Medicines for breast cancer

[tete1]

I am having a really hard time with side effects for these drugs given for stage 1 ++- breast cancer. Wondering if I am the only one that wants to stop. My oncologist wants me on it for 5+ years...

[Mariannem]

What medication are you on? Hard to comment without knowing. I also had Stage 1 breast cancer nine years ago. At the 5 year mark I was diagnosed with Stage 4. Unfortunately, with breast cancer this is more common than you think. When I was diagnosed with Stage 1 nine years ago, I begged for chemo after surgery and then tamoxifen for 5 years. I was told that I was low risk for reoccurrence and it was not indicated. Therefore, I just had surgery. Unfortunately, I became one of the stats of recurring with Stage 4.

[tete1 in reply to Mariannem]

Oh Mariannem..I am so sorry to hear that how are you doing ? I am taken Femera now but going on something else when I see the oncologist next Friday.

[Mariannem in reply to tete1]

Yes Femara ( letrozole) is hard to tolerate with joint/muscle aches and pains. In addition to weight gain. I tolerated it for a year then switched to exemastane. The joint/muscle pain was more tolerable. I eventually progressed and I now resistant to treatment with aromatase inhibitors. One of the best things for the joint/muscle pain is exercise. It does help. I started with Yoga. Good luck with your new treatment plan.

[tete1 in reply to Mariannem]

Thank you...I believe that is my next treatment plan they did say the chemicals were slightly different. Best of luck to you.

[jarmaghan in reply to Mariannem]

Wow, would really like to know more about your situation. I originally was diagnosed in 2009 with stage 2A, also with low reoccurrence. Underwent lumpectomy and radiation along with anti-estrogen treatment- arimidex and aromasin. Bone, muscle, and joint pain at that time; however, was off treatment for 23 months and progression off these symptoms never softened. 2016, after 17 months of issues, diagnosed with Stage 4 metastases to small intestine. Now on Ibrance and Faslodex...pain continues to worsen, as well as headaches and hot flashes. If you could share your experiences I would seriously appreciate it. Thanks!

[duchess__of_peru in reply to Mariannem]

Ok I have to tell you about my mother-in-law.All but one of her sisters died of breast cancer. She was one of ten children. They tried everything the USA had. So when my mother-in-law found out she had it. (We always thought alike) she put ice bags on her breast and underarms. Never drew attention to it. Just sat the ice bag aside if someone came in

Everybody stayed in her home for ,"treatments" at the medical center.

I don't remember her age but she was close to 90 when she departed this life. Her name was Julia Houston. You know in the book of Job in the Bible God told Job the way to cure himself was in his own right hand. She was a remarkable lady, undeniably. And she was a warrior.

[rminnick]

Hi there. I have also been on Femara but have since switched to Faslodex. When I was on the Femara, I was lucky enough to not have too many side effects other than the hot flashes and mild joint pain, but everyone is different and I'm sorry you're experiencing issues. I agree that yoga is a wonderful help, and I also was told to take glucosamine chondroiten (sp?) to help with the joint pain. I would ask your doctor if there are any recommendations for ways to help ease your symptoms. Best of luck to you with your treatment plan.

[tete1]

Thank you for your recommendations I will certainly try some form of exercise once I can get this sickly feeling out of me. Best of luck to you as well.