Arimidex or NOT...... that is the question

So as many of you will know I have been kind of given the all clear see few posts below. All the scans are clear and there is currently no cancer anywhere whoopie! However, in place of the dammed Tamoxifen which I stopped taking on the 21st July I have been prescribed Arimidex because apparently I am now through the menopause. Last week I decided to have a look into the side effects of this particular hormonal drug and found to my horror even worse side effects than the Tami! My main ache on Tami was the weight gain and the migraines, on this new tablet the side effects are and I quote from real life stories cataracts and blindness!, more fucking weight gain, joint pain, migraines etc etc etc oh with the added high possibility that I will develop arthritis in my thumbs (already have problems with the thumbs) which would need operations!! WOW and they didn't tell me of any of these side effects when they prescribed it to me if they had of done I would of said a flat out NO THANKS. Feeling a bit livid with the docs and hospital for not telling me of this and have weighed it all up...... so if I take it I might prolong my life by a bit longer but I might go blind and have problems with my hands so wouldn't be able to paint and create its a no brainer really isn't it of course I'm not gonna take the shit, I'd rather not be here if I couldn't see the world to create my art. I have an appointment in October to see how I'm going on the Arimidex..... yeah right.....!!!!! not sure what I will tell them at the moment and quite honestly don't want to take anything else. Will continue on the Herceptin because in comparison the side effects are minimal and don't affect me that badly. I would be interested to hear from any of you reading about this drug Arimidex or by brand name Anastrozole and your experiences on this and if you find or recomend any of the other hormonal drugs to be better or with less horrible side effects. Please post a comment below and I will return the message. In place of prescribed drugs I sent off and received my first supply of 120 caps of DIM which I am going to take as a natural alternative to the hormonal's for further information see my report on it in the post titled "DIM definitely not stupid......"Many thanks for listening.

Initial thoughts on Acupuncture

Today I went for my first ever session of acupuncture I have never tried this treatment before and was a little apprehensive (not liking needles very much) but all went well, the practitioner was a delightful lady by the name of Sam, the room was clean and comfortable and the whole experience was very positive, initially we talked about how I'd found out about my cancer and I explained a few details about it ie: ER+ herceptin etc Sam then informed me that she would be using the Tao philosophy accompanied by other astrological factors like my date of birth to ascertain where the in balance existed in my chakra's, she continued to tell me that my Chinese astrological sign was that of a Goat and that I had too much fire and not enough metal/air/water elements and that this needed to be addressed, upon examination (she took my pulse) she said my pulse was sort of looping and although on the face of things I looked well with plenty of energy she felt that this was not quite what was actually happening, my stomach she told me was very taught and I know this too be true I thought it may be bloated or extended due to the drugs but Sam thinks its more to do with my sub-concious self holding stuff in and not letting go properly, she then proceeded to place 3 needles in one on my hand and two on my foot and leg, whilst the needles were in Sam focused on giving me some healing (something I am very used to as I go for spiritual healing weekly) she left the needles in for 20 mins and then removed them.

Afterwards I felt very relaxed and calm and sam told me that she was trying to treat the problems I had outlined in our initial discussion 1) hot flushes 2) constipation 3) migraine's for this session she had focused on treating the constipation and hot flushes she recommended that I have another 2 sessions to treat the other complaints.

I would recommend anyone for this type of treatment as long as its an approved and qualified practitioner, my first impression is that I found it too be most calming and soothing, I will keep posting as to how effective it is over the next few sessions.

Complementary..

Whilst out and about in Totnes the other day I came across a sign outside of Neals Yard "20% off all treatments if booked throughout July" so went in and booked an appointment for acupuncture, I have been recommended this too help with the hot flushes as well as a host of other side effects from the drugs I'm on, I am sooooo excited, I know it sounds ridiculous but I am really looking forward to this, I haven't had any complimentary treatments for quite some time the only one I do regularly is spiritual healing which to be fair is generally hands off, so can't wait to try something new, also thinking about trying some reflexology as a general calm down and relax therapy, will keep you all informed how I get on.

Looking outside of the window today and again the sun is hidden behind a thick blanket of mist and rain :0( WHERE IS OUR SUMMER!!!! It has at the very least afforded me time to sort out selling my old Mac powerbook and I'm thinking of doing some proper baking today, try and fill the freezer up with some goodies.
Love to all
sarahxx