Finished treatment

The balance between potantial benefit and potential or actual damage can indeed sometimes mean that it is better to stop than continue treatment, which what you describe very much sounds like. Certain types of damage are reversible, so I hope that in time the aches, dry mouth and sweating would go away now that you've stopped the tablets, as well as the nausea, allowing you to feel more like yourself. That, though, does not help with the here and now, but if your doctors are unable to help with these issues perhaps it's time to look into complementary therapies (while keeping the medical team informed if you do choose to try any of it,) or even ask for nutrition advice, just in case.

Hi Terry 

I'm on Anastrozole and also have a dry mouth. I think it's easing a little ( I'm coming up to 2 months) as is I hope the stiffness. 

I am tired but am part through RT so that is contributing. I am finding acupuncture really helpful ..not sure if that's an option for you to consider?

Best wishes x

Hi Terry

You are having a really bad time....its unfortunate that there is no tablet suitable for you...I. have been on Anastrozole for almost 2 months.and the dry mouth is unreal. I bought synthetic saliva from the chemist but its not much good.  The Hygienist has recommended Oralieve products but as I can't source them locally I've ordered them direct. Hopefully coming this week....my hips and hands have just started to bother me. Had to lie down yesterday afternoon with electric blanket on to ease the pain. Had bone scan last Friday.  It appears to be a vicious circle. Give you meds for one thing and it starts something else....I do hope you get comfort from this site. We are all in this together.

Sending hugs

Hi Jurassicgirl, 

I just wondered if you were given any choice over which hormone therapy ? I am expecting to be put on it next week when I have my first Oncologist apt post op (which will be two months by that apt). My FSH score showed I am post menopausal. 

Also wondered how you’re doing with the radiotherapy?

Thanks Mickey xx️

Hi Mickey 

No I wasn't given any choice just given a prescription for anastrozole at my results appointment by the surgeon! I have not had any discussion with oncologist bar a super quick consent discussion with an oncology registra.

I had done some pre research and had decided I would prefer an AI rather than tamoxifen as I am 12yrs post menopausal at 57 and didn't want to have the (v. v.small I understand) risk of endometrial cancer that comes with it and knew that research supported AI use in post menopausal women with proven effectiveness.

I am also used to being post menopausal (bar the 4 yrs I was on HRT) so that was a known quantity for me so to speak and I'm ok with being in that state. Fully appreciate for women who have not yet gone through or who are going through the menopause it may be a very different balancing act and impact. It has to be an individual decision

RT is going OK thank you for asking Physically I'm finding it tiring as I have an hours drive each way and I'm finding the emotional impact of it quite significant. People have surgery for lots of reasons but there's only one reason you have RT and that's impacting I think. Plus it feels very exposing. Everyone is lovely though and its quick once I get there. Some slight skin reaction but nothing major so far. I'm moisturising like mad and also drinking loads which helps I think. 

2 more to go !! Tomorrow is my last one and I cannot wait ..I will cry I know !! 

Hope this helps and that your appointment goes well next week 

Xxx

Thank you Jurassicgirl, really useful to know. I feel we should be involved in the decision making for which hormone therapy and I want to be. 

I’m really pleased that tomorrow is your last one. I’m sure you’ll update the radiotherapy thread with your progress and I look forward to hearing more about it. I expect you will cry, but it’s a good release as we’ve all learnt on the cancer journey. Thank you, I’ll update too - Hugs Mickey xx️