Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and hoping you can forget about cancer for at least just one day.

Merry Christmas

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Zoladex or Ovaries removed???

If you had the choice, what would you choose, zoladex injections or surgery to have your ovaries removed??

What a difficult decision. I've done both, so here is my view and if I could go back what my decision would be.

So, we know that both procedures will put us into menopause. I don't think the symptoms of menopause are any worse for either option. I was having zoladex injections for 2 years. That is, every 4 weeks an injection in my tummy, yes it hurts a little depending on the person injecting it. I had my injections at the cancer centre at the hospital, so each time I had the injection it was a different nurse.
I wasn't given the option of surgery to remove my ovaries, not until I had a recurrence in September. I had my ovaries removed in October, 2015. Whilst I had a few complications, I think that was the best decision for me. I feel healthier than I have for some time. Yes, I still get the menopause symptoms and there is not much I can do about that. One very important detail I learned from my gyno was that you should only be on zoladex for 6 months at a time because of the damage it can do to your body, particularly your bones, zoladex can cause osteoperosis. Something I wasn't aware of. I am yet to have any bone scans or checks on my bones to see if there is any permanent damage but yes I suffered from bone pain with zoladex and I continue to get some pain now.

So, if you are given the choice, think hard, if you are definitely finished having children maybe the surgery is the way to go for you, but if you are wanting children then perhaps you should have zoladex injections, because that is not a permanent procedure.

My Breast Cancer Journey. : Headscarf or Wig?

My Breast Cancer Journey. : Headscarf or Wig?: When you are about to start chemo and you know you will lose your hair one of the big decisions you will have to make is whether to wear a h...

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: My Breast Cancer Journey

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: My Breast Cancer Journey: One of the best pieces of advice that I received when I was newly diagnosed was to keep a diary. If you are newly diagnosed it is one of the...

My Breast Cancer Journey. : Fighting The Storm

My Breast Cancer Journey. : Fighting The Storm: Did you know my book can be read for free? Go to Amazon.com and if you haven't joined already you can start a free 30 day trial, then j...

Fighting The Storm

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Fighting The Storm

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Newly Diagnosed

If you have recently been diagnosed one big tip I can give you is -
Ask your doctor/s for a copy of your pathology results. You are entitled to a copy and it may just come in handy at a later date. Sometimes, doctors don't always explain to us all of the details, we can also forget what our doctors have told us. Your pathology results will give you such things as the type of cancer you have. This can help you down the track when you will have loads of questions and are learning what this all means for you.
Another tip is-
Put all of your appointments into a diary or in your phone. Once you start with treatment you will have appointments galore.

Headscarf or Wig?

When you are about to start chemo and you know you will lose your hair one of the big decisions you will have to make is whether to wear a headscarf or wig,some people also decide not to wear anything. What will you choose? A headscarf or wig? Whatever you decide you have to choose the option that you feel most comfortable with. I couldn't bring myself to buy a wig, for me it was an easier option to choose to wear headscarves, beanies and hats. They were comfortable, pretty, and fun. I wore an under scarf/headwrap of cotton fabric and wore slouch beanies over the top when I went out. Some days I wore a headscarf but I was most comfortable with my beanies. When I was in the privacy of my home I wore only the cotton under scarf/ head wrap. My beanies were pink, black, white and beige.They became a kind of security blanket. I have kept them as a reminder. I wore the slouch beanies because they are larger than the average beanie and fit better on my head so people couldn't see my baldness

.

Tamoxifen and Zoladex

I was on tamoxifen and zoladex for two and a half years. My belief was that both of those together would stop any recurrence, especially a recurrence of the same er+ pr+ breast cancer. After all, tamoxifen is used to block or kill any cells and zoladex puts my ovaries to sleep, so I will be producing little to no estrogen. For two and a half years I was in menopause, hot flashes, the works. I was safe, at least from getting breast cancer again, maybe I would get a secondary cancer but it wouldn't return in my breasts, right? WRONG.
Apparently, there is only a 4% chance of a recurrence or being diagnosed with breast cancer in the other breast when on this treatment . I am in that 4%.
My point, if you are on this treatment, keep checking your breasts, don't think that this treatment will stop your chances of getting breast cancer again. It does lower your chances, yes, but it doesn't stop the cancer from coming back. Be and stay vigilant.


Tamoxifen and Zoladex (chemical name: goserelin) are hormonal therapy medicines used to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back (recurrence) in premenopausal women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. A study found that tamoxifen and Zoladex work about the same to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back.

