And now for the science bit.....

Thought I would write a bit about my ongoing treatments now that the chemo is over. People keep saying to me ' so glad you're treatments over' and mostly I just smile and agree but it's far from over.



For the next five years, or more, I will take Arimidex daily. Arimidex belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors which interfere with the action of aromatase which is an enzyme that affects the level of the hormone oestrogen. As my breast cancer was oestrogen sensitive the plan is now to have as little, or no oestrogen in my system.



I don't seem to get any side effects from Arimidex but I believe it can cause aching joints and muscles.



The chemo seemed to bring on the menopause with my oestrogen levels at rock bottom, which was a good thing. Didn't last though! My last blood test showed a sharp rise in oestrogen levels which basically means my ovaries have recovered from chemo. So what do we do now?!

I have two choices. First is a monthly injection of Zoladex which would keep oestrogen levels down. Second is an oophorectomy. This is surgical removal of the ovaries, which I think is the option I will choose. If you're going to do something do it properly!!



I also have Herceptin at three weekly intervals.

This is given the same way chemo is given through an intravenous infusion that lasts approx two hours. Healthcare at home are a group of nurses who do this for patients at home. Again not much in the way of side effects. I tend to feel exremely cold for the rest of that day then have diffuse joint pain for a couple of days following treatment. I thought I had hayfever with a constantly dripping nose but the nurse has told me this a very common side effect of Herceptin-how odd!

You can read more about herceptin treatment by following the links on the right column of this site.