I hope it goes well. I keep posting in random places. Sorry! I am keen for any thoughts on Anastrozole? I am really weeps since I started taking it. Is it the cancer or the drug? I can’t seem to do anything but weep. Four weeks ago I was a happy working woman.
Hi Anne and all ladies here
Just wanted to say hi - I have posted on another thread but thought I’d join you here. I was diagnosed primary 2011 and secondary may 2017. I have mets to pleura liver and bones treated with chemo currently on letrozole + denosumab injections weekly draining of chest drain.
When did you start anastrazole Anne - I believe it can take a few weeks for side effects to become apparent although everyone is different. It can cause low mood but being diagnosed with cancer is such a traumatic time I’m not surprised you are weepy - I was hysterical at times the first few weeks it was a very dark time but it does lift. Give yourself some time to adjust and talk to those around you be gentle and kind to yourself. Make little plans to do nice things even just a walk and coffee with friends - lovely day here today looks like spring is on its way. ??
Sarah xx
Anne, it’s the cancer diagnosis that’s making you cry. And no wonder! Four weeks is no time at all to get your brain around all this. Sometimes you’ll cry, sometimes you’ll feel better and enjoy life, trust me!
I was on letrozole which is very similar to anastrozole, I didn’t suffer at all except for the hot flushes which improve in time. I was on it for five years and I was fine. Hang on in there! Big hugs.
FF, I can’t believe they wouldn’t give you bone juice! Crazy. I hope you get on ok now you’ve finally got it.
I’m already a big fan of Udderly, or cow cream as I call it! Started using it when on docetaxel, and am now getting through gallons of the stuff. One time I was in hospital for a few days and the doc shook hands to be polite, and then started calling the nurses over to shake hands with me to see how beautifully soft my hands were. Of course the cow cream was in pride of place on the bedside table. Everyone was giggling!
A very challenging day at Christies yesterday. Due to start my eribulin, but a series of errors meant the proper paperwork had not been completed so the drug could not be issued. We were at the hospital all day while they tried to sort everything out, but were then sent home.
I gather its very expensive and only given after 2 failed chemos, so there are tight controls. We have a 4 hour round trip to the hospital, so waiting for the call today to say the drug has arrived and we can go ahead!
Very stressful
Hoping and praying for a result today!!
Hi phoebe
So frustrating and exhausting for you - I really hope you start your treatment today and all goes well.
Take care sarah x
I just don’t seem to be able to stop blaming myself for all this and then I just cry and cry. I feel unworthy of all the kindness and sympathy because I failed to have a mammogram when I was 50 and by the time I found the lump it had spread. Now you all know you may be less sympathetic. I thought I was a responsible person. Sorry ladies I shouldn’t be burdening you with all this!
Aw Anne please don’t blame yourself but this is something I also did - why didn’t I find the lump sooner why didn’t I insist for a scan sooner etc etc guilt is a normal part of accepting our situation. Try not to keep looking back as you will drive yourself nuts. Concentrate on getting through each day on taking care of yourself. There is no way anyone deserves this. Hugs x
Thank you. Good advice x
Will do.
Hi Anne
It’s so easy to blame yourself and early on we all search for reasons 'why"
I was fortunate enough to be picked up on a routine mammogram at 49 but still developed secondaries 4 years later. They were so advanced I suspect the mets had spread early on.
As the others.have said, it’s all part of the shock and adjustment but it’s best to focus on each day and look for the little blessings that come along. I have found the only way to cope is a day at a time!
Yesterday was difficult but it’s gone now. Today I will hopefully be having my first eribulin in the next hour!
Thinking of you Anne
Hugs xx
Thank you. I think I may well be in shock. I’m frightened of the future and spoiling the present with my constant worrying. I’ve never been fat but perhaps a little chubby. Cancer has certainly sorted that out - I’ve worried a stone away! The people on this forum are all so measured and thoughtful in their responses. I suppose at some level we are all trying to understand why this happened to us. No one deserves this and it’s very hard x
I hope your treatment goes well and thank you for thinking of me x
I didn’t get called for a mammogram at 50 as the system was a year behind so at 51 …it was found and had been there for a while …so I can’t blame me but the whole system …
But we can’t go back …have to go forward and deal with it all …
Don’t feel guilty xxxxx???
You are all so kind but I do blame myself. I know I need to move forward. You are all so right x
Anne
I have always been laid back with health …a paracetamol girl when needed ! When I got hip pain …popped paracetamol and thought it old age !!
Even now I don’t always mention things to oncologist that I think are trivial.
My old oncologist has now retired but I always remember her saying. .not all pain is cancer related
Focus on the treatment and going ahead …you were just unlucky with bc.
Hugs
How did you cope? I just can’t seem to cope with my feeling of guilt and worthlessness. I feel I have chosen this wilfully.
I have been diagnosed with primary and secondary at the same time by the way which I feel so ashamed about. It doesn’t seem to happen to anyone else
Anne
There are loads of ladies here that got dx with primary and secondary …you are not alone. How old are you now ? How many mammo appointments did u miss ?
Hugs xx
Hi Anne
Awww I have only just began to pick myself up hun, it’s been about 10 months for me…diagnosed last June, had mastectomy and reconstruction for 6.5cm lobular.
Node neg, had no chemo because onco test came back low.
I’ve suffered so much pyschogicaly since… but I refuse to put myself through of any more…and am intent on enjoying my life xx