Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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I DID have rads after a mastectomy - 0/5 nodes.
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moonflower - namaste - I like that autocorrect! Thanks!
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Hot flashes....blah!!!! You may already know all this, but here are some things that helped me: invest in a bunch of fans; big ones for by your bed, tower ones for by a desk, lap ones for watching TV. Also get rid of any turtlenecks and heavy pull over sweaters. Buy sweaters that zip or button in the front, so you can take them off quick and easily. If you can get your wrists cool, it will cool off the rest of your body. Have a cold water bottle or cold pop with you and you can sneakily roll your wrists over it to cool off.
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Hot flashes, I used to get at work, I would use antipersperant around my hairline so sweat wouldn't drip down. The things we do.
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I met my new oncologist and love her! I found a note from my old onc that said I was mixed ER/PR. I have always tested as ER+ until the oncotype test. It should ER-. My new oncologist said I was mixed ER+ and ER- and she felt confident about me taking the Arimidex. I just don't want to have another diagnosis of cancer. I am hoping this works.
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Good. So glad you have found someone who will work WITH you!
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A good doctor that listens to you is priceless! We all deserve that.
I agree with F the hot flashes! If only we could convert all that heat to energy, the world crisis would be solved!
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A good doctor that listens to you is priceless! We all deserve that.
I agree with F the hot flashes! If only we could convert all that heat to energy, the world crisis would be solved!
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I am feelin' ya sistas!! Took tamoxifen for one year, off because of severe blood disorder... Now on Arimidex since August... Joints, bones, hot flushes, sweating, blah, blah, blah... Tried Femara, worse AND had migraines. Same with Aromasin. Back on arimidex and day 87 of migraines... Nausea, puking... And new really gross, actually puking in my sleep, aspirate some... On antibiotic for pneumonia caused by that.... I'm only 43 so the benefits of a longer life are great, especially because I have a 9 yr old boy. Onc says I should just quit, but the cancer that invaded me is highly likely to return, so that is not a "real" solution... Using yoga, meditation, hypnosis, essential oil massage on head, aromatherapy, accupuncture, chiro, on and on... But still severe migraine... HELP! Only you know what the SEs are like... What should I do???
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I am feelin' ya sistas!! Took tamoxifen for one year, off because of severe blood disorder... Now on Arimidex since August... Joints, bones, hot flushes, sweating, blah, blah, blah... Tried Femara, worse AND had migraines. Same with Aromasin. Back on arimidex and day 87 of migraines... Nausea, puking... And new really gross, actually puking in my sleep, aspirate some... On antibiotic for pneumonia caused by that.... I'm only 43 so the benefits of a longer life are great, especially because I have a 9 yr old boy. Onc says I should just quit, but the cancer that invaded me is highly likely to return, so that is not a "real" solution... Using yoga, meditation, hypnosis, essential oil massage on head, aromatherapy, accupuncture, chiro, on and on... But still severe migraine... HELP! Only you know what the SEs are like... What should I do???
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Have you talked to your doctor (and I'd go to my GP, not oncologist) about a prescription migraine medication?
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Yes, I am seeing a neurologist and taking gabapentin for them, but no real relief. I have had severe post mastectomy pain syndrome and severe radiation damge so am on a barrage of pain meds alreadys. I always had migraines associated with periods, but after a recent radical hysterectomy, I'm sure my body is hating me with no estrogen... But since my dx was triple positive, estrogen is my enemy anyway. Just got off phone with onc... Same option, stop the AIs, but I really want to see my son grow up... So they said I just have to way quality over quantity... Really at 43? After 2 1/2 years of fighting to win? All the research shows FIVE YEARS of AIs work, not one, not two, but 5. I am so depressed. I started crying but my head feels like it is going to explode so I need to stop. Has anyone else had success fighting back debilitating SEs from these damn drugs?
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Do you exercise? Sometimes that helps....
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One week on Arimidex and so far so good. When did everyone start to feel the SE's?
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Mine seem to hit me hardest at the 6 month mark. I'm hoping they'll subside. Going to the onc today, but not too optimistic that she'll take my se's seriously. I'm constantly surprised that the onc's who work with this everyday still don't put much credence into our opinions.