Estrogen can make hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers grow. Hormonal therapy medicines treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers in two ways:

by blocking the action of estrogen in the body
by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body

Loss

The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking. Three years ago today I lost my beautiful Mum to Cancer. It wasn't the first time in my life that I had experienced loss but it was the most devastating. Those who have lost someone in their lives will understand how it feels but there will always be people who think time heals and you eventually move on.
For me, there is no healing and you never move on. You simply exist, you live because you have no choice. There will forever be a hole in my heart. I try not to think too much about those that have past because it upsets me too much but sometimes I have to feel that pain. On anniversaries, like today, or birthdays and Christmas, I have to think of those I have lost and I will always wish them back.

Our Hearts Will Always Touch

When I laid there beside you,
Could you feel me there?
My arms were wrapped around you,
And I was stroking your hair.

I was talking about all the good times,
For me they were every single day.
I wanted you to feel love and comfort,
And happy in some way.

I watched your every breath,
And prayed that each one wasn't your last.
The time we got to share together,
Went by too quick...Too fast.

I wanted you to wake up,
Please Mum...Open your eyes.
Tell me this is a nightmare,
And not our goodbyes.

As your last breath grew closer,
We lay there peacefully together.
My heart continually breaking,
Because I wanted you forever.

Then there it was,
Your final breath of air.
I didn't want to believe it,
This is so cruel and not fair.

I held your beautiful face,
And prayed you'd breath again.
I wasn't ready for you to go,
I couldn't admit that this was the end.

But then I realized that you were now in peace,
And not suffering anymore.
You were beginning the life of an Angel,
And your body would no longer be sore.

I held you close and squeezed you tight,
And tried to say goodbye.
I've lost my Mum and my number one best friend,
All my heart could do is cry.

I slowly got up,
I wanted so much to stay.
I leaned over and gave you one more kiss,
It was so hard to walk away.

Mum, you are my entire world,
And I miss you so very much.
I wish I could feel your lovable cuddle,
And your soft and gentle touch.

But for now I have to wait,
Until we meet again.
You will always be in my heart and thoughts,
My dear Mum and best friend.

Always and Forever,
Our hearts will always touch.
Always and Forever,
Your baby girl loves you so much

Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/our-hearts-will-always-touch#ixzz3tbrxVhsJ
#FamilyFriendPoems

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: Sneak Peak- Here is a small piece to read from my ...

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: Sneak Peak- Here is a small piece to read from my ...: We lost our Mum on Friday, 7th December, 2012. In the same hospital that we lost our sister, Annette. The pain and grief I felt that day is ...

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey: "Breast Cancer doesn’t always strike because there is a family history. A family history has to start with someone. In February, 2013...

Radiation Treatment

Radiation can reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 70% — but it can also have unfortunate side effects. This is because it damages healthy cells while it’s zapping cancerous cells. It’s common to be nervous or scared of what may happen to your skin during this type of therapy, so we’re here to break it down.

The side effects tend to gradually appear a couple weeks after the treatment has started, and can last for up to six months after it has ended. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person, especially when you factor in how many weeks the therapy is required. In some cases, the onset of side effects won’t occur until months or even years after treatment, but this is fairly rare.
What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy?

The most common effects include damage to skin (like sensitivity, skin weepiness, burning, dryness, blisters, peeling, and itchiness) and fatigue that won’t improve with rest. Less common effects include heart problems, lung problems, low white blood cell count, and lymphoedema. In extremely rare cases, radiation can lead to a secondary cancer, like sarcoma (cancer of the connective tissues).
Your breasts may change slightly in size (due to fluid build-up or scar tissue), the skin may appear thicker, your pores may be more noticeable, and your skin may even become darker in the treated area. In addition, your changed body image will definitely take some getting used to, and then there are other emotional side effects like fear and anxiety that come from not knowing the outcome of your treatment.

Many people will not experience severe symptoms, so don’t fret: just be prepared. Since radiation therapy can seem overwhelming and scary, we’ve included a list of items that will help you get through your weeks of treatment.

Tips To Stay As Comfortable As Possible:

Wear loose clothing
Try not to wear a bra if areas are raw, try a sports bra.
The treated area will be more susceptible to sunburn than the rest of your skin, so be sure to use sunscreen.
Use warm water in the shower
When you wash the area, use only water and mild soap, eg dove.
Balance activity with plenty of rest.
Sweat can irritate the affected area.
Stay hydrated, water is crucial.

source-the breast cancer site

Tattoos

Many women opt for getting their first tattoo post breast cancer treatment. I have one on my arm and am hoping to get another for Christmas this year. I remember my surgeon commenting on my tattoo when he first saw it. He said does having breast cancer mean you must get a tattoo? Well, no it doesn't, how ridiculous, but for many it is a significant sign of what we have been through. Why not, I say. Here are some of my favourite tattoos...

