Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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has anyone gone from arimidex or femara to tamoxifem, as my onc suggested? I thought tamoxifem was just for premenopausal women?
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I think you can take tamoxifen at any stage in life. It's the aromatase inhibitors that should only be used after menopause. I'd taken tamoxifen for four years before they yanked (*technical term*) my ovaries and tolerated it very well, much better than the hated, but respected, Arimidex. :-)
E
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For a more postive note: I had fatigue at first (and am taking other meds that cause fatigue) but my body has adapted and I sleep fairly normal nights (9 hours, normal for me), and occasionally take a short nap late afternoon -- so you may adapt. Most of the time my energy is good. And if you're not far out of treatment, I know I had a ton of fatigue the first months after I got done with everything; it took about 5-6 months before I really felt myself feeling much better. But if you don't bounce back or your fatigue is really extreme, talk to your oncologist.
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enjoyful, why did they make you switch if you tolerated it so well, or did not put you back on it if the arimidex caused harsher SE?
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Jo-5, google it -- there's some interesting information about stress and chloresterol. I didn't see the stats you were looking for but the articles are still interesting. Yet another reason to take care of ourselves on all levels...
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nmi -
They took me off Tamoxifen because it failed and the cancer returned after 4 years.
I forgot to mention that my aunt was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer while in her 60s, and they put her on Tamoxifen. That was about 15 years ago, and she's never had a recurrence.
Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!
E
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Jo-5--it was a while ago that I saw the stress/cholestrol info, but I'll see if I can chase it down again. One of the advantages of being a University Instrutor--access to GREAT library resources!
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NatureGrrrl: I'm nearly 6 months out from TCH but only 3 months post rads. I do feel really well in myself. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I've been trying to avoid afternoon naps during the week as I am gradually returning to work and didn't want to get in the habit.
Bad night last night - lots of aches and restlessness - bloody Arimidex!!!!
Sue
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NativeMainer - I dont recall if it's been discussed here before, but one of the SE of Arimidex can be increased cholesterol. See paragraphs 5.3 and 6.1 of the Arimidex bottle instructions: http://www1.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/arimidex.pdf
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Oh terrific. Why can't they invent a breast cancer drug that has good side effects?? At least cover the blasted pill in chocolate and call it a bon-bon.
Gritting my aching jaw in frustration,
E
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That's what I understand Whole Foods did to calcium chews. So might be worth checking out. I just bought a large box of the Trader Joe's, so need to eat those first.
Anyway, my former business partner says the dark chocolate ones are just fab.
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My cholesterol used to be 140 and now after taking Arimidex it's 201. I eat very little meat because I'm I've never been fond of it. I get most of my protein from beans, but my cholesterol has climbed anyway. I only eat egg whites! I'm blaming it on the Arimidex. I too had a very restless, painful night. Like NativeMainer, I take Gabapentin, fish oil and D3 (5,000 IU) daily, but I still hurt. I've been doing moderate exercise too, but feel like I'm arthritic every day. Still beats cancer recurrence though.
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I am wondering what the effect on cholesterol will be too. Getting it checked in a couple of weeks. I typically have borderline high LDL, extremely high HDL (88 last year), and very low triglycerides.
I am hoping all the exercise has brought my HDL back to where it was a year ago.
I slept like a log last night after a wonderful bicycle ride, three miles of walking (doing errands), and a couple of glasses of wine. Doing some work/networking this AM prior to church. Then work as have an assignment to get out.
I do not want to be on any other meds if possible. Just anastrazole and vitamin supplements. And of course aspirin.
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How do you lose weight on Arimidex? I am so jealous of the ladies here that have. What is your secret?
Diagnosis: 4/10/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-0 -
To remember which is which I use HDL = Healthy cholesterol, LDL = Lethal cholesterol
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Oh yes, that's how I interpreted Claire's comment, 88 mg/dl, (or 2.28 mmol/L using the international measure used in Canada) is wonderful. Mine last year, (before BC and Arimdex) was barely ok at 1.2 mmol/L (46 mg/dl). According to the lab report anything over 1.1 mmol/L is considered normal. This is one thing I'll be watching when I go and see my family doctor in two weeks time.
Claire I've been following your messages about the benefits of exercise since I came here last Oct, and would like to thank you so much for being such an inspiration, not that I will be able to even approach what you've done, (or match your HDL whatever it'll be next time) but I did finish a 90 minute walk in my neighbourhood (with an elevation change of over 300 ft.) on a trail I hadn't attempted in a number of years. I feel sooo goood. So pfflt to whatever Armidex does to cholesterol.
I'd like to thank you too JO-5 for your example making it through 5 years of Arimidex. At age 66 I'm not too far behind the age that you were when you started. The idea of choosing to take something that could cause pain and limit my activity at this time of life is truly scary. Thanks partly to you I am willing to give it a good try.
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Aah but my lab uses the abbreviation LD (LDH). Scared the hell out of me the first time since my number was 217 ! Then I realized that that was the good cholesterol which has always been super high...
On the joint pain front.....somehow it's all but gone (hands still weaker than they were but no longer aching any where near what they were; almost fine). Not certain whether my D is finally higher, or the fact that I upped my fish oil or Glucosomine a bit or the tumeric that I added, but I'm a happy camper. Of course, it could be just time - 4 1/2 months Will try to figure out what's made the difference and share.
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HDL is the good cholesterol..think of H as a Hoover cleaning out your arteries
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You know, there is an entire generation that will not understand the Hoover reference!
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Back from retreat...as I said in another post glad to be back with my guy! You were all with me in spirit of quiet time there! Course bought the nuns pizza and beer one nite !
