Hi everyone
I haven’t posted on here for a long time - but I visit a lot. I’d be grateful for for a little advice. I had a mastectomy & radiotherapy 2 1/2 yrs ago - grade 2 lobular BC .. no node involvement. I’m back at work. I have an appointment with my oncologist later ... mostly routine but also to discuss the side effects of Anastrozole. I have been on it for two years now & have another 3 years to go. The side effects seem to have settled into joint pain, ultra tired, weight gain and fluctuating mood swings. The joint pain is going through an acute phase atm - legs, feet , elbows and back. It’s so tricky to get up if I’ve been sitting for a while or get in and out of the car. The low mood is irritating as well - I try really hard to be positive bu lately have found it difficult to motivate myself - Let’s not even talk about the weight gain! Last time I went he suggested switching to Tamoxifen, but I am reluctant to do that as the clock would start ticking again on how long to take it for. I take turmeric and glucosime to try to offset some of the pain .. it doesn’t seem to make any difference. I used to be very active - I still try to be and walk a lot, play a bit of tennis and occasionally run but I always pay for it afterward. Any thoughts gratefully received .. I’m finding it more and more difficult to cope with. I just don’t feel like me. I know I’m lucky in many many ways and feel guilty even talking about when others have so much else to deal with - but if anyone’s got any ideas to help alleviate the joint pain and low mood I’d be very grateful - If I can avoid anti depressants I’d rather do that. Or any questions I should be asking my onc today, that would be great ! I don’t think I’m brave enough to stop taking Arimidex .. it’s the best of the brands I’ve tried over the years.
Thanks in advance
