HER+ in October 2021 with a large tumor and a lot of lymph node involvement. I started chemo first and that went for six months then it was surgery. I can remember feeling as you have described no knowing if all this chemo would shrink my tumor and was it really working while I was going through it, but when I went for my ultrasound prior to surgery the chemo had certainly had an impact and had significantly shrunk the tumor. I think in all this at the time of diagnosis, the brain tells us we just want to "get it out" and we should be having surgery like right now. It is so hard but you have to trust in the medical team you have around you and trust in they are choosing the right path of treatment for you. Wishing you the best and sending you a massive hug xx
3 years ago Place General
Views
2likes
Comments
Re: Letrazole effects
I started Letrazole this week after a terrible run on Tamoxifen and then also Exemestane. So far the only thing I can tell is it has stopped my appetite. It's like someone flicked a switch it was that quick. I am really hopeful this one goes ok as I am petrified of the limited options that I may have if I can't take the tablets moving foward.
3 years ago Place Hormone blocking therapy
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Just feel like running away
Hello to you @Molly71 absolutely yes. I am the first person to put my hand up and say since the end of active treatment I completely have lost my way. I feel like I have been set adrift without an anchor and I am just treading water trying to figure it all out. I am back to work a couple of days and back into swimming and yoga etc but it all feels like a band aid if I am honest. I talk with other people about this and this part of the whole cancer journey and I feel like this is where it seems like you need the most support, but there doesn't seem to be that much. But this part is so hard to navigate because it is like being set free from the only security blanket you have know all through treatment. I also find that I seem to be putting pressure on myself to "do better" or "get it more together" because that is the general thought process of others, that the treatment is over so you must be ok. But I am really not ok and figuring out who I am now and actually processing the trauma of what the past 15 months has looked like for me is actually really damn hard. It's taking a lot of counselling and basically just trying to understand that this version of me is all I can be right now. They tell me it will get better and I do have hope it will. I feel for you, I am sure there is many of us that know these feelings only too well. Please take care xx
3 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
Views
1like
Comments

Groups

Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe space for those considering, actively choosing or not have had a choice to stay flat after a mastectomy. Whether personal decision or one shaped by circumstance, you're invited to connect and share your experience and images with others on a similar path. Information shared is based on personal experience and not intended as medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️Posts may include images of surgical outcomes, which some may find distressing. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline—we’re here for you.
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.

User Profile

Christabel03

User Widgets

Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction

Choosing breast reconstruction