Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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My sister has a scrubby thing - a sort of sonic toothbrush for your face - and that seems to help brighten things up a little. I'm not sure if it's brightened from irritation or because the dead skin's been sandblasted away, but I'll take it!
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Me too! My skin feels different. I have mini bumps under the skin, only I can feel them. If I complained to a doctor, he would just think I was imagining things, but my skin is different. Started noticing right after surgery, then more after rads. Now I have the bumps and hives. I don't know what bumps are from what treatment
The hives subsided for a while when I cut down on green tea. Now the hives are back even without drinking the green tea. 
As for the face, I am only using shea butter, coconut oil. I wonder about the ingredients in the anti-aging stuff. I look everything up on www.ewg.org. I found some really nice shampoo and conditioner on www.100%pure.com , it's called Glossy Locks. 0 -
I use the 'Bioelements' products 'Crucial Moisture' for day and 'Sleepware' for night. They are expensive but seem to do the trick. I know that if I don't use them, I can IMMEDIATELY tell the difference.
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BTW the best thing you can do for your skin is drink plenty of water. Most people don't drink enough. This is a habit we all had to do for chemo. I just never stopped.
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I was on Arimidex for 2 weeks and stopped it because my blood pressure went through the roof. I continue to have a high pulse rate and I have been off of the Arimidex for more than 2 weeks. I was reading on how long the stuff stays in your system. Sounds like it can be there for some time. Anyone stop taking it and still having SEs?
My hair lady recommended Nioxin shampoo as well (saw RuthBru's comment). I too have bald patches just from my 2 weeks on Arimidex. Apparently it is not my drug of choice. Hopefully the next one will be better. Finishing rads 10/10 and then 'lab rat am I'.
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Enjoyful - extra virgin coconut oil. I use Whole Foods (generic) 365 brand. Comes in a black plastic tub. Sold where the Fish Oil, vitamins are. I LOVE IT. It's a solid, melts on the skin. I also have a tub next to the stove, and use it for all my sitr frys. Smells nice, if you like coconut.
Don't know how a coconut gets to be "extra virgin" - but then I never could understand that label on olive oil either.
In the Winter, when my upper arms, thighs, get so dry they peel, I use 100% pure cocoa butter, which also comes in plastic tub, very solid, has to be warmed up in microwave, and rub that on first, let it absorb, and then put coconut oil on top in the driest areas. SO, basically I smell like a chocolate coconut sundae. Quite nice.
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what a beautiful picture, sunflowers!
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Dixiebell, I don't think that your eye problem and headache is related to taking Arimidex only because you've only had 2 doses.What you describe are potential side effects of this medication but not this soon. After 2 weeks on the stuff I found that I was waking up with a mild headache and nausea. At that time I took it right before going to bed. I switched to taking it at 3 pm so that I'm in bed hopefully sleeping when any side effects might happen. II was very reluctant to start this medication after reading all the negative stories but I honestly have to say that I have not noticed anything other than some real hot ,hot flashes!I'm hoping that with time these will diminish. I'm thankful that the weather is cooler. That helps a lot.
Barbara
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thanks, Ruthbru - I couldn't figure out how to post ANY of the sunflowers pictures I had - SO, that is a picture of sunflowers in a blue pitcher from Bren's house ;-) Isn't it wonderful. I've got one downloaded in a file to be painted too!
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makes it even nicer when it had a story
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HI All,
So I have to tell you that my skin is better than ever. I do NOT attribute this to Arimidex. However, I do think that 3 things have been enormously helpful: 1) I eat so much more healthily including drinking much more water and taking my vitamins and omega3, etc 2) I have rosacea so I take metrodazole cream that helps reduce redness or inflamation caused by certain foods and I really think it is helping smooth out the wrinkles (in the short run); 3) I have dry eyes and, at the suggestion of my eye doctor, I wear a warm compress over my eyes before I go to bed for 10 minutes to help get the tear ducts going. I lather vaseline around my eyes to help keep the moisture in. Of all the things that I do, I notice that the "laugh lines" on my face are more pronounced when I hydrate less or eat/drink more richly.