FIGHTING THE STORM - MY BREAST CANCER JOURNEY

http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Storm-Breast-Cancer-Journey-ebook/dp/B017UTFFRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448317137&sr=8-1&keywords=FIGHTING+THE+STORM

Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

I have been diagnosed with er+ Pr+ breast cancer twice in two years. In each breast. Both times my signs were different. The first time I was diagnosed I found my lump. It was the size of a marble and felt like it was close to the surface in my right breast.I had a lot of pain across my chest and the lump was painful. I had also lost a lot of weight, was tired and nauseas.

The second time I was sent for a mammogram by my doctor. The only signs I had then that something could be wrong was a daily feeling of extreme tiredness and constant nausea. I was shocked when my results came back, the mammogram and ultrasound picked up a tumor in my left breast. The following are 5 signs and symptoms to look out for, they are not all of the signs, so if you are concerned about any thing, please see your doctor.

1. We should all be aware that ANY change in your breast is reason enough to be checked. Whether it be a change in the size of your breast or nipples, feeling a lump, leaking, pain, indentation, your breast looking like the skin of an orange or change of size and color.

2. I have read that breast cancer is not painful. PLEASE if you are having pains in your breast or chest area see your doctor. Breast cancer can be painful. I know that for a fact.

3.Check under your arms as well. Any pain, swelling or lumps under your arms can also be a sign of breast cancer. Checking under your arms and around your breast area is just as important as checking your breasts.

4. Unexplained tiredness , weight loss and nausea can be signs of many things but they are also important signs to look out for with breast cancer. If you have any of these signs combined with changes in your breasts then please don't delay in seeing a doctor and getting checked.

5. Absolutely no signs or symptoms at all. This reason alone is why it is so important to check and know your breasts. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. Whether you are 18 or 80, your age doesn't matter. Having no family history doesn't mean you can't get breast cancer.

Having any of these signs or symptoms doesn't mean you have breast cancer but it is reason enough to see a doctor and be checked.

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Cancer Support

Sometimes, some people in our lives are just incapable of supporting us through our journeys. Sadly, it is usually the people that are closest to us or have been in our lives the longest. I've seen peoples relationships fall apart not long after diagnosis or surgery. People find it easier to just walk away, because THEY can't handle the situation. I belong to several support groups and this is usually the topic of conversation.

My attitude now is this -
If people in your life cannot support you, simply call you and ask how you are,if they don't listen to you when you speak about your health, if they expect you to be their ear or shoulder to cry on but can't offer you the same, if they tell you that they can't handle your situation or they just don't care and they make it clear to you.
Then I say good riddance to them, they are not worth the stress, they are not worthy of you.
You have a fight on your hands by having cancer. You have to live and fight for you and the people in your life who do care and who do support you.
Yes, this may be harsh. Life is too short. We all learn that, once we are diagnosed. Live your life the way you want to. Don't let anybody bring you down.
There are many support groups available, you can and will make friends. Surround yourself with people who make you happy.

Chris Wark - Medicine is NOT Science-Based

Thank You

My e-reader Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey is currently sitting at #7 and it has been less than a week. I am thrilled and very grateful to those who have read it. :)

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen also known as tamoxabitch, by those of us who take it.

I took tamoxifen for two and a half years, until I was recently diagnosed again with breast cancer for the second time. I have stopped taking it now and will be taking a different medication, once I finish radiation.

Some of the not so wonderful side-effects of tamoxifen -

Weight gain. I have gained 50kgs since I started taking tamoxifen and it is near impossible to lose any of that weight. I went from wearing a size 12 - 14 to now wearing a size 20.
I also had several endometrium cysts, cysts on my ovaries, caused by tamoxifen. Tamoxifen can cause blood clots.

Tamoxifen increases the chance of cancer of the uterus (womb) in some women taking it. Tamoxifen may cause blockages to form in a vein, lung, or brain. In women, tamoxifen may cause cancer or other problems of the uterus (womb). In addition, tamoxifen has been reported to cause cataracts and other eye problems. I now also wear glasses.

As well as its needed effects, tamoxifen may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.




Some tamoxifen side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear.

