Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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Exactly!
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I usually get the cheapest multivit I can find that pretty closely matches the make up of Centrum Silver. I've found that the differences between Centrum Silver and Hannafort or Equate multivitamins is negligable. I also take extra D3, Omege 3 fish oil, extra calcium and magnesium in a 2:1 ratio.
My med onc orders almost no blood work. The only thing she's ever ordered is FSH levels to check my menopausal status. My PCP is the one who ordered a D3 level, regular CBC, chemistry and cholesterol tests. Actually, it's my PCP who keeps telling me what I should be asking my med onc to check into, like transvaginal ultrasound to check my ovaries since they can't be felt on a pelvic exam (too fat). I've got to admit I depend more on my PCP than anyone else, and she isn't considered part of my bc "team"!
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I just take the "Buy One, Get One Free" Centrum clones. I got such a good deal last year that I have tablets for well into 2011!!!!
Most of the major chains sell them. Mine were from Safeway.
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Native, it's my family doctor who orders a yearly pelvic ultrasound to keep an eye on my ovaries. The oncology people want a yearly pap smear (which I have, but my doctor thinks is stupid); but the oncologist didn't think the ultrasound was needed (my doctor and I thought it would be a good idea as I had previously had some trouble (unrelated to BC...but still). So you can still work through your own doctor to get the 'whole patient' care you want and need.
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I get a semi yearly Transvaginal Ultrasound ordered by my Gyno. SInce ovarian cancer is a risk for all of us who refuse to have them removed, we decided that twice a year was a safer approach.
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Thank you all so much, luv you guys! NativeMainer, isn't that something, your PCP is your go-to person and as you said "not considered on your bc team". Well thank God for that non-member of the team, hope she will always be on top of things for you and everyone ... a precious advocate. For me it's my surgeon, who also did the lumpectomy 18 yrs ago. Juli, thank you so much for your kind words and advice. On my current team is my onc's nurse, who I would hate to give up. She has been especially comforting to me, I'm alone as well and she's the bee's knees to me, sometimes the only person I talk to in weeks. Sunflowers, it's good to know that your Naturpath checked out Pathway, I'm already on board per your recommendation on their Bone Guardian and D3, I'll order their Multi Two. Ruth, I appreciate so much receiving the "whole patient" care right here. Thank you all again so much. Have a wonderful weekend. Julia
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Just a quick note, back to the bean-cooking part: when you drain your beans and add fresh water, you drain off a lot of soluable fiber (it leaches into the water... that's why it's soluable). Just a note for those who want the beans for that part. But sorry, I don't have a solution for those whose digestions react to beans; it's never been a big issue for me. I bring my beans to boil, cover, and remove from heat, and let them soak for an hour; most beans will cook in about an hour after that.
The various Centrums do have differences, usually in just a few vitamins/minerals, but generic vitamins are often a match to the brand names. Worth it to read the labels. Since many vitamins are manufactured overseas now the main thing I look for is the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) symbol on supplements I buy (to assure no lead/metal contamination) (and other issues). I'm going to check into Pathway, thanks for the reminder, Sunflowers!
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Good morning, hope's all's well with the A Team. Sunflowers, I so appreciate your recommendations for better supplements. By any chance is that semi-annual sale coming up soon? Thanks. Have a great Sunday all!
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I'm new to this forum just been haning around. But wanted to put my 2 cents worth in. I was put on Arimidex in June. My first Month cost me $80 copay. I wrote to A Z and me and applied for a reduced price and I get it free for the first year. Boy a relief.
I missed somthing and was wondering what the niacin is supposed to do.
I am back to work and am on my feet 8 hrs a day and am moving my body constantly. By the end of the day I can't hardly move. I hurt so bad
By the way,I am looking for a good bra to wear to work, as I have trunkal LE. ANy suggestions?
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Barb....I bought a Donna Karan w/o underwires for surgery. Techno, I think it's called. I still wear for cycling and will for skiing. Hope this helps.
