Starting/declining hormone therapy Nov, Dec, Jan 2018
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Dani- Ugh it is such a pet peeve of mine when doctors deny or minimize SE, so frustrating that they say that right odf the bat. I started on 10mg of Tamoxifen on the 15th of January and it well. I had some mild joint pain and a bit of upset stomach that went away. Last week I accidentally took the 20mg so thought I would stick with that, but after 2 days I went back to the 10mg. The night sweats/hotflashes were way worse on the 20mg. I am still doing readiation and decided that I just can't handle the 20 yet. I will go to 20mg after RADS ends mid March.
Woke- I am so sorry you are in pain. It's miserable when it's your back. I had lumbar surgery in 2017 and it made my life soooooo much better. I hope you get some relief from the SE.
I normally get horrible migraines, but I just realized I haven't really had them lately! Maybe the Tamoxifen is helping them?
Salamandra- I have been on protonix for my acid reflux for years and I forget I have because the medication works so well. Since radiation I have been up at night with heartburn. I am alos on Tamoxifen so maybe it's that? For some reason I really thing it's the radiation. I read somewhere that it hits close to your esophogus
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Salamandra and HPFULL ,if the RO says that radiation doesn't cause heartburn and the MO says that tamoxifen doesn't cause it, have they ever considered that the combination of both treatments at the same time could??
WokeWoke, you've been in this fight for a long time. Stay strong and let's hope the doctors can figure out what is wrong and do something to relieve your horrible pain. Take Care, sister.
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Hi Dani - I'm still on half does (10mg) which I started on Jan. 16th so I'm almost 3 weeks into it now. My plan is one full month at 10mg, and then increase to 20mg. Although I may do every other day like purplecat, haven't decided yet. Also haven't decided if I want to take a baby aspirin, which my Dad recommends and my MO said was OK, once I increase to 20mg to help avoid the blood clot risk. So far, I've been fine on 10mg without having to take anything to counter SEs, my plan is the less pills I have to take, the better. I would take magnesium if I needed it, that's a 'back pocket' thing for me right now, but I actually have not had any trouble sleeping with tamoxifen... opposite actually, I sleep better on it! I take it at 8pm, who knows, maybe it makes me exhausted by around 10:30pm, but honestly that's OK with me. Sleep is supposed to help us heal.
rljes - Those sound like severe SEs! Is there a chance you can switch to tamoxifen? I know one lady who was post-menopausal and started with AIs but SEs were so severe that she switched to tamoxifen even though she's post-menopausal, and she's doing so much better on tamoxfen. She also takes baby aspirin daily.
HPFULL and sugarmaple - so glad my post was helpful, we're all going through emotional ups an downs and its allowed! And yes, home-baked bread and other recipes is our new obsession now too.
Ingerp, LPlibarygirl - I didn't eat bread for 6 months until my husband baked me that loaf and now I'm addicted again. Is that a good thing or bad thing that I can eat bread again?
Jaboo, hapa, InnaB, Ingerp, GreenHarbor, wanderweg - happy to echo the shoutout to our amazing husbands! Wanderweg you're not alone, I was married just 3 years when all this hit, and I have a friend who was married for a year and this happened (although in her case it was super early so she just needed lumpectomy and radiation, no chemo or hormone therapy). At first I was thinking really? We only got to enjoy 3 carefree years together and then this happened? But now I've changed my outlook to - well if this had to happen, thank goodness it did when I have my husband to be my rock!
salamandra, shewra, egregious, wokewoke - hope the SEs start to lessen for you. I wish I could offer some solution.
Sorry I couldn't chime in earlier but the work week was busy and the weekend flew by between laundry, paperwork, and my sis in town! Plus I'm konking out around 10:30pm now so that makes the days of this former night owl way shorter. You can see Domino is helping me with the laundry and Tucker is helping out with paperwork, what a good paw family LOL.
