I was 60 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive her2 positive breast cancer over 2 years ago, so I needed very lengthy treatment.
I live alone, but managed and just focused on the finishing line as you do.
It took 2 lumpectomys before I was cancer free.
I had EC chemotherapy, and then Paclitaxel chemotherapy which had to be stopped before completing the course due to peripheral Neuropathy from the knees down (numbness from nerve damage), which will never improve.
3 weeks of Radiotherapy.
1 year of Herceptin, which ended last December.
I still have 6 monthly infusions of Ibandronic acid on the chemo ward, and i take Anastrozole daily for another 31/2 years.
Last Christmas when the Herceptin ended I looked and felt well (maybe elation that was out if the way), but now I'm not great physically or mentally. Everything is a struggle, and I'm extremely depressed which makes me feel guilty after all the wonderful costly care I received.
I do have Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, so I wasn't great before cancer. I also have some stressful family problems which are upsetting me, and I feel are inconsiderate and selfish on the part of the person causing it.
I went back to see Rheumatologist last week due to fatigue and dreadful pain in my fingers and wrists, and she said I need to be patient as my body has been through such a lot, also she said Anastrazole is known to cause bone pain.
I'm waiting results if blood test for thyroid.
I'm not someone who likes to sit about, and try to keep going but everything is such an effort.
Anyone else gone through this ?
Hi JMay
Will you come and join us on the breast cancer group? (click the green link) and I am sure you will get a lot of ladies on there able to answer your question/ feel the same as you. Anastrozole is removing your happy hormones, so depression is normal as is the bone pain. Not everyone gets it but you will find a wealth of advice re different tablet manufacturers having different coatings and maybe alternatives if it really is too bad for you etc.
If you cut and paste your question into the breast group to save writing it out again.
Kindest wishes,
Hi, I understand your feelings. I am now 66 (just) 
....I have had chemo, lumpectomy and Radiotherapy ... finished active treatment in April this year and was given Letrozole for 5 years! I also suffer with fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue and Ibs. I feel dreadful. It’s like the fibro and cfs has come back with a vengeance. I believe the medication is to blame. I am so stiff, nerve pains and feet and hands so bad. I feel there is no escape from this horror. I cannot offer help to you, I wish I could, but sometimes just knowing someone else understands can help you not feel so alone with it. Xxx
