Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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I did not get anything else removed, but I do have yearly pelvic ultrasound (ordered by GP).
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B123-my onc recommended (and I did) have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because I was 100% estrogen positive in one breast and 98% positive in the other and while tests showed I was in menopause I was still getting my period-so she wanted to get rid of as much estrogen as possible. It was outpatient surgery and I was in and out in about 6 hours. It was a piece of cake compared to BMX/SNB!
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Spunkyboobster.. love your name! lol.. How is the Arimidex affecting you, do you have any major SE? I would prefer to just do ovaries but feel that if Im going to do it, might as well do the whole thing and go back to Fareston so I can live normal again. It has a SE of Endrometrial cancer but if I take the uterous out, I dont have to worry about it anymore. I dont know if I can take this Arimedx anymore... Just hope I can recover and get back to work quick!
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B123-I am so sorry you are suffering with se's. I have some stiffness, occasional bouts of depression, but nothing too serious. I do try to exercise, eat better and I do take Claritin once in awhile-not sure if that helps, but figure it doesn't hurt. No one suggested I have a hysterectomy, and I didn't ask-figure it's holding up a lot other stuff I don't want shifting around.
I can understand your concern with balancing quality of life and reoccurance. I wish I could offer you sound advice, but I don't know enough-I can, however, send positive thoughts and prayers your way. ((hugs))
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To the newly started on an AI from someone about to be done (one more month for me!): I found the SEs to be cyclical. I also have arthritis in my knees that predates bc. The things that make the arthritis flare up (cold, weather changes, sitting still too long) also made the arimidex SE flare up. I move pretty slowly when I first get up in the am, and right after sitting for a long while (30 minutes or more). If I keep moving, even very slowly, things warm up and loosen up and the aching eases off. I do take claritin and find that makes a big difference not only in my allergies but the joint stiffness and pain. I also take gabapentin to keep the hot flashes bearable. In the beginning I was looking for SEs, so I noticed EVERYTHING. As time when on I got more relaxed about things and it wasn't so bothersome. It is doable, try not to let yourself get too freaked out. Also remember that a large number of women have no problems, and they don't tend to be posting here.
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I've been taking the AI at night before bed (with a baby aspirin) and Claritin in the am. Jusst restarting the AI, but no MAJOR aches and pains other than the usual. Can anyone weigh in on a reason for taking Claritin at the same time as an AI?
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For me it just makes sense since they are related...at least I won't forget to take it (when I do, rarely these days) also if I get pains and aches they are usually in the morning and that is when I take Arimidex.
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I wanted to thank the women here who posted that they took Claritin for their bone pain with Armidex. It was a blessing to hear those words. I am on Tamoxifen and was lurking because I had such awful bone pain in my hands and back. I was tired of taking Advil twice a day ans waking up in so much pain in my hands
I take a Claritin at night and I wake up with no more pain. Thank you again!
Chris13 I do not think it would matter when you take the Claritin.
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Hi ladies, just want to report that today I hit a milestone; I took the last of my 5 years of Arimidex. I guess that makes me a retired member of the A-Team. I think NativeMaine will probably agree when I say those years have gone fast. I found, like she did, that once I got back into life and didn't have that much time to think about it, then everything became easier.
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Congrats ruthbru!!! Free of the chains of A team!. I guess it really does have an end! Yay!
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I will still come back and bug you guys...... 0
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ruthbru...HALLELUJAH!!! You graduated!!
Please make sure you are a regular visitor...we enjoy hearing your experiences!
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Ruth, Congrats!!! and I love what you said about getting busy in life makes us not think about all this stuff so much, I do find that... continue to be on with your encouragement. Ginger
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Congrats Ruth!
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Yay, Ruth!
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Congrats Ruth! I just want to say that I've been on anastrasole since March and have not had SE's. I do take Claritin for other reasons, so perhaps that's why. I've had a little stiffness at times, but attributed it to age (71).
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Ruthbru~YIPPEE I A!!!
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Thanks for all your great comments and responses. I hope you do hang around as a "senior advisor." 0
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Thanks for all your great comments and responses. I hope you do hang around as a "senior advisor." And congrats on the journey...... stay well. 0
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Recurrence of shingles is very common indeed. Trust me! I have seen it .
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OK, I am convinced. I am asking for the shot when I have my physical in November!
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Two things help shingles if one takes them as soon as the symptoms start. The first is lysine also known as L-Lysine amd the second is Olive Leaf extract. Both are also effective against cold sores. One can find them at any health food store. The will shorten the time of the outbreak and make it milder.
I still get mild shingles even though I have had the vaccine.
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Ruth - Congrats on taking your last Arimidex!
I've been on Arimidex for 19 months and I was really doing well. I've had some morning joint stiffness but it clears up pretty quickly after I'm up and around. Had hip pain on one side for about 6 wks in Feb that cleared up after about 2 months after MO appt, xrays and orthopaedic visit. For the past month, I've been having burning pain on the side of one calf. Amd more hip pain/butt pain on the same side. This not the same side as the last hip pain. It feels like the pain I had while on chemo after getting Neulasta. Have any of you had burning leg pain from Arimidex. I hate to see my MO with every complaint but I'm beginning to worry. I appreciate your insight.
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Could it be sciatica? I had that many years ago and the symptoms sound familiar.
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You could be right ruthbru...sounds very familiar to me too!
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I thought of that but I don't have any back pain. I've never had sciatica before and you all know what I'm worried about. If it is sciatica, could it be coming from spinal bone mets or could it just be Arimidex muscle pains? It's not constant. This morning I woke up without the pain but it will likely recur at some point today. Arrgh. I hate BC!
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toomuch...sciatica is an irritated nerve and it can come and go...I know it's normal to think mets. but the chances of that are extremely slight. Sciatica from my experience isn't the back but the nerve down the hip or shin.
BTW...the very WORST thing for sciatica is HEAT...that includes a hot bath!
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Hello All- I haven't posted much on this thread and haven't read several of the posts. I just started taking the Arimidex a week ago. I was supposed to start in May but didn't want any more SEs. I thought since I already have joint pain and hot flashes, why not? I am actually hoping it works in the opposite way and takes them away...wishful thinking? I was told I have a 50% chance of no recurrence with this drug. Hoping it works!
How long before any of you noticed any difference in your body? We have just relocated from Indiana to North Carolina and I am taking today off from unpacking. I have been doing it since August 20 and I am tired! I found an oncologist here and will see her for the first time on 9/21. It feels like I am beginnng this journey again. She will need to read all the reports and well, I am a little scared. My last onco has been with me since my first diagnosis in 2008 and knows my body and mind as well as I do. Has anyone else had to switch oncos and treatment courses?
I will try to read the past posts and catch up with all of you. How did you get all your treatment information to show at the bottom of your posts?
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I had to change oncs due to a move (although it was he who moved), and that was HARD. I like my new guy (and know he is good as he was recommended by onc #1, but it is not the same emotionally....although we have developed more of a relationships now that I've had several appointments with him.
Beth, you must have meant ER positive on your diagnosis, correct? (Otherwise there would be no reason to be on Arimidex)
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Beth...I see your profile also says ER-/PR-....what would the reason for Arimidex be?
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