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Hey Pebbles, thanks for the Good Doggie pictures and your kind wishes!
SE's are gradually lifting. I've been ramping up on the AI/arimidex super slow over the last two weeks. By Friday my plan is to be on the full pill every day. This is... how shall I put this... possibly not the exact starting plan my doctors had in mind. But it's working for me. I did make sure to ask the pharmacist if it was ok to split this particular pill, and she looked it up and said ok.
SE's for my arimidex have been upset stomach, that gets better day by day, a strong headache in the back of my head, which responds pretty well to a cold pack, and a general feeling of heaviness.
Feeling like I've dodged a bullet on some of the worse symptoms. At 67 I'm already old and creaky, so maybe I'm just used to stiff joints upon waking and needing to stretch and move. This should take my chance of recurrence to about 1%. If I get it then, at least I will have done everything possible to prevent it. I have all but given up drinking wine --- really, really hard.
Am trying to stay healthy and keep going so I can keep giving my family unsolicited advice for many years to come.
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Domino and Tucker always brighten my day!!
HPFLL, that is so interesting that it's similar for you.
I think whenever I hear back from the gastro doctor about the biopsies they did, I'll ask them to be in touch directly with my RO to get the plans for my radiation so *they* can decide whether it could have hit my esophagus. I really do hope it's the radiation if that means it will get better by itself over time. Because the impact on sleep just SUCKS. If they come back with nothing, I'll go back to my medical oncologist and ask her about lowering my tamoxifen dose for a while to see if it makes a difference.
I've been going through all of this single. In a way it's pretty empowering to see that I've built a life and friendships that I could handle this on my own! And I'm sure in some ways it's simpler to only have to worry about me (and my cat). But I hope some day to find a relationship where we can be each other's rocks!
Sunday, even after my endoscopy Saturday, I actually did every single thing on my to do list. It has been a long long long time since I could say that. It felt very good!
And tomorrow is a school holiday here, so it feels like Friday come early
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Hi WokeWoke - I hope you find relief.
I am having the worst hot flashes. Heat off/ Windows wide open (52 degrees out) . I started OXYBUTYNIN today. (My Pharm MO prescribed for hot flashes) Since its mainly prescribed for bladder control, there is no information for HOT FLASHES. Ice Packs are my friends. Even my Urologist has never heard of Oxybutynin for hot flashes - I told her about CLARITIN for bone pain during chemo - she hasn't hear of this. You would think all the dr's would talk.
Same SE's as egregious.(headaches and heavy legs) plus I have sore throat. I also started CLARITIN, and taking Maxalt for the headaches because If I don't catch them in time, they develop into Migraines.
Speaking of Migraines - HPFULL - I have chronic migraines // except during Chemo - Not a one! but they are coming back with a vengeance. There is a new Migraine prevention on the market called EMGALITY and according to the news, its FREE for the first year. Thanks for the info re acid reflux which I now have - you said PROTONIX helps you - I'll look that one up. I take Omeprazole, tums & Pepto Bismal.My fingernnails used to be hard as nails - now they are soft and brittle. But I think it has more to do with the Herceptin. They were like this before I started taking Arimidex on Jan 20th and I've been off chemo for almost a year. So what else could it be?
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Hi Egregious - no problem! I love your attitude BTW, I'm also doing everything I can to bring my risk of recurrence down to single digits and keep trekking on with no regrets (and hopefully minimal SEs) no matter what happens. LOL re: unsolicited advice to the family.
Salamandra - I'm a big believer in persevering because you never know what's around the corner. I met my husband at 38 when I'd basically figured it was going to be me and the paws but better to be on my own than with the wrong person (insert stories about ex-boyfriend here). And it's so interesting but when I found my peace with that, around the corner was my soul mate and here we are with our paw family now.
I think you have the right idea, isolate one or the other on rds vs tamoxifen to figure out what's causing the SEs. I think that's part of why my radiologist didn't want me to take tamoxifen during rads even though the oncologist was all for it.
