Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Plan B

I'm going to get a second opinion before I decide to continue treatment with Lupron. I seriously think this will be a lose/lose situation, especially when moving to a new city, without family and friends close by. This scares the shit outta me.

Side Effects

Severe depression, memory loss, seizures, hair loss, bone pain, blurred vision, disorientation, weight gain, hot flashes, facial aging, extreme fatigue, acne...

ALL THIS AND A MOVE TO SEATTLE????

How did I get so lucky?!?

Not to mention there are several lawsuits against this drug because people are still suffering the side effects even years after treatment. No thank you, I'll pass.

I'm also looking into some alternative treatments using Chinese Medicine and changing my diet.

Tom and I are deciding this together and he's not keen on the idea of not treating this. The endo was at an advanced stage and is growing back every month. We need to figure out a course of action in the next 2 weeks before my next cycle. Which is great because it's not like we have anything else going on right now.

10 comments:

Clippy Mat said...

hmm side effects sound like my symptoms of menopause... less the acne. so that's a blessing. ;-)

Maggie said...

I think if you've fed the dog twice without remembering and havent even started Lupron that its a good idea to look for alternatives...those side effects sounded horrible. I think alternative medicine is a great idea and worth some research. I'm glad Tom is involved in this decision. Hang in there Laura.

HWHL said...

Laura, I'm so sorry. That drug sounds horrible. I would definitely go the way of holistic medicine if at all possible. (I have an autoimmune illness that I've never blogged about... but decided against taking the meds my doc wanted to me to take every day for the REST OF MY LIFE). No thanks.

I have heard wonderful things about acupuncture... combined with Chinese herbs.

I would be very hesitant about the Lupron as well, considering all those nasty side effects.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this.

Suzanne said...

Smiley girl.
I have a very good friend who is 42, she has had endo for at least 9 years and has battled and battled. She has had terrible pain, IBS and many many problems because of this. She was scheduled for a hysterectomy this past January. She has never had kids because of this too. Her insides were just a mess.
Last November she went to see a Dr. that is an M.D. But he also practices some eastern medicine.
He started her on Bio-Identical hormones and some acupuncture.
She is pretty much cured and did not have surgery. She swears by this.
I am thinking of finding a Dr. like this in my area to help me with horrid monthly periods. Girl friend is pleading with me to do it so I won’t suffer every month.
What could it hurt…it is all natural.
Don't give up hope, and I would not take something that someone else has already had problems with. You don't need to add to your issue.
take care-

Gberger said...

WOW. Sending love, and standing with you in the space of "not knowing." May you have peace & love enough to hear your inner wisdom speaking to you. You will know what to do. {{huge hugs}}

Christina said...

When I had infertility problems, the regimen that they suggested that I do made me go bazonkers. Hated every living minute of being on it, so I stopped. And I started acupuncture. And it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Chinese medicine just looks at your body so differently. Western medicine treats a "problem," whereas Chinese medicine says YOUR WHOLE BODY is out of balance. If one thing's wrong, it must affect everything else in some way. It is a more holistic way to perceive yourself, and ultimately, I thought very helpful. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It may not be your only solution, but it could work to supplement other things you do.

Thinking of you every day...

chill said...

My Dr. put me on Lupron for a few months last year after my third laparoscopy (second in 17 mos.) for endometriosis. I think a second opinion and exploring chinese medicine are a good idea. I would be more than happy to talk to you about my experiences with Lupron, if you want--send me an e-mail if you want to chat.

Anonymous said...

I believe getting pregnant is an option right?

Karyn said...

Oh my. That stuff sounds horrible. I would def. explore other treatment options.

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