I’m nearly three years post diagnosis, first was surgery to remove the tumor, then 6 weeks surgery recovery, then radiation. I was very fortunate that my doctor gave me an option of radiation only, or chemo. I choose the radiation only option, and wait to see if cancer returns. I’ve been very lucky not to have had a recurrence. I am adamant about taking my meds though. I credit them playing a large role in remaining cancer free. First after radiation, I was on Anastrozole, what a nightmare! The side effects were unbearable. I had such memory loss from it, that I feared I was sliding into dementia. It was this web site where I learned that there are other women having similar side effects to mine from Anastrozole. My doctor switched me to tomoxifin, and I broke out in hives so severely that I was put on cortisone to get rid of them. My oncologist then switched me to Exemestane and I’ve been on it for about 18 months. It’s not perfect, but it’s an improvement over the others.

After much research, I realized that being on medication that lowers estrogen levels to prevent breast cancer is like going through a heightened menopause. And why not... all these symptoms are just like those we experience during menopause when our estrogen levels naturally drop. I had muscle and bone aches during menopause. I had some irritability because I just didn’t feel like myself. I had mood swings, very happy one minute and upset the next. And yes, many women have some cognitive issues when going through menopause as some of us do taking these medications. So it makes sense that we can have the same problems of not feeling well when we must take medication that lowers our estrogen levels even lower due to being a breast cancer survivor. I’ve learned to put up with the side effects but certainly don’t like them. My cancer was a stage two, it had only spread to two lymph nodes. I’m nearly 3 years post diagnosis and am cancer free. I’m going to ask my oncologist at my upcoming appointment this spring what my chances of recurrence are. I’m hoping that after 3 years the percentage of recurrence is low enough that I can be done with these meds! I want my retirement years to be good ones!

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