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I discontinued taking Arimidex five months before I was due to come off it, mainly because Christmas was approaching and I wanted to enjoy it, after so many years of feeling unwell on a regular basis, due to the drug's side effects, mainly sweating and lethargy. I have already mentioned that I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the drug certainly made this worse for me. So with my oncologist's approval, I discontinued Arimidex in December last year (2005) and I have never looked back. I suppose the easiest way to describe the feelings is to say that I believe the relief that came from being off the drug was in itself an enormous boost. The sweats gradually subsided, and although I still find these troublesome (my age!) it is in no way like it was. This, basically, is all I feel I need to say to you. When you are able to come off your own treatment, whether it be Arimidex, Tamoxifen, or other medication, you will feel so proud, and the thing uppermost in your mind will be that you DID IT! Well done, you have suffered enough, the cancer itself was bad without the rest of it; the chemo, radiotherapy, and then having to take drugs that can make you feel terrible for five years. I say "can" because not everybody is affected adversely in the way that I have described, and I am told that it was because of my already weak, physical body systems that I found it all so disturbing and disabling. But . . . that was then . . this is NOW, and what a wonderful life it is, so many things to enjoy, and appreciate. Family, friends, pets, the woods, the sky, the sunsets, the birds, Nature in all her glory especially in Autumn, and the new life always heralded by the start of Spring. In all, a life that is worth living to the very best of our ability. It is our duty, now, yours and mine, to do all we can to deserve the second chance we have been given. And if, after reading my words, you have found in yourself the strength to offer your help, through your own experience, to only one other person, your suffering breast cancer and all that accompanies it will not have been in vain. For it is only through suffering that we are truly able to offer the meaningful and reassuring support that comes from our own experience. I hope to add more to this website as, and when, things of relevance occur in my life. Meanwhile, I wish you every blessing on your own life as you, or your loved one, progress through the course of treatment for the disease, wishing you courage, fortitude, determination and strength to overcome it. Thanks to all the dear souls who have entered their thoughts in my guestbook. Your words are precious, and I treasure them. As a final thought, it is said that cancer in any form may be instigated by negative feelings, built up over the course of time, through conflict, acrimony, or other negativities concerning difficult people and emotional baggage, unresolved issues that torment the soul. I feel there may be something in this theory, but remember it is just a theory. However, whether true or not, I can say this with my hand on my heart, for I know it works: The pathway to inner peace and harmony, if there is conflict, is to release and let go of either the person, or the event, with understanding, love and forgiveness. Then you can move on, free to be your own person and live according to what is best and right for YOU. Storing anger or resentment destroys the brilliance of the spirit, and when you have, or have had cancer, that is the last thing you need. Finally, here is something which I hope will uplift you, taken from Caitlin Matthews' little book; 'A Celtic Devotional' - Blessing for Anyone going into a Difficult or Dangerous Enterprise - "May the Seeder of Quests direct your steps, Blessed Be as Blessed Is Chrissie Rayner |
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