I have a good friend who has been on Arimidex for 8 years now and her face is definitely like crepe. However, she had grade 3, stage 3 and she is still alive and well. She is very happy with the trade off.
Sunflower, I am going to run out and get some cocunut oil and cocoa oil for the approaching winter. It sounds absolutely wonderful - like a mini-spa. Thanks for the tip.
Best to all, Beau
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I thought it was my imagination that I was looking older. Good to know someone else is noticing this. Also, for the past 3 weeks I've had a terrible headache...every day. I finally called the doctor yesterday and was told to stop taking the Arimidex and see what happens. It's only been two days so I still have the headache. If I had to live with that for 5 years I would take my chances. I just want to feel good again. For all those that can take the pill without too many side effects I give you props. Hugs to all.
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Beau, thanks for sharing, I will try the dry eye remedy. BTW, I am using shea butter, wonder what the difference is between shea, cocoa, and cocnut oils...anyone???
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So I asked my onc and side effects can start as soon as 12 hrs after first dose, although the more severe symptoms could take 3 days or more days. He said some people have side effects right away and some its a year later.
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A guy at physical therapy today said body builders take this drug arimidex, REALLY why would anyone purposely take this drug. He said to build more muscle? Anyone else heard of this and if thats the case where is all my muscles??? lol
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Shea butter, is, I think, something like the cocoa butter. The thing about the cocoa butter is you do have to put the jar in the mocrowave to soften it - it also usually comes with a slight wax "seal." I opened the jar - and said to myself "hhmmnn...this feels very waxy." DUH!! So, remember to scrape the wax seal off if it feels waxy. The coconut oil I use ( Whole Foods 365 brand) melts as soon as you put it on your skin - smells YUMMY, if you like mild coconut smell, and really sinks in.
the cocoa buttere takes longer to sink in but is even richer - very moisturizing. Don't get either one near your eyes....
ETA: I just read the question why do body builders use a 'variation" of Arimidex, to get rid of any estrogen/fatty stuff - don't think they use the same doseage we get - and of course, they aren't used to the estrogen our bodies have thrived on ;( lucky them!
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Dixiebell, Yes, they take 1/2 the dose we do so that their bodies produce less estrogen and more testosterone. Allows for them to build more muscle.
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Started 2 days ago, a bit of hip stiffness. Not bad!!
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I'm three plus weeks out now and felt I was doing just fine (other than constipation). The last several days, though, I've felt that my BP is up. My suspicion was confirmed today when I went in today for the presurgical visit for my PBx that's scheduled for October 7. 184/100. Not good. My GP doubled one of my meds and we'll see what happens.
I'm sure that they won't want to do surgery if it remains that high and I really don't want to have the date put back as it's already been delayed once.
I'll calll my MO tomorrow as he's the prescribing doc and is much more experienced with the trials and tribulations of folks on Arimidex.
I've been hypertensive for years and it's been a real struggle to get my BP consistently down. Now it appears that the Arimidex is playing havoc with that hard won control.
Has anyone else experienced this? Did the BP come down as the body adjusted? Or did you have to change meds?
This certainly is an adventure.
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Hi Kathy,
Sorry to hear that your b/p is up. Mine went up too when I started. I take Avapro, but I know that there are many options for you to try if the current med and extra dosing don't do the trick. I also was started on diazapam as a muscle relaxer for 3 herniated discs in my neck - Arimidex gave me more arthritis and made my neck much worse. (the med is also used for anti-anxiety and can help lower blood pressure). You may be feeling fine emotionally, but if the stress of all this is affecting your mood or sleep, you might try adding something like that into the mix to see if it helps on both accounts.
thanks again Sunflower for explaining the different "oils/butters" out there.
