User Profile
Mareealso
Member
Joined 2 years ago
User Widgets
Contributions
Exemstane and Nausea
Hi Everyone, Just wanting to know if anyone else has had severe nausea with Exemstane and if so, did it get better over time? I had my diagnosis, op and chemo 2023-2024 and was then placed on Arimidex. I then developed nausea and liver function tests showed higher levels, indicating that my liver was struggling. I was then taken off Arimidex and placed on Exemstane (2025) and after several months, am now having persistent nausea. Blood and Liver Function tests are normal however I am struggling with the “gastric” sides of things. I have just recently had to have an iv of anti nausea medication in hospital plus an acid-reflux iv. I have been given tablets but was told that these are only for short term use. Any ideas?59Views0likes1CommentRe: HER2 positive diagnosed Dec 24 -
Hi Anna15, Sorry it has taken a little bit to get back to you..(life!)To answer your question regarding BRCA 2, Being positive greatly increases the cancer of returning…it did! I ended up with having both breasts removed (no reconstruction) and also having the ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as these also are sites for breast cancer (or tumours)to develop due to being estrogon sensitive. They are not considered metastatic sites but are considered higher risk for breast cancer tumours. If it metastasises, likely areas appear to be spine, lungs but can really be anywhere.. be your own best advocate for your health! Knowing I had BRCA 2, made me more proactive in getting lumps and bumps seen to despite sometimes being told “it doesn’t feel cancerous”…I am no longer willing to wait to “see what happens” ….hope this answers your questions and if you have any more, just ask!91Views1like0CommentsRe: Young mum diagnosed IDC and DCIS.
Hi JBE87, your diagnosis sounds familiar to mine, 2 tumours- one invasive and one in situ. I had 4 cycles as well but didn’t go with the cool cap as it lengthened the time I was at the clinic as the cap needs to go in for at least 1/2 hour before starting the chemo. Some people could bear up well with the cold but I developed bad headaches. The chemo type I had was a high chance of losing my hair so I cut it really short and had a wig on the ready. At about week 3 it really started to come out but other people experienced hair thinning but not total loss- this aspect is really personal and will depend on how your body copes..I made sure I had plenty of “stand by” meds for nausea, diarrhoea and constipation and also had a can of hospital grade Sustagen in case I lost appetite. Smoothies and soups were great and that’s something the whole family can have- bulk up with buns, rolls (I didn’t feel like them but others did). If possible, plan for little rest or down times for yourself to recover, chemo fatigue does catch up with you..this web site has loads of info so keep researching here but I would avoid Google…wishing you the very best on your journey to recovery..Maree22Views0likes0CommentsRe: HER2 positive diagnosed Dec 24 -
Hi Anna 15, I have finished chemo and mastectomy. My cancer was a similar size, lymph node negative and estrogen receptive however as another relative also had breast cancer, my medical team thought it prudent to be tested for the BRCA 2 gene . I was positive hence the mastectomy over a lumpectomy, chemo and now on estrogen blockers. As far as I could understand, the BRCA 2 gene has indicated that I am susceptible to breast cancer of various types including hormone. The BRCA 2 mutation does not lead itself towards any one type of breast cancer. If possible I would be discussing your relative’s cancer with your medical team and asking if a gene test for BRCA 1 and 2 would be appropriate. This may then lead to a slightly different recommendation for your ongoing treatment plan. Wishing you the best!29Views2likes0CommentsRe: Treatment Decisions
Hi Cherie, Sorry to see you have joined the club. I did not do Radiation but the swing side of that is I had a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Regards the Hormone blockers, no one really knows how your body will react or the side effects. I have been on an Aromatasr inhibitor for less than a year and it did take a couple of months for aches to settle but I am okay now. I do have tendon issues developing but will see what happens as time passes. You will really need to have a good talk to your oncology team and discuss tumour size and staging to determine the best way forward for you.. wishing you the best! Kind Regards Maree25Views1like0CommentsRe: 72yr old newly diagnosed
