Scared Sick

TectonicShift

That is what the data shows. I am always very happy when I have a hot flash!

Shari0707

Thanks guess i will b hoping for that.. Haven't started tamoxifen yet.... Aaahh

clariceak

CindyJ - There are other women on this board who can clearly explain the various nuances of treatment options, but I do know you need to be on an antihormonal.  It doesn't have to be Tamox.  If you go on the other threads devoted to hormone inhibitors you find that the side effects can be quite different if you switch drugs.  I've been on Femera since 2009 and experience mild side effects compared to your experience.  I want to live as long as I can and I believe staying on antihormonals is necessary.

Pure - sorry you are experiencing anxiety over your shoulder.  I found a quote in a recent issue of Cure which might help others who are wondering if their pain is mets or not.

"Vigilance on the part of the patient is appropriate, and part of the discussion to have with your physician post-treatment is what you should be looking for,” he says. Two key words for symptoms are persistent and progressive. “When a cancer comes back, you tend to have the same symptoms day after day in the same place, and they tend to get worse over time.”

CherylinOhio

I also read a study that was done in Europe that stated if women are having hot flashes that is a good thing, means the meds are working. I think it might have something to do with starving the body of estrogen?  Not sure, I dont recall where I found this artcle but since I have hot flashes and sweat at night I guess I am metabolizing the tami. 

CherylinOhio

@Pure, yes this bc crap certainly effin sucks!!  I wake up at night and think "I have bc" and it is like getting hit in the stomach, it never seems to lessen.  Over time I am sure that it will but in the here and now, sometimes I just want to quit my job, convince my onc to write something so I can get disability and stay in bed!!
When I was first dx I remember lying in bed with my husband looking out the window and seeing this big beautiful oak tree and I told him "I Love seeing this tree, so full of leaves and the birds and squirrels in it, I don't want there to come a time when this tree is the last thing I see".  I look at that tree everyday when I get up and think "I am going to beat this crap!!"  I want to see this tree everyday for the next 20 years!!   As hard as it is we must stay positive, I really believe that attitude and postive thinking helps our body.  The mind and body have a powerful connection and though it isn't explored much in western medicine, as not much else but drugs are explored ($$), getting a massage, listening to soothing music or soaking in a tub with a good book, all of these things will help us cope.  My onc prescribed Celexa for me but I don't want to take an anti-depressant, I already take to many meds.  I know it is helpful to others and I say whatever works go for it!!  Take care of yourself, be well and smile!!  I know it's hard to find things to smile about but look around and something will make you laugh!!!