Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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Just polished off two boxes of Junior Mints, so will not be offering any profound weight loss advice this evening!!!
edited to add that they were not the small boxes, but the big '2.5 serving per box' boxes.....
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I have put on weight but I think thats more because of inactivity than anything else. I have a few other health problems beside BC so the combination keeps me pretty quiet on the exercise front. Good luck with taking Arimidex hope you are one of those who have little or no SE's.
Love n hugs to all.
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All right Ruth....go for it. I am a Hershey bar girl myself.
Ladies I did put on weight after a few months on A but found that nothing white..no pasta...bread...rice...no candy,sweets. Lots of vegies...low sugar fruits and lots of water and chicken and both my husband and I were able to drop it.
Have a good week everyone...catch my hugs
Teresa
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Jude710 & hrf............I too have the back pain and burning down my leg since being on A (about 8 months)...I also have numbness of my two toes next to the little toe on both feet...When I called my Onco, they had never had anyone complain about the toe numbness, but they called the manufacturer and said that about 7% women have numbness but it is not listed as a se because of such low complaints..I feel that 7% is big enough to mention, I think they should mention all se's, how else can we know which se's to take more seriously..My BS keeps telling me to give my lump area more time to heal (I am still very sore almost a year later, I have a lot of pain down my arm on lump side also)..I think it may have something to do with the 7 or 8 surgical clips that were left in a clump that are effecting healing and nerve damage..When I mention my pain on my arm, he tells me it has nothing to do with the surgery, of course it does !!...Why can't they let go of thier egos and listen to the patient, we don't make these things up!!!....0
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Why can't they just take the clips OUT? Of course, they could be irritating the area!!! Although with no clips inside me, it still took me 2 1/2 years before I could sleep on that side because it was still so tender; they are right when they say it can take a long time, but why add more potential problems to the mix by leaving metal inside of you?!
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ruthbru, when I asked about having them removed, he said that there could be even more complications from doing that!!...The thing is that I have always been the canary in the coal mine and things effect me more than most...Perfumes and smells go directly to my tongue (I can taste them) even if they are on someone more than a few feet from me..I don't think most people realize the poisons that are in these products...I have always been allergic to nickel which is a small factor in these titanium clips, since I have so many in one clump, I believe the effect is greater..I hate that you had your pain on side for so long, yet it gives me hope, I don't mind waiting for a long long long time, if you know what I mean......thank you......0
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mersmom - "If it's white, it isn't right" has been my mantra for losing the weight...and the water and cutting out gluten as much as possible. It was recommended to slightly steam the veggies so my body expends its energy keeping the beast at bay - raw foods take more energy to digest than cooked and the steaming retains as much of the nutrients as possible and takes less energy to digest. Just a thought for you!0
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somanywomen: Thanks for the info on the numbness. I see my onc today and will tell him. I have 3 numb toes from the chemo, but the numb fingers came only after I started on Arimidex.
Sue
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I had numbness in both my toes and hands since having chemo (Taxotere), and it got worse when I started Arimidex. The numbness in my toes has subsided, but is worse in my hands and fingers. My onc said that she felt it was a SE from the Arimidex. I agree with sunflowers though if it is sciatica, it's worth getting it checked out.
My problem with Arimidex is the intense joint pain in my shoulders and muscle pain in my upper arms. I helped pack my daughter's apartment this past weekend, and when I went to bed each night I told my DH that it felt like my arms were broken. We were staying in a hotel, and I had forgotten to bring any pain reliever stronger than ibuprofen. I barely slept for two nights due to the pain. We got home Sunday, and I got two hours of sleep that night. I stayed home from work on Monday as I had to take my 85 yr. old mom to the doctor. This morning I had an appt. with my BS, and had a meltdown right there. I was embarrassed because I couldn't even tell her why I was crying. I'm completely exhausted. She gave me a prescription for low dose Xanax and made me promise to take it this entire week in order to sleep. I feel like I'll never be myself again. I left her office and went to my job.
My co-worker and dear friend reminded me that I haven't taken any time off except for a few days since my dx in January. I've had bi-lat mast, chemo, rads, and a hyst/ooph (a month ago tomorrow) and I've only missed a few days of work through it all. I feel like I'm always expected to be superwoman at work, church, and at home to my family. Sometimes I just want to crawl into bed and stay there for an entire week with no demands on my time. It's like once you've completed your treatments, everyone expects you to just return to your old energetic, happy self. I don't feel at all like that person anymore. Sorry for the rant, I'm just so tired and needed to vent to people who understand. I guess I should send out invitations when I want to have a big pity party!
Thank you Ladies for being here. It's very comforting.0 -
I agree that numb toes need to be evaluated, and if there is leg and back pain sciatica is a real possibility. Another possibility, if only the toes are numb, is a Morton's Neuroma. That's an irritation of the nerve that goes between 2 of the toes. I have a Morton's Neuroma and appropriate padding and a steroid injection make a world of difference. Not every ache, pain or numbness is from bc or it's treatment, hard to beleive as it is.
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I now get numb toes and puffy hands after a couple/few miles at a brisk pace. Didn't really give it much thought until reading this. Never happened before Arimidex, not even during radiation. So, at least for me, my bet is it's the Arimidex.
Rocket - You're not ranting; you're way overdue for a break ! For godness sakes lady, take a vacation ! Even without BC, you'd deserve one. And if you can even conceive of it, leave hubby and kids at home. Go someplace where you can sleep in, relax the days away, eat well, and get pampered, maybe a massage or two. A spa ? The country ?The beach ? The weather is still great and both prices and crowds have dropped. What are you waiting for ?
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Ooo, I almost forgot..... In case anyone else wants to check to see if they're metabolizing Arimidex (via an RIA test which measures just how low our estrogen level is), LabCorp (https://www.labcorp.com/wps/portal/findalab) offers an RIA Estradiol, Sensitive test #140244, that has a 3 pg/ml sensitivity.0
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I'm sure my numb toes (only on one foot mind you) are from the taxotere - my back and legs are fine no pain at all. I did put my back out during rads and my physio soon fixed it up.
I figure the Arimidex is working seeing my hot flushes are so bad
Rocket - hats off to you - take a break. I was fortunate to be able to have the time off work for treatment and I'm still tired. I can't imagine how you cope.
Sue
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This is the website to purchase the special Oct/Nov cancer issue of Woman Hunter magazine...it is $ 2.99 no tax or shipping and some prceeeds are donated to The American Cancer Society. All articles are cancer related. My article..2008. breast cancer journal and hunting journal ...is the last one.
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Sharlene, you are amazing!
Rocket, definitely take the stuff to help you sleep. Without any rest, it just gets impossible to cope; and also, at least, give yourself a 'mini vacation' at least once a week; schedule a facial, lunch with friends, a bubble bath, a walk; anything that you enjoy and that would be relaxing to you. Not only do you deserve it, but it is crucial to your recovery!!!
somany, my 'bad' side actually is still kind of achy. I'm thinking, by now, it's my new 'normal'. But like I said earlier, at first I was so tender/hurting that it was 2 1/2 years before I could even lay on that side, and then, BAM, suddenly it felt really, really better.....likes going from 7/8 on a pain scale down to 1/2. I do think time will being healing for you also. (Although the whole clip thing still seems creepy to me!!).
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I told the onc about the Arimidex causing numbness (according to the manufacturer as somanywomen so kindly found out). He still thinks it might be the taxotere even though it didn't show up for a few months. Whatever - it's there and I'll have to deal with it. I had my first Zometa infusion today - eeek - waiting for the SE's if any - could get cold/flu like symptoms for a couple of days. We talked about the hot flushes and taking a mild antidepressant. I've decided to leave it for a while and see how it goes - don't want to take more tablets.
Sue
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Good morning ladies, so sorry to hear about the awful pain and numbness. It's like we're living with our own personal terrorists in so many ways. McKenz, it was my first instinct also to see if that A pill could be cut. I asked askanoncologistnow.com and learned that the amount 1mg for all had been determined to be the daily level that is effective ... no more, no less. I'd like to thank you for the conversation on manufacturers. I called my pharmacist at CVS and discovered my script was from Mylan. I asked if I could request Teva and she said she will try to do that for me, again thank you very much. The research doctor on the Dr Oz Show, sorry I don't recall his name, named 5 foods that act as an anti-angiogenesis. These foods counter the development of the blood vessels to the tumor.
