Bengal

Bengal, my latest appointment with my oncologist (PA) has left me with a decision to make. I have been on Anastrozole and once a month Boniva for two years - actually, boniva only ONE year. I stopped taking it last December because I had bad pain side effects which basically put me down for 3 days. My doctor is worried about thinning bones - even though my last scan showed I have improved. She says the improvement must have happened in that first, and only, year I took it. She says if I am not going to take a bone drug (and I'm NOT), she thinks I should switch to tamoxifen because it is actually good for your bones.

So now I have to weigh out the pros and cons. I am considering posting a question about it here, but we are so close to holidays, I don't think many people are watching this site? I researched other questions about this and found some lengthy dialogue from you about this subject (what to take...and why). It was all done two years ago and it looked to me like you were leaning toward taking nothing? I would so love to know what you decided?

My doctor said she was comfortable switching me to Tamoxifen, even though it is not considered to be as strong as anastrozole, because I had such a good response to chemo and my cancer was gone before surgery. And my pathology reports confirmed it. I am 74 now (71 when diagnosed), triple positive. I am also in very good health, anoastrozle is the only pill I take. Would you mind telling me what you decided and how you are doing? I hate these decisions!

Hi, Bengal. Some of us WN oldtimers are writing to others who haven’t been on WN recently, to find out how they are. We’d love to hear how you’re doing.

Hi, Bengal. I saw a question by you from about a month ago related to feeling down. How are you doing these days? Thinking of you.

Hi, Bengal. Thank you for awarding me “Best Answer”! Let’s all be well.

I agree with your post. this is terrifying especially for those of us with underlying conditions we're old and have cancer. not a great combo

Absolutely! I get so impatient with myself. I've always been a pusher, someone who was everybody else's strength. Now I don't have the energy most days to do the necessary things around my house. The doctors all say this is normal, but it's not my normal.

Oh, Bengal. I'm so sorry about your kitty. They are our little furry children, aren't they? The kitty who tried to groom my bald head when I was in treatment had to be put to sleep about 2 years after I completed my chemo. It sucks! Cyber hugs to you!!

Bengal, I came here now to ask how you’re doing after such a terrible loss. I read your conversation with BuckeyeShelby. I love cats and all animals, though my only animal is the dog in my profile picture. Sending hugs.

Bengal, how are you doing?

yes the certificate--I get your feeling--it's sort of like having a puppy training certificate for a 10 year old dog.

Hi, Bengal! Thank you for awarding me Best Answer! I’m assuming it’s my response to the person who expressed great skepticism about modern medicine. Hugs -

I saw you mentioned that you play gtr. in bands. That's great! I am a drummer, I've played in bands off and on since I was 16, I'm now 49 and still gettin' it! I have played in some very good bands with large PA and lighting shows, and I've played in some garage bands that sucked. Still, I enjoy it! I hope you can get back to playing some in the future, I know how the side effects can affect how you play or even if you can. I have an issue with dropping drumsticks due to a lack of grip in my hands, but I've figured out an answer to that one. I coat my sticks in this stuff they sell on TV called Flexseal. Now they are tacky rubbery and I can hold on to them.
I hope you're doing well still!

Hi, Bengal. I see you're new to the web site. You have found a great resource here. There are a lot of really wonderful people on this web site - very kind, helpful, and supportive. I hope you find as much support here as I have. I bet you will. Take care.

Thank you for joining in on the conversations! It makes a big difference in someone's life to get feedback, advice, and inspiration from someone else who is either still in it, or already been through it!

I hope you're doing well!

Welcome to the WhatNext network! This will be a valuable resource for you as you walk down your path with cancer and treatments. There are lots of helpful people here that are ready to help you along your way. If you have a question about anything just post it on the questions page. If you see a question that you might have something to add to, please do. Let us know if we can help you find anything around the site.

GregP_WN
WhatNext Community/Social Media Mgr.
3X Survivor

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter