Just introducing myself..

[Meebs]

Hi everyone. My name is Marianne S. I'm 34 and was diagnosed when I was 30. I had a masectomy with 18 nodes removed (all neg). I had chemo and radiation and I am currently taking tamoxifen. I am married with two children. I had reconsrtuctive surgery in Nov and I am currently waiting to have a permanant implant put in, (May 30th). I saw my Onc yesterday I guess everything was o.k. (?) He did however suggest I begin taking something called aromasin, any else on this? I was just wondering what to expect. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to make some friends here. Take Care, Marianne S.

[nancerina]

marianne, what size was your tumor? You've been through so much and you are so young. I'm assuming you were at least stage 2 or more, since you've had chemo, etc. how are you doing on the tamoxifen? Any side effects>?
nancerina

[Meebs]

Hi Nancerina, thanks for replying to my post.
My tumor was 2cm and I believe they discovered another one that 1cm once they were in there. It wasn't in the nodes but it had started towards them and I believe it was in the fatty tissue too. I don't mean to sound vague but my pathology report upsets me so I havn't asked for it, I'm just recalling what I was told but that Feb of 97 so I've probably forgotten some things. I'm sure its also the product of some good old fashioned denial as well. As for the tamox side effects I do have some mood swings and depression but I suppose just having cancer will do that too! I havn't had too much trouble with hot flashes like some women do. Are you taking it as well? How are you doing? Please write back to me, its so nice to hear from other people that are in the same boat (although I wish you wern't). Take Care and get back to me if you can, I hope I answered some Tamox questions for you. Marianne S.

[cjammom]

Hi there,
I am a 4yr. b/c survivor, I had mast. chemo 2 1/2 years on tamox. and one year on aromasin.
First let me say that everyone reacts differently to these meds. I had only minor problems on tamox., and didnt have any problems with aromasin until i was on it for 6months. Aromasin is an AI (aromatose inhibator), as are arimidex and femara. I am considering stopping this medication due to some extreme side effects. I have severe pain in my wrists, knees ankles legs and toes. From what i have read on other b/c boards many women experience the same joint pain with varying degrees of pain. Others have lost bone density, and have raised cholesterol levels. I exercise everyday, have done so for many years, and am now finding it very difficult to do. I have not had a recurrence of cancer and maybe i should be grateful to these drugs for that. On days when the pain isnt so bad, i think i can handle it and then others like today I want to stop.
It is a tough decision for you to make. I am 47 still consider myself young, and wanted to take every possible opportunity to keep myself healthy...I am just not so sure that i have the quality of life I want now.
Maybe this thought will help...remember that if you start any med. and dont like the effect it has on you, you can always try something else or discontinue completely.You may be lucky and have no problems at all.

May you be Blessed with Peace-in your heart and mind!

[cjammom]

oh i forgot, You HAVE to be post menopausal to be on Aromasin.
I got my period back more than a year after finishing chemo, so I had surgically induced menopause (uterus and ovaries both removed) last year...another thing for you to consider.