Roxanne, the truth is, you maynever feel "normal" again - if the definition of normal is how you felt prior to breast cancer. Cancer and its treatment has a huge effect on us, both physically and mentally; it takes a long, long time to recover. And as we do, the years go by, and the effects of simply getting older kick in, too. So, 3 years from now, when you've completely finished treatment and have had time to heal, will you feel like you did 6 years ago (at that point)? I doubt it.

But there's a "new normal." Once you get off the Arimidex, I suspect you'll feel better than you do now. YOur body will gradually adjust to less estrogen, and you'll adjust emotionally to how you feel physically. Don't give up; it's discouraging, but various things can help you feel better, including eating right and, most important, exercise, if only taking long walks. And I'm betting the hot flashes will gradually abate. In the meantime, keep your eyes on the horizon, and keep moving forwards; every day you're that much closer to being completely through treatment. I finished Arimidex 4 months ago, and I do feel better... Take care- PJH