Anyone taking Arimidex w/zoladex shots 4 breast cancer? 4 yrs now & doc stopped shots. Scared for cancer again
348721
Read the link below and you will have a much better chance.
607754
I've been taking Zoloft for about five years. I have had great results with it. It has caused me a little bit of weight gain but the benefits for me are much higher than the weight. I did have a drop in libido but after taking it for a few months, it came back. Also, my dosage had to be adjusted times. Sometimes it was too much and others it wasn't enough but I can tell when I need to take more or less by how I'm doing with my anxiety and depression. Do not try to change your dosage without talking with your doctor first. I talked with my doctor and my therapist frequently about how I was feeling and am happy to say that I am so close to chucking all the bad stuff behind me. I wish you all the best dear.
822484
Hi. I am an oncology nurse experienced with breast cancer. Congratulate your mother on catching her breast cancer. It sounds like she caught it early. It is ok to be scared. The best way to deal with this is to find out all you can about your mom's diagnosis and what her plan of care is. Many of the treatments can have some side effects, which are normal. Your mom should find out about them and be prepared for what to expect. Half the battle of cancer is in the mind. She needs you and your dad to be concerned but also keep a positive attitude. Your mom will be tired during her treatment. You and your dad can help by doing little things like the laundry, cooking and helping around the house so she won't be stressed about that. Also many patients who get chemo like to have a friend or family member there during their transfusion. Offer to be there. Cancer is not easy but what it can do is really remind you how much you love each other. Just be there, tell your mom you love her and ask her what she needs. Also be nice to your dad. This is sometimes harder for the guys even if they don't show it. Good luck and God bless <><
758676
My 17 year old son had not been feeling well. He had a blood test which indicated that he had hypothyroidism. His belly was also swelling. We went to see an endoconologist who tapped on my sons belly and than said he thought more was going on than hypothyroidism. We didn't have a clue. He sent us back to our family doctor, who referred us to a major medical center. We were told to drive him there as quickly as possible and not stop. He was admitted at 11pm and we were all exhausted. The pediatric residents on the floor examined him and that was the first time I heard the word cancer. He had a lump in his neck (lympth nodes), under his arm pits, and groin. His belly was swollen and filled with fluid. He couldn't eat anything at all, but they asked him to swallow a liter of contrast for a CT. I really don't know how he did it. \n\nThe entire time we were all calm, just anxious to find out the extent of the cancer. Everytime a doctor walked into the room the news just got worse and worse. My son at 17 handled it all calmly. A team of doctors came in (with the social worker - we quickly learned that when the social worker comes in with the doctors its probably not good news). My son had a volley ball size tumor in the abdominal cavity, tumors on the large and small intestine, rectum, spleen, liver, chest wall, spots on lungs, diaphragm, and malignant asicitis. Whew. I never felt so sick in my life listening to this news. My son was given a choice at that time . . to go home or to stay and fight his disease.\n\nAnd, in that maddeningly calm and philosophical way he has he asked, "Well . . is there any treatment for this?"\n\nHe was told that there was a possibility that the tumors might respond to chemotherapy. Since it was a rare, very aggressive sarcoma, we were told that there were no guarantees, but they would help him fight it if that is what he wanted.\n\nHis response was, "Well. Let's do it than."\n\nAnd, with every treatment he's had in the past 19 months he's had the same response. There is no protocol and few treatment options for his cancer but  his pediatric oncologist and team has worked tirelessly looking for answers. They have been amazing.\n\nAfter 8 months of high dose chemotherapy his tumors responded significantly to the treatment. His primary tumor shrunk over 50%, others disappeared totally, he was able to have one surgical debulking to remove 75% of visible tumors. Last year at this time he still had active cancer and was asked he would like to try an experimental procedure where they heat the chemicals and bathe the abdomen with them. This was to address the tiny and microscopic disease that had embedded onto the diaphragm. All he said was, "Let's go create some information about this. If it works . . we'll know its a good treatment . . if it doesn't work . . we'll still be creating valuable information."\n\nHe had the surgery, they removed his spleen, the tumors on his intestines peeled off, and scrapped as much of the tumor from the diaphragm that they could. The experiment worked and he had no evidence of disease for the past 8 months.\n\nVery early on, I would say during those first horrible moments of diagnosis we all made the determination to remain positive. To face news whether it was good or bad. And enjoy each moment that we had. We also learned to 'live inside the box' when we need to . . to close out any thoughs of the future . . he is here now, in the moment . . and that is how we live each day. This is not to say that we havn't had some gut wrenching, pretty much primordial crying at times . . but at the end of the day, what good is that. You still need to face the facts, good or bad, and just deal with it. \n\nAfter 8 months of remission, he has recently had two nodules reappear on the dome of the liver between the diaphragm. And, so we begin the fight again.\n\n He starts chemotherapy next week . . on his 19th bi
