So my hormone treatment plan is sorted. Main focus is to remove my ovaries, as I am still in my 40s (just!) and my tumour was very strongly hormone receptor positive. Waiting list here is about 3mths and the oncologist is not happy to leave things be until then, so I will start Zoladex injections in the meantime, to start shutting the ovaries down. Thereafter I will be on Anastrozole and also a biophosphonate (think that is what she called it) to help strengthen my bones.
Quite apprehensive about side effects and I will hit the menopause like a bull at a gate! - but it is what needs to be done to reduce my risk of recurrence.
Useful dietary / supplements advice too. They have advised me to start taking low dose (75mg) aspirin, plus calcium and vit d supplements. They have advised a maximum of 3 units of alcohol per week - so I will be reserving it for birthdays and Christmas from now on. And they want me to take plenty of cardiovascular exercise, which I do already.
Talked it all through with my dad this afternoon as I was getting frustrated at more yet waiting. But as he pointed out, a heck of a lot has happened in the 8 weeks since I was diagnosed, so things are moving forward. Wow, is it only 8 weeks?
Great that you’ve got your hormone treatment plan all sorted. Less good that the menopause is now lurking just around the corner though. It’s obviously not going to be laugh a minute with the very sudden onset of symptoms but obviously anything that in the long run that prevents a recurrence can only be a good thing. You need to see those hot flushes as your friend!!! (No, I’m not really buying that line either ?) xx
Good to hear from you all. Like you Jencat, I am doing what I can to influence the things that are within my control. Have to admit I am.apprehensive about the next op - or more precisely, the instant menopause afterwards! - but there is no other option. So with that perspective, it is a good thing because it reduces my recurrence risk.
xxx
Rosie
Great idea to keep tourself busy until op! Good luck, next stage to recovery!
If you need cheeting up loiok at my Emotuonal and Grateful thread and you will be in stitches!!!(literally speaking)??
Hows Rosie after stictches out? Hopefully more comfortable now and pain eased off.xx
Jencat, how are you coping! You will get tired,so plenty of rest and Im sure you have all your goodies to suck on and raid the fridge if needed at whatever time! I woke up at 4.30am and drinking milk and eating maltesers and Chicken flavoured crisps:)
Jencat I’ve just had my fourth this Friday just gone. So yes, counting down to the last two!
Because my chemo regimen has changed and I now can’t have the docetaxal, my side effects aren’t actually as bad as they were, so aside from tiredness for first week and feeling quite gaggy for a couple of days, I seem to be ok. I have the filgrastim ?! Injections and they give me a very weird throbbing back and some aches in the sternum but I can cope with it.
Also had an appointment with a new onc that specialises in RT- due to start Xmas week! Just plowing on through best I can, want to get the job done!
Pecan
Its good to hear the hole is smaller! Why not nibble on nuts? Hope sleep pattern better now:)
Rosie
Exactly, we just do as they say to get mended! Enjoy your treats! Im quite liking my own company at the moment. Anything loud goes though my head and I just want quiet.xx
Jencat
Plenty of rest is good! Rest whilst you can as it all catches up as we go along.xx
Xena
Hipe RT app goes well and you can get started. I have another op to clear margins b4 Rads so a long journey.xx
I can hardly cope with this act of’ dewomanising’ me - my life long partner is leaving, my tumour is big, which equals mastectomy and it is hormone receptor positive, which means treatment with menopausal side effects nothing left for me whatsoever and it is depressing
Anadan So sorry to hear this I felt like this a few months ago but I sacked my date as I cant be bothered wth men who cannot cope! If they dont stick with you through this and find excuse, well, harsh as it sounds! Get rid!!! We need to concentrate on us now and need positivity and strong peoole around us! You can do this! We can do this!
We are and can be treated and mended! Yes, its a bit of time out of our usual routine but with such advanced treatment nowadays BC is one of the easiest to be treated!
You are not alone! We are all going through the emotions, the stress, learning how to cope, the loss of confidence and self esteem, how to deal with people, family, work and the at the same time coping with treatment and how to make it easier for ourselves!
It takes some time to learn how to cope with all rhese things thrown at us which take each day as it comes and come on here to moan, ran, let out your stress. Talk to your friends, family, join local centres with people in similar situations, find where they do therapies like yoga, mindfulness, breathing exercises! These will help!
Call the helpline on here, MacMillan, speak to your BC nurse and get it all off your chest!
It does get easier! I know ladies with large tumours and they are getting on in life just fine!
nothing left for me whatsoever and it is depressing