Rljes I keep wondering with everything you're going through whether you can switch from the AI to tamoxifen? I forget if you posted why that wouldn't be an option... or is it one? Might be worth asking your onc if SEs are untolerable? As mentioned I know of someone who had a horrible time on the AI and switched to tamoxifen and is doing great now.
All - the half hour moderate workout and dance-a-thon is still going on only now just before I take tamoxifen instead of after. Then my husband and I cook dinner which I have with tamoxifen and Tucker and Domino get most excited - pic taken fresh from a couple hours ago! They are watching me make some scrambled eggs with veggies and yes they got some bites.
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Hi, everybody, I am glad now that I posted that rant about my changes and my poor husband. I like to read all your stories of helpfull rocks in your life. DH trully is my rock, we met some 20 years ago, during my high school and started dating about a month later.
Salamandra, I think that really is empowering, going through this single. You know your strenghts now!
Any cat pictures, please?
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egregious--just re: wine, I drank it daily for decades. I started cutting back about 2.5 years ago as part of a weight loss plan. *Man* was that tough. It was just such a pleasant end to my day. What really helped me was not to attempt to cut it out completely. My rule was I only drank when we were out or when we were entertaining. It did help to always know when a "drink day" was coming up (like--oh! we're going out a week from Saturday so I'll have a drink then). I also drink on vacation--every day. Once you get over the *habit* of it (hubs will often sit down with bubble water when he's trying to cut back), it's not so bad. I really don't miss it (much!) any more.
Best of luck to all of you ramping up. I really didn't notice much (any?) change when I went from every other day to every day. Here's to mild SEs!!
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rljes- Thank you for the info on the new preventative for migraine. I did talk to my neurologist about it. She agreed with me trying to go off the elavil and see how I do. She said if I fail being off the preventative we could discuss the Emgality but would need my MO's permission. Fingers crossed!
Salamndra- Way to rock that to do list!!!! I really hope they find a solution for you! That is a good idea for them to consult with the RO, you are doing a great job advocating for yourself. I also wanted to say I understand what you are saying about going through this single. I am in the same boat. I too had moments where I was proud of myself and thankful for my amazing group of friends. Just don't know how dating would go now that I am slightly uneven and missing a breast!
Pebbles- As always thanks for the pics of those two floofy cuties! Great job on the moderate work out/ dance party. I am still thinking about getting myself to yoga, LOL.
Thanks for sharing how you all have done the slow start. I admit I did not share that with my MO but it seems like that is the way to go to possiblt minimize the SE's. I had it in my head that I start on the 7th but looking at my calendar it is tomorrow! I also have a follow up with my BS!
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Hey JaBoo...Here’s some cat photos for you: Maya, my tortie-girl...and Iago, my black cat love.
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Hi I am new to this my double mastectomy for invasive breast cancer was Dec 2018. I was left in so much pain agony really some of my muscle was taken. It’s Feb 2019, I still have two large open wounds on both sides still in pain but eating exercising as much as I am able. I was recommended for hormonal treatment , but onco said I was not a candidate because. Of osteoporosis and current spinal fractures. I would have refused it anyway, I had no idea that the surgery was going to end up like this with open wounds I’m thin so I guess it just broke open. I use prayer and meditation and I’m at peace with no more treatment. I’m very tired mood swings and no one in my family wants to hear about my cancer anymore so without the spiritual aspect I would be totally alone. I still feel hopeful that I am eating right exercising and prayer. My body just cannot go through anything else at this time. I support everyone breast cancer journey I find no two are alike. It’s a very tough road. My plastic surgeon said that the wounds are healing slowly they are no longer infected and he gave me a special cream to help . I must say that through this experience my plastic surgeon has been the most positive and compassionate. I have expanders but they are not filled until I’m healed. I believe adjuvant therapy is very personal. God bless everyone on this journey and thanks for listening
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Sugarmaple, thanks so much, your felines are wonderfull!! ❤️ This really did help my hormones, such beauties can reduce any stress! We lost our master owner of our house+garden to old age during my chemo. It was quite emotional for me, not to mention the kids, since they knew him their entire lives as our big master cat. I enjoy cat pictures so much now, dreaming about a cat to enter our house again...