Absent, missed, or irregular periods
decrease in the amount of urine
feeling of warmth
menstrual changes
noisy, rattling breathing
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
skin changes
stopping of menstrual bleeding
swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
troubled breathing at rest
weight gain or loss
white or brownish vaginal discharge

Less common or rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
bluish color changes in skin color
bone pain
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
hair loss or thinning of the hair
headache
inability to have or keep an erection
irritability
itching in the genital area
loss of interest or pleasure
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
nausea or vomiting (mild)
pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
skin rash or dryness
stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness
swelling
trouble concentrating
trouble with sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey.

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. Kindle e-reader. Is available for purchase from Amazon.

Radiation Round 2

I started radiation on Monday. At the same hospital that I was treated last time. I had my daughter at home because she was unwell so I had to take her with me. It's has only been two years since I had radiation but I've already noticed a few changes in that short time. Some are good and some well....

1. Two years ago the only time I saw the rad nurses was when I started developing blisters from the radiation, about three quarters of the way through. I was treated with lots of creams and bandaging.
This time on my very first day I was taken to meet with the rad nurses for education. I was given cream and information. I had another appointment today but I was allowed to skip this one. Apparently, I will see the rads nurses every week and they will keep check of my burns etc.


2. The radiation section has had a large extension added, with I think two new bays for radiation. The waiting areas inside have improved and there are more of them. Overall, the radiation section is looking really good.



3.So far, as soon as I have sat down to wait I have been called in. I've noticed that compared to last time, two years ago, that the place is almost deserted. Two years ago it was so busy there that you had to always sit near someone else. Now, the waiting room is empty bar 2 or 3 other people. That would be a good thing, a sign that less people in the area are needing radiation right now, only that I have also noticed that there are not nearly as many staff members as there once was. In fact I have only seen one or two machines operating and no more than 5 staff. Sadly, I think it's quite possible that the waiting lists will get longer because staff have been cut.


4. Now part of this is kind of funny. Two years ago I would go to reception , sit in the waiting room,and a nurse would come out and call my name. We would then go to my machine. Yesterday, the receptionist handed me one of those restaurant/club style beepers. The ones that go off when your meal is ready. I didn't know what it was for. When I asked the receptionist what it was for she told me to sit down and wait for it to beep then return it to her. I thought, how strange. As soon as I sat down it went off so I returned it to reception and asked her now what do I do. She said go through to my radiation bay.
I guess that there is another reason why there are less staff. They have been replaced by these beepers.

My grateful Self Study

So I saw this link online today and thought it would be a good idea to share with you. There is an Oncology Nurse Practitioner in the US that is doing a study to monitor the psychological health of those of us with breast cancer during our treatments. It is open to women all over the world. Here is the link to the study and to submit an interest form:


http://mygratefulself.org/modules/8?page=1

Fighting the Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. New kindle

Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. Kindle e-reader. Is available for purchase from Amazon.

Radiation

First radiation treatment today. I had forgotten how tired I would feel afterwards. The treatment itself was fine, it took about ten minutes,but the tiredness has hit me almost immediately this time. I met with the rads nurses who gave me a list of possible side effects. This time around I will see a nurse every week to check on my burns. Today I was given some sorbolene cream to use everyday. The joys of breast cancer treatment.

Life Without Ovaries

So, for the past two and a half years I have been in what they call 'medically induced menopause'. I have been on tamoxifen and have had zoladex injections every 4 weeks. The zoladex puts my ovaries to sleep. The whole reason for this treatment was to lower or stop the production of estrogen in my body. As my breast cancer was estrogen positive. Having my ovaries removed was not an option I was given. That was until my recent recurrence - also estrogen positive breast cancer. I had my ovaries removed two weeks ago. Tomorrow I will see my gyno for any results. The surgery wasn't as easy as what I had expected. I had a few complications and oh so much pain. Apparently, I had a lot adhesions due to a previous cesarean and they had to be removed so the surgeon could get to my ovaries.
I have been in menopause for the past two years. I also have medication to help relieve those symptoms. Efexor. Unfortunately, that stopped working for me a long time ago. I get all the not so wonderful symptoms of menopause. Instead of feeling like a 45 year old I now feel more like 75.
Since having my ovaries removed I had a brake from the sweats and hot flushes for the first week. I couldn't walk straight and I was in pain but at least I wasn't sweating. Roll on last Saturday and I woke early in the morning dripping wet like I had been sleep walking and had a shower. Most of the day was spent with my body overheating. Sweating was out of control and hit with no warning. Luckily for me I had no where to go. So, I hid inside my house, sweating and hot flushing all day. The flushes were so strong that I also had nausea. What a rotten day.
Just as I am thinking, this will be my life now. I doubt there is any other medication out there that I can take to help with my menopause, everything has stopped again.No hot flushes or sweats since Saturday. I have a feeling that at the moment I am on a roller-coaster ride, not able to get off. Hopefully, the ride will stop soon and let me get off and leave my menopause symptoms behind.