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Three months on the "A". I thought my side effects started within the first month but talking with my Oncologist she said the pain was still left over from the chemo - 3 months in and the pain/discomfort is definitely worse. I have been taking the claritin but not much relief. I'm flying to see my mom whom I haven't seen in 3 1/2 year(long story) tomorrow and dreading the 12 hour traveling. I don't move very fast, long or well! On a good note - attended a Cancer Survivor Reception yesterday and made me feel great to know I am not alone in this battle and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even with this site and all the other info out there sometimes you still feel like you are on a deserted island. Hope everyone has a Blessed Day! Thanks for all the info and insights.
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Five years ago today, I underwent a partial mastectomy. Just three more months of Aromasin and I am done.
Ladies, you all will get through this. I won't say time will fly because every day can be a struggle, but time is our friend. Don't forget to breathe.
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Thanks, notself! I am only on my second month, so I am glad to know it can be done.
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Tanks notself!
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Thanks Notself!
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Hi this is the first time that Im writting, so far I had only been reading your comments, I have been an arimidex for 1 year and 2 months, boy it seems that the se are getting worse and I wanted to hear more of how your dealing with them. hot flashes, worst are the joint pains all over, I thought I was the only one with the ankle pain, just started and feeling so tired all the time, ect any good input as how to deal with it...
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I'm only 15 days into arimidex and so far no real side effects, but I have noticed the last couple of days, when I first get out of bed I'm so stiff I just kind of scoot, but just going to the bathroom and going to make coffee seems to get rid of it. I first thought it was the chilly mornings, and I do have degenerative joints, but from reading these posts, I'm thinking it could be A. I just pray it never gets worse than this.
Do you take Claritin? Not Claritin D.
Blessings
Paula0 -
Everyone who has had breast cancer needs to get her Vitamin D3 blood level checked. If it is under 30 that is part of the reason for muscle and bone pain. Mine cleared up completely when I got my level up to 50ng/ml. I take 4000 IU per day of over the counter Vitamin D3. The prescription stuff did nothing even after a year. The over the counter stuff worked just fine.
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Does ayone know what meds/supplements are no no's while on the once a week Vitamin D 50,000 units? My onc who put me on it didn't say anything.
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I don't think there are any no no's. I will be surprised if the prescription Vitamin D does you any good. I was on it for a year and it was a waste of time. Over the counter D3 that you can get at any health food store will work much faster in raising your levels. Talk to you doctor about switching.
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Notself thanks for the advice about vit. D. Is that for just those in treatment? Or for anyone diagnosed? I'm asking because I haven't had surgery or chemo yet. I'm about 17 days on arimidex. My yearly labs showed low D in April even though I take calcium with D. So now, I'm taking D3 1000 iu.
Blessings
Paula0 -
I am unaware of conflict with any treatment plan and Vitamin D. I was taking 1000 IU all through my radiation treatment. I am on Aromasin and am now taking 4000 IU every day to keep my levels around 55ng/ml. You may want to check with your doctor about Chemo and Vitamin D.
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I've been on a generic Aromasin since around August 11th. I was also on a mega dose of Vit D (50,000 units once a week), months before starating the Aromasin. The Vit D Rx ran out a few weeks ago and I hadn't followed up on it. I was doing fine on the Aromasin until I stopped taking the Vit D, but never made the connection. Yes, ankle pain! Insomnia, nightsweats and increased fatigue.
I did not have any of these symptoms when I was dx'd with low Vit D (pre-BC dx), so I attribute them to the Aromasin - but also that I'm low on Vit D. Does this sound correct?
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Kam170...WOW! Good to know! I will certainly be checking my vit. D levels when I see onc on the 9th.
Blessings
Paula0 -
Once I told my doctor that I wanted to be regularly tested, he started testing all of his patients over 50 years of age. The last time I was in to see him he told me he was shocked at the number of his patients who were very low in Vitamin D. He said it was over 60% of his patients.
As I started taking over the counter D, I went in for a blood test every 6 months to make certain that I wasn't taking too much D. That is how my doctor and I came up with the correct dose for me. I am not suggesting that 4000 IU is the right dose for everyone. It depends on how the body processes the supplement. The minimum level of 30 ng/ml is what is needed to prevent rickets. It is not necessarily the ideal level.
Since I have had my level at around 55 ng/ml, I have actually had improvement in my bone density. Arimidex had put me into osteopenia throughout my spine and hips and put two of my vertebra into osteoporosis. Getting my Vitamin D level up has improved my bone density enough that one of those two vertebra is now out of osteoporosis and all areas have improved slightly.
I was on Arimidex for 4 years and now I am on Aromasin. Quite frankly, the SEs are the same. Three more months and I get to stop taking it. Hooray!
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