I apologize but I am a very slow typist. Dr. I was diagnosed with Stage 0 Interductal Carcinoma Insitu September of 2014. I had a Lumpectomy, Radiation using Mammosite followed by Drug Therapy with Anastrozole, switched to Arimidex to see if there was any difference. I started having side effects after about 5 days on The medication. I felt fine after the surgery and Mammosite Radiation. None of the symptoms began until starting Anastrozole/Arimidex. I diligently documented every side effect, when it began and the severity. I am 64 years old, had never been hospitalized, nor had any surgery other than a Tubal Ligation 25 years prior. I was fairly active going to the gym several days a week, take Tai Chi, Cardio and participate in Silver Sneakers at the Y. I am a retired Registered Nurse wht a Master's Degree who practiced for over 20 years. I prefer Natural Therapy than Medication. Do not take pain medication, used Acupuncture, Chiropractic's, sought out a Naturopathic Physician, Acupuncture, took Herbs and Supplements to manage my Issues. For some reason, my Medical Oncologist stated and felt that it was impossible for me to have these symptoms. She refused to believe me saying no other patient she has had had the severity of symptoms. She refused to acknowledge my results on the pain scale and fought me tooth and nail on every thing I wanted to do to heal myself. I have Medical coverage a PPO so most of the modalities I choose were available to me without pre-authorization and those that were not, I paid for. I suspect I had a severe Allergic Reaction to the medication or combination of therapies. Not knowing what to expect all I wanted from her is to say that my responses were abnormal, suggest we stop the medication and possibly switch to something else. She initially refused to permit me to participate in Physical Therapy. On December 24, 2014 after my primary MD directed me to be admitted into the hospital due to changes to my EKG and Elevated B/P. I have a high tolerance for pain, wanted no pain medication, am retired and on permanent disability so I am not sure what she felt was my motive to make this all up. I realized that I would not be able to continue taking care of myself and family given the severity and plethora of symptoms so I stopped the medication on December 24, 2014. She offered me nothing else. I realized that she was not going to be able to think outside the box beyond her past Medical experience. I would have switched to another Cancer Center but I love my Surgeon. I was able to find another Medical Oncologist within their practice who had more experience with alternative therapies. Many of the things I have tried ironically, they list in their Cancer Center literature as things that might help. but they do not have the systems in place. I am now on Tamoxifen and although many of the side effects have diminished or been eliminated, I find many residual issues. I have been spinning around trying to heal myself. I have seen an Allergist and Immunologist, Neurologist, , Endocrinologist, Anesthesiologist/Pain Management Dr., Rheumatologist, Podiatrist, have had to have Cataract Surgery on both eyes, but have not been able to find any Physician or practice to pull it all together and have no idea who that might be. I have had many blood test, many have abnormalities but no one is able to tell me where to go next. I suspect I have developed an Autoimmune disease as a result of the therapy but all Medical professionals I have spoken with have said that is not possible. None of them is able to look past their individual specialty. I am thoroughly disgusted. I find I am on my own. So over a year later, as the remaining symptoms intensify and escalate, trying to research. I filed an inquiry with the FDA to see if their are other reports of similar complaints and incidences, contacted the Drug manufacturer and none would admit or divulge any possible between my health issues and the possible development of an Auto-immune disorder. No one will admit that there is any correlation between my Breast Cancer Treatment and my symptoms. I have tried to find clinical trials, etc. My husband has severe health issues so I have had to put mine on the back burner. I found the Isabel Symptoms Program where I put in all of my symptoms and came up with some promising leads like most recently Raynaud's Disease/Syndrome. I read the symptoms and viewed the pictures and many of the things happening to me, look just like me or symptoms I am experiencing. I am in such severe pain and no one cares. All I can hope to do is get a copy of all my Medical Record so that years from now when a link is found, perhaps my family can sue on my behalf. I do not trust the FDA, the Drug Manufacturer and I am sorry to say or the Medical establishment, to be open and honest about any links between my symptoms, my Cancer Treatment, my pre-existing medical conditions and where I am today. This is my last attempt. Can you help or guide me please?
Thank You,
Exhausted in Florida