Arimidex
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ronqt1 - The sheets!! I went through the wet sheets and changing gowns several times a night. I got so I put t-shirts in the bathroom before going to bed so I had them to put on. This lasted a few months but now it is only a once a month now. that I can live with. The se's do get better with time. At least mine have.
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LAKEWOMAN: Yes, I had a mastectomy of right breast, and route we decided was tissue expander, which after complaining and moaning and feeling sorry for myself, I guess I am getting used to.
On my first initial visit with oncologist, I was given material to read regarding support groups, music, healing therapy, exercise and all that from hospital. Even though I am cancer free and just dealing with this football in me as I call it, I decided to call the cancer center here and perhaps there is an exercise group and/or destress group I can participate in.
God Bless your mom for her wonderful attitude and you as well.
If I do not come on line tomorrow, please SISTERS - ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS.
HUGS.
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Sobx: Thank you for responding to wet sheet problem. We get very little heat in the bedroom so I am pretty amused that I still sweat like that. I am glad you said that this will not last long.
Have a pleasant evening all.
Hugs,
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Hello Fellow Arimidexians (sounds good) After my venting post on here (a reaction to information overload) I re-evaluated and re-inventoried the things I am feeling. Yes, I do need an anti-depressant - appt on the 29th. Yes, as long as I take my supplements, the se's are less and I am learning to do that. Water helps - must drink water - working on that.
Thank you for all your posts - some days are better than others and Jo - right on with the better than the cancer - way better than chemo - so...my conclusion is I am sticking to what is working, being alert for possible se's but not overly so (the mind can really make a mess of things) and continue to treat this 'chronic' ailment.
My frustration kicks in when I realize that maybe I am just a little bit different than I was before - but then, I am getting older - I am inclined not to blame everything I used to blame on getting old on this treatment - if I hurt before, it is still going to hurt - sooo, my lesson: talk here and learn here and keep on going - it by far out weighs the alternative - Happy Ho-Ho-Ho and boy are we in the SNOW! (and by the way, I have actually inquired to hire someone to do my shoveling - I know it will make me hurt and I will lose the stupid and stubborn independent attitude - thanks for that advice!).
So, anyone interested in making a few bucks and coming to Minnesota and shovel? LOL.
Thanks again for all your support!
LowRider in Minnesota (no bike out today for sure)
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Lakewoman: I asked the same question when I first got on. I believe you do it when you fill in your profile. I still can't believe some of the expertise these gals have, but as I progress, I will learn and know more.
Again, Merry Christmas!!!
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Sorry Lakewomen, meant to answer before. I think if you go to the "My Home" tab you will be able to put in your info.
edit to add: or the "My Preferences" link next to the Log Out button.
Hope all is well for all. Merry Christmas.
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Merry Christmas to everyone. Wishing us all a happy future.
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PATOO ty so much for info on posting my diagnosis As you can see I DID IT THANKS TO YOU ..PLus I saw I had 4 personal messages I did not know about SO you see your response was a big help to me! Merry Christmas eve to you and all !!!!
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Oh and ty also to you Ronna for response to same!!!!
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Hello everyone....happy holidays to all...
Bad headache today (which usually means my bones don't hurt) but now the headache is gone so my bones ache. That is so weird.
Melatonin 3mg extended release works from time to time, helps me fall asleep but not stay asleep and sometimes I have strange vivid dreams. I'm going to try Desyrel which is helpful for some people and is also an anti-depressant, taking care of 2 problems at once. I try to limit the Ambien CR to twice a week (I sleep so well on that) because of potential dependency. Lack of sleep doesn't help anything.
I have a new job which requires walking, bending, and lifting so when I don't feel like going to the gym, that helps. I'm proud of myself for accepting this job (even though I'm way overqualified for it) so I can have some health benefits and keep taking my Arimidex.
Everyone stay strong, drive carefully for those of you facing snow (our weather was fabulous today, we got up to 63 sunny degrees) and a great 2010
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Merry Christmas to everyone. I have just returned to this site as I have been away but for no real reason actually, but now I have a new problem which has unfortunately made me cease taking Arimidex and that is my bone scan has shown up oesteoporosis I was actually very upset as I was handling the se's very well now I have the dilema of taking Tamoxifin or not or ceasing all pills all together. unfortunatley my Onc has no real answers only that I could keep going as I am and risk being in a wheelchair or take tamoxifen with no guarantees from either that they will always work. I would have preferred to stay on the Arimidex but can not risk it. So it is very important that you have your bone density tests . I was on Arimidex for 2 1/2 years and this has been my first density test I had all the others reg but always thought this would be fine!
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Melodylane,
Has your doctor mentioned the possibility of using Zometa to counter the bone loss? I am having no problems with an AI now but my onc said if I did she would add Zometa which has the additional benefit of stopping bone mets.
Just a thought.
pam
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I had a bone density scan last year and there was no osteoporosis or osteopenia (exce-t maybe some arthritis in the spine) however I think it's happening in my jaws, my teeth are moving around and the bones around them are tender. My dentist said that the chemo can have long lasting effect on the production of saliva, so my teeth have sudden onset of decay.
"It's always something" - Roseann Rosanna Danna
I take a very good calcium supplement, 2000 IUs of Vitamin D and exercise regularly to help keep the bones strong.
Keep on keeping on. We are definitely staying away from stores today since it's the madness of the day after Xmas.
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Happy Holidays everyone, I was reading over the last few pages as I am trying to decide what to do. I was on arimidex for the last 18 months and my Oncologist suggested I try Aromasin and I have taken that for 2 months, at first I felt alot better, no aching bones, much less tired etc.. but low and behold the terrible aching in my wrists and forearms (carpal tunnel?) has presented itself. Now I will have to decide if I should return to Arimidex. I may try all the supplements you mention and see if that helps. I did have a week of carpal tunnel symptoms on Arimidex but it went away. It all is better than cancer but I can[t decide what to do. Any suggestions?
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My onc just said that because the al increases bone loss he recommends I stop, he said that some of the drugs to offset the osteo have dire consequences on the jaw which cannot be repaired I am not sure if the Zometa is one I will definately check it out. I also took very good calcium supplement and exercise every day I had no se's to mention I have though just recently started on the extra vit d as the tablet I took had it there already. I really would prefer to stay with the arimidex.
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Nancy - I'm wondering if you have had any trouble with cough. It is listed as a side effect of Armidex. I have been on it for only 16 days and I have developed this real hard, non-productive cough that I think might be related to the medication.
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Mellodylane,
I am in the same area as you are and my Onc at RBWH, put me on Arimidex plus Bonefos, which is a Biophosphonate to strengthen the bones, as soon as I was dxed last year. Originally, Bonefos was prescribed for older women who had lost bone density, to stop them from developing Osteo! I did the 5yr Tamoxifen from '95.
I must state here that I am stage IV mets, 14 yrs since primary treatment.
Maybe you should ask your Onc about Bonefos before you give up on the Arimidex. I assume you are post menopausal if you are already taking Arimidex.
I have read that there is a school of thought that believes that all women w/breast cancer should be given Bonefos as a first line of defense against recurrance or mets from the get go of primary dx. Apparently, it is that good at stopping the onset of bone cancers and others!
Sheila.
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Thanks Aussie Sheila
My onc basically said that he thought biphosphonates was not a good way for me to go and is pushing the Tamoxifen as a better option as it is supposed to help with bone loss as well. I am thinking that I am going to go natural for a while and keep monitoring myself carefully as I went 4 years last time! or maybe I will relent and do the Tamoxifin he has given me a script for both go figure I am so confused.
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mellodylane,
What would you think of a second opinion? I don't mean change doctors... just consult another in your area to see if you get a consensus.
Good luck with your decision process. We all know how hard it is.
pam
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Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to all of us .
Those of you who know me know that I dont get a chance to post very often as I work a lot of very long hours taking care of patients who are our *sisters* , I was reading this thread, one of my favorites and just wanted to comment on my experience with Arimidex. First of all, like Rita, I do know that the symptoms some of us experience and side effects are so very real and need to be addressed, but like Rita I have put together a regimen that works for me.
I just celebrated my first cancer free anniversary and along with that comes my first completed year on Arimidex. I take 1500mg of Calcium daily (carbonate works best for me), 2000U of Vit D3 in gel cap form (very important) and 500 mg of Magnesium right before bed.....I walk 1.5 miles a day (no matter how tired I am and no matter how much I dont want to, and often times I dont...want to
and I have successfully dropped another ten pounds.....my hair is a bit on the dry side now, and I have some joint aches and bone pains on certain days but for the most part I feel really good and all my Drs agree the exercise and the supplements are mostly responsible....like Rita, I also stay away from sugar as much as possible (yes I do cheat) and soy and stick to only organic dairy products.....lots of fruit and very little red meat. I truly hope you all find a combination that helps you get through comfortably and liking that we have Arimidex to take and not hating it, my surgeon refers to it as an insurance policy, I know we all still wonder if its all that its cracked up to be, but this is where the gift of faith comes in, as it does with so many things on this journey.....
Take very good care of yourself and enjoy life ! Again a very happy New Year to all of you
jan
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Yes, thank you Jan for your post. Very encouraging and motivates me to try and jump start my routine again, or I should say, make up a routine that I can stick with.
Hi to everyone!
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TY Jan ..I always think I should walk MORE and never walk at all!!!! a mile and half each day will be my goal this year!!!...I was on low end of VIT D and surgeon wants me to take it ,,,again many thanks for this reminder also >It is now on MY LIST!!! Merry Everyday to all of you!
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Hello all,
watching a show about Mt Everest and having a giant hot flash, talk about contrasts.
so glad I found this site and the sisterhood. Soon it'll be 2010 and a new year brings new promise. With the health care reform, we might even be able to buy health insurance.
take good care all of you
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Hello all,
watching a show about Mt Everest and having a giant hot flash, talk about contrasts.
so glad I found this site and the sisterhood. Soon it'll be 2010 and a new year brings new promise. With the health care reform, we might even be able to buy health insurance.
take good care all of you
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Hello - OMAHA GIRL re aching wrists. I'm almost a year on Arimidex. One of my worst side effects was what appeared to be carpal tunnel, about 6 months in. On the advice of someone on this board i bought good wrist splints to use at night. My wrists/forearms were so aching and tingling/numb especially on waking, and often kept me awake at night. The splints helped immediately, to keep the wrists straight. You can also use them during the day. You need to buy the right size for your hands. Eventually I saw a physical rehab specialist dr. who did tests for carpal tunnel and sure enough, I had it. Only, it had not progressed to the surgery stage becauses I'd used the splints, she said. You can get prescriptions for splints, so try that, to cover your cost. Now, nealry a year into arimidex, the carpal tunnel seems to be waning & I don't use the splints every night. Get the splints! and bestr of luck. Souad
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Hi all.
Just reading again all the new posts re: arimidex.
Just wanted to add that aside from my sweats, I believe that my sleep is getting less interrupted by the medication.
I am also a migraine sufferer and suddenly since October 30, 09 day of Mast. I have had 2 minor occurrences. I wonder if my hormones could have played a major factor in this.
However, box of Arimidex from manufactuer (not pharmacy) did not have 30 pills in it. Only 28.
All newbies on Arimidex, make sure you get your 30 pills from manufacturer.
Tomorrow I should be going for 2nd fill in my TE. Don't know what to expect, but my drug stash is ready.
I wish everyone on this breastcancer.org site a healthy New Year but will be checking posts later.
Hugs to all
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Jan, why should the D3 be in gel cap form? And what is the importance of magnesium?
I wonder if I'm getting full benefit of the Calcium w/D3 that I take. Because I have acid reflux, I also take Protonix daily. I've read that the meds for reflux (Nexium, Protonix, Prilosec, etc) can interfere with absorption of calcium.
Ronna, good luck with the 2nd fill.
Hope everyone had a happy Christmas holiday.
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how bad is everyones reflux mines just got horrible--I took my fosomax yesterday as usual and seems since then I have been miserable--nausea reflux burning inmy throat and coughing is this the arimidex, or fosomex or cardiac or what i am a mess-- i took a zantac last night --didnt help was up dirinking hot water-- will try another now-- this sucks-- freaking out over everything again-- help
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lollys, I have been on Bonefos (same as Fosamax) for over a year now. Each time I get the next months supply from my hospital pharmacy, I get a different pharmacist. They start the handover as if it is the first time I have ever had it, giving me a rundown of various no no's etc,. One of them seemed to recognise me one day and told me that I should always remain upright after taking Bonefos. This was about 9 months after I started taking it.
Thinking that a new side effect might have been discovered, I asked him why. He said that if I lie down after taking it, it will burn my throat and cause heart-burn!
This surprised me as I have a little weekly pill dispenser with an alarm attached and I have it set for 6 am each morning, specifically, for taking the Bonefos. One eye automatically opens with my mouth and I suck a large amount of water from my bedside bottle and then flop back down and go back to sleep until my full bladder alarms me and forces me out of bed, usually 30 mins after taking the pill.
Until I was told this by the pharmacist, I had never had any throat probs or heart burn before. The first morning after, I felt like my throat was being eaten by acid about 15 mins later.
I grabbed my water bottle and swallowed the remaining water in it, lay down and waited again.
No more burning.
I now drink more water with the morning pill and haven't suffered the above since then.
So Ladies . . . . . . BEWARE!
The power of SUGGESTION is a throat-burning-force to be reckoned with!
Sheila.
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Jan, Enjoyed reading your post as I am dealing with the effects of arim in exactly the same way that you are...I find that if I am up tight or stressed my aches and pains seem a whole lot worse...The walking, eating healthy, and supplements also help me to feel like I am doing something to fight the beast from returning...I am enjoying this thread of posts as I can relate to so much of it...you gals keep me motivated.....Have a great day....Claudia
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