Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
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ruthbru, You are so nice to look that up for us! Maybe I CAN have that dark chocolate after all! That is good news. A lot of ladies on this site are eliminating soybean oil, including the soy lecithin.
I was taking, until today, the 1000mg of flaxseed oil, I feel so stupid that I did not know this, all my doctors ask what I am taking and they all knew.
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You are supposed to have 1-2 ounces of at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate every day to help keep your blood pressure in line. (Really, I am not making this up......although I'd be tempted to even if it weren't true
.) I have been eating dark chocolate daily for a year, and my BP was lower than it has ever been in a doctor's office (or anywhere) when I went in for my oncology checkup in July. The nurse even commented on it! 0 -
OK, you talked me into it. My husband did not beleive me when I said it was good for you. I will look for the 70% cocoa kind.
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Here's something to read to your DH, stage 1, from an old thread......
"Contrary to popular belief, there are many benefits to eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Chocolate started out as a drink made from cacao beans in pre-Columbian Mexico hundreds of years ago. The drink was said to have revitalizing and restorative properties.
Since the cacao bean originates from a plant, it contains a lot of the health benefits which are associated with dark vegetables. The benefits come from flavonoids. They act as antioxidants inside the body, protecting the body from aging that is caused by free radicals and damage that can lead to heart disease. A large amount of antioxidants can be found in dark chocolate. The flavonoids contained within it produce nitric oxide which helps to relax blood pressure and balance a number of hormones throughout the body.
What it comes down to it, dark chocolate can be very good for your heart. Eating a small bar of it every day can help keep your heart healthy and improve your cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown that a daily intake of a small amount of dark chocolate reduces blood pressure. It has also been known to reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
The health benefits associated with dark chocolate are not limited to improving your heart. Many people prefer the slightly bitter taste of dark chocolate to the sweetened taste of normal milk chocolate. It contains much less sugar