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Nuns are a lot more fun than they are generally given credit for!
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Ran into a Nun in a store a few months back and I'm from the old school and still can't get used to them out of "habit" and I mentioned that to her - she only smiled. Now you're tellilng me they drink beer too - tell me I'm gullible and it ain't so!
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Janesluvsdogs -
I read some of your earlier posting and I have trouble with your logic. A recurrence thwarted by Arimidex would definitely change the survival out come for me?
Not sure what reasoning, stats or logic you are using? Are you a researcher? Have you conducted a blind study that supports your statement? I only know what my research has provide and no recurrence will absolutely extend my life.
When you talk newly diagnosed are taking in to account the heterogeneity of each case when making your statement? Or is your statement "one size fits all"?
Do you consider long term survival a process or an event based on conditions? Knowing the answer to that premise would definitely clarify how you arrived at your decision to disregard the absolute value of the blind studies done on Arimidex and Tamoxifen. How do you feel about Tamoxifen survial stats?
Curious.
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Weight loss...a change in diet and not necessarily 'dieting' is the trick. More fruits and veggies, more water, change to raw sugar and gluten-free foods as best you can, eat often in small portions and try to minimize going to bed right after eating...I set 7pm as the stop eating time...allow yourself treats but it is all in portion control - if you can add a bit of walking or at least not being sedintary, that helps. With only this, I have managed to lose 30 pounds since my dx 10 days shy of a year ago. Sadly, however...it somehow wants to continue to hangout in the belly area - my goal is to drop the additional 30 over the course of this next year. This second one will likely require a bit more as the early pounds seem to come off easier - as long as I can stay on the hormonals, the plan should work. If treatment changes to chemo, I will be looking at it all different..lol
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About losing weight....... I have lost about 50 lbs in the last 2 years. DH was dx'd diabetic and wanted to try to control Blood sugar levels with diet and exercise. So we went on a low and balanced carb diet and upped our exercise which was already pretty good. All this before my BC diagnosis. In fact, I think weight loss combined with new digital mammo equipment probably made my IDC tumor visible.
Along came breast cancer plus two knee surgeries in 2009. I was doing pretty well, thought I looked healthy and fit. Started Arimidex in July 2009.
Diet is the same, exercise is the same, weight is great.... 5'7", 130 lbs... but I think, people think, I look a lot older. It's true... my neck is creepy, I have smile wrinkles where I used not to. Sometimes, if I am dehydrated, my upper arms, the bisep area, look like grapes that are two weeks old... withered-wrinkly. The skin on my legs is crepe-y looking too.
Is it just weight loss? Age? I am 63. Is it Arimidex, now anastrozole, sucking all the estrogen out of my body? Creams and lotions have MINIMAL effect.
DH says if I gained 20 lbs it would fill out my wrinkles. But my onc is thrilled with my skinniness and thinks it is a good thing. Clothes fit great... just don't get too close :-)
Does anyone else think A is affecting their skin quality and texture? Would I rather look younger or live longer? Well, that is a no brainer!!!
pam
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While I would love not to have the wrinkles I have acquired over the past 10 years, I can't say that A has affected my skin other than some minor breakouts on my face. My body skin is just fine too. I had lost about 40 pounds a number of years ago, gained some of it back, and lost a bit over 20 since diagnosis a year ago.
I believe that exercise helps my skin tone more than anything else, although I do use the creams. By this, I mean enough cardio to get my blood pumping.
I think I need to drink more water with A, but that is something I should be doing any way.
I wouldn't want sagging skin either, and I am about your age. I am just hair shorter than you are and my ideal weight is about 20 pounds more than what you weigh. I am thin and buff at that weight. I still have a few more pounds to go which I am dropping very slowly.
I have no idea how clothes look otherwise on you, but unless you have a small, slender frame, you could be on the thin side. Make sure you stay hydrated, and you might look better with an extra 5 pounds which I will be thrilled to donate!!!!
Good luck.
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OK, I am officially accepting donations in 5 lb increments. I especially would like donations that can be applied to my too narrow shoulders, flat behind, saggy neck, and bony fingers. I will also accept smaller quantities of cheek fat and lip plumper. Tummy pounds will not be accepted and will be returned to sender. Cellulite will be returned COD.
pam
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After my last surgery in May, I decided to take time for me to exercie. I walk 2-3 miles (30 to 60 minutes) 5-6 days a week. I take my i-pod and listen to my music and love this time for me. Even when I don't feel like it, I make myself to it. Mentally and phycially-and I feel so much better for doing it. I love how it makes me feel! Since starting this atthe beginning of the summer I've lost about 10 lls., I'm 5'7 139 now. It's not so much the weight I think about, but the good I am doing for my body! I do agree with the skin thing, I look in the mirror and say"Who are you and when did did you turn into your mother!"
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I have had a problem with wrinkly, thin skin also. I have been pretty much the same weight (give or take a little) for the last 10 - 15 years. I notice it most at my neck - my eyelids. In the last 5 years, I have gained 10 in looks.
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After my last surgery in May, I decided to take time for me to exercie. I walk 2-3 miles (30 to 60 minutes) 5-6 days a week. I take my i-pod and listen to my music and love this time for me. Even when I don't feel like it, I make myself to it. Mentally and phycially-and I feel so much better for doing it. I love how it makes me feel! Since starting this atthe beginning of the summer I've lost about 10 lls., I'm 5'7 139 now. It's not so much the weight I think about, but the good I am doing for my body! I do agree with the skin thing, I look in the mirror and say"Who are you and when did did you turn into your mother!"
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