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[SarahT]

Well done in finding yet more courage to help  your body carry on fighting. I know it's hard when we kind of feel ok so think so I really need these? Trust Christies, they have been a huge support to you and this is part of their treatment to help you further xx

[Nas]

Thanks partner Sarah, you are right yet again.

It’s funny how fear can grip you, until you are  convinced that you do not need these necessary drugs ( which of course I do).

It’s the beginning of the next chapter and it’s going to be tough in the respect of my body needs bloody oestrogen!  The symptoms are coming thick and fast, so I’m trying to address each symptom separately.

If I can nail the anxiety, I may be okay. So far I’ve come up with rescue remedy, CBD gummies, lemon balm tea and lots of deep breathing! I’m loathed to take any anti anxiety meds, whilst starting the new meds.

Could anyone else share their non HRT remedies for anxiety I wonder?

How are you partner? What’s our 2024 song right now? Xx

[SarahT]

Hello 2024 Partner,

Well, I am not a huge EJ fan ( was him live once by accident and he was fab) but I keep hearing I'm Still Standing in my head, something relevant for many of us.

I used to use rescue remedy a lot in years past, something's may be more of a placebo effect, but I swear by taking something like that it can help our minds to be able to calm and strenghten our bodies a bit as well. So as long as we use these things and they give a positive help then I am all for it.
Many years ago a previous dr told be the evening primrose oil I got on prescription ( nhs) was withdrawn as they had decided there was no proven benefit. She gave me an understanding look and said I have SO many ladies who take this regularly as it helps enormously so carry on regardless ( Was Sid James in that film?!)

As for safe and kind methods what about aromatherapy oils? When I had ME many years ago I got hold of Aromatheraphy A-Z by Patricia Davis,  and  I found this  helped enormously. Has individual ' symptoms ' to see what may help, as Well as info on each oil.

Do use safely- some oil can cause adverse effects, and just NEVER be used on the skin, but those many like that ARE suitable to  use on skin must always be diluted with a carrier oil, I like SweetAlmond organic oil as it is kind on my skin. Maybe an oil burner to gently scent the air?  My copy of this book is so underline and highlighted ( and this is someone who considers defacing any book a hanging offence!)

I can't emphasis enough, oils can help so much ( think how uplifted we feel smelling a rose in the garden) BUT must be used with research and respect - and we will all react differently to scents of course.

Hugs and X as always

[Nas]

Some great suggestions there partner, Thankyou. I do find essential oils very calming, so may investigate further. I also have a burner, so can experiment a bit.

Sid James was indeed in Carry on Regardless..( he was in most of them wasn’t he ??)

I’m still standing is most definitely the song for us all!! It covers all of our differing journeys very  nicely.

Today , I joined a fb group for women on the same/ similar treatment as me. One lady whom I met at the Christie first time around, was also sadly in the group. We were friends for a while ( she lives not far from me ) and then we lost touch. She was diagnosed 4 years ago ( bones ) and is doing well.

Many women in the group, are years into treatment. This is VERY encouraging and this is NOT a death sentence I’ve realised!

Feeling positive today ❤️👍😊

[suzysunday]

I'm so glad to read the positivity in your posts and great that you have joined the Facebook page so you can get relevant advice and support from women who are facing similar health issues.  There is good advice here about coping with anxiety and coping with coming off hrt, can't really add anything unfortunately.  Just keep going a bit at a time and be encouraged by how far you have come xxx

[SarahT]

Nas, such a positive post given your massive ups and downs. Nothing like being able to 'talk ' with someone who can fully understand all your questions and fears. Sometimes we keep stuff inside us mostly because we feel we have to keep a brave face for those we care for or just because we are sure no he else feels the way we do. Your FB group will be a safe place to speak  freely.

And the knowledge from other women who are going through the same things that are still here, and that must be a massive boost for you. Do share Elton with them too. We are all pretty amazing when you think about it.😘

[Summer-sky]

Hello Nas,
I hope the first few days with letrozole and ribociclib are going ok.  Just wanted to send good wishes for your first week and thinking of you. xx

[Nas]

Thanks everyone again,
Not a bad 4 days so far. A little nausea and fatigue, but upright, mobile and doing stuff.

Drove for the first time in weeks today ( albeit to Asda, which is 5 mins away!) but did it anyway.

Meno symptoms are bothering me more; anxiety and joint pain ( which is a s/e of letrozole anyway) so got to find a way through that next.

Summer , your message contained some great ideas ( juices/ diet etc ) so will look at that again.

Day 5 tomorrow… ✔️🙏x

[discogirl]

Well done Nas.

Keep going xx

[suzysunday]

Glad to hear you are not having major side effects.  You've nearly done a week now so onward and upwards! Xxx

[SarahT]

Go girl! 😍

Ok so the car trip was small.and not very exciting destination but it's another first and helps up for confidence in doing these things again.

