Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
Comments
-
Purple 32, have you looked in to the use of Prolia for your osteopenia/porosis? It actually does something for your bones and is now approved for women with BC. Used to be you had to have bone mets before they would let you take it. Just another avenue to explore possibly.
0 -
Thx Mostlysew
but from what I can glean from their own website, it seems to be about as dangerous as the biosphophates.
0 -
purple, yes finished rads beginning of April. No dr will say this is rads related. I was hoping I would be better by now, too. I see my MO at the end of this month.
0 -
srbl, I had all that when I took Arimi and then my tongue swoll up and I got ulcers all inside my mouth and tongue and on corners of my mouth.
I tried 3 different ointments from my GP but nothing helped. I stopped the pill at advice of MO. All other symptoms resolved but the angular chelitis has continued since March. I have an appt to see a derm dr now. Any suggestions of what worked for you or other girls wanna chime in?
Tina, how do i find a new MO? The first one did not offer me any alternative to the ARimi which I was highly allergic to and he never did sign the FMLA papers which I called his office for a mth and finally went over there and still nothing! I got papers signed by the PS cause she is doing an exchange for me Aug 2nd.
0 -
No dr will say this is rads related.
That's not surprising! How come I'm skeptical? I hope you are feeling better soon.You might ask if pulmonary rehab would help. It's simply aerobic type exercise that is closely monitored, as they periodically test your saturation rates. Could be worth a shot for increasing lung capacaity.
Good luck and Take Care!
0 -
purple32: I had a bone density test just after I started anast. and it was completely normal. Actually, it showed I had bones as strong as a 23 year old (I'm 50). I had a dexa about 7 years ago, as part of a vitamin study, and my bones are as strong as then. The aches I felt at the start of anastrazole were joint aches, much like those associated with neulasta shots. I remembered that my nurses recommended Claritin to alleviate the bone aches from neulasta, and I found that it worked instantly for anastrazol. I posted it here on this list and a number of women have also found relief using it.
macatacmv: A couple of months after I completed rads, I had a bruising sensation in my rib just below the treatment breast (left side). It almost felt like a fracture. I dutifully reported it at each of my 3-month appointments and everybody was stumped. As soon as I reported it to my RadOnc, she said "Oh, that's my fault. That's what we were trying to avoid." [I'd done some special breathing techniques to drop the heart, lung, and rib cage out of the radiation field as much as possible.] I'd received a little scatter to the rib and a piece of the lung -- relieved that it wasn't bone cancer or lung cancer, of course. To my surprise, she did not recommend a pain killer, she promised me that a daily megadose each of Vitamins C, D, E would eliminate the inflammation and pain within 24 hours. She also advised that if I accidentally skipped a dose, the inflammation would come back to remind me. She was correct on all counts! My megadose is about 2000 units each of C, D, E (I was already on the D but added the others). I also found that acupuncture was incredibly helpful in increasing my energy level. I don't know if this helps, but thought I'd share.
0 -
: "I had a bone density test just after I started anast. and it was completely normal. Actually, it showed I had bones as strong as a 23 year old (I'm 50). I had a dexa about 7 years ago, as part of a vitamin study, and my bones are as strong as then. "
I think that's great. There is no doubt it my mind that I would just snatch this drug if that were my story. I wouldnt blink before taking. Good for you!0 -
sebm9, I don't want to bore people with my story, but it started in Jan right after my surgery I caught a "cold" and started coughing. I was put on antib. but it did not clear up. So I continued on with my treatments telling every doc that I don't feel well, I have this horrible cough. When I started rads it got radically worse. The RO sent me to my PCP to send me to a Pulmonary Spec. (the RO actually called my PCP office and they called me to come in) I had a lot of travel time to rads and had to walk on and off a boat everyday. I struggled but I made it through. I was treated for pneumonia, had 3 chest xrays, and a chest CT scan. All clear, thank heavens. I was tested for all allergies, which I have none. Now 3 months later I am still coughing, still low/no energy, on prednisone, nebulizer, cough suppressant, 2 different inhalers and arimidex. This cough sounds like I am about to keel over, everyone kinda looks at me like I am so contagious, I am seeing a mental health therapist, acupuncture therapist, chiropractor, PCP every 2 weeks, and will go to the Pulmonary guy again in August. I am taking vitD and calcium. I guess it will just take some time. The PCP and the top Pulmonary guy in Btown think my protective coating on my bronchi tubes got stripped away and are not regenerating in a timely way. I feel like my body just doesn't know what hit it and has no energy to heal itself. To keep up my muscle mass I have started going to water aerobics 3x a week. I am not working but trying to get some sort of structure back into my life. And I come here to know I am not alone in dealing with health issues on a daily basis. Thanks everyone!