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Welcome, NewMeBonnie! We're glad you've joined us here, and hope you find this to be a supportive place.
The Mods
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Hi,
I'm looking to see what others in similar situations to my own have chosen to do about chemotherapy and why you made that choice. I'm 48 1/2 years old with stage 1A ER and PR positive, HER2 negative ductal carcinoma. I chose to be aggressive and have both breasts removed due to having very dense breast tissue which did not reveal my tumor on mammogram alone. I'm very happy with that decision as my collateral breast analysis post surgery revealed precancerous cells (whew!). I've been advised to have hormone suppressant therapy for at least five years once I begin--thankful for personal stories on this forum. Today marks three weeks since my surgery.
Two days ago my Oncotype DX score came back at 19. I've done a tremendous amount of reading to try to be as informed as I can be prior to meeting with an oncologist about my treatment options. My surgeon, who is wonderful, said if my Oncotype came back above 16, I should have chemotherapy as well as the hormone suppression. In looking at the risks associated with chemo, I'm not sure where I stand. I'd love to know more from women who had similar circumstances. I promised my children and husband I'd be aggressive in treating this beast, but I don't want to be foolish about increasing other health risks for what I've been told is a 1-2% decrease in recurrance risk.
Thanks for your thoughts!
JenS48
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Dear NewMeBonnie,
Gentle hug for you! You've been through something really terrible. Hope you are starting to see some healing and a possibility of relief.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing. We will walk with you.
Hey JenS48,
Welcome to the forum! Hope you are moving through all this ok. It's good to share.
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NewMeBonnie and JenS48, welcome! This thread has a great group of women, each working hard to find her own path. Despite our different choices, there is great support, affection and respect here. NewMeBonnie, I hope your healing continues. Glad to hear your plastic surgeon has been compassionate. JenS, I also had stage 1A cancer, ER+/PR+/HER2-. However, my final pathology results showed my tumor was grade 1 and had tubular features, making it less aggressive; I didn't even have an Oncotype done. I'm sure others here have faced a similar choice and will chime in. Sending you each a gentle hug!
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JenS48, my oncotype was 17, which meant NO chemo. I think 18-25 used to be the iffy range, but it's been refined, I think. Do a search for TaylorX or TailorX (can't remember the spelling), the name of the most recent oncotype range study which redefines things.
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Hi JenS48, this is my first (maybe second) post, i've lurked for a loooong time, lol, but I had to reply because my situation is so similar to yours. I was 48 when diagnosed and the tumor did not show on a mammogram either because of my dense tissue. I had a lumpectomy with breast reduction. My oncotype also came in at 19. I was so nervous that my oncologist would suggest chemo, but based on the recent TAILORx study and everything he knows about me and my tumor, he said he doesn't recommend it. I did 4 weeks of radiation (which I just finished) and then he is having me go on Lupron and exemestane. I will probably start those within the next month or so. This is definitely a great support site with a ton of good information
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Hi JenS48, I am on the same journey as you, but I was 56 at DX on 11/2/17. Mammogram did not pick up the turmor due to dense breasts. I elected for BMX also and pathology found precancerous tumor in the second breast. Like you, so glad I made that decision. On January 2, 2018 my oncotype score came back 24. At that time the protocol was administer chemo if oncotype score is above 19. (Those standards changed in June, 2018-see the TailorX study). I wanted to do everything I could to prevent recurrence so I had chemo; Taxotere (docetaxel) and Cytotaxan (cyclophosphamide) X4. IMHO, the risk of gaining 1-2% is not worth it. But certainly if you don't do chemo it is necessary that you stay on the hormone suppression for minimum of 5 years. I also changed my lifestyle to increase my chances of no recurrence: *BMI in line, *no alcohol, *150-200 minutes vigorous exercise/week and *changed my diet to 80% fruits, greens, veggies,especially cruciferous, legumes, nuts, seeds; 20% lean protein, fats.