Joint pain wise, if it's practical, heat helps. I get it so bad in my wrists and a flat heated wheat bag helps relieve it a bit, albeit temporary. I think there  is a vegan glucosamine supplement which may be worth looking at? Needless to say you need to see if it is compatible with your medications. Oh, and the hard bit, try not to sit in one position for more than 20 mins to avoid excess stiffness. ( and I  did ask, but apparently a walk to see what's in the fridge actually is detrimental to things. 😥)

a great start for you x

[fiftyplus]

Wishing you all the luck in the world going forward NAS.  Baby steps and you will get there.  I know myself not driving for a week or 2 can be challenging when going back to it (and that's not after all you have been through) what a bloody journey! - you have been on and still finding time to help others on here - you are one truly amazing lady!  Not that you should be worrying about work just now but I noticed in one of your earlier posts you were a bit concerned - I have used Acas in the past who have helped me and even got me money back from an awful employer so they may be able to give you some reassurance I am sure.

Take good care and look after yourself - onwards and upwards - keep your chin up Mrs - sending some virtual hugs your way xx

We are ALL behind you here! - group hug - team meno 

[Nas]

Thanks for the tips partner.
I do have some heat packs, so will experiment a bit with those. Also have some hemp cream, containing tumeric and arnica, which seems to work well ( when I remember to use it!). When I have my medication review in a couple up weeks, I will run various supplements past the oncologist then.

Yes the car trip wasn’t exciting I agree ( got to go to the tip next !) but at least it was a tiny start. Driving anxiety was my very first meno symptom and for that to return in full capacity, would be very debilitating. Xx

Wishing you all the luck in the world going forward NAS.  Baby steps and you will get there.  I know myself not driving for a week or 2 can be challenging when going back to it (and that's not after all you have been through) what a bloody journey! - you have been on and still finding time to help others on here - you are one truly amazing lady!  Not that you should be worrying about work just now but I noticed in one of your earlier posts you were a bit concerned - I have used Acas in the past who have helped me and even got me money back from an awful employer so they may be able to give you some reassurance I am sure.

Take good care and look after yourself - onwards and upwards - keep your chin up Mrs - sending some virtual hugs your way xx

We are ALL behind you here! - group hug - team meno 

What a lovely post fifty plus
Thanks for the advice re: acas. I will bear that in mind. As a public  sector worker, I’m with UNISON, but haven’t used them yet. I made contact with the Head teacher yesterday and explained
all that has happened. He seemed okay about it and we agreed that would come in prior to my return, to discuss a plan of ( I’m hoping phased return). My note has been extended for a few more weeks to get in better shape physically and mentally.

Not much of else to report.

Hope 2024 is kind to all of us at  the wonderful “ team meno” ! 

Xxx

 

[Ana21]

Hi Nas!

Catching up on your thread. Thinking about the return of your meno symptoms and the anxiety.

A non-hormonal option I would consider is purified and specific cytoplasmic pollen extract.  It's a nutraceutical with inhibitory action on serotonin reuptake.  It's used to treat meno and PMS symptoms, so it has the potential to address hot flushes and mood changes.

A couple of articles you may find interesting:

Purified and specific cytoplasmic pollen extract: a non-hormonal alternative for the treatment of menopausal symptoms

https://escholarship.org/content/qt42v877kg/qt42v877kg_noSplash_21620a71d4ca38999ca8e0638cf130fc.pdf?t=q6d4ap

And this article refers to a more recent formulation that includes magnesium (56.25 mg per capsule) and melatonin (1 mg per capsule) to improve sleep.  (Although it's not named, I think the product they're referring to is Femal Notte.  I already take magnesium and melatonin so I wouldn't need the combined capsule.)

Purified and specific cytoplasm pollen extract for the treatment of vasomotor menopausal symptoms: A review

https://gremjournal.com/journal/0203-2022/purified-and-specific-cytoplasm-pollen-extract-for-the-treatment-of-vasomotor-menopausal-symptoms-a-review/#:~:text=Purified%20and%20Specific%20Cytoplasmic%20Pollen%20Extract%20has%20proven%20to%20be,contraindicated%2C%20as%20breast%20cancer%20survivors

Cost is always a concern so I've done a quick search of brand names for comparison.
Brand names include: Serelys (FR), Femal (UK), Femal Notte (IT), Relizen (US), Femalen and Femalen Forte (AT)

Hope you're hanging in there.  Keep us posted on what works for you.

[Nas]

Hey Ana
That information came through at the exact right time, thanks!
I will certainly have a good read through, as only today, I have been sat staring at my lap top, thinking "how an earth am I going to get round this whole meno business now" particularly when returning to work.

Will keep you upated!