Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello Christine I agree that after doing 10 years of tamoxifen and anastrozole that it isn't easy but oestrogen receptor cells are also found in fat tissue throughout our bodies particularly around our middles so oestrogen is made there as well as ovaries which is why hormone therapy is important.I also have no breasts and also considered not taking the dreaded pills until I was reminded of that fact. Best wishes Elaine      and ti's was one in our bodies ... View more

Hello BJ My diagnosis was 12 years ago and Allred score( oestrogen positivity) was 3 out of 8 like yours.If you look this up it can be interpreted that Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors such as letrozole can give up to 20 or 30% protection but it is a bit of a grey area and believe me I did a lot of research. I did therefore complete 10 years of hormone therapy. I run walk dogs and swim and exercise did help minimimise the side effects although it wasn't easy at times! Best Wishes  Elaine  Ps I was 54 when diagnosed         ... View more

Hello Carol May I ask whether you are taking tamoxifen, letrozole,or anastrozole? These meds can cause taste disturbances as they deplete oestrogen which can have an effect on the whole digestive process including sense of taste and smell. I took these meds for 10 years and gradually got used to it as my brain started to accept the effect as "normal". I had seen a consultant in the relevant department and although I didn't believe him at the time I did adjust and lack of extreme focus on the issue helped.I  know this seems like cold comfort you will get used to it Best Wishes Elaine       ... View more

Hello Simi7 I had a very similar diagnosis 11 years ago - dcis right breast 20mm plus 4mm invasive ductal her2pos grade 3 and slight oestrogen positivity.  I had mastectomy as small breasted and  hormone therapy tamoxifen and then anastrozole.  Two years after diagnosis I had a long discussion about my fears that I had been undertreated but was reassured that treatment was standard if tumour was under 5mm with no lymph node involvement or vascular permeation. It took a while to get my head round it but I'm still here and cancer free as far as I know. Don't be afraid to ask the onc as many questions as you want and need. Let me know how you get on Best Wishes Elaine x     ... View more

Hi GIJaneH I have just completed 10 years of hormone therapy and was told that Nice guidelines don't recommend more than 10 years so I was intrigued by you continuing after 10 years-did they say why you are continuing? Best Wishes  Elaine    ... View more

Hello Linda I have taken tamoxifen and then anastrozole for almost 10 years and every few months I get a really bitter taste in the mouth and indigestion which lasts about a week I have been told it is a feature of a severe lack of oestrogen side effect of all hormone therapies. Unpleasant but not dangerous and you do get used to it.It does not prevent me from doing the things I  like such as gym  swim etc. Best Wishes Elaine x   ... View more

Hi sue In 2010 I had single mx for grade 3 her2 idc only 4mm but I requested mx. I then had to wait for 11 months for 2nd mx as they were reluctant and I had to have a psychologist report .10 years on I have never regretted my decision and am perfectly happy living flat although I could have had reconstruction.My breasts were only a b cup so not visually much different. I am now 65 and run bike swim or gym most days. Go with your instincts as we usually know our bodies and what's right for us. Best wishes Elaine x   ... View more

Hi Pat You may have no SEs from statins if you are active.I swim, cycle , and run and have no problems with anasty or simvastatin . I also take Q10 supplements which are often recommended even by GPs to counterbalance any muscular effects of statins Best Wishes Elaine x ... View more

Hi MM Raised cholesterol levels are a listed SE of anastrozole unfortunately. I have been taking it for 4 years and my levels rose from 4.3 to 6.5. I now take a low dose statin and levels have returned to normal and it seems impossible to reverse it by diet and exercise.Like you I am fit and run 5k daily etc. I was reluctant to take another med to address the problem but have had no SES from the lowest dose statin so maybe try it. Best Wishes Elaine x ... View more

Hello MM I have had Accord anastrozole for 5 years and found it the best of a bad bunch-have been on hormone therapy for 9 and a half years so have tried most of them! Best Wishes xxx   ... View more

Hi Thurnefi I take anastrozole and my excellent pharmacist actually phoned me before I even put in my repeat request and was very apologetic but was adamant that Accord was not available. I have agreed to try Niche brand which was advised as being a close match and the coatings and fillers are identical to Accord.I have taken it for 12 days with a little increase in hot flushes But not significant. I have been taking Accord for 9 years so was concerned. It may be worth contacting Accord manufacturer to find out what the problem  is. Best Wishes x       ... View more

Hello Drida   I recently had a bone scan and was also told that the result would not be known by the breast care nurse until the radiologist report at the MDT meeting but she did ring me after the meeting at 6 30 pm with the result Will keep all digits crossed for you and sending hugs Elaine x           ... View more

Ha Ha Jan My mother's name was Janet X   ... View more

Hi Jan   There are lots of anastrozole brands and I have tried several as I  have taken it for 4 years. Personally I  find the Accord brand kindest and it allows me to run swim and gym which are all vitally important to my continuing sanity lol! Teva seems popular although it made me anxious and Sandoz is good and possibly similar to the original non generic Arimidex I asked the pharmacist to note Accord on the system and so far they  get it every time   Good Luck and Best Wishes Elaine x       ... View more

Please Strawberry Not down the toilet-there are enough chemicals in our water Hand them in to a pharmacy Best wishes Lainey x         ... View more

Hello Happyboobs I take anastrozole which is very like letrazole and my cholesterol shot up from 4 to 6.3.I had a fasting blood test which showed HDL good cholesterol was good and triglycerides good but GP still recommended statins so I take 20mg simvastatin. I insisted on starting with a low dose and after 3 months a further blood test showed cholesterol now back to 4.2 so quick result.I have no side effects at all so do insist on trying the low dose first Best Wishes Lainey x   ... View more

Hello Jaybro I have taken anastrozole for 3 and a half years and have not had any nausea-it is a listed possible side effect not particularly common I take mine without food but some users of the forum suggest taking it with food Best Wishes Elaine   ... View more

Hi Chick I havnt posted for a while but your but cheeks swaying in the wind had me spluttering tea and howling with laughter! Also know what you mean about visible thongs-same at my gym and the male instructors look most uncomfortable some times lol! Best Wishes and keep the funnies coming Looney Lainey         ... View more

Hi lalalottier I too have exactly the same patches along contact areas like knicker line and also bra line This really  freaked me as I  also Google d skin met images and have had bilateral  mastectomy  so a couple of patches are along scar line which particularly scared me! I have been told it is contact  dermatitis -eczema- exacerbated  in my case by the effects of harsh chemical used in swimming pools as I  am a keen swimmer and swimsuit rubbed the skin So try not to worry and keep using heavy  moisturisers such as cetraben twice daily Stay strong and best wishes for the future   Elaine x ... View more

Hi   I don't want to muddy the waters but I  think that samples of the tumour are kept for 10 years if you want something investigated   Best Wishes x ... View more