0 -
maca
Did the pulmo doc do a PFT ( pulmonary function test)?
IF NOT, you may want to request one, if you feel up to going for more tests .(((HUGS)))
0 -
Hi Maca.
I am sorry that you are having so much trouble. I hope that you start to feel better soon. I am sure that you have gotten lots of advice but I hope that time is the answer. I know that it took me a long time to feel better - I had neuropathy, anemia and just wicked tiredness. It took a full year after chemo to have more energy. I will you well. Best Beau
0 -
Thanks for the good wishes! I know that taking care of myself is the best I can do right now. Time just takes time.
I have had 2 PFT tests and I can move air in and out of my lungs. It is just this wicked cough and SOB. It is what it is and at least since seeing the Pulmonary Spec. I feel like it is being addressed and now monitored by my PCP.
I went to a BBQ tonight and just wanted to feel normal, but hard to do when coughing every few minutes. I know my friends are concerned for me but I don't really want to talk about drs and treatments all the time. Anyway, I'm glad I went and glad I am home now and can go back to bed.
Have a good rest of your weekend, everyone!
0 -
macatacmv: Wow, you have been going through some tough stuff! I assume they checked you for pertussis (whooping cough) and/or TB? I hope you can get some rest, and glad they are monitoring and addressing it (and I hope they are continuing to look for the source of this).
Lots of hugs!
Susan
0 -
macatacmv,
Could your cough be due to sinus drainage? I had a terrible cough with that as a cause. The cough didn't go away until I got some antibiotics for my sinus infection. If you aren't on any blood thinners you could try bromelain. It will also help reduce inflammation. You can get it at any health food store. Check with your doctor to avoid conflicts with other medications you may be taking.
0 -
My best to all of you! I did stick it out for the full five years. But no more. I am 3 days out from taking the morning pill each and every day. I will update if and when I feel different or whatever. I would go through quiet times and then get some new complication. My latest is rhinitis. It is going away, the sense of it. I found things would happen and then go away.At this point, I think the best thing I can do is watch the foods I eat and keep away from junk. I have retrained myself and given up all dairy and most fatty things. I steam, steam, steam or eat things "raw." It helps keep my weight in the right range. I drink lots of good old fashioned water and stay away from sugary anything. I take multivitamins and a few other things most every day. Just checking in...
0 -
YAY mcgaffey, making it all the way through!!!!!!!
I was tested for pertussis, came back neg. They think it is something like that tho. I think they are just treating symptoms and seeing what works. It would be nice to figure out why. No sinus drainage at all! It is just on going and brothersome at this point. It just complicates everything. Oh well!
0 -
Congratulations, mcagaffey!
Hang in there everyone else!
0 -
Good morning ladies, Hope everyone has a great day. I am 2 months out from chemo and started my A 3 weeks ago. I am suppose to have my port out on the 17th(can't wait) but I have come down with a terrible cold! Have been told it might take a little longer to get over the cold(my counts are still down) I really want to get over this cold-I really want the port out it didn't work very good only one time did I have no problem in all the times we tried!I don't really like to take medicine or herbal remedies but I really want to kill this cold. Can someone please tell me what if any herbal stuff will help shorten this? Thanks
0 -
Tskaiser
Welcome ! I am sure you want that port out NOW , but try not to worry. Believe it or not, my husband is having his removed tomorrow from 2009 chemo! He was superstitious of recurrence. He was very bad about having it flushed regularly too ( foolish!)
In any case, try zinc and echinacea, steam, chicken soup and OJ !Good luck to you!
0 -
Has anyone developed tingling in hands, fingers and arms with Aromasin? If so, did it go away? I'm afraid of permanent nerve damage. Arimidex too many side effects..
0 -
Hello to all my favorite ladies. I am so sorry to hear about the serious issues some of you have to deal with, as if BC isn't enough by itself! I hope you all find solutions that work for you. I feel so lucky to have excellent doctors and treatment in Sioux Falls, SD.
I have been on letrozole (Femara) for about 4 weeks, and I just started having increased pain in the last week. So far it is manageable, and I hope it doesn't get worse. Claritin seems to help. I also have other health issues (chronic pain) so it is hard to pinpoint the cause of any SE. Since none of us can see into the future, we just have to make the best decision for ourselves taking into account all factors, including our gut feelings. And if we haven't learned how to take good care of our bodies and spirits by now, keep on working at it. Then, we will be better prepared to handle whatever comes along.
We are strong women!!!
Barb
0 -
Shoulders are so bad-pain and immobility-I've decided to go off anastrozole while on vacation for two weeks to see if the pain is from the meds or jus a frozen shoulder issue. I'll start again when I return from vacation.
0 -
Bogie--I have pain/numbness/tingling in both hands and arms. My MO says it's neurpathy, and it has to be from the arimidex since I didn't have chemo. It's gotten very gradually worse over time, and I am looking forward to being done with arimidex in October. I'm hoping it will go away then. My PCP thinks I have carpal tunnel syndrome, also associated with arimidex, but won't refer me to a specialist until after I come of the arimidex. That is fine with me since I really, really do not want to ever have surgery again!
0 -
Thx Tina, yep I am gonna try to get some referrals from my docs around here and I go for implants on Aug 2nd,probably the nurses can find someone.
I am still having peeling lips from Arim? Maybe it wasnt the Arimi I stopped it in Feb. Now I have gotten a fever with it so off to 2 diff docs 2moro to chk on all this junk!
0 -
Layla2525 - were you taking the Astrazeneca Arimidex, or a generic version? Asking cuz sometimes the "fillers" used in the generics CANA cauuse an allergic reaction. I've been using the TEVA generics, and it seems to be exactly as the brand. No difference for me. Just a possibility.
I am so grateful that acupuncture was able to treat the residual neuropathy I had from chemotherapy, and the early days of joining the A Team. Know it can't possibly work for everyone, but I always suggest it because of what an amazing difference it's made for me. Still seem my acupuncturist once a month.
The other BIG CHANGE for me, what I eat - wow, feel SO SO SO much better. Really NO carbs, except for vegggies, low carb ones, the only grain I have is quinoa. Have lost quite a bit of weight, but more important, FEEL so much better. Don't even have the creaks when I wake up. I was having a lot of brown rice, gluten free breads b4. When I cut that out, I just feel so much better. Also, my blood sugar has gone down by about 30 points. I still eat my 5 prunes a day (thank you ruthbru) that's an exception to the carbs
Still no dairy. Really works for me.Knocking on wood as I type
but just wanted to share with others willling to try. 0 -
I also had problems with other generics, but with TEVA brand no problems. TEVA is the closest to name brand Arimidex, in my opinion. (not to say I don't have any SEs, but nothing I can't live witH!)
0 -
Well, I am starting to get some hot flashes -- nothing as bad as when I went through menopause -- and mild joint pain. If it doesn't get much worse than this, I can live with it for another 5 years. Mine's generic, but I don't know what company makes it.
SunflowersMA, what DO you eat? Only low carb veggies like what? Only quinoa, and what else? A lot of dairy or meat? I am hoping to find something dietary that could make me feel better. I hate to cook (fortunately my DH is a great cook who likes it), and am thinking of investing in a new Vitamix. But I'd just be making vegetable and fruit smoothies, which is a lot of carbs. We don't eat meat, only fish and some dairy. Sunflowers, did your energy level pick up when you changed your diet? I am literally dragging.
0 -
Hi Sunflowers
The challenge, esp for a lot on arimidex , with eliminating dairy, is getting in enough CA from real food. How much spinach/kale can you eat ?
My bones are so bad, and my DR just told me to cut back on my CA supplement because of reported cardiac SEs in some people . She wants me to get it all from real food. Thank goodness for the Almond Milk...though I believe it is fortified .Still, for people on the ALs, I am hoping everyone knows there Boine density before they eliminate dairy entirely. I still eat my Greek yogurt.
It's quite the challenge if you can get enough Ca!
0 -
Just want to say that I eat everything I want, including plenty of dairy. So eliminating it is not for everyone. For your bone health, make sure you do weight bearing exercises every day and eat prunes!
0 -
No prunes for me ruthbru. I dont dare with this metformin
0