Hi Linchit, Sorry to hear that you have joined this club. I would be looking for information from your oncologist as well to get an overall view as to what the next steps could be. I found the surgeon was basically interested in removing my turmour by surgery but didn't have strong views beyond that whereas my oncologist gave extra advice on long term plans and this may affect your decision making. My tumour was also Grade 2 but strongly eostrogen receptive hence I am now on an aromatase inhibitor. My familial history with breast cancer led to a mastectomy being my best choice and it is things like this that your oncologist can advise you on. Reach out to Breast Care Australia for more support ( this was through my surgeon) and this support group also has a wealth of wisdom. Keep asking questions if you are unsure as it may help to clarify what you want. Thinking of you, Maree9Views1like0CommentsRe: Avoiding radiotherapy
Hi I was diagnosed with Early Stage invasive ductal carcinoma, was given a choice of lumpectomy plus radiotherapy and then chemotherapy or mastectomy and straight into chemo. I believe radiotherapy "mops up" potential cancer cells not collected by the lumpectomy in the local area whilst a mastectomy removes the whole lot.... this is based on negative sentinel node involvement. However some people have had mastectomy, radiotherapy and then chemo as well....so it's well worth discussing with your oncology team as your grade of tumour may play a factor..241Views1like0CommentsRe: Treatment after surgery
Hi LisaR, access to relevant staff can sometimes be an issue and can cause delays. I am in the public system and had to utilise a regional hospital for chemo (Echuca) after surgery in Bendigo. My surgery was on Nov 22 and my chemo started Dec 26 2023. I was able to do it at this time line as my scar (mastectomy) had healed sufficiently to allow chemo to commence. If you are slower healing, your chemo may be delayed. Hope this helps to give you some type of baseline..feel free to ask any more questions ..thinking of you..8Views0likes0CommentsRe: My ALND was a bust..
Hi Katym, I think it really depends on the individual surgeon as to the degree of removal as I suspect others on here will all have a different story on their surgery and follow up treatment. With my first experience with breast cancer, I had 12 nodes removed (followed up with a mastectomy and chemotherapy...but that was nearly 30 years ago). My second experience (last year) entailed radioactive dye injections around nipple, then waiting for the dye to move from that point to a sentinel node (only one as that showed the quickest and greatest dye uptake). This one was marked and during my second mastectomy (clear margin) only this one was removed and tested. The surgeon was in close communication with my oncologist who was part of the hospitals oncology team so decisions were made by a group discussion of this team. My surgeon and oncologist both said that removing more than the sentinel lymph node this time (this node could be a cluster or just one or two) left the patient at a greater risk of life changing damage (lymphoedema). They felt that the mastectomy, chemotherapy and follow-up oestrogen inhibitors was the way to go. Some people I know also had radiotherapy as part of their treatment. One thing I have learned is that you are your own best advocate...if you want to know why something did or did not happen, speak up and request clarification if you are unsure or confused. Feel free to continue to refer to this site for knowledge or confirmation of your thoughts. Wishing you the very best!29Views0likes0CommentsRe: Hello there Just Diagnosed
Hi Meg, hang in there! Don’t Google anything as it is hard to find good medical based opinions on there and there are a lot of fruit loops expressing their views. Don’t look at statistics either as you are not a number and no one knows your strength and capabilities! Once you have completed your tests, things will settle as you will be placed on a treatment plan and there are new treatments being approved all the time! I also had 2 lumps and was positive for Er. Have had the surgery and chemo and am now on the Aromatase Inhibiters (estrogen blockers). Try not to stress too much (easier said I know) and keep the mind busy by preparing meals, bedrooms etc in case you are physically not strong for a bit…spoil yourself now !! Will be thinking of you!!13Views3likes0Comments
Groups
Connecting rural, regional & remote areas
We understand that living outside major cities can bring unique challenges when it comes to accessing care, support, and information. From long travel distances to limited local services, these experiences can feel isolating—but you're not alone. This is a space to connect with others who truly understand what it’s like to face breast cancer while living regionally or remotely. Share stories, ask questions, and support one another through the frustrations and the wins - this group is here for you.
