Letrozole - Is there a light in the darkness?
I'm very, very cautiously expressing hope that things may get better on Letrozole. Some of you may know that I have been one of the unlucky ones to have very severe side effects from the AI. Joint pain, soft tissue pain and injuries have been hugely debilitating for almost the entire time I have been on it (ticked over 2 years at the beginning of August). Well, I hesitantly say this... I got home from work on Thursday, got out of the car and thought, "that's weird - almost no pain". Now this is the time of day that I am usually struggling really badly and hobbling into the house as quickly (joke) as I can to medicate. No need to hurry. I am still feeling that way. And it can't be due to warm weather because it has been freezing here. I am not abandoning the medication that has taken the edge off the pain enough to make it manageable, but I am hoping that I have turned a corner. I have to admit that I'm also in slight state of disbelief and a bit suspicious that things could change so radically. My oncologist said a couple of appointments ago that often after about 12-18 months pain settles down but I think we were both disappointed and resigned that this wasn't happening for me. Given I am on this for at least 8 more years that's no minor obstacle. I realise that it might get bad again but I can now hope that it will also get better and maybe this will also give others hope for the same.
The use of Medicinal Cannabis Oil in Cancer Treatment - WEBINAR next Tues (Aus Time)
The use of Medicinal Cannabis Oil (MCO) in the treatment of Cancer is a much debated topic - yet it is still not readily available to Australians, even tho many countries in the world allow it's use for both quality of life in those with cancer, pain relief & some claim to be NED after using MCO ... many who've used it also rely on it for both stimulation of appetite, pain control and the ability to live your life with some degree of dignity and enjoyment. There are many different strengths in MCO - to deal with mild or chronic pain thru to extreme pain - and discussion with a professional is recommended to determine the strength/dose you require. Usually MCO is taken as a number of drops, under the tongue (sublingual). I've used MCO to help control the aches & pains brought on by AIs .... but it is very difficult to get prescriptions in Australia as many GPs refuse to do them - and as the Oil is not available on the PBS - it is a prohibitive price as well, even if purchased from the chemist using a script! :( - basically, legally, it can cost Hundreds of dollars a month, which is ridiculous, given how easy it is to make the oil if you can source the ingredients. Please read this thread for an interesting insight into MCO by a BCNA member who was an ex Police Superintendent ... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/7766/why-i-support-cannabis-law-reform/p1 If you would like to know more about the use of Medicinal Cannabis Oil in the treatment of Cancer .... register for these! Here is a US Webinar presentation (that will be recorded - tho you need to register to be able to access to recordings) ..... as it is 4am Aussie time!! Watch it at home, at a convenient time. Join Liz Roglan present on a 2-Part Series called Medical Cannabis and Cancer: What You Need to Know . The webinars will focus on the medical, evidence-based, botanical data and research, including a variety of patient case studies, all cited & peer reviewed literature. REGISTER HERE - you can add a question at the time of registration: Part I- Cannabis 101 the Plant & How It Works within Your Body https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6816463220927/WN_jED8sRV1Sk2qOT49AZCHIQ Monday, April 4, 2022 at 10 AM PST | 1 EST (4am Aussie Time!) Part II- Practical Applications in Cancer Care https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5516463230179/WN_CKJkdjmkTiKXVJajSRZmdg Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10 AM PST | 1 EST (4am Aussie Time!)
Kunzea Balm
I wondered if anyone else has tried using the Kunzea Balm to help with painful hands/ joints as a side effect of treatment? I have only been using this for less than a week and can't believe the difference it has.made to the stiffness and soreness in my hands,especially of a morning. I have been massaging it into my hands each night before bed. Hope this might be of some help to anyone else suffering with painful hands/joints. Michele xx
Fibromyalgia and Aromatase Inhibitors
Hey Everyone! I've been on Arimidex for about 14 months now and side effects have been quite debilitating in terms of joint, muscle pain. I came off as recommended for 6 weeks and kept a diary for my Oncologist, I am yet due to see him but the symptoms reduced dramatically. I know there are alot of women who suffer side effects and there are some women who also suffer NONE! I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 14 years ago, as the years went on I forgot all about it and got on with life, lets face it who has time for it right?? My Medical Team said I suffered so badly through chemo due to Fibromyalgia and that for some reason it affects sufferers badly. I didnt think about it as I said I forgot all about it, it doesnt rule my life and I put up with pain. The other alarming thing that has come to light is and why I want to share this is, if you have FIBROMYALGIA any Aromatase Inhibitors such as Arimidex actually make the pain worse. I thought it worth mentioning to anyone else out there who has this and if you are suffering on medication this is most likely why. The answer??? I honestly don't know but will talk to my Oncologist, I know Magnesium is important with Vit D. but since going back on Arimidex the past 2 weeks have been horrific in terms of pain...and finally I worked it out. Melinda xo
