Topic: Arimidex

I believe it's a mistake to believe "no pain, no gain," when it comes to side effects from chemo and AI's.   My onc explained that each person's system metabolizes all meds differently, be they antibiotics or cancer drugs.  The SE's that one person experiences may be similar to those of another person, but not identical.  If SE are more severe for one person than another, it is NOT a sign that the drugs are working better for the one who is more debilitated, just that the med is being metabolized differently.  Hope this helps. 

Thanks, Marilynn, for the explanation.  It does help clarify the situation.

Irishsun, sure hope your SEs get less severe.  I admire your determination.

I have been on Arimidex for a month and a half. When I had my onc. check up a few weeks ago, she started me on Zometa, since I was already osteopenic. She said that they have just finished some studies on Zometa, and that it not only strengthens your bones, but also reduces your chance for recurrance.

Roxanne

Roxanne, my girlfriend was in that Zometa trial.  You are right on - Zometa helps with bones and offers some protection against recurrence.  I wasn't aware that the trial was completed.  I'll check with my friend, as she stays on top of all of these things.  Thanks for the heads up. 

I don't think it IS true about the worst SE's meaning Arimidex is working.  My oncologist was very pleased that my SE's had mostly gone away.  She also explained oncologists are finding that our bodies start to 'accomodate', or maybe it was compensate?  well, get used to being without estrogen.

Pam, as I understand it, Arimidex inhibits the aromotase which the body needs to create estrogen and the Tamoxifen blocks any possible E+ cancer from using estrogen.  So women taking Tamoxifen still have aromotase in their bodies and can create estrogen, ovaries, adrenal glands, and good ole fat.

Question on Arimidex.  Does it stop all aromotase in the body from producing estrogen, even the estrogen produced in the fat in our bodies?  I am overweight so am wondering how much estrogen reduction I will get from the Arimidex if it does not prevent the fat from producing    estrogen.  

http://www.arimidex.com/arimidex-about/how-arimidex-works.aspx

The above is a link to a video that explains how Arimidex works.  In a nutshell:  After menopause the ovaries are not producing estrogen.  But small amounts are being made in the liver, adrenal glands and fat cells.  This estrogen is a combination of androgen and aromatase that bind together to become estrogen.  An AI, Arimidex, bonds to the aromatase cell and prevents it from linking to the androgen cell and keeps it from turning in to estrogen.  So the drug does not stop estrogen from feeding the cancer cell... it stops the process that makes estrogen in our postmenopausal bodies.  While the video initially mentions estrogen and fat cells, when it gets into talking about how the drug stops the process it only, at that point, talks about liver and adrenal glands... maybe I missed something.  I'm not clear about E from fat cells.

Carole:  In this video Astra Zeneca does say the drug can raise your cholesterol!!!

I'm sorry I do not know how to hyperlink here.  you have to copy and paste the URL.

Pam 

Kat43

I know my oncologist is adamant about my losing weight  which I'm doing, slowly, but at least going in the right direction.   She said being overweight is definitely a negative factor - and how important it was to lose weight, some studies have found it does increase the possibility of a reoccurance.  I have no data on it, but definitely take my oncologists word that is is a good thing to lose weight if you're overweight.

I take Arimidex at night and don't have problems with sleep normally but my sister takes hers in the morning and she is also doing fine I think whatever works for you. Since chemo I also am on a calcium supplement once a month from having Osteriopenia sorry if I misspelled but there are so many meds and long names at 58 (in a week ha) I have all my meds typed up so when  go for any test or dermatologist etc I have my list with me

Is anyone experiencing huge mood swings?  I wake up in a great mood then later in the day I become a real crab.  Little thing will set me off.  I can't seem to stop myself.  It's like permanent PMS!

Roseann

My hands are a little stiff but it's manageable. My mood is miserable but I don't know if it's the Arimidex or other factors. I think I was miserable before the Arimidex. But my hair is not growing back and that is pretty bad along with not being able to lose weight.

I started taking Arimadex in March of 2009 after finishing chemo and radiation. I didnt notice any thing at first. Now Im to the point I cant walk without a cane or walker, I cant grocery shop etc... M knees hurt like no other pain I have ever had. Yet Im afraid to not take it. I keep telling myself its this or would I rather have my cancer back. I dont know the answer.

Kat43, se's are different for everyone and may start right away, a month later or even 2 years later.  There's no telling.  It does seem that everyone did get the hot flashes.  I've been on since March and I think mine started around May/June.  However, they are pretty mild and only last a few minutes for me; usually no more than 2-3 times a day.

JackieFolk, you started Arimides the same time as I did altho I didn't do chemo.  Are you taking (or can you take) any supplements for the joint pain?  Or mention it to your med onc?  I know it doesn't work for everyone but the glucosamine has worked quite well for me for the hip pain which came back after years of being gone.  Only had issues with one knee recently and could walk fine but was unable to go up or down stairs.  Ortho doc gave me a cortisone shot 3 weeks ago and now I'm pain free - almost ready to run a marathon (yeah, right!)

But, as JO-5 always tells us, se's of Arimidex are easier to manage than se's of BC.

JackieFolk, sorry you're experiencing such horrible SEs.  Have you tried taking glucosamine/chondroitin and fish oil caps?  I've also been drinking 4 oz of pure cherry juice daily for about 3 wks after I read that it contains an ingredient that's in anti-inflammatory meds.  I try to exercise regularly.  I've only been on Arimidex 7 wks, so my SEs will possibly become more severe with time and estrogen deprivation.

I would definitely recommend Effexor for the hot flashes and mood swings.

Good luck to all of us who take the dreaded little white pill.