Good luck and feel better. - Claire
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Hi Barb-Welcome! The niacin has been mentioned to take for cholesterol issues. I have urticaria and flush easily, niacin is known to exacerbate the flushing. There is a non-flushing type, but that one (for some reason, I don't know why) is not recommended to take. Not sure of dosages, just saw your post and a heads' up on the niacin, ask your primary doc maybe if you have cholesterol issues. I'm sorry about your pain ((hugs)). For the bra, I'd go to a place that has a bra specialist on site to help you possibly with a good fit? (Any of the big stores may have one, I think you could call and ask?) All my best to you....juli
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Okay, okay, I give up - what does it mean to "flush" (or not flush)? Have enough to do without staying in the bathroom 24/7
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Well I haven't been waking my DH up every night yelling in my sleep from pain. I began taking the Arimidex in the morning and my BS also prescribed Xanax at night for sleep. It's been working. I still have a lot of pain when I wake up and some throughout the day, but at least I'm sleeping at night.
I'm still struggling a great deal with intense fatigue. I'm wondering if the Neurontin that I take for the nerve pain in my arm from surgery is causing it. I take 500 mg in the morning, again at noon and 600 mg at night before I go to bed. I'm so exhausted throughout the day, I'm struggling to stay awake at my desk. At first I thought it might be the BP meds I'm taking, but now I'm thinking it might not be that after all. I need the Nuerontin to handle the pain, but I'm also worried about this fatigue. Maybe I should try taking a lower dose and see if it makes a difference in the fatigue.
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Rocket, you have a lot going on, all this year. Take time to be good to yourself; you are still healing.
Are you certain your meds are all compatible? That may be the first place to start to find out what may need adjusting.
HUGS.
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Rocket, don't know about the SE of Arimidex yet as I started it today, but I am very familiar with Neurontin--I took the maximum recommended dose of that for three years to combat nerve damage pain from shingles. It never caused any fatigue for me and I was never warned of it as a possible SE.
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patoo: flush=blush/hot flash!
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My 2 cents after only six weeks. I've followed you ladies' advice regarding exercise, hydration, supplements, etc. and any se's have been manageable. I've had enough se's to believe the Anastrazole is working. Had some things going on this week and skipped all the above remedies (but managed to take the A) for three days, and by yesterday my legs were cramping pretty badly.
So I'm pretty convinced the exercise, hydration, supplements, diet -- all make a big difference. Back to the routine, today, with the lesson being to make sure to take care of myself each day. We'll see what the future brings. Best wishes to all.
edited to add ps: I take it in the morning.
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barb-k--ask your onc to refer you to a lymphedema therapist. I got a really comfortable and effective long line compression bra that I wore while I was struggling with truncal LE. With a referral and a prescription insurance should cover part of the cost.
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I'm on Femara, which is another AI. Some SE's, mainly joint and muscle pain. A few hot flashes, but they seem to have subsided after 20 months. One of my eyelids "stuck" shut just briefly a few days ago, and it was frightening. But I have had dry eyes for years and think the Femara makes it worse. I tried Restasis for about a month, and got terrible headaches, so that doesn't work for me. Other dry eye remedies help temporarily. My eye doctor suggested a few, which do seem to help. Over all, I really can't complain about Femara. I believe it has kept me alive for almost 2 years. Hoping it continues working, although I know at some point it won't. Then on to something else. My best to all of you,
Lane
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I had a terrible problem with dry eyes...I now (on the advice of two Dr.s) use a gel eye drop during the day and before bed I use an oinntment made by clear eyes. So much better.
You niacin gals, my husband takes the flush free by Spring Valley purchased at Wal-Mart. It was the choice of his Cardio Dr. . he started of at 50mg twice a day and doubled it every two weeks until he reached a mega dose that really took his count down to where his Dr. wanted.
Whomever it was that shared a while back about excederin working on their pain...I tried it and I love you. It seems to work very well for me. Thank you. I certainly will be happy when the next 31/2 years are over.
