Oh god, the oncologist has written me a prescription for anastrozole, wants me to take them immediately...I said no....not until after rads...he said ok....

im absolutely dreading theses innocent looking pills! My lump was was 11mm too...clear margins...no lymph nodes involved....

im also on herceptin every 3 weeks....feels like I am totally out of control of my own body....I wonder how long before we begin to feel more in control? I'm a glass full type person and so can't begin to imagine feeling depressed on these wretched pills! 

Xxxx

Hi

im due to switch to this medication in a couple of months time so thanks for the heads up. Reading your posts I don’t understand why I have not been offered chemo given a grade 2 10mm tumour. Trying to find something on the internet that would tell me but so far seen nothing.

The treatments differ so much don't they? I always wondered why I had to have chemo...onco said it was because I was her2+ and he couldn't rule out a rogue cell, I just thought...well my sentinel node was clear...isn't that a good indication?? 

I hope and pray pray we are ok on the meds...mine are sitting on top of my fridge...evilly cackling and waving at me each time I walk pass them!! Xxx

:cry:Must be the her2+ then as mine was her2-. Must learn to trust my oncologist, keep advising others to do it :)

Lymph node clear is a good sign, the hormone pills can be difficult. I now have more side effects from tamoxifen, stiff/sore joints etc but feel I’m moving out of the frying pan into the fire when I switch. I keep telling myself I have to put up with it so the cancer doesn’t come back. Trying to stay positive.

Hows the chemo?

Hello Ladies,

I really didn’t want to upset anybody with me experience of Anastrozole.  I was looking forward to taking it. I had  looked on nhs Predict version 2.1.  This is what the oncologists use to predict your cancer treatment benefit over 5, 10, 14 years.  When I saw Oncoligist she was using exact chart I had used. Magpiemaggie take a look.   

Marlyn you are made of tough stuff.  I have followed your journey.  Remember everybody reacts differently.  I was just being unrealistic in thinking it would be an answer to all my problems.  I convinced myself it would be.  I also need to remember that the Oncologist has said the symptoms would even out in 3 - 6 months.  Only you will know how it affects you.

For me I have to remember there are so many of us in this C Club and I’m not alone.  

xxxxxx

My onco told me the side effects of anastrozole will settle after 3 months or so (great...3 months of feeling cack) 

yes, was also told ( by my surgeon) if I was her2- chemo would be highly unlikely...ah well....

i am all done with chemo now ( thank goodness) and have the rads to look forward to....I'm relieved my herceptin hasn't affected me ( yet) other than a strange taste in my mouth I feel ok....phew! Had actually convinced myself herceptin would nearly kill me yesterday ( I can be quite dramatic) 

can I ask are you switching from tamoxifen to anastrozole to try and alleviate your side effects? Xx

Hello there, I think it's good to have a good old moan here , I always feel better for it and in a loving way it's a relief to find your not suffering alone.....

you too are strong Hun, we just have to crack on don't we? Everyday is a new day, and we can only hope when we wake up it's going to be a good one.....keep talking....we need to....xxxxx

Glad you coped well with chemo, rads are easy but a little tedious. My oncologist told me side effects would lesson after 6 weeks, been on it 6 months and it’s got worse.

i am now post menopause (I think) so moving me onto new drug. Although I read some stay on tamoxifen for years post menopause so not sure what the thinking behind the switch is. I’ll have a list of questions for oncologist next time we meet.

It’s easy to let thoughts get away some times but you’ve done really well getting through it all.

You haven’t upset anyone, it’s essential we know of others experiences as it widens our knowledge. I checked predict a while ago and it gives me 1% benefit, so will keep taking the meds but if things get any worse I may have to re-evaluate.

Hi ladies,

Just an update on Anastrizole.

Have taken for a month now and it seems to have balanced out.  I take it at night 10pm.  I also go to the gym (which I’ve never really done)  and really walk the treadmill.  The pain, low mood and tummy upsets all have been lots better.

Has anybody had the Zoledronic bone infusion?  I have it coming up 15th June.

Hope everyone is well xxxxx