We met with Lovely NP today for my oncology follow-up. Highlights:\n\n- She agreed to give me a four-week gap in between Herceptin infusions in April/May so Brent and I can go for longer to Australia.\n
- We had a long talk about Letrozole - it's benefits and side-effects. I'm uncomfortable with the side-effects. From the time this all started I've consistently felt that I don't want to sacrifice my remaining \"good\" years for a longer old age. Letrozole's side effects can include:\n
\n- Joint pain, osteoporosis, bone fractures, bone pain. This one is particularly worrying to me because if it gives me osteoporosis, I won't know until it's too late to correct/reverse it\n
- Depression, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability\n
- Confusion, forgetfulness\n
- Weight gain, constipation\n
- Heart attack\n
- Blurred vision, decreased vision\n
\n \nTo counteract the bone loss of taking Letrozole, they want to put me on a bisphosphonate (bone strengthening drug). Which sounds good until you look at the side effects of those. Although they're bone-strengthening, they can cause jaw osteonecrosis (bone death). In order to take these they need \"approval\" from a dental professional. I'm already under the case of a periodontist for \"deep pockets\" and some jaw bone loss. This doesn't sound like a good idea to me.\n
I am seriously considering not taking this drug - those side effects look really detrimental to my remaining \"middle age\" quality of life. We looked at the Predict website and it makes a difference of 1% in ten-year survival. I've spoken at length about it with Brent, I have a convo booked with Elissa for this Saturday, and I'll be visiting Cheryl next week so I can talk with her about it too. It's a tough decision.
- Rhonda's Specs for Predict
Specs of Rhonda's cancer for the Predict website
- Ten Year Survival with Letrozole
From Predict website, based on Rhonda's specs
- Ten Year Survival without Letrozole
From Predict website, based on Rhonda's specs
- Visual Ten Year Survival with Letrozole
- Visual Ten Year Survival without Letrozole
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