Endone
Is anyone taking Endone (for pain) and what side effects are you experiencing? My Oncologist prescribed me Endone for shoulder blade pain. I didn’t take it because a friend who had hip surgery had hallucinations when she was on it. As it so happened, the pain went away when I had T11 tumour ‘radiated’. That was last July. Now I have pain in my ribs so I got a ‘script from my GP yesterday for Panadeine Forte in case it’s a just a pulled muscle. But if it isn’t and PF doesn’t work (it did when I pulled a muscle last time), I’d like to know what to expect if Oncologist suggests Endone when I see her in two weeks. Naturally if PF kicks in before then I won’t need it.
The Joys of Dexamethasone
Well, the side effects of Dex have truly hit me in the last few days! Less than a week out from my third chemo and I am sick of feeling like a bloated lump who gets home each night with cankles and sock and pant marks embedded into my legs, the low grade nausea when I eat for the last few days, vaguely funny stomach and the muscle weakness is a killer. Used to be just when I exercised and tried to run (not that I can do that now) or walk uphill but in the last few days it has turned into more of a constant. My lymph node removal arm that slightly puffed up when I started chemo now feels more uncomfortable. Feel about 80 years old today. I know there are people that have it way worse than me but just had to have my whinge today!!
Should I be worrying about potential restrictions to medication access?
This thought pecked at me a little last night (because it had only just occurred to me) and then they spoke about it on the news this evening...Will restricted imports impact my access to life-saving drugs? Should I be stockpiling? That sounds so wrong, but I'm a little nervous as I have mets and this drug regime has been so perfect for me...Where can we get advice about this? I cannot even find where my drugs are manufactured. I realise I am catastrophising, which is very unlike me..💊 Update: Changes to Ribociclib (Kisqali) Storage & Packaging
We wanted to share an important update for anyone currently taking ribociclib (Kisqali), a targeted therapy used for HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer (early or advanced), often alongside hormone therapy. 🔄What’s changed? From early May, ribociclib tablets no longer need to be stored in the fridge. They can now be kept at room temperature (below 30°C). 📦During the transition period Some packs will still have the old refrigeration instructions Others will reflect the new room temperature guidance You may notice changes to packaging, including: A longer expiry date (up to 24 months) Different blister pack sizes A new layout showing how many tablets to take each day 💡Why the change? The medication itself has not changed. Updates to manufacturing and packaging now allow the tablets to be stored safely at room temperature. Because of this transition, both “old” (refrigerated) and “new” packs will be in circulation for a while. ✅What do you need to do? Always follow the storage instructions on your specific pack If your pack says to refrigerate, continue to do so until it’s finished Don’t be concerned if packaging looks different, the medicine remains the same Speak to your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns For more information check out the following resources 👉Early breast cancer 👉Metastatic breast cancer As always, we’re here to support you. If you’ve noticed these changes or want to share your experience, please call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 Monday-Friday 9am-5pmBCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications
Six key breast cancer drugs are now more affordable thanks to 60-day prescribing. BCNA is pleased to confirm that six common types of hormone blocking therapies such as letrozole, anastrozole and tamoxifen, amongst others, are now able to be prescribed 60-days at a time, saving consumers time and money. “It is especially important that we work to reduce the cost of hormone blocking therapies for breast cancer as some are required for ten years or more after active treatment finishes,” said BCNA Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services Vicki Durston. “Reducing the ongoing cost of these drugs will start to address financial toxicity and improve equity, especially for those in lower socioeconomic groups who already experience disparities in access to breast cancer care.” BCNA advocated strongly in support of 60-day prescribing last year, alongside other groups such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Read more via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/bcna-welcomes-pharmacy-prescription-changes-for-breast-cancer-medications/ and also refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care information sheet https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/savings-with-60-day-prescriptions_0.pdf
Newbie with pain
Hi, Would appreciate advice on coping with pain continually getting worsening. Diagnosed in Feb this year with small mets in thoracic and lumbar verebrae and since then 1 dose of palliative radiotherapy and monthly denosumab. My concern is how quickly my oral targin and fentanyl patch have had to be increased to cover my pain. Is this normal? Do I have to let go of the fact that you are weak if you need lots of meds and accept it is what it is? Thanks , Lesley
Tamoxifen & Thyroxine
I’ve been on Thyroxine meds (under active thyroid) for years without issues, but now with taking Tamoxifen, it seems things are not the same. Doc wants to monitor me for a couple more months before she changes things. My questions are , anyone out there taking them together? Or should I separate them ? And if separated which should I take in the morning & which in the evening? Doc was not helpful at all.
Beta Blockers may have additional benefit
I’ll try and find more on this but from this morning’s news: Australian researchers have made a major medical breakthrough that could extend the lives of people battling breast cancer. Scientists at Monash University have found that everyday anti-stress drugs, called beta blockers, could slow the spread of the deadly disease in the body