Stage1, if you haven't seen this info on other threads, I will simply mention that coconut oil is the only thing that works for me and my mojo. I got the tip from others here on this site.
Best to all, Beau
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I am still waiting for the 'Body Builder's Body' side effect!!!!!
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I just read what is in my shea butter, it is organic shea butter and sunflower oil. Where do you getting the coconut oil? I want to try that, sounds delightful
Tomorrow I go to the MO for my three month. I really have no complaints, I am doing well now, on Arimidex, aside from the bumpy skin. The itching has subsided. My hair is falling out a little, but I am thankful that I did not have to go thru chemo, so I can deal with this. I am a little worried about BP. I never had high BP until cancer. We'll see what it is tomorrow. Hopefully my weigh in will be good too. Another thing I am concerned mostly about is the bone loss. I have osteopenia, like a lot of us. Wish me luck:)
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Hi all, I've been on Arimidex now since August 26 and the only SE I have noticed is some loss of hair (thinning). The tiredness has been a constant with me since even before my BC diagnosis so if the meds have added to it I really haven't noticed. Arthritis pains have stayed much the same as before and I do visit the Chiropractor every month. I do keep active so maybe that has helped. I guess time will tell and when I see my MO in November. Coco-butter and Shea butter have been good for my skin too. The Shea butter doesn't have a smell so I don't smell like suntan lotion all day. I guess I just want the lurkers to know that it's not all bad all the time when on this med. I know that I got scared reading all the problems that have come up for others before I went on it. So just give it the good old college try. Can you tell it's the university's homecoming week here at work LOL! Kitty
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I saw my MedOnc on Tuesday to talk about post chemo, post rads therapy. He said he wanted to prescribe Tamoxifen for 3 years, and Arimidex for 2 years. I had been on Evista, mainly for bones, for a couple of years with no side effects. So I said I would like to continue on the Evista, as I knew women with terrible side effects with Tamoxifen. He said OK! I am very happy.
Jane
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HI Stage1.
i have gotten coconut oil at Whole Foods and Marshalls (cheaper there as it is a discount chain, but they don't always have it). Also found a website called Pharmaca that sometimes has good deals (but can be pricey depending on item).
My b/p is definitely higher on Arimidex but 1/2 a pill of avapro usually keeps it in line. Cutting out salt and alchohol also really helps. (don't always do it, but notice it is lower when I do it consistently).
Best to All,
Beau
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Thanks, Beau, Great, we have a Whole Foods opening up in October. I am glad to have it in our neighborhood. I will look for the coconut oil.
My Mo appt went well, BP is down! Yeah! Just discussed the arimidex. All my SE's are gone. I am still getting a little itchy around the breast area and stomach, but I didn't bring it up to the MO because you really can't see the bumps, I just feel itchy. Drs think your nuts if they can't see it...
MO ordered a Mamogram 6 month for the affected side only. I have to go do that.
Thank you all for your support and this site for the shared information.
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We are the 'A TEAM' !
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HI RUTHBRU,
Coming back to our correspondence about raisins soaked in gin, I must let you know about improvement in diminution of thicken finger joints after consuming second jar of soaked raisins!!! Should this be a cortisone effect???
Greetings to all AI ladies!
Usha
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I've been meaning to ask my fellow long timers on the A Team ( I'm in my 5th year) - have you noticed a change in your sense of balance??? I'm noticing I don't feel as "confident" walking down stairs, unless I'm holding on to a bannister.
I will NOT attribute this to age, but I definiitely feel a change in my sense of balance. It's just not as good as it used to be.
Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Whole Foods (generic brand) 365 Coconut Oil, in black plastic tub. Sold where the Fish Oils are, part of the vitamin section. I cook with it now too
Delicious stir fry! 0 -
Usha, awesome about the gin/raisin cure!
I am having trouble with my balance, but that is because I just got bifocals.....OMG! I feel queasy when I wear them, like I HAVE been drinking the gin!
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