Done!
Yay! It's been 9+ years since diagnosis, surgery, treatments and my Oncologist has set me free! No more Aromatose Inhibitors, Tamoxifen. I have been on Tamoxifen, Letrozole, Aromasin and back to Tamoxifen. I endured the time with no breaks. Occasional side effects but the last couple of years side effects dominated. Legs swollen from the knees down and painful at night. Wearing compression socks! Had all other tests including Ultrasound on the heart as process of elimination. I am a carer for a younger sister with Dementia so I would say stress and Tamoxifen played a part. Now it's weird not to take something as I was so disciplined. Hug those near and dear as you just don't know Take care Those starting out hopefully you'll soon be where I am at, ecstatic and pleased that I persevered.....
Treatment and it's impact on Rheumatiod/Osteo Arthritis
I can't be the only person on horomone treatment (Letrozole) and suffering from increased symptoms of Rheumatiod/Osteo Arthritis. I would love to know how others have managed their symptoms. For me the symptoms came back when I was undergoing radiotherapy, and never really subsided when I was allowed to take my medication for RA again. I had to start the Letrozole before my symptoms had subsided. I'm now on an increased dosage of Methotrexate and Pyralin but still the symptoms haven't subsided. Before I had radiotherapy, my RA was totally under control. It was never as bad as I have it now. I'm taking fish oil, magnesium, vitamin c, D, Calcium, and anti-inflammatories as well as panadol osteo. I'm also taking a liquid immunity booster supplement. What else can I do? I can't take any more prednisilone because that's probably what caused me to have a hip replacement last year (the bones had completely died). I know the treatment means that the healing process takes longer but I've also had a crook back (initially a bulged disc, then a pulled muscle) for 3 months now - standing or walking for more than a few minutes is painful and hence I've had to stop teaching. Also recovering from a broken ankle too (that took ages to heal too - the wound itself weeped for 5 months) and going to rehab for hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. Yep - hormone treatment is not for the faint-hearted. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to manage the pain?
Trigger Finger/Thumb exercises
I've found a Youtube presentation that explains how Trigger Finger/Thumb occurs & some rubbing & exercises that may help it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0FfMzemLnU The info from the 2min 20sec mark is more about locating the nodule at the base of the thumb/finger that is restricting the tendon from working smoothly - and how deep tissue massage may help to help break down the scar tissue. This is very similar to what my husband has done in the past when he gets a running injury - he will give deep massage to the muscle, to 'free it up'. I found that I have quite a BIG nodule at the base of my left thumb - it is much smaller on my right thumb. I started the rubbing of the nodule quite aggressively yesterday & I am surprised to say that it already feels 'freer' today! I still can't bend the thumb tho the pain is less (the magic oil may also be helping here too!) - so I am stretching it & forcing it to bend as well, to try & free it up more. Good luck - it is definitely worth a try!
Extending Aromatase Inhibitor Treatment for 5 More Years No Better Than 2 More Years
A new study came out in December 2017 saying extending the use of Aromatase Inhibitors longer than the initial 5 + 2 years (7 in total) is of no benefit. 👏👏👏. A friend who was on Femara was told by her oncologist to cease it and she had only been on the medication for 6 years in total. Her oncologist claimed further research has shown that 5 years is sufficient protection. I am on Arimidex so am hoping when I visit my oncologist next year she will tell me I can cease the medication. The last time I visited she hinted that she wanted me to keep on it for a further 5 years but in light of this new research, I’m hopeful that she will have changed her mind. However, I can’t find further research than the December 2017 report. Has anyone else been told by their oncologist to cease their Aromatase Inhibitor after five years?
My first Gyno visit. What happens?
Hi ladies I have to see a gynocologist today to sort out my endometrium polyp - good times - and I have never been to one before. Shameful I know. At my age I should know better *hides under blanket* What happens when you first go in and meet the gyno? Is it a quick hello and then you get probed and prodded? Or is the first appt just talking? I am scared of anything creepy going on because I have no other experience with gynocologists and nothing to compare this to. Please tell me rational stuff that wont feed my anxiety :D
Letrazole
This is the hormone blocker my oncologist has suggested he will be putting me on 4 weeks after I finish radiation. I need to have a blood test to confirm my ovaries are no longer active (i went through an early menopause 10 years ago) and also a dexa scan to check my bone density first. Has anyone here been on Letrazole or are on it now? Thanks in advance. CatAnti-werewolf pep talk?
Hello lovely ladies! Calling for a pep talk! I'm about to start taking my tamoxifen for the first time. It feels like a big step - such a long-term change / commitment (10 yrs+). Aside from the 'no going back' aspect, it's the drop in oestrogen that freaks me out. Being peri-menopausal I was already getting those signs - like growing a goatee :o dry skin, monthly migraines, etc etc. Now that my lady hormones with take another steep dive - what the hell kind of werewolf am I going to turn into?! I'm single and, while I don't need the validation of a man, it will be nice if they don't actually scream and run away. Particularly under a romantic full moon!