1. Bok Choy This type of Chinese cabbage contains brassinin: a powerful cancer-fighter, also found in broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Bok Choy should be eaten 3 times a week, in 1/2 cup servings to obtain its full benefits.
2. Cooked Tomatoes have more cancer-fighting properties than raw tomatoes. Both contain the molecule lycopene, but heating the tomato changes its chemical structure and makes the benefits more readily available to your body. You should eat 2-3 (1/2 cup) servings of cooked tomatoes a week.
3. Flounder This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. Three 6-ounce servings a week is ideal.
4. Strawberries The antioxidants in this berry help fight cancers. You should eat 1 cup a day, including the juice.
5. Artichokes contain 3 different cancer-fighting molecules. Enjoy 1/4 cup of hearts per day.
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sunflowers, I do have a little back pain, but the thing with my toes began with arimidex and I did read on this site that another women had the same numb two toes next to her little toe just like mine...But who knows, I've been on this drug for about 8 months so it may have already had an effect on my backbone (had osteopenia when started)...Congrats on milder se's....
Rocket...WOW...you and I must have similar body metabolism properties...I have had upper arm pain that sounds like yours, I can't tell if it's coming from the bone or the muscle!..It moves around my arm and feels somewhat like a toothache in my arm with throbbing at times..It is definitely worse at night..I was beginning to wonder if it was bone cancer or something because it's such a wierd pain...I do take tylenol, sometimes it help, sometimes it doesn't..You have been through so much this last year and working wayyyyy too much and a break might be just what you need to rejuvenate.....I go for long walks on beach, it really helps....I know what you meant about how everyone expects us to be back to our old selves, they don't realize the long-term effects of the many medical/mind changing things that have as Julia said "It's like we're living with our own personal terrorists in so many ways. "...I just want to ad to Julia's blog that if you eat Strawberries, make sure they are organic, since they are high on the list of heaviest pesticides used..And as to cooked Tomatoes, you can buy a jar of organic tomato paste no salt (got mine at Whole Foods) and take a tablespoon a day for benefit....I had not heard that about Artichokes, thanks Julia...
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Rocket - you should take some time for yourself. I can't believe you didn't take a lot of time off work for all your surgeries. No wonder you are exhausted. You deserve to get some rest! I agree with the rest of the ladies. Do something good for yourself even if it is only for a day. It will help you feel better.
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Thanks everyone! You have really picked up my spirits. I guess I need permission to take some time off. I told my sister that I couldn't take care of Mom this weekend. I'm just too wiped out. She seemed okay with it. My kids are grown and have their own apartments, but still young enough that they expect me to take care of some things. It's time for them to grow up now.
I did as the doctored ordered and took the Xanax last night. I only took half a pill. I slept well, but was pretty groggy this morning at work. Yes I'm typing this from my desk on my lunch break. Maybe I'll get a pedicure next week to treat myself. I haven't done that in over three years. I agree that it's about time.
Somanywomen, you described the arm pain to a tee. It is like a nagging toothache that just won't go away. I asked my PT about it and she said that it was a SE from Arimidex. She said it could affect muscle, bone or both. Well mine hurts on both upper arms about a hand's width down from my shoulder bone. It also hurts in the shoulder joints. I have mild LE and nerve damage in my right arm and moderate LE in my chest, and I have more pain in the right arm, but the aching sensation started after Arimidex. I also have pain on the sides of my body where the JP drains were placed, right where my bra goes around my torso. By evening I feel swollen and very sore there on both sides (I had a bi-lat mast and two drains). When I saw the bs yesterday I mentioned it to her and she said that it was pretty common and could take a couple of years for that to go away.
Thank you all again for your kindness. You are so supportive and I'm extremely thankful for each of you and the contributions you make to this site.
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And may I recommend a massage! Even if you have the to only do the ones at the mall who do just the shoulders, back and arms, it is simply a marvelous 20 minutes of pampering. Take some "me" time - everyone else does.
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Holy Cow! I just went to pick up my first generic Arimidex prescrition and it will cost me just $32 for three months!!!!
