乳がん患者の語り

They took me off the tamoxifen tablets, which was then called the wonder drug, and put me on one called Arimidex.

When did they put you on the tamoxifen?

It was straight after the operation.

Did you have any side effects from that?

As far as I know I didn't. I still get effects that I'm, I feel very tall sometimes. I feel about seven foot tall and the ground is so far away. And when you walk downstairs Ithink "oh it's a long way down", you know. But I think it's just the combination of drugs I'm taking at the moment.

Is it a kind of dizzy feeling?

No it's just that you feel, you feel rather tall that's all. Yeah. Very funny feeling, yes.

And when did they change to Arimidex?

Once they'd said you've got to have radiotherapy. I think they changed it then.

Did you notice any difference?

Not really no because I had no side effects from the tamoxifen.

And then with the Arimidex?

No, no.

But since I've had this operation my left arm's, I've now got lymphoedema and the left arm's not that clever at all at the moment. My daughter has to help me, she comes over to help me.

Yes, they measure the arm every so often. It was big but now I think it's getting smaller.

So how often do you go to the hospital for that?

Every three months they measure the arm now.

And do they change the sleeve?

Well they give me new sleeves, yes. And I have a special glue to hold it on because it goes right to the top of the shoulder.

And have you been doing exercises for the arms?

I did after the operation, but once it started swelling it was, you couldn't do a lot with it. You couldn't do a lot with it. It was very painful round wrist and the top muscle.

Yes, I do most things with my right arm at the moment. I can't hold a glass or a cup in that hand. It just doesn't work properly.

Do you do everything with your right hand?

Yes, yes.

Have you made changes in your home or in the kitchen for example?

Well, yeah you have to, yes. So my daughter's there quite often to help out.