Feel like a 80 year old women

Kathie,

  It is interesting to read your post.  I am 58 and was diagnosed with ER/PR cancer and have decided against chemo as well as the hormone therapy.  It seems that the side effects of the hormone therapy are disregarded by the medical onc community.  I would love to see a study that seriously takes into consideration the real world effects on women.  It seems we need to trade one problem for another.

Hi Kathie... I am 50 and finished chemo May 2011... then had BMX / recon and then started Tamoxifen in Dec 2011 (two years ago). Everyone is different. That is so very true. I also feared the SE of Tamoxifen from stuff I read, and did have some hot flashes and joint stiffness the first month or so, but I am fine now with no SE. The hot flashes actually started and were much worse on chemo. Personally, I think you have gone through a lot so far and certainly don't want to have to repeat any of it, so I suggest you try the hormone therapy. I would give it three months. And if by then you find whatever SE are still there and you can't handle it, at least you know you gave it a good try. None of these drugs are a one size fits all... On Tamoxifen, I did not gain weight, but actually lost weight. I think the "T" had no affect on my weight at all. I go to the gym often, taking Zumba and Bokwa in addition to weight lifting. I believe that one of the best things we can do for ourselves is to get exercise. SE can sometimes be a self-fulling prophecy. Mind over matter girlfriend.

I am new to this blog, but would like to share what helped my mom during her time, which indeed helped her.....for pain and side effects mom used herbs, for side effects and pain we used Astragalus, for energy we had apple cider vinegar with honey  start with a table spoon to 16 to 20 oz of water, and one tablespoon raw honey, stir use a straw if you have one, if not just zip on it till your done.  At least onece a day, it will also help with other issues, with cancer, and highblood pressure, etc.  This is all based on personal use of mom, and I take it now to prevent cancer,  Also, take turmeric, indian spice not good for cancer cells.  Mom took these before chemo, during chemo, at least 2 hrs before your chemo or 2 hrs after, mom one time took it during chemo treatment.  What didn't help mom, was the stress she was under during this time due to family issues, stress in itself is as bad as cancer in My opinion.   Give them a try, you may be surprised.