To All in Paris with Love

Love and prayers to all in Paris.

Adrenal Gland Tumor

I wonder how many people have been diagnosed with an adrenal gland tumor and breast cancer?
I have just learned that I have an adrenal gland tumor. One doctor says - its nothing, most people have them. The other doctor tells me I need to keep check on it. Here we go again.
Could this be the reason for my recent breast cancer recurrence ?

Being Bald

Found this on Pinterest. Awesome

If Only............

Sometimes I wish I could go back to my life, pre-cancer. Get all my medications and throw them in the bin. Eat what I want, when I want to without worrying about gaining weight. Rarely visit a doctor and usually only because I have something minor. Sometimes, I miss the little things that cancer takes away.

Fighting the Storm

Now available at amazon


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017UTFFRQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Here is an interesting article on detecting breast cancer.



Doctors offer advice to help women detect breast cancer at an early stage
Posted 4:14 pm, October 2, 2015, by Alexis McAdams, Updated at 04:59pm, October 2, 2015


Doctors offer advice to help women detect breast cancer at an early stage
Posted 4:14 pm, October 2, 2015, by Alexis McAdams, Updated at 04:59pm, October 2, 2015



INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 3, 2015)-- One out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, but there are not always symptoms. Doctors say knowing your body and doing a monthly self-exam can save your life.

“If you detect a breast cancer before it is actually palpable, we call that stage zero or one. Survival is excellent. It is going to be 90-95 percent or more,” said Dr. Erica Giblin of St. Vincent Woman’s Center.

Some women experience uncommon symptoms like discoloration, persistent breast pain in one spot, or changes in the color of the skin. Those are some of the more uncommon signs that you could have breast cancer.

“Some women will notice a dimple starting in the skin and it starts to pooch in almost like a divot. That is abnormal. That means the skin is being pulled down by something inside of the breast…they need to see their doctor,” said Dr. Giblin.

Doing a monthly self-exam can help women find breast cancer.

“You take your fingers, the pads of the fingers and you start pushing gently on the breast so you can test the tissues that are superficial right beneath the skin. Then you push harder so you can feel the deeper tissues of the breast,” said Dr. Giblin.

Doctors say mammograms are also extremely helpful in finding breast cancer at an early age because they can detect cancers before they are actually palpable. For those that do not do a monthly self-breast exam, doctors say the opportunity for cancer grows.

“By the time most women palpate their nodule, it is greater than two centimeters. What does that mean? It puts you at stage two breast cancer,” said Dr. Giblin.

Doctors say taking action now protects your health.
Click the link below for the full article
http://cbs4indy.com/2015/10/02/signs-and-symptoms-of-breast-cancer-that-can-help-woman-detect-the-cancer-at-an-early-stage/

Breast Cancer Recurrence

It has been two and a half years since I was first diagnosed with er+ pr+ her2- breast cancer in my right breast. Most of my treatment was well over. I was still on hormonal treatment, including my monthly zolodex injections and tamoxifen tablets daily. I was stage 2b with my first diagnosis and the chances of recurrence were supposed to be slim. I was still on three monthly visits with my medical oncologist and surgeon. My life was beginning to feel almost normal again. I had just started to relax. I stopped fearing, everyday, that every ache in my body was cancer. After two and a half years I was finally feeling calm again.
My G.P(general practitioner) suggested that I have a mammogram and ultrasound as he didn't have any records on file since September last year. He figured I was due and should have the left breast checked as well because "sometimes cancer can return in the opposite breast". Now, I owe my doctor a second time as the mammogram picked up a cancerous lump in my left breast.Again, I thank my doctor for being so thorough as he has probably saved my life for a second time.
Two weeks ago I had a lumpectomy on my left breast and lymph node removal with all clear margins. This time I won't be having chemotherapy but I will have radiation therapy again, starting in a few weeks.

Recurrence

How do you react when Breast Cancer returns?
How are you expected to react when Breast Cancer returns?
Shock?
Scared?
Do you just go through the stages as you did the first time?
Do you react differently this time?
You know what you are in for this time, so is it easier?