My love and hugs to all !!!
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To LWD:
Taking fish oil and or Flax oil are also good for dry eye (and the rest of your body). It's too bad that you didn't tolerate the Restasis, because to get the full benefit can take up to 3 months.
Wendy
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Yes, it's ridiculous on the packaging, if you say "Migraine" on the package, you'll get more buyers of that particular disease. As someone who suffers migraines daily, this product does nothing for me. But, you are right (both of you), that it's the caffeine in the medication that is helping, especially if you have head pain. I'm glad it works for you!~!
I don't have dry eyes on Aromasin, I have blurred vision up close. I go get my eyes checked (semi-annual checkup) end of November, so by then, we'll see if it gets better being switched to the Aromasin from Tamoxifen.
GORGEOUS day here, sunny and to be 70, not even Indian Summer yet here, as we've had no frost...so hope everyone enjoys this 'holiday' weekend!
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To all my sisters on this site:
With the two mammos, one ultra sound, and the most recent stereotactic core biospy, the tests came out negative. I am still in a state of shock, having lived in fear for almost two weeks.
I want to thank all of you who wished me good wishes and prayers, and same back to all of you. Now I just have to finish with the reconsruction of my new girl.
I just called the hospital to give back and volunteer.
Love to all and big hugs,
Thank you all again,
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ronna: Edited due to chemo-brain, sorry! Good news on the negative results! ~juli
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Yay!! Great news on the negative results.
Did you have an MRI (I haven't been following closely)? I've heard that MRI's produce a significant number of false positives. My breast surgeon doesn't believe in them, for whatever that's worth.
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Minnesota is having a heat wave! Its going to be 80 plus today! That is of note as my dry eyes seem to accompany the heat coming on - which I had to resort to on Sept 28th - we had frost and very chilly nights but now are having our 'Indian Summer'. My eye doctor recommended an over the counter eye drop that is like natural tears which I only need in the months the heat is on. Sadly, that is over half the year out here...LOL. But I am getting a week's break as this entire week and into this weekend has been just beautiful. It making me want to try to ride my Harley for what will likely be the last time before I pass it on to my son...:-(
I do have a question...I have never been a water drinker - I manage to force myself to guzzle it for the few days around my monthly treatment but can only seem to want it in the summer and have two big glasses every am with my meds. Anybody have any ideas how to entice oneself into drinking more water all the time? The al's and biphosphonates are hard on the kidneys and I know that and that should be enough to get me to drink more of the wonder fluid but still, I just don't get enough good ole water. Lots of tea, juices and fresh fruits and my morning coffee so I get fluids.
I have tried a slice of lemon and the 'flavoring' and the little packet mixes turn it into something other than plain ole water and something in the Propel (and others) packets make me all jittery - maybe I could go get hypmotized to crave water...lol...seriously, anybody have any suggestions on how to get an anti-water person to drink more water? I am beginning to feel like the old 'you can lead the horse to water but you can't make him drink'.
Big Hugs! LowRider
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Ronna, whew and thank goodness!!!!!
Lowrider, what about sparkling water? Or the flavored bottled water at the grocery stores? (I don't think they have 'gittery' ingredients, but I'm not sure.) How about blending up your juices with tons of ice and get some of your water frozen? Limes make a good flavoring also. Does tonic water count as 'water'? If so, make yourself a gin and tonic
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Ruth...gin and tonic...hummm..LOL Thanks!
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lo rider, I hate water....can't stand it.
I took 8 oz. water, a splash of unsweetened cranberry juice (apple and Eve), and squeeze a lemon into it.
I could drink buckets of that and your kidneys love it
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During chemo, I could not abide water at all, it tasted terrible...so I did what annie suggested, only added water TO unsweetened cranberry/pomegrante juice w/ice. Good idea on squeezing a lemon in it, that sounds good NOW! YUM...juli
(I now drink only water during the day, plain/filtered tap)
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