It is a tough decision - I wish you all the best.
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JenS48 I was 47 when diagnosed (48 now) and seem similar but my Oncotype was 9 thankfully. As everyone has mentioned the new TailorX study says for under 50 a score of 16-20 only gives a 1.6% benefit. If you search Oncotype score the first site that pulls up for me actually has a document for node negative or node positive that you can download that explains everything. Ultimately you need to be good with you decision. I will be doing hormone therapy for 10 years.
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Hi JenS48 - also chiming in as I have (had, it's in the past now I hope) a more aggressive cancer than you and higher oncotype score and I did not need or do chemo. Here's why:
1. My oncotype score was 21. But for me it showed that tamoxifen alone vs. tamoxifen + chemo had the exact same risk of recurrence. So there was actually no benefit for me to do chemo, not even 1%. My oncologist was pushing chemo UNTIL my oncotype score came in, and then he actually said to me that he would "not recommend chemo due to the extra toxicity it would introduce, and for no benefit."
2. I know some women like to do everything they can to beat the cancer. My point of view is that I am doing everything I can, just from an angle of nutrition and exercise, along with the lumpectomy and radiation which I did do.
3. My father is a retired doctor - he was a pediatrician specializing in oncology and hematology, basically treated cancer for kids, among other things. He's a saint FYI, and godfather to so many children whose lives he saved or prolonged. Anyways, he's essentially a chemo doctor - and IF I needed chemo he was going to help ensure it was done in such a fashion that minimized side effects as that's possible. However, when we got the news I did not need chemo, he then confided to me that he was actually concerned about potential long-term damage to my heart and lungs from chemo, so he - a doctor who has a lot of faith in chemo when done right - was relieved that his daughter did not need chemo.
4. I got through a very aggressive radiation very well with minimal if any side effects. When I spoke with my radiologist, he was not too surprised I fared so well as he said I had the odds in my favor due to 3 factors - (1) I'm younger, (2) I have darker skin (tan easily vs. burn) and (3) I did not do chemo. For whatever reason, the radiologist felt that those who did radiation fresh off of chemo had a lot tougher time with radiation side effects.
5. I researched a lot of stories of people who beat cancer naturally. What I found was that, while they all claim to have said no to traditional medicine, most did not say no entirely. Pretty much 95% of them did the surgery - they may have said no to any follow up treatment, but they all had the surgery to remove the cancer. And there are doctors that say surgery is the most critical and curative thing. Prostate cancer they just do the surgery, sometimes radiation, no chemo... my friend had a melanoma that actually recurred and his only treatment is surgery - chemo and hormone therapy is not even on the table for them - and his was a much more aggressive melanoma! But anyways, all these people who said they 'beat cancer naturally' actually did the surgery, and some even did radiation, but what they did have in common in what they said no to was chemo.
That said, there are plenty of women who did chemo and came through just fine. I also know a great story of a friend who went through chemo while pregnant (!), delivered a healthy baby and is flourishing years later. When I thought I needed chemo, I found some great threads from people who sailed through it as well, so it's entirely possible to do chemo and get through it just fine.
Ultimately, you have to weigh your own risk / benefit scenario and make the decision that is right for yourself and feel good about it. I can say that once I chose my path, I had no regrets. This was my personal risk/benefit analysis - it all has to do with your personal stats, comfort level, and how much you are willing to risk the side effects.
NewMeBonnie - echoing the welcome to our thread as well! I promise you there is a light at the end of the tunnel on healing from surgery. It may take time though... and the docs tend to say that we don't know what our breasts will look like until at least 6 months post-surgery.