Feel free to answer these questions and any others you can think of. I will have my answers tomorrow. I was rediagnosed just a couple of weeks ago.

Breast Cancer Treatment - The nasty Zoladex Injections

What is Zoladex??

Zoladex (goserelin acetate) Implant 3.6 mg is used in men to treat symptoms of prostate cancer, and in women to treat breast cancer or endometriosis. It is also used in women to prepare the lining of the uterus for endometrial ablation (a surgery to correct abnormal uterine bleeding).
If you are on zoladex implants as part of your treatment then you will be familiar with the not so wonderful side effects. Let's start with the more serious side effects-

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

back pain, severe numbness or tingling in your legs or feet;
muscle weakness, problems with balance or coordination;
loss of bladder or bowel control;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
pain or burning when you urinate;
blood in your urine or stools;
feeling like you might pass out;
trouble breathing;
pale skin, easy bruising;
nausea, loss of appetite, increased thirst, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless;
high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);
sudden numbness or weakness, sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision or speech; or
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

hot flashes, sweating, headache, dizziness;
mood changes, increased or decreased interest in sex;
vaginal dryness, itching, or discharge;
impotence, fewer erections than normal;
breast swelling or tenderness;
bone pain;
diarrhea, constipation;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
acne, mild skin rash or itching.

Yes, yes and yes. and let's add to that list tiredness.

What is it used for ?
Zoladex prevents the production of certain types of hormones in the body. It is used to treat prostate or breast cancers which are sensitive to hormones. It is not suitable for children or for treating cancers which are not sensitive to hormones. Zoladex is also used in women who are having surgery or other procedures to treat uterine fibroids or other uterine problems. Zoladex is also used to treat endometriosis or as part of a programme of fertility treatment in women.

Zoladex is an implant – it will be implanted by a healthcare professional. The person responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you get the right dose.

Some people will have zoladex injections every twenty eight days for two years. Others, like me will have them evry twenty eight days for five years.

Tara Brown confronts Belle Gibson on 60 Minutes

How To Check For Breast Cancer | This Morning

Breast Cancer Sad one by Holley Rothell Kitchen

Emerald dream. Beautiful Lady.

Emerald dreamBy CASEY NEILL

CRANBOURNE North mum Tracey Ryan just has one thing left on her bucket list – finding a cure for breast cancer.
The 50-year-old has terminal cancer and just returned from a three-week trip to Northern Ireland – the place where half her ashes will be scattered – to say goodbye to relatives.
“It was absolutely unbelievable,” she said.
“Words can’t describe it.
“I didn’t want to come back, actually. I could have stayed there forever.
“I think we flooded Belfast airport when I was leaving.
“There were a lot of tears had by everyone.”
Tracey made the trip thanks to the people of Maldon in central Victoria who paid for her flights through a fund-raiser organised by sister-in-law Tess Ryan.
Tracey attended family birthdays and even a wedding.
“It was good to see them, I missed them like crazy,” she said.
She climbed a rope bridge up a steep embankment during a day of sight-seeing.
“We had to keep stopping and the lungs were playing up so I had to get my breath back,” she said.
“I had complete strangers going ‘we’ll carry you down’.
“It was worth even non-breath and pain.”
How did she get through it?
“A lot of drugs – and a lot of stubbornness,” she said.
Tracey was happy to come home to her husband Andrew, teenage son Leigh and pregnant daughter Erin.
“Leigh got a lot taller and Erin had got a lot bigger with the baby,” she said.
Erin’s baby is due on 22 August – Tracey’s first grandchild.
“If she’s like her mother she’ll go early,” she said.
“I was a month early with her and I was 12 weeks early with Leigh.
“It’s one very spoilt grandchild already. I can’t wait to hold that little bundle.
“I’ll spoil it while I can.”
Leigh’s 18th birthday in September is another milestone she’s hoping to reach.
Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010 and it’s since spread to her spine, ribs, lungs and liver. Doctors say the disease will soon claim her life.
She wrote a bucket list in 2012 and has since watched Erin get married, skydived, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and received a makeover from Westfield Fountain Gate and Myer.
“Leigh goes ‘mum we have to find you some more bucket list stuff to do’,” she said.
“I’m going to have to come up with something.”
Tracey will continue to do her bit to find a cure for breast cancer. She works with Pink Hope, Breast Cancer Network Australia and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and directs Young Pink Sisters, a charity that fellow breast cancer sufferers set up to give back.
“I don’t want anyone else or their families to have to go through this,” she said.