Woohoo .... I signed off with my Onc yesterday
It is nearly 8 years since my lump was discovered in Oct 2017, Biopsy in Dec, Surgery in mid Jan 2018 .... 4 weeks of radiation & just over 7 years of Hormone Suppressing tablets .... and I am now officially FINISHED with my treatment! I have officially been 'signed off' by my Onc! Back in 2018, I originally started with a male Onc - who didn't really have any interest in treating me - his first question was "Well, what are you here for?" (He hadn't even looked at my diagnosis/surgery/Radiation history!) Then he didn't believe me when I told him of my horrible side effects from the first AI that I was put on! So when he went on leave & I was lucky enough to see his Locum (a lovely Sth American Onc.) She immediately changed me to another AI (after a break of a few weeks) and 6 months later, to a third AI, that I then remained on for the next 7 years! I also swapped over to her at that appointment, and have been with her ever since - she was also my husband's Onc! So never be afraid to ask about changing from one AI to another if you are experiencing nasty side effects. And if you don't 'get on' with your Onc .... consider changing them too!!! 😉 It is SUCH a nice feeling! I thought I may become a bit emotional, but I was surprisingly cool, calm & collected!! My Onc even gave me a big hug & sent me on my way, wishing me all the best! She also said to Stay away from the Regional BreastScreen Buses and continue having my yearly mammogram and ultrasound at the facility that I've been attending for over 7 years now .... I have 100% faith in them. Their specialist Breast Cancer Ultrasound operator is the BEST - and I've been able to request her on all my visits so far & will continue to request her on my upcoming scans! hehe, I also had to confess to her that I had started weaning myself off the AIs from about Xmas .... as I was going to WA in May/June for a big Kayak Fishing Adventure ... and I wanted to be totally 'pain free' for that - and she said WELL DONE!! (Technically, I should have stopped taking them after 5 years, but I had requested to stay on a bit longer for the extra 18 months as 'backup'!) At the time, she said there was no medical proof to show that an extra 2 years would either benefit or hinder me - so said I could. So, I was not surprised when she was not at all concerned that I had finished a bit earlier. 🙂 (But I'd like to point out that you REALLY SHOULD discuss any change in taking your meds with your Onc before doing so!) I also left her with some information on the Otis Foundation, to pass on to the local Breast Care Nurse - Otis is a wonderful philanthropic organisation that organises the use of various Holiday Houses (donated by members of the public, many of whom have had family members with BC.) There are 'retreats' (as they are called) all around the country and they are made availa…426ViewsSign in to react to this post19Comments
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