Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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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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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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nmi,
I know what you mean about your mother! I used to have a cartoon on my fridge that said "Why is it the only things I inherited from my mother are the things that drive me crazy about her?"
I took it down once when Mother was coming to visit
and it was lost. Now I not only find myself thinking like her... I have started looking like her!
pam
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I do think my skin is drier. I smear on good thick lotion, get regular facials, wear a good moisturizing foundation, wear sunscreen etc. and I think staying hydrated helps too. Exercise gives you that all over healthy glow, which helps disguise the age. I would be happy to donate five pounds from my hips and/or thighs!!! Ruth
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My skin in definately drier. Drier and looks more coarse, more leathery despite moisturizer, moisturizing shower gel and soap, and extra hydration. I can deal with dry skin, its the itching that drives me nuts!
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About 3 months now on A and the vanity in me is mortified in apprising you of my first noticeable SE other than that little OA flare up. Oh my goodness, something new and different for a change of pace ...fuzzy face has emerged!!! I will come clean here only in the interest of science but plan to take every action to conceal this affliction. I kid ...this should be my biggest problem and yours if you are similarly beset. Hugs all around!
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Why are you gals blaming everything on Arimidex. Maybe it's just natural ageing. Now you're blaming the fuzz on your face on Arimidex?? This is my second 5 years on it and I am just as ugly as I was before Arimidex. I was hoping it would make me beautiful!
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Hey - we've gotta blame something!
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I don't believe in natural aging! Aging is totally to blame on something... meds, stress, DHs, adult children problems, the government, whatever. Certainly not the ravages of time :-(
pam
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Well, I'm not sure you have to believe in aging for it to be part of life
Although sometimes I blame aging on cosmic rays (I blame cosmic rays for a lot of things) )My skin started getting crepy when I was in my 40's, still on estrogen (yeah, estrogen), and in otherwise great shape -- vegetarian, runner, etc. It was only a little crepy but I noticed & hated it. I don't think where I'm at now, over 15 years later, is attributable to much except age and perhaps diet. The women I know who seem to have the best skin really do eat exceptionally healthy, drink lots of water, etc, and although they aren't all avid exercisers, they stay in shape. But that's just anecdotal, and some of it is probably genetics.
Estrogen does do many wonderful things for our bodies and keeping skin younger looking may well be one. My mom had those young-genes so she always looked young anyway, and never aged much until late 70's early 80's, but she was on estrogen for over 30 years, and I think that played a role too. When the dr. finally realized how long she'd been on it (hello? This guy was an idiot but my parents loved him) and took her off, she did age some and rather quickly -- most noticeable was wrinkles and sagging skin.
But keep in mind much of it is natural. Our jowls will sag, as well the tip of our nose, eyelids, etc, muscle mass decreases (important to keep up those muscle-building exercises!), skin thins (making more wrinkles), our bodies dehydrate easier, hair thins, and a whole long complex of hormones and enzymes drop or increase, usually to the detriment of the body.
My hair went from about 25% gray as I started chemo, to about 75% gray today. That's a huge change in one year and I figure it's probably a whole host of things, but I can't imagine that was my natural aging progression. Stress, chemo, who knows. So things we put in our bodies mess us up, but that means we can put things in our bodies to help -- I look at food as medicine sometimes -- what keeps my body healthiest?
Well, I'm ramblin' all over the topic. Blocked estrogen could certainly dry skin, in my book, but I think, as mentioned earlier, hydrating from within and really getting the blood pumping several days a week is going to do it a lot of good. lowrider made some good diet suggestions, too. FWIW, I'm one who's also lost weight on A, only 10-13# to date, but I'm happy with every pound that goes. Eating well, eating healthy, and exercise are some of the keys for me.
The only lotion I've tried that seems to help is a Melaleuca lotion. A friend gave me some during chemo and it make the biggest difference in my nails and skin when nothing else would. Shea butter keeps my heels soft, but they'd stay a lot softer if I wasn't such a barefoot kid
(forgot to mention, in spite of all my seeming acceptance of things natural, my motto is and always has been, "Forever Young!" Peter Pan was my hero)
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Reading this thread has been helpful but I have to ask, is there anyone here on Arimidex premenopause - not that I am implying you are all postmenopause but I am told it is contraindicated for use in premenopausal women.
I want to know if there is anyone else who was given Arimidex as part of the treatment plan at an early age. I am 38 and the way that my onc suggested getting around the premenopause / postmenopause issue is to start me on Lupron to induce menopause. I cannot take Tamoxifen and he insists that the hormonal therapy is extremely important to my recurrence rate. So the alternative is forced menopause and Arimidex.
I have not found any studies to help guide me in this direction and I am worried about the longterm effects of taking this combination. Now of course, I am also worred about the longterm effects of not taking it - such as a recurrence of cancer.
Any input will be truly appreciated.