Dani - thinking of yoga is the first step to getting there! :-D
Ingerp - cheers to mild SEs as well!
mama2tra - hello! As you've probably seen, a lot of us have been doing gradual starts on the AIs or tamoxifen and it seems to be working for us. Best of luck when you start!
Jaboo and Sugarmaple - does this count for a cat photo? This is our darling little Kit Kat who is across the rainbow bridge now, hence why everyone mostly sees just Domino and Tucker. But Kit Kat is always in our hearts, and I always think of her still.
And in honor of how we are all sharing with one another on this thread, here are Domino and Kit Kat showing how sharing is caring.
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Hi Again,
Thank you all for your support and replies. I really wasn't sure asking would help, but I feel grateful I did
. I have read a great deal about the TAILORx study over the past two days--basically everything I can get my hands on. The gist of it is that women under 50 (I'm awfully close to that age) who are ER+/PR+, HER2- with an Oncotype DX score between 16 and 25 COULD benefit from chemotherapy. I've been a very healthy eater my entire adult life, but I could do better. I'm feeling like you L8Blmr--I took a long, brisk walk today. Now that I'm 3 weeks post-op, I'm going full-force for the 4-5 hours of exercise per week. I'm at a healthy weight, but could also do a bit better there, and I know I can find something healthy I like to drink over wine or beer. I feel like making positive life style changes might yield better results than the toxicity of chemotherapy in terms of recurrence.
I will of course see what my MO says and read my full report before making any final decisions. I can't thank you all enough. I wish each of you good health.
NewMeBonnie, I hope you begin to heal properly and find the support you need in your home. I think you may have found a strong support system right here, though. God bless you--all of you.
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Pebbles! Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply to everyone! And Kit Kat might just be the cutest cat-like-dogI’ve ever seen!
Also-your dad sounds super amazing.
Big hugs to you all!
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Hi everyone...thanks for the comments on Vitamin D. I already take 1,000 a day. I'm going to see what my naturopath and primary say. At least I'm in the range!
Jen, welcome. I'm 45 and my oncotype was 20 and I did chemo. Mine showed a 3% benefit (I've since learned that they are all individualized) and you have to take into account that they are all statistics. You also have to take into account that the study was done with tamoxifen. I'm on an AI and doing OS so it's really important to talk to your doctor and get comfortable. My surgeon said I should do it and I told my MO I don't want to look back if something where to come back and wish I'd done more and he said "sign here". That was after he thoroughly explained all pros and cons, but that's where I landed.
Rljes, glad you're doing better.
Salamandra, I'm also having horrible acid reflux, pain in my abdomen this week. Are you better? Did they treat 40mg of prilosec like a big deal?
I'm in Honolulu for a little R&R and work and it ruined my last day of R&R ad work has been rough. It was all around my stomach and back and really, really hurt. I've had it happen before (before BC) but never this bad. I started prilosec on Saturday and have been using Tums also but not much help. I'm better, but still in a lot of pain and have just started eating. I basically did not eat between Sunday and Tuesday. The pain and a little gasiness are the only symptoms. I don't plain the AI/OS. And I'm 3 months out from chemo and a month out from radiation. I don't know if it was just the lack of sleep to get here and then a big meal, which I have not done in a long time. So frigging frustrating. S I see my naturopath on Monday and my primary in a few weeks. I have been so good about eating well and exercising to battle fatigue and now I'm exhausted because I'm doing neither. I have not felt this bad since chemo.
Would greatly appreciate any advice.
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Hello and welcome to everyone who is new to this thread, including those who might still be lurking! Just jump right in. No judgements here.
NewMeBonnie, thinking of you and hoping that you are feeling better today. I hope your family comes to realize that you need their support- and in the meantime you have us!