I feel:
1. thrilled to have the extra money
2. scared.......what if I have new, weird SE I didn't have before? or what if it is inferior in some way?
3. like we've really been getting screwed big time by the drug companies!!!!!!!
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I have decided to start taking Arimidex, and in preparation,am going to go gluten-free. I found an excellent bread from Rudi's gluten-free bakery- a multigrain sandwich bread that does quite well when toasted. Their web site is www.rudisbakery.com, for more information.
All of the gluten-free brown rice breads are truly foul, in my opinion.
Thanks to patoo for reminding me about massage. I've been meaning to do it again for several years, and this seems as good a time as any.
paamboli
Diagnosis: 8/18/10, IDC 1.1cm.,0/2nodes, ER+/PR+,HER-. Because I am over 70, and met all the guidelines, I did not have to have radiation!
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Ruth, I also got the generic A ($14./3 months; down from only $40.) and started taking it about a week ago. Now I have pain in my right leg, started last night, from top of thigh to toes and so, of course, I'm wondering... I really don't like to blame everything on A. I had a bout with sciatica many years ago so maybe it's just kicking up again with no connection to generic A? I need to get some sleep tonight so will use a sleep aid, but maybe I'll see if it's still there tomorrow. If so, I will go back on the original ones (kept them for such a time as this) and see if the pain goes away. Real scientific, eh?
Paamboli - go for it!
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Sunflowers ...regarding hand therapist ,,yepper they are out there and one is our son Jim1...works in WI He is a physical therapist. Did a year home study when he lived and worked in CO to become certified hand therapist,,,His forte' and what he was hired for is ergonomics.LIKE RUTHBRU,,, you will love this what with your awareness of WI,,he goes to place where people pick up like 1000's of chicken a day something like that haha and he tells them how to do it to prevent injuries..In CO he was hired by people who had employees who worked at computers all day ,,.There was that a great lead in for a mom to brag ????? HE is mentioned in my hunting article ....there is a family photo ,,he is one on the left!
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For those who are experience sciatic pain, there is a fairly simple exercise to help.
Touch your toes, but with your legs crossed. One foot in front first, other foot next. If you can't touch your toes, do as much as you can without hurting anything, but just at your limit. Try it a few times and see if it helps.
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Ruth.....
Have been doing the generic for at least 6 weeks (first month could have been Arimidex packaged in a generic bottle) and no different.
Anyway, I am having computer virus problems along with all sorts of work crises. So I am fine. Only thing is I didn't get to exercise quite as much as I would have liked today, as trying to fix the bug that screws up my registry files.
I can find more than one use for the $130 or so I save monthly. - Claire
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Thanks, Claire. Hope you can kill your computer bug. I am hopeless when a computer doesn't do what it's supposed to do!! I was talking to a friend my age about the difference between us, who are always playing catch-up with technology and younger people, for whom it all comes naturally, and she said, "That's because we are immigrants, they are natives."
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Believe it or not Ruth, I am more a "native". So there is also another factor going on....interest.
The dividing line is somewhere around 25 so even people much younger than us still are out of it relatively. (I know this fun stuff from research studies I have worked on.)
I am amazed at the extent to which I live my life online. Cell phone, not as much, but that is because I work at home. I do remember texting my friends from the recovery room to let them know my surgery had gone well.
The bizarre thing with me is that I didn't grow up with television, so still don't miss it. Would be lost w/o internet though.
I have a couple of friends I use to stay current.
I interviewed with a group about a possible research assignment, but since I couldn't find an online presence, I decided that I didn't want to be the person to clue them in on social networking
They won't make it over the long haul either.
Wasted a lot of time on the virus. Time for the Geek Squad....or getting my money's worth out of my service contract!!! - Claire
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What's with bugs for pete's sake! Dr Oz's bed bugs, apparently epidemic proportions across the country. Claire's revolting virus in her registry ... so sorry, I know what it's like. Patoo, I have to commend your scientific, prognosticative mind in saving the known A to compare ... good thinking! I hope the pain is gone today. Paamboli, the ingredients look good in Rudi's gluten free bread, especially with raisins, please let us know if it's palatable. A good bread ain't easy to find!
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