Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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Also cut out soy and corn. Eating less of the other stuff than I used to. Glad you are doing better!
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SpecialK- what do you eat? just fruit/veggies and meat/fish?
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The diet change is interesting... and of course a lot healthier I am sure.... I am curious too Special K as to what your normal day looks like.... eating wise...
The acupuncture has helped me a lot with the hot flashes - pretty much gone - sometimes I get hot and I think, am I hot is it a hot flash???? Pretty funny.
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I eat lean grass fed, pasture raised, or wild caught protein - beef, pork, chicken, fish/shellfish. Low glycemic index, high fiber fruit like all kinds of berries, apples, citrus. Low starch vegetables - all kinds that are green/yellow/red, sweet potatoes too. Lots of salads, healthy fats - olive oil, avocado, nuts (in small amounts). Coconut or almond milk. Quinoa and brown rice, and beans. Vegetables and fruits should be organic if possible - I usually follow the dirty dozen/clean fifteen rule, so don't buy everything organic.http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/04/30/top-dirty-dozen-and-clean_n_5242343.html This eating plan advocates a shake for breakfast using plant based, non soy, protein powder like Vega or Plantfusion (brown rice and pea protein), coconut or almond milk, berries, and either chia or flax seed. I use chia because flax is more estrogenic. I usually have salads for lunch, often Greek (romaine, peppers, olives, tomatoes, cucumber) with some protein and a homemade vinaigrette, or maybe a turkey burger with tomato and avocado, but no bun. Another protein for dinner, veggies or salad and brown rice or quinoa, or brown rice pasta. The hardest part of adapting to this way of eating is eating very little processed food and reading labels for hidden sugars, corn and soy. If I go out to eat I usually have a salad at lunch, a steak and a salad and sweet potato at dinner, but honestly eating in restaurants can be problematic - I am like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, lol! I found that I stopped craving sugar after about two weeks and now find most desserts too sweet if I have a taste. The philosophy behind this is to eliminate the foods most likely to cause sensitivity and inflammation and the result is more energy, less pain, better overall health, and weight loss. It also advocates adding back in some things after a while to see if they cause issues for you - and trust me, you will know right away! The only thing I added back in was eggs, but I eat the ones from pasture raised hens, and I only eat them occasionally. There is not really any portion control with this diet so there is no reason to be hungry, it is more of a proportion on the plate. I have found that once I figured what ingredients I could use I found different ways of mixing them to make new things. I still make chili and spaghetti, occasionally make potato salad using red potatoes. The first month or so was hard because I was trying to identify my go-to foods and what I had to stop using and what could be substituted. There are some recipes for things like ketchup and BBQ sauce, but I have found some low sugar brands and try to limit to 5g of sugar. It took me six months but I lost about 22 lbs. and now weigh less than I did before diagnosis. I also had pre-existing disk degeneration prior to diagnosis that caused pain, which I no longer have. In addition to the reduced joint pain I also went off my statin (which I was on prior to breast cancer) and dropped my total cholesterol by 30 points.
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thank you SpecialK - that is a detailed post and is giving me some "food for thought"
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SpecialK, thanks for sharing! I've done a lot of dietary changes as well since BC & look forward to a new post BC lifestyle change in 2015! Excellent info
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Thank you Special K - it gives me food for thought as well
I have to walk the walk and not just talk - which, as I have gotten older, I realize isn't as easy as one would think. I am presuming no alcohol. Which I have pretty much given up anyway - an occasional glass of wine - but nothing like before BC - which my doctors have said was a silver lining. I find I really don't have a taste for it.
Curious about the rest of you on the alcohol thing - the same, or less?