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I am on Arimidex "post-menopause". I always gripe because the Arimidex is like going through menopause all over again for those older patients like myself. SO....if you are only 38 and he is going to try to induce menopause so you can take Arimidex, my concerns is for what kind of side effects are you going to have with the Arimidex? Will what he is doing make Arimidex's menopausal symptoms worse?? Has your doctor tried this on any other patient and can tell you how they are doing with the side effects? If he can give you the names of one or two, I would call them and discuss this with them. I have never read about anyone on here being given Arimidex the way he wants to do it with you but if there are any, I do hope they will post and let us all know what happens. Your next choice would be to call Astra Zeneca who makes the brand and ask them if they feel Arimidex can work the way your doctor is doing it or will it increase the side effects. There has to be a reason Arimidex states it is contraindicated for premenopausal women and you can ask AstraZeneca why when you call them. Ask to speak to one of their pharmacists when you call,if you call.
This is a very serious decision for you to make. It may turn out fine but I do hope your doctor has other patients he has tried this on before. Since you can't take Tamoxifen, why isn't he trying one of the other aromosins for premenopausal women?
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LisaSec,
I have read some to several women here who are on Lupron so that they can take an AI like Arimidex. I think the other alternative is to have an oopharectomy and some have done that. All the aromatase inhibitors are for post-menopausal women whether it has occurred naturally, chemically or surgically. To find them do a "search" with the key words lupron and Arimidex for instance.
For whatever reason one goes through menopause at a younger age it seems it is harder on you. The sudden onset with drugs or surgery is not a natural progression. I hope you can find some members here who are experiencing this treatment plan who can share with you.
pam
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Also Lisa, while your number of posts is limited as a new member, you can send private messages without limitation. So.... look for the work SEARCH in the upper right corner, find a member in your situation and private message them. Or start a NEW TOPIC under this category and ask for people to share their experiences. Good luck!
pam
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Lisa, sorry, I can't help, I was post-menopause years ago. A new thread sounds like it might get you more answers. Good luck.
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Hi LisaSec,
I'm older than you (just turned 50), but I was still having periods and hadn't really experienced hot flashes and all the other menopausal side effects prior to getting bc. After my bi-lat mast, and chemo, and prior to starting rads, my onc gave me injections of Zoladex to chemically stop my ovarian function and she simultaneously started me on Arimidex. The Zoladex injections are given once a month in the abdomen subcutaneously (they numb the skin first with a cold topical spray). It shuts down the ovarian function so that you technically are menopausal when you are on the Arimidex. After three months and three injections, I broke out in a blistery rash on my abdomen at the site of the injection. I became allergic to it. I had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy scheduled, so removing my ovaries with a laparoscopic hysterectomy was the right thing for me. The surgery was the easiest one I've ever had. I recovered very quickly. I was out Christmas shopping for four hours three days after surgery.
As for side effects on Arimidex, I've had a lot of hot flashes and night sweats as well as some significant joint pain. I've also had intense vaginal dryness. My tumors were 80% ER+ and an AI is one of the most effective treatments to prevent recurrence.
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LisaSec...sorry I am going to be of no help - chemo put me into premature menopause 11 years ago (at 44-45) but they still put me on the Tamoxifin afterward as there was still plenty of estrogen floating around - with the mets and 10 years in between, now I am on the Arimidex (dx'd right after my 55th b-day - 9 days to the first year metsaversary and now I am 56).
I am not familiar with the Lupron - if you would like a topic started and you are out of posts (new folks are limited to 5 a day - I don't know for how long) PM me and I will start a tread for you about the Lupron and Arimidex! I can copy your post here and relay the info...let me know!
I wish you the best....HUGS...LowRider
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I blame the furry face on A as the coincidence is startling ...never a single hair on my face prior to starting A on 6/16/10 and now all of a sudden, out of the blue, and newly sprouted, a nice quality of fuzzy fur or furry fuzz that accessorizes that which adorns the dome. Menopausal since 1992, I'm now 64 years of age and had a bilat. ooph last Dec. When I asked the surgeon at the time how the ooph would impact the estrogen level, she said at my age and menopausal 22 years prior, the estrogen produced in my Os would be negligible to non-existent. I welcome all opposing views face to furry face! 0
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I would hate to give up gluten. I love wheat bread. The kind you buy at a good bakery or farmer's market. With lots of crunch
Pam, thanks for asking about my whereabouts. After two months of wandering around MN, we're currently in Houghton, MI, in the UP. Our rv site overlooks Portage Lake, which looks more like a broad river separating the small towns of Houghton and Hancock. This was once copper mining country. I'm happy to say we've been enjoying some wonderful cool weather with temperatures falling into the 50's or 60's at night. This morning we turned on the heat pump in the rv! It was mostly for DH's comfort. Thanks to my little white pill, I tend to be warm more than cold.
It will soon be a year since I joined the A club. Time passes fast. So far the SEs are tolerable. Mostly stiff joints after sitting for a while. I hope the drug is working.
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oops fuzzy math as well ... 18 yrs post menopausal, not 22.
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HI Carole!
Good to know someone is enjoying cool weather. Don't go home yet!!! Your location sounds beautiful. I know you are savoring the time since you did not get to go last year.