212163
Hello again there!  Sorry to hear about how you feel.  I also have CFS or abstein bar.  I'm a bit of a pro at it, the difference with me is that I am a new person after my treatment. CFS starts out as Mononucleosis (MONO) the virus which if untreated turns to CFS, so that's why my doctor treats it with Valtrex.  Depression and anxiety come with CFS which also causes joint and muscle soreness, that's where the antidepressants come in.  As far as the fybromyalgia the only thing I know for it is pain management and that is something I don't dare explain because I have no personal experience but from my mother having it I know it's not easy to treat. Listen, if your doctor disagrees with the treatment that I just described to you as far as the CFS then you need to find someone who is more open to your health solutions. I love my doctor, he's so wonderful that my trust in him is unmentionable. I know it's scary to try someone new, but you need to feel better.  Wouldn't you like to feel normal again?  Be able to get up when you wake up and go.  Not fall asleep at the wheel.  You get my point.  I'm a new person and I have a new baby.  Believe me it feels good to be awake and the weight of the world is now a lot more manageable.  By the way drinking makes it worse, a lot worse!  So if you do, you need to take a break until you're all better.  Believe me it didn't help me any, I thank GOD for today. Chat with you later   I hope this info helps u a little bit. By the way if you're having trouble with a day at a time, try an hour at a  time.  Sounds like you're under a lot of stress and that makes the CFS worse all of the time.  Help is on the way,  you'll be alright. My doctor always reassured me that I'd be o.k., he is very involved with his patients and that's why everyone loves and trusts him so much
849618
Sure, don't hesitate, the longer it goes on the worse the treatment.  I have been through cancer 3 times, the cure is worse than the cold.  Get attention, even if you only suspect and have no symtoms.
127712
Hi Patz! I have really good news today and I'm glad that your question was still open.My mother was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago and I was devastated by this news.This past months were by far the most difficult of my whole life! I've been living whith her and we had the opportunity to talk a lot,to became even closer than we already were.Yesterday,I took her to the doctor and he told us that her body is finally free of the cancer cells.I was so happy and so relieved! We know that this can came back any time but,for now,we are celebrating life! I can't think of better news!\nMoon :)
44127
My Dad had this. I think it depends on if other areas/organs are involved & how involved.  I hope the person who you are inquiring about will be okay. Originally that had told my Dad 2-15 years but it depends on many things.  Have you looked into the steroid treatments? You can look up the American Cancer Society online and see if there are any clinical trials of different things in your area.  Good Luck to you and yours.  God Bless.
719369
I dont want to alarm you.  But my mother had breast cancer and it spread into her bones after being told 4 years earlier that she was cancer free.  After her dignosis in May of 2003, sadly it took intill Dec of 2004 to kill her.  She was only 49.  They tried everything from chemo to radiation.  They even had her on a hormone pill but the cancer had just spread so much.  I am really sorry about your friend my heart goes out to her.  I would find out what stage she is in.  My mother was in stage four so there was really not much they could do.  Through the treatments they provided it did prolong her life for a year and half after given a timeline of 6 months.  And again I am truly sorry about your friend.
456125
I was on this for 3 months (couldn't make it the 6 months) and had numerous problems.  Some people have little to no issues while others experience a lot.  Below is what happened to me.\n\n1. Continous migraine-like headaches.\n2. Dry heaves after eating anything.  It was very diffult to keep food down.  I lost 16 lbs in 3 months.\n3. This one's obvious - hot flashes and night sweats.\n4. Anxiety.  I felt like I needed to crawl out of my skin sometimes.\n5. Heart palpitations.\n6. I would get a fluttering that started near my heart and then expanded out just a few seconds before a hot flash.  It was really weird.\n7. Memory loss and difficulty concentrating.\n\nThese were the main issues I had.\n\nI was on this for endometriosis.  It stopped my periods but there was still some pain.  The side effects were so bad though that my doctor put me on hormones which caused the period to start back up!!!  Anyway, based on my experience I wouldn't recommend this as a first drug of choice.  There may be better options.\n\nThe other GnRH agonists similar to Lupron are Zolodex and Synarel.  Synarel is a nasal spray and Zolodex is a subcutaneous implant.  My doctor said that Zolodex is painful and he didn't recommend it.  Synarel may be a good option because if there are lots of problems you can stop taking it.  You can't squeeze out the injection if you have problems.\n\nGood luck.