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cvmarilyn - when you are in the initial part of this I would say no alcohol, when - or if - you add things back in, then you could try it and see if it bothers you. There is a lot of sugar in wine, but it also depends on how often you have some. My husband is essentially on this eating plan - which is now a lifestyle change - and he does still have a glass of wine a couple of times a week. Interestingly, the book I read advises Tequila if you want to have a drink - probably because of the way it is made, and low sugar content. Amber liquors have a lot of sugar, and so does rum, and vodka is usually made from potatoes or grain. I assume because Tequila is made from a plant it has the least bad things! I essentially stopped drinking many years ago due to issues with reflux - I would get a terrible stomach ache. I eventually had surgery for that problem and really don't tolerate alcohol very well. I very occasionally have a glass of champagne, or wine - maybe a few times a year. I attended a women's cancer conference locally put on by Moffitt Cancer Center - the only NCI center in Florida - and there was a brief discussion about alcohol and recurrence risk, since all of us in the room had already been diagnosed with cancer. Their claim was that it increased our subset's risk by up to 13% for regular modest alcohol consumption (2-5 drinks per week), so I was glad it was not something I really needed to worry about - but there was a gasp in the room!
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Hi Special K
That's what I've heard too so rarely drink now. Why rock the boat? Take care
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SpecialK - GREAT post, thank you so much!!!!!!!!
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Back in the generic/non-generic: I have been on the generic brand Anastrozole. At first I had more hot flashes - guess it was wiping out any minimal estrogen I had left....no more hot flashes now and I have posted before about the joint pain and using a Glucosamine supplement. I'm going to look into the diet change post that SpecialK shared.
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SpecialK, I think I'll print your post and take it to my kitchen cabinet! Thanks! Forgot to ask, what kind of daily exercise do you get, or how much do you get weekly? I'm SO active--8 to 10 hours a week of mixed cardio, bikram yoga, and weights plus just the daily routine of walking dog, etc. but am still seeing weight creep up because of that &*(*&^ arimidex and chemo-induced meno. You've inspired me.
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claireinaz - I was doing a lot of walking - fast, about five miles a day - every day, and had a regular gym membership, but with four surgeries this year - the first three I was quiet hoping to heal (didn't work), and the last one in Nov. has an eight week workout restriction, which I am just coming to the end of - so I have not done much besides walk, and that has been very sporadic. I lost the weight in the first half of the year when I was literally laying on the bed - did zero exercise. That is one of the reasons I know this eating plan works - I lost a pound a week with no exercise - consistently for 6 months before I hit a plateau of what is most likely a pretty natural weight for me. If I had been exercising I think I would have lost a bit more. This new year will most likely see at least three more surgeries, so I am not sure what my exercise plan is right now, lol! I have been post meno for 14 years due to a total hyst/ooph when I was 45, but my weight was stable until I gained from chemo steroids and the AI.
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Dear Special K - You sure have been through it. What a trooper you are.
I hope 2015 is a really good one for you.
Mariyn0 -
Hi I am new to this discussion. Really struggling with how to manage weight I have gained since chemo and 3 years on Arimidex. It feels like I have lost muscle tone and my metabolism is slow. I probably could work out more. I walk almost every day. The muscle pain has been chronic for me and I use yoga and daily stretching for that. But it can be very annoying and painful.
My doctor tells me the med has not caused the weight gain. I understand I am post menopausal but since all of this my body has changed more than it was before.
Anyone else have this problem and is there hope?
Thanks!
Erin
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I wish I had a solution for you but I don't... I totally believe its the pill that causes the weight gain.. dr told me maybe it would cause a 5 lb weight gain - to that I say bs... I am fatter than ever and its all belly fat!!
I hope you do well - you only have 2 yrs left to take the meds.
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I was on brand name Arimidex for 3 years and then switched to generic when it came out. I'm almost 6 years in. MO is keeping me on at least 7 and probably 10. Even though my stats were ok, I'm ILC which is that tricky devil so playing it safe. My SE's were carpal tunnel and trigger thumb on one hand. Carpal was relieved by wearing hand splints 24/7 for a few weeks then only at night. Cleared up after about 3 months and that was at least 3 years ago. Trigger thumb - had one cortisone shot which worked and has not returned. Weight gain, definitely, at least 15 lbs, mostly belly fat.