JenS48 I find even with the best scientific and medical information that the decisions we have to make are so difficult! The surgeon wanted to know lumpectomy or mastectomy, the radiologist wanted to know long treatment or short, the MO wanted to know chemo or no. Today she asked me tamoxifen or AI....geesh! We make a decision, based on what we know and feel, and move on. I opted for no chemo, mostly based on my age. My MO said she would support whatever I chose to do. At my appointment today she asked if I was still okay with my no chemo decision. It was only going to give me a 5% advantage and that didn't seem like a lot to me. Today I had the feeling she was indicating that I made a good decision-without coming right out and saying it.
One question I had for my MO today was one we have talked about here. Why does everyone get the same dosage of tamoxifen or an AI? I asked why the dosage wasn't based on weight or the amount of estrogen in the cancer. My doc said it's based the amount of blood in the body and everyone has about the same amount.
I had a DEXA scan today and it showed that I have osteopenia in the hip area and osteoporosis in the lower back. I was surprised and very disappointed! I told my doctor that in 2017 I walked 500 miles wearing a 13-ish pound backpack across Spain, and before that I spent a couple months at a gym with kettlebells and weights and many more months just walking to prepare for the trip. I thought for sure with all that walking I would be fine. Oh well... The MO said I could take tamoxifen which would be easier on the bones, but probably not as effective since I am PR- or I could take an AI with additional bone medicine. Tigerlily told us about Zometra infusions and that's what my doc mentioned. She felt that an AI would be more effective for me (though not as effective as it would be if I were PR+), but said it was my call. I figured that I would need to treat the osteoporosis anyway so I might as well go with the AI and bone medicine. She sent in a Rx for letrozole and said we would hold off on Zometra until we had a chance to see if I could tolerate the AI.
My Rx will come in the mail and when it does I plan to take half a pill a day, like so many of you are doing. Thanks for the great suggestion.
Salamandra and HPFULL and maybe others...you have written about heartburn. I can now identify! I'm not sure that I even knew what it really was until last night! I was up for 3 hours with it. Yuck. I am sorry for what you are going through. I asked my doc what was going on and she said it was probably caused by taking Naproxen (for frozen shoulder) just before bedtime, instead of with food. I explained that I have been doing it that way for two weeks with no trouble. The doc said it's cumulative and maybe just caught up with me yesterday. I hope that was it and hope that it doesn't happen again.
The cats and dogs make me smile! Thanks for sharing.
Take Care everyone.
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Me again! I spent so much time writing my post that I missed several others that came in before me.
Tigerlily, I am sorry acid reflux is interfering with your trip. I do hope you feel much better. I don't have any good advice. Last night I took Tums, walked, sat in a chair to read (to distract myself), tried mindful breathing while repeating "I know I'm breathing in...", tried kneeling in a chair backwards and leaning over the back of it, tried kneeling on the floor, just standing...oh my. Good luck.
Today I asked about supplements. My MO said to take 1500 mg of calcium and 1000mg of Vitamin D. She said I could try melatonin and magnesium to help me sleep.
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I'm having serious insomnia and I'm 100% certain its from the hormone supression. I've been doing sleep hygiene and 20mg of melatonin and that works about 50% of the time. This is going to be a long five years if I'm not getting any sleep.
One upside of this cancer crap is that I no longer seem to get migraines. I feel so terrible for those of you who are still suffering. I'm not sure if you're on OS/AI or Tamoxifen, but I think the OS is what ended my migraines, as they seemed to revolve around my monthly cycles.
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Love the adorable pics of those fur babies and kitties!
Diane
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Hi all, it's great to see some friendly names on this page that I recognise from the December Rx site. I'm another one who has been learking in the background. After reading all of your stories and doing some research I spoke to my OC about starting on 10mg Tamoxifen for 30 days and then switch to the 20mg - he was supportive of this plan. I took my first pill last Friday, so far so good. Only 1819 pills left to take 😄
I love the support and sharing that occurs here - sending a gentle hug and my thanks to you all.
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