should I be seeign the onco while on Anastrozole?

Hi. I think it varies from area to area. I had a small screening detected IDC and lumpectomy in December 21 with node biopsy. As node and margins were clear I moved to radiotherapy beginning of Feb then discharged beginning of March on patient led follow up. I started Anastrozole immediately after surgery. I only saw the oncology dept once! 

I only have a yearly mammogram scheduled but have open access to the Breast Unit for the next 4.5yrs. I have an email address and phone number and they have been very responsive when I followed up about the Moving On course. I am having joint pain with the anastrazole and can recontact the unit to ask for a medication review with the BC nurse if I want to 

Xxx

Hi there,

thanks so much for your reply.  I also had the jiont pain but that is mostly gone now.  Just the brain fog..  I think I will contact the breast unit and see what they suggest.  Much appreciated. good luck xx

Hi Barbara 

Good to hear your joint pain lessened. I'm going to hang on in there and hope mine does the same!  I find acupuncture helps plus being further along physical recovery wise as I find its been worse when I'm tired 

Hope your brain fog improves ! 

Xx

I think I would speak to your GP x

I think that follow up consultations do vary from area to area and also depending on the original diagnosis. I see both my oncologist and surgeon every six months which is both comforting and concerning. I would suggest you contact your BCN with your concerns. My understanding is that we always have access to the BCN. 

Hi ! I too finished treatment in July 2020 ( tho am still waiting for reconstruction) and am doing grand. I am on letrozole , and have joint pains , that get better as the day go by , and a bit of brain fog and fatigue . I haven’t seen my oncologist since finishing treatment , ( I suppose because the tumour has gone) but can contact my BCN if I have any queries , Please  don’t stop taking your anastrozole , contact yourBCN , or gp , there are various types of hormone inhibitors out there and you may just need a change of meds

I know what you mean about feeling abandoned , we have  so much input initially, , then once treatment is finished , and we get on with our lives again , ,which is really great , as time goes by, the enormity of what we have been through  , and wee insecurities can  creep into your mind. We and everyone around us gave a big sigh of relief when treatment went well ,and everything went back to normal , however cancer stays in the back of our minds , and the side effects of the surgery and treatment we have had and drugs we need to take  are a constant reminder , But support is there, phone your Breat cancer nurse , or contact the unit you were treated in ,explain how you’re feeling and they will help.

hope this helps , 

 night night️

that is a lovely reply, thank you.  I had a bad night last night with fevers, and I suddenly realised that my current state might very well be because I had a Zpmeta infusion last Friday, and possibly my enhanced fatigue and mental fatigue were due to that.  I am treating myself to tea and toast in bed and will see how things go next week. 

It's true, I jjust (like all of us) want to put it all behind me but it is important to finish the treatement. xx

Hi, Zometa gives me flu like side effects and makes me very fatigued and I think that’s not unusual. It might be worth giving it a few days to see how you are. And you mention a new job, maybe that's draining a bit more energy than usual as well.  Good luck 

Hi again, I also have zomata infusions and have to take the rest of the week off sick because of flu like symptoms and increased bone and joint pain.thus helps me recover quicker... maybe this would help you! 

Take care and have a lovely Sunday!