In Nov 2014, was DX with Type 2 Diabetes. I was 193 lbs.; today I'm 174 and losing. Followed pretty much SpecialK eating plan though I cut out all potatos, rice, added sugar, wine, bread for the first 2 weeks or so. Added back brown rice occasionally but nothing 'white'. I will have a slice of multi-grain toast with peanut butter and a hard boiled egg perhaps once a week. Most days it's oatmeal with cranberries and/or blueberries. Or a veggie omelet. Lunch is usually a big salad, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, spinach, chick peas, red and green peppers, shredded carrots, celery and broiled chicken or tuna all tossed with olive oil and vinegar. Dinner is usually stir-fry veggies with chicken. Maybe once per week I will have a cheese burger, no bun or another red meat. I have found I no longer have cravings and can easily pass up a dessert tray - carrot cake used to be my downfall! My liquid of choice is water, plenty of it. I slice a cucumber into a jug of water, add ginger, refilling and drinking off it for a few days before changing the cucumber. A snack will usually be a piece of fruit, fresh or frozen (cherries and blueberries, yum).
For me, I think my eating is very close to the South Beach plan which is good for diabetics as it is pretty big on low-carb and exercise. Haven't reintroduced the wine yet but don't really miss it so probably will only have a glass on special occasions. One thing I have not needed in many years is a belt but I need one now. My jeans are falling off and soon I am going to have to buy new clothes. I know I'm down a size and may even be down 2.
All this to say, you can do it. Please don't wait, as I did, for another chronic DX to take charge of your life. Hope this helps someone.
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Patoo, good for you! That's a healthy diet and your weight loss must be very rewarding. Thanks for sharing. You inspired me!
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I lost 40 lb on Medifast the year before I was dx. Kept it off with a sensible diet after that for 6 months after finishing losing. Started anastrazole and in since then gained back 20 in the last 16 months. I know I went back to eating more sugar, carbs etc, but it cannot be weight just from that.
Im starting back to Medifast this week and am interested to see if Ill lose any/much- how much might be from the pill will tell.
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Eedenk.....the loss of muscle tone is no joke. I had this happen a number of years ago when I went from being quite active (job with lots of walking, bending, and lifting) to a desk job. It's sneaky, because first you lose the muscle tone, but don't gain weight. Then your slower metabolism starts to put on the weight. Plus, you are burning fewer calories. Things finally got better when I got a bicycle.
So, knowing this, I made sure I exercised during active treatment. I lost a bit of muscle, but overall kept a reasonable fitness level. Since then, I have rebuilt everything and not gained weight. My (much younger) oncologist tells me that she needs to be doing more of what I'm doing. I am sculpted and fit.
So it's all about getting it in gear. This is true whether or not you are taking anastrazole. In fact, I had an old college friend who doesn't have it in gear and her husband send me something on body fat helping the immune system. The first time anyone has thought of me as being "too thin".
I eat mostly what I please, but then I do love fruits and vegetables. But to give you an idea, I need to hit my crunch ball prior to the shower and work this morning. I will do a 2 mile walk and weights this evening. Hoping to get in some real rides on my bicycle or skiing this weekend.
My exercise ball beckons..... - Claire
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I will add my two cents to SpecialK's post... I also cut out all soy, wheat, dairy, sugar and (most) processed foods. I feel so much better - and I can tell in my fingers when I fall off the wagon. I swell and my joints hurt. I won't say that ALL the pain and stiffness has gone away, but I have started to lose the chemo weight and it's easier to walk to the bathroom in the morning (I had been hobbling since starting Arimidex in September).
I read Wheat Belly, bought both of his cook books and also got a copy of Elana's Pantry Paleo recipe book. I'm eating enough - I bought coconut and almond flour and I'm making bread (it's tastes okay, is very filling) and cookies (using dark chocolate). It's a lifestyle change for sure. Thinking "I don't want that" instead of "I can't have that" makes it much easier; so does knowing what will happen if I cheat - it allows me to make an informed decision.
Good luck!
Jen
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Jen, you are absolutely correct that it's a lifestyle change and I also think 'I don't want that' instead of 'I can't'. I like knowing that it's just a choice as if I really want a slice of cake (or other sweet/treat), I'll absolutely have it without a second thought but so far the cravings are not there so indulging has not been a problem.