1163956
I am not for sure what kinda answer you are looking for. Good or bad.  I did not like chemo and all the side affects.  It will be four years soon since my masectomy.  I still have a small bald spot. No eyebrows.  My eyes drip continually. I have carpal tunnel. Hot flashes galore. Osteoporosis.  All from chemo. I did not enjoy not being able to taste anything.  Or the fact my fingernails hurt so bad I could not touch anything without pain. I did not like getting pnemonia every year.  Or catching every little virus that rolled my way.  No one tells you all the crap that is going to happen afterwards.  The doctor said if they did no one would get treatment.  He told me it could be 3-5 years before my immune system is up.  Well I am much better now and I do not get sick as much. I do still everyday live with the watering eyes,ect. ect.  It caused relationship problems with my family. They just really could not deal with how I looked.  My husband however is the best husband on the earth now.  I am glad to be alive.  I do believe cancer woke me up to the realization of who is truly there for you. I stand up for myself more. Don't put up with all the daily drama.  I am not so happy go lucky as I used to be.  Hope this helps.  Heres wishing you  a cancer free life.
445911
I was diagnosed in Dec. 2001, did chemo and radiation and I am now on tamoxifen and Depo Lupron shots every 3 months. Not sure about Zolodex, but Lupron shuts off your ovaries (I'm assuming Zolodex is similar?)and of course without ovulation you cannot become pregnant. This is assuming the medication is working properly. If you're wondering about your chances of conceiving after your hormone treatment, I was told that I'll have to wait and see what happens when my hormones return. Everyone's body is different and a lot depends on your reproductive health before all this began. Best of luck to you!
640815
After reading this, get off your computer and speak with your doctor.  His medication cocktail for you is not working to your benefit.  If you need to, get a "second opinion" and don't let the cure kill you.  Good luck.
190318
I can totally relate. My wife went through breast cancer surgery and then chemo last year. So far so good - but the stress never stops. It's tough being a caregiver and I can relate to your feeling tired and dragged out.\n\nHang in there.
554248
friend of mine takes celexa and on the rare occasions she drinks she has been fine, but each person is different. would talk to your doc first. always the safest bet.
943116
Did you ask your doctor? They've usually got the resources for stuff like that. Sorry to hear the bad news. Take care...
856410
My poor grandfather had prostate cancer, which is supposedly one of the slowest-growing cancers there is.  He was in the hospital for something unrelated, and out of nowhere started getting sicker.  He lost his appetite, and over the course of a couple of days, started having difficulty walking and talking.  \n\nMy grandmother questioned the same thing that you did, so she questioned one of the nurses as to whether his cancer had metastasized.  The nurse more or less brushed her off and said, "No, prostate cancer wouldn't grow that fast."\n\nWell, to make a long story short, he kept getting worse and worse, until finally his lungs and kidneys shut down.  As it turned out, he had developed a secondary, fast-growing cancer that had metastasied all over his body within a matter of weeks.\n\nBy the time this was discovered, he was far too sick for any form of traditional treatment, and we unfortunately lost him very quickly after that.\n\nI certainly hope that this isn't the case with your friend... some of what she's experiencing could be the side effects of the chemotherapy.  Although I've never heard anyone "talking funny" from chemo, I'm certainly not an expert on the subject. \n\nI just wanted to share my story with you, because it still makes us sick that my grandma questioned his prognosis and was told that it couldn't have spread.  I guess we'll always wonder if he could have been helped had they acted sooner.\n\nI certainly don't have any advice for you on how to approach your friend... it's very hard to question others' judgment when it comes to the way they're treating their cancer, especially when you're not the one paying the bills.  I unfortunately know this far too well from experience... I guess all you can do is sit down with her husband by himself and discuss your fears.  It's hard, though, because you don't want to place any undue worry on him.\n\nI don't know how close of a relationship you have with this couple, but if you don't want to worry them directly, is it possible to pull one of her oncologists aside and talk it over with them?  I don't know if she's in the hospital or not, but that might be a good way to go about it.  If you feel like there's nothing you can do without overstepping your bounds, I guess all you can do is hope that the doctors notice what you have... but that's not always the case, either.\n\nSorry if I wasn't more help... at any rate, I wish you the best.  If you're at all religious or spiritual, maybe a prayer for guidance is in order.  If you're not... just listen to your heart, I guess.  :)