I’ve come to the end of 10 long years of treatment post breast cancer. I had all the usual - surgery followed by chemo followed by radiotherapy. And then, because mine was hormone, related I started on 10 years of hormone suppressants - namely tamoxifen and zoladex. I was 32 when I was diagnosed so that sent me into a brutal and abrupt menopause. And I feel like I’ve never really recovered.
Is there anyone else on here who’s in a similar position? Anyone on hormone suppressants for this long? How’s everyone feeling with it?
I’m off the meds now but nearly a year down the line I still experience chronic fatigue and anxiety most of the time. I really hope that life gets better, or do I need to adjust my expectations and just accept that I’ve been permanently damaged by this experience…?
Really hoping to hear from anyone in a similar position. I feel quite alone with it often. Because I’m so far along from initial diagnosis it’s hard to know where to find support…
I’m sensing you are feeling somewhat understandably “bereft” from finishing all your treatments now, including hormonal? Have lost a prop?
You mention feeling “damaged”. And who wouldn’t feel such after all you’ve been through - only natural. Perhaps more positive and healthy to think “changed”, “altered”, rather than “damaged”. Please Congratulate yourself in having had the strength to get through what you have done, darlin. I too am congratulating you - WHOLEHEARTEDLY. Well done YOU.
A positive from my own BC experience, was that I found I was that much more compassionate, not just to other women going through BC, but anyone with physical or mental difficulties. Where many people steer away from women with no hair, disabled people in wheelchairs, (maybe embarrassed to?), I make a point of saying “Hi, how are you doing” and having a chat.
Congratulations on such a milestone. I am on year 2 of Letrozole so still a way to go. Feeling better on them now but they really take a toll on the body and skin.
sorry to message off topic but I just wondered about your original diagnoses as you have had the same fairly aggressive ovarian suppression/hormone treatment I am being put onto. I have grade 3 IDC in four lymph nodes and I’m just looking for ten years survivors I suppose as I feel so bleak. I’m 39 and just want to see my kids grow up. I hope you don’t mind the message. X