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I would like to agree with SpecialK's December 28th post. I have one more Arimidex pill to take tomorrow. Back in September I met with my oncologist for the first time in 4 years to see if he would prescribe for me to stay on it longer. I was concerned about recurrence and had read about the new 10 year Tamoxifen standard of care. I had blood work done and he examined me. All was good, including bone density. However, the end result was that he would not prescribe for me to stay on longer than 5 years as it was not the standard of care. He did try to find if there were any studies nearby looking at staying on an AI longer that I could join, but there were none. He said that it was a question of balancing the possibility of harm done by staying on the Arimidex longer versus the chances of recurrence.
Ironically, since I saw him and I found I could not stay on Arimidex after the 5 years, which were up in Nov 2014 (I had about an extra 6 weeks of pills), I have been counting the days until I am off, with mixed feelings. I think I have had just about every SE in the book and will be interested to see which go away over time after tomorrow and which are part of getting older (and hopefully not something worse).
My best wishes to all the members of this forum.
"You only have enough stomach fat for a B Cup!" (Plastic surgeon prior to double mastectomy and reconstruction on the spot)
Initial Dx March 2009
Surgery 04/20/2009 Mastectomy (Both); Lymph Node Removal (Right); Reconstruction at surgery - DIEP (right), something else (left)
Dx (Right) IDC, 3.6 cm, IIB, Grade 3, 2/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2+
Dx (Left - Surprise!) IDC, 1 cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2 -
Chemotherapy Summer/Fall 2009 FECx3, DOC+Herceptin x3
Herceptin - 1 year
Radiation Therapy (Right) Dec/2009 External 25 x
Hormonal Therapy Nov 2009 5 years Arimidex
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Saskacres - There has been an ongoing trial since 2006 to access longer use beyond 5 years of arimidex. Too bad there are not any reported results yet. It's called the SALSA trial and it is a phase III.
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saskacres - I am not sure my MO will allow me to stay on an AI for longer than 5 years due to bone issues - I am already getting a Prolia injection twice a year, but I am considering asking about Tamoxifen once I am finished with my AI - which will be in about 18 months.
patoo - congrats on the weight loss - South Beach used to work for me prior to chemo - it was my favorite tune-up diet and I pretty much ate like that anyway. I tried it after chemo and the beginning of hormonal therapy - along with five quick miles a day - and nothing. Could not lose an ounce. It was not until I cut out just a few more things - peanuts, corn, dairy, eggs - that I started losing. It is so interesting what works for some doesn't work for others, but I am so glad we can compare notes and information!
Aviva - good luck with the Medifast!
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Ive only been on 16 months, and really, its going well so far. My onco score is a 2- so I wonder when I get to my 2 year appt with onco- maybe Ill ask is it really still worth it to stay on. Even the ability to sleep better and maybe lose weight would be a good trade off. I have no problem with the 5 years, but wonder really if it would make such a huge difference for me.
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Hang in there. I finished my 5 yrs. in Sept. but went off the pills a few months early. The hot flushes have gone away and it is easier to lose weight when I stick to WW. But being off the little white pill DOESN'T increase will power! Weight control is an on going struggle at age 71 almost 72. I have age-related issues with my feet that I can't blame on A, but from years of tennis and walking.
Aviva, I see that you had two tumors. Did they do an onco test on both of them? I totally agree with you that quality of life is an important consideration along with sustaining life. I think drs. sometimes are too much into protocol and the one-size-fits-all.
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Hello Arimidex sisters, looks like I will be joining you soon. I had been on tamoxifen, doc wanted me to try to stick it out for 2 years but the SEs were just too much. So since I am now officially menopausal, they are going to switch me to anastrazole. Best part is, I get to stop the tamoxifen right now and take a 2-3 week vacation before starting the new one! I realize it stays in your system for a long time but I'm really hoping that some of the pain will decrease.
Anyway, my question for now is: Since this drug is known to cause osteoporosis they are sending me for a bone density test, to have a baseline. What is involved with that? What exactly do they do to you? Thanks!
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Hi I'm not on arimidex, but I have had a bone density scan. I can tell you they are over in a few minutes. You get to keep your clothes on, lie on a couch, and they move a wand type thing over you. They give you your bone density score and off you go home. Absolutely nothing to worry about:)
x x
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anyone else having nausea with the anastrozole? What helps?
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