Julia257,
Now that I have been alerted to the furry face syndrome I will, no doubt, acquire it! Let us know what depillitory, razor, tweezer or bleach works best. I want to be prepared. :-)
pam
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I hope not Pam, will do.
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LisaSec- you should check out the young women specific forums, and maybe the YSC boards (young survivors coalition) http://www.youngsurvival.org/en/young-women-and-bc/bbs/-the Lupron/AI plan is very common.The fast menopause is pretty rough, but probably worth it right? Your DX looks similar to mine. I am 36 now, and on arimidex post ooph- as I have posted a lot in other places, I would not recommend the oopherectomy unless you really have to do it. If you click on my name and go through old posts you can find me going on and on about it!
Others- as a young person I can tell you without question that the ooph/AI combo has made my skin very dry and crepey where a year ago it was neither, at all. I didn't used to use moisturizer, even, now it's dry dry dry all the time. I don't see why the "fuzzy face" (hee hee) wouldn't also be related- new facial hair growth is a symptom of endochrine (hormone) disruption which certainly is what we're doing!
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I was already post too, but a friend of mine who was pre but highly er and pr positive did a clinical trial where she had her ovaries shut down with shots and then was able to take Arimidex (this was a number of years ago, so you who are doing this now are benefiting from her and other volunteers). She felt that the added benefit, for her, of arimidex over tamoxifin made it worth going to menopause earlier. I remember that she felt very, very sweaty!
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I'm thankful for all those who have participated in clinical trials and have helped pave the way for the treatments from which we now benefit. My onc was the one who recommended the AI over Tamoxifen stating that it was considered more effective. I was done with having children, so going for ovarian shutdown was acceptable to me. As for wrinkles - well I'm now 50 and with all the out-of-pocket money I have spent on BC, I could have had a great face lift. Ah well, I'll take the wrinkles and no cancer!
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Happy to know where to donate my fabulous but extra skin! Fuzzy face is chemo-related and waning! Hair is gorgeous, short & sophistocated, admired by friends.
Walking shoes are on the way by USPS
and weather improving so I might get out despite lymphedema bandages and chemo seepage feeling like fire ants.Today's therapy lesson addressed correct forms in gardening and transfer of weight through Wii Bowling. Too much fun!
Actually feeling energized and motivated. No lymphedema sessions until Monday so can take a breath, organize my strategy for self-maintenance after graduation and make the most of the weekend.
Best to all - Grayt
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I could not tolerate tamoxifen (depression) so I went on Lupron for ovarian suppresion and switched to Arimidex a little more than 2 years ago. I get the every 4 months shot in the butt (leaves a bit of a lump if it's given too fast and is sore for a week or so). I have hot flashes, had some joint aches until I started supplementing with Vit D3 (I tested low), have to struggle to lose an ounce of weight, have skin as dry as a desert, but it's all still MUCH BETTER than the depression I had with tamoxifen!. The really odd thing--I tested as borderline menopausal when I started Lupron, when I was retested last month I was firmly pre-menopausal. Talk about annoying!
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Wow this thread has been busy lately !
LisaSec - Like NativeMainer, I am in the same boat as you are. Lupron and Arimidex. I was diagnosed last year and was/am pre- (or maybe, peri-) menopausal. They started me on Tamoxifen but discovered after 4 months that I was a Poor Metabolizer and thus getting sub-therapeutic level. After that, my oncologist who I trust more than anyone, said that, since I opted out of chemo, stopping hormonal therapy was not a smart option. And, from a personal choice perspective, removing my ovaries wasn't an option either. So...every 3 months, I get a long ass needle in my...posterior. I research alot and have not seen anything about adverse long term effects of Lupron + Arimidex. The one adverse effect that I know of is a short term one andmore a matter of discomfort. If they have to induce menopause with Lupron (and I assume this holds true with surgery), hot flashes are more severe because the body has't had the opportunity to gradually get accustomed to the decrease in estrogen. While other ladies are on a dimmer switch, our light switch is either on or off so the transition (was going to same "the change" but hated the pun) is much more dramatic.
As for aging, and crepey and dry skin...with or without Arimidex, I'm a firm believer in facials including light peels and microdermabrasion. And, to be perfectly honest, botox and fillers as well. If A causes my skin to change, you can bet I'm heading to my dermatologist's office for advice. The way I figure it, if the medical community can create the problem, I'm going to go to them to get rid of it. Aging is inevitable but I'm not going down without a fight !
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Hi all, just saying how nice it was while I was on this site. Onc. has decided to put me on a trial run with Femara. I will be taking it every other day for 15 pills then I go back to him and see how it has affected me, which is 9-29. Everything in my life seems to go by dates. Pains in my hands from Arimidex was just too unbearable, now it mostly painful in morning and as time goes on during day, it is minimal. I have no clue what Femara will bring.
Just wanted to say thank you all for all good discussions and support.
I will be jumping over to Femara site.
Hugs,
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Grayt, you said fuzzy face is chemo related and waning. Question ... does the condition wane when the chemo goes away, asking hopefully! Isn't that cute, chemo takes the hair from your head and puts it on your face!
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