Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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I keep my vitamin D level above 50
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I've been on Anastrozole for a year and a half. I've had hot flashes and joint pain and a feeling of weakness from time to time but these issues seem to come and go. I make sure that I walk for exercise everyday and drink plenty of water and watch my sugar and gluten intake. However, I have had a problem with body odor (only on the underarm on my right side where they did the sentinel node test on me. I have been on Anastrozole since they did that test so I'm not sure if the Anastrozone is causing the problem or possibly the nuclear dye that they put into me but I did not have this problem before and it is only on the affected side. I have tried different types of deordorants and none of them have helped. When I mentioned this problem to my surgeon, he said that the Anastrozole causes a dry skin problem and that may be causing the odor but I've been using extra lotion on that side with no results. Has anyone else had this happen? It's very embarrassing
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claudia....I have been on Arimidex for 16 months now and my BP and cholesterol are fine. I take meds for both.
Diane....for me it's just the opposite...since surgery, I have less underarm hair and no odour at all. I do shave every few months but haven't needed deodorant since surgery. Will wait and see what this summer brings.
I have a question....does anyone on Anastrozole...(Arimidex) take Actonel or Actonel DR? I have my first script filled but not sure about taking it after reading some of the SEs. I have friends that have been taking it for years but they don't have BC.
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Hi everyone,
With regard to biotene, I saw my dentist this past Weds for six month exam and cleaning and hygentist asked about dry mouth. She thought I may be suffering some dry mouth as she notice less saliva and said I seemed to have heavier plaque build up. I had started using Biotene mouthwash during chemo and have continued. She suggested I also use the toothpaste and mouth spray as well and provided samples. Not sure if Al is contributing factor or not. Seems to be "new" product being recommended by most dentists.
As to body odor, I have much less hair, less shaving to do, so I believe body odor has reduced significantly.
Still waiting for my (head) hair to fill out. I started using rogaine 3/30 and while it does appear to be working, I have an area that is still quite bald. Been 8 months since last chemo so am becoming discouraged. Hope to be free of wig by time weather heats up late June. Unfortunately I may have to do comb over. UGH! If I knew then what I know now about Taxotere and hair loss, I would have been using Rogaine throughout chemo in hopes of keeping hair folicles alive.
I've wondered about cholestoral levels and glucose etc. Don't believe onc checks these during lab work, but rather just looks for cancer markers. Should I see PCP to have these checked? My father was diabetic, but I've had good numbers in all pre-cancer checks. If Als can affect these numbers, I would want to be proactive.
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Hi everyone,
Was just in to the dentist for a cleaning, and just fine with mouth drool etc. So nothing to do on that front. This is great, because of all the years I didn't have proper care and didn't know this. So megabux later, and I am just fine. Fortunately, just prior to all the BC stuff.
I still use the old deo religiously. I want to keep my friends!
I rocked micro locks following AC+T. (Colored those so as not to frighten myself and the world.) Ditched the wigs as soon as possible. I looked uber cool. NOW, it was the next phase that was less than fun, and lasted for about one year. However, I lived through that too. Now, I LOVE my look, and have to thank a wonderful hairdresser for helping me through it all. (I did learn that it takes some time for all the under hair to grow in. Now, I think that someone must have poured fertilizer on my hair!!!)
I don't take any meds other than Anastrazole, aspirin, and various vitamins. I do follow an effective exercise regime and do major summer cycling events plus a ton of nordic skiing. That keeps me honest and firm/toned.
I had a dexa scan 2 years ago, and all was well. I intend to do a complete check when I finish up everything in two years. I did add running into the mix to make sure I get enough weight-bearing exercise.
So intend to stay the course. Life is good, and I expect it to continue that way. Having said all this, I think that cycling has made all the difference, and could have saved my life.
One thing I would recommend is that a few months post chemo/radiation everyone go get a hair makeover and also visit the cosmetics counter of a major department store. Valentine at Vain has been a godsend in terms of figuring out what to do in a not fun stage of regrowth, as was Lizzie at the YSL counter at Nordstrom. Major help which made a difference. Now, I still have Valentine, but different people helping me with the continuous "reinvention" of my look.
