Moving on? Jumping off the cliff!

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Harborwitch
Harborwitch Member Posts: 124
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

The last couple months, while waiting to see my new Onc. were pretty hairy some days.  There were times when the pain from the AI's was so intense that I just wanted to cry.  The fatigue some days was overwhelming.  I was not a truly happy camper.

We went to the new Onc. last Friday - and all I can say is WOW!  He listened, aske relevent questions, and immediately addressed the side effects from the hormone treatment (and explained to my husband that the weight gain is from them - and not to sweat it right now.).  

Now he's trying to get our health insurance to go along with 2 75mg Effexor caps a day.   It is helping with the hot flashes, and I am feeling better.   I'm feeling so much better, in fact, that I decided it was time to take a big leap!

This morning I signed up for a course with the American Personal & Private Chefs' Association!  I am taking the giant leap off the cliff and there is no turning back.  Whooooooeeeeeee!  I have given some thought to working with families with cancer and may really work toward a speciality there - just have to get through the course and get my certification first.  

It's amazing what a new doctor can do.  Thank you Dr. Dighe!!! 

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited December 2007

    Congratulations on your big leap! And on actually being heard by your doctor. And for accepting the help that an anti-depressant can give.

    Nothing's going to stop you now!

    Anne

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  • Harborwitch
    Harborwitch Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2007

    Thank you Anne. 

    Interesting fact is that my old Oncologist said 75mg was as high a dosage as could be given . . . . uh, NO!  Hopefully I'll have the preauth. today!  They really do help at the 150mg dosage - not only the hot flashes but the mind.  Only problem is taking the 2nd one early enough that I can sleep - don't like having to take a whole Ambien every night. 

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited December 2007

    Hooray!  Sounds more like you are flying than jumping! 

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  • celia088
    celia088 Member Posts: 2,570
    edited December 2007

    Harborwitch,

    Good luck to you with this new step you are taking. 

    I just wanted to let you know that your old onc did not have his facts straight--I take 300mg of Effexor daily for depression and it does help with the hot flashes.  I take both of my Effexors in the morning after breakfast and they do not interfere with sleep.  I can't remember for sure, but i think that the maximum dose of Effexor a day is either 300mg or 350 mg.

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited December 2007

    That sounds very encouraging.

    I was just looking at a Betty Crocker cookbook for Cancer Patients at the store. I was surprised at the scope of foods they covered, and how different some special needs are -high fiber, low fiber, acidity concerns...... I think that has the possibility to be very interesting.  

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  • Harborwitch
    Harborwitch Member Posts: 124
    edited December 2007

    Thanks for that info.  I'd much rather take them both at the same time - much easier that way.  Hopefully the health insurance will get off their collective backsides and authorize the script.

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