Now, to figure out the clothes part as I go to the next part of my career. I am going for business casual with a twist. Plus hip and a bit formal. Plus showcase my "assets". It's all fun and worlds away from the anastrazole discussion. - Claire
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Sherri, my PCP does the a1c and cholesterol tests. my onc does a cmp which has a glucose test in it. But its always high cause its always after I eat. I am diabetic so get those tests every three months. I get a vitmen d every year now. I went up from 14 to 34. And that's on 2000 units daily! I had to take 20,000 units a week to catch up. I am now considered low normal, but since normal is 30 to 100 you can see I am still too low. I didn't have much leg or underarm hair before bc, but now have almost none and don't need deodorant. Much love
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Diane, I have much stronger underam odor since BC, but I attribute it to switching to deodorants without aluminum. I just don't think any of them are as effective. I've tried several brands. And my underam hair is scarce since BC...
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Good morning women, I guess i have to take Arimidex following radiation,which is to begin in a week or two. My question is..........hair loss? Are many of you experiencing it? I sooo not want to take this med!!Not looking forward to a reduction in my activities-boo hoo.Thanks for listening, I appreciate it!
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Patti.....I realize that I am extremely lucky, but in no way have I reduced my activities. If anything, I have picked up the pace. Not everyone has major side effects from A. So I wouldn't assume anything. I do have a slight metallic taste, and I think a bit of knee tiredness, but always something I can work through and then I feel just fine. I also find that I get leg cramps if I don't eat enough salt so I need to watch electrolytes.
My hair didn't grow in quite as thick as prior to chemo, but it is just fine at this point. In fact, I just love my latest haircut. I would say that my skin is a bit more delicate looking now, but nothing to worry about.
I remember taking that first pill. Was scared, and it was also the same week I had started radiation. When nothing terrible happened, I went out and did a 30 mile training ride for summer cycling events.
In terms of being active, I plan to do something like 3-4 hours on my bicycle today. In the winter, I regularly do 10+ miles on my x-country skis on hilly terrain. I just took up jogging, but only one step up from "abysmal". I hike and I swim. I have my own consulting business.
Life is full and good. Good luck with radiation..... I do think that the more active you can be, the better things will go from now on. But this is all stuff you should be doing anyway. - Claire
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Because of my knees, I couldn't do to much before bc,so I can't do much after either! LOL BUT MY JOINTS ACHE, now, I just don't know if its the meds or just the deterioration of my joints. Pain is pain however. I never get helped a three. With pain meds I rarely get above a 7. So I deal. Much love to all.
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Patti...I am into Arimidex 15 months and my hair is thinning a lot. I no longer colour it so has also lost a lot of body. Perhaps being 69 doesn't help but that is my main SE except for a few more aches and pains into my 2nd year. That surprises me!
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Has anyone begun to take any meds for osteopenia or osteoporosis? I got my first Actonel DRs but after reading the studies on it, I am VERY hesitant to begin taking it.
Studies show that after finishing it (the suggested time is max 5 years) many are showing signs of Fibromyalgia.
Who need that? Just gonna stick with the prunes for now. I wish PCPs would acknowledge their worth. Mine has never heard of taking them, The studies show they not only PREVENT bone loss but REVERSE the loss. Sure have to be safer than meds!
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Never heard of prunes helping bone loss but I will check that out. I love prunes. I did take the injections for a couple of years. It was done once a year with an IV. I started having trouble with my jaw clicking. After talking to a friend she told me she went off the meds because it made her jaw click. I increased my calcium and started doing weight bearing exercises. My numbers improved. I have been bad about exercising since my surgery. Trying to get started again. I am taking enough medicine and it scares me when a med has such bad side effects.
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Hi ladies...thought i might weigh in. Haven't posted here in a while.
Hi Schatz... I LOVE prunes too. Ive been eating them for other great reasons. lol . Heres something I'm doing to make them sooooooo yummy. I slice them up (about 8) and soak them in milk sometimes over night (and place in the fridge of course) or just for an hour or so in the morning...then I squish them so the brown juice goes all through the milk...then I add some cream if its about, then break up into chunks 2 weetbix (a brekky cereal) and gently mix it all in. YUMMMM!
Now to hear that prunes prevent bone loss pleases me no end but to reverse it would be amazing. I'd also be interested in any conclusive evidence, or studies done. It's the kind of thing we all love to hear who love prunes in this miserable disease called BC.
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I have been on Fosamax for osteopenia for almost 2 years now with no side effects. I expect to start Armidex when I finish radiaion later this summer because I can't metabolize Tamoxifen.
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Has anyone heard about studies that show that taking Tamoxifene for a couple of years then an AI for the next 3 is proving to be a good thing? I had read that somewhere and then today asked a woman in my Mindfulness class at our cancer agency about it as she is on Tamox and is a GP and just thought she might have looked into it. She has indeed read studies and will likely go on AIs later. My MO told me a month ago when I started back on Anastrozole (took it briefly in March post op then got a break) that if I end up with S/E that in fact we can try Tamoxifene. I will definitely be asking her about it when I see her in June. I know that I am already doing lots of weight bearing as my MO points out which should help against osteoporosis but my bone density test in Feb. showed osteopenia in the right remoral neck so I am not so excited. My goal is still trekking in Nepal next March and osteoporosis is not what I need for that!
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I was on TAmox for 2yrs and will be on Arim for 3. Im about 18mths in. Tamox is generally for pre menop. and is slightly less effective than the AIs. The side effects are different. None are with out risks. Tamox upside is it is supposed to, if anything increase BDensity. Downside small % of a chance Uterine Cancer- The AIs have the cursed bone density issue but as I said slightly more effective than Tamox. There are of course other side effects in both camps but I think those ones are biggies.
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Hello Sisters!
Prunes. Reading about it has made me confused a LITTLE bit! I was searching about prunes on google. Yes, the benefits are wonderful !
Benefits of Prunes: Good for diabetics in balancing glucose levels, prevents constipation, decreases blood cholesterol levels, beneficial for stomach/duodenal ulcers, aids in weight loss and as mentioned improves bone density!
So much good in one! Really felt forward in adding prunes to my food list. Link provided: (1) www.totaldiabetessupply.com/blog/2012/12/18/prunes-work-magic-diabetic/ ... (2) www.fyiliving.com/health-news/why-your-bones-love-prunes/
The only thing that worried me abit was: as I am ER+/PR+ and read that prunes have high levels of estrogen which can be bad for estrogen-dependent cancer cells. So, umm any idea ?
Link provided: (1) www.livestrong.com/article/68240-foods-lot-estrogen/ (2) www.dana-farber.org/Health-Library/Plant-Based-Estrogen-for-Breast-Cancer-Patients.aspx
I don't know how to add links. I guess it was not supported, so I typed it. Hope I did nothing wrong? Thank you.
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Sweetrose thx for posting...because I KNEW i had heard something about prunes and that was it. Im ER+ as well.
No worries about the links...you didn't do anything wrong. What you do is HI-LIGHT your links BEFORE clicking the link icon above and you just click insert and it does it automatically. I'll just make them active for you here.
www.totaldiabetessupply.com/blog/2012/12/18/prunes-work-magic-diabetic/
www.fyiliving.com/health-news/why-your-bones-love-prunes/
www.livestrong.com/article/68240-foods-lot-estrogen/
www.dana-farber.org/Health-Library/Plant-Based-Estrogen-for-Breast-Cancer-Patients.aspx
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Thank you Musical for the instructions, now i understood how to insert links. Well what is your opinion concerning about the estrogen rich foods such as prunes??? Would you prefer neglecting the estrogen thing and still have it in your recipes. ? Or better not to have it ? Or is it the quantity that matters ?
Don't you think we are told to take Arimidex or other AIs to prevent the production of estrogens- a hormone that fuels many breast cancers tumors. So consuming high estrogen foods would be like STILL fuelling the enemies! UGH. Isn't there a magical food that produces no estrogen but still fulfills all the jobs done by estrogens, causing us no more bone loss dry skin etc.!!!? Ah, how i wish there is!
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sweetrose, i DO thankyou again for bringing this up about the prunes... if its yet another sacrifice I have to make, then make it I will. I havent had time to actually check your links out yet...but as I said, this rang a bell and I'm going to back off the prunes until I look into it further. You are quite right. Why take something that fuels estrogen??? Dont even start me on soy.
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Prunes also are very good for colon health; my GP says that if everyone ate a serving of prunes a day, there would be much less colon cancer. I don't know about the estrogen....this is just my thought, but my feeling is that it is mega amounts of foods/suppliments etc. are what can cause problems. I don't think a serving of prunes (or anything else) a day is going to bring you to a tipping point as far a recurrence goes.
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re: prunes
I also wondered about prunes creating more estrogen but I guess it comes down to QOL. If you break a hip or a leg, then what?
Most of us are taking Als anyways so maybe it would be OK with the prunes. It seems to me that the chance of breaking a bone is worse than the small chance of a recurrence because of eating prunes. Also, as far as I know, they don't reverse bone loss as the prunes do.
There are several studies to read...just google "prunes/osteoporosis".
Prunes for me are a better alternative than either Prolia or Actonel etc. because of their horrible SEs.
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Hello ladies, I was just wondering if anyone of you has experienced any "ITCHING" as a S/E from anastrazole.
I have been on it since September 20th and have been able to cope fairly well with any S/E I have experienced from it.
Then about 3 or 4 days ago I started experincing itching on my lower back which has progressed to other parts of my body.
I don't know if it's a new S/E from the pill or from using Unisom for 3 days. I Googled and found that the itching can be a S/E from either one. I know that we always seem to blame everything on that little white pill so I wanted to hear from someone else that might have experinced this annoying itching.
Thank you for any feedback,
Have a nice day!
MENA
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HI Ladies,
I just started A on Monday and am feeling joint stiffness already. I have some digestive issues still from chemo, acid when I'm not conservative about eating, so what can I take for the stiffness? It's in my fingers also and I'm a writer with blogs to do for my new novel. Nothing awful, yet, but should I stock up on Aleve or something just in case?
Thanks!
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Sickofpink LOVE your name... Seems rather early to have joint pain just in the matter of days. A lot of us experienced joint stiffness about 4mths out or thereabouts, but who knows. One thing is for certain, we're all different and it is impossible to have a set formula on how everyone is going to react, but joint pain IS a biggie and it's a very common side effect. Try just a bit of exercise and see if it "loosens up". I'd say its a safe to say most of us find our joints free up after movement.
Right now, overall my joint pain has got less. I am still having stiff fingers now and then and when I get up from sitting for a while I can be stiff which disppears soon after movement.
QUOTE: I don't think a serving of prunes (or anything else) a day is going to bring you to a tipping point as far a recurrence goes. UNQUOTE
ruthbru I'm not sure about the prunes but I don't agree with the "anything else" Theres ALWAYS a tipping point some where along the line and since the standard thinking is that none of us know exactly what it is that set of our cancer in the 1st place, the best we can come to is "there are many variables" and any one of those could have tipped the scales ... Another thing I DONT believe is everything in moderation is a safe bet. Some things are just downright poisonous. Take soy for example, most of it is GE and it's in just about everything. If people choose to accept it that is their choice but as for me. Pass. Then of course we have QOL and other things we weigh up in the balance.
Im with sweetrose and her thoughts....
QUOTE: Don't you think we are told to take Arimidex or other AIs to prevent the production of estrogens- a hormone that fuels many breast cancers tumors. So consuming high estrogen foods would be like STILL fuelling the enemies! UNQUOTE
Im thinking why cut of your nose to spite your face...
My 2cents
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sickofpink, off topci, but how are the book sales going?
On topic, I have only been on A a month or so and so far so good and not sure if the stiffness I have is A or the fact that I am really back out there with the exercise and yoga.
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Yes, of course, each person has to do what she feels is right for her.
Moving, moving, moving is what helped me work through any stiffness.
Mena, have you quit taking the Unisom? Have you changed laundry detergent? It could be arimidex or any number of other things. I'd get the Unisom out of my system first and see if that makes any difference.
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Good Afternoon. I have been taking Arimedex for the last five months. For the last couple months the hot flashes have been horrible. I take the Arimedex at night and am wide awake at 2:00am with hot flashes. Was thinking of taking the Arimedex in the morning to see if that helps me get a good night sleep.
What time do you take Arimedex?0 -
I am taking it at bedtime too and last night the hot flashes were crazy~~I was soaking wet but mainly my upper body and head. I use pillow protectors now. But I have not tried to take it in the AM since the beginning right after surgery in March when I got imediate nausea/vomiting. But that may have been something else as it continued off and on for several days. I am still going to ask my MO when I see her in June about the studies that say Tamoxifen for two years and then an AI may be of more benefit. Am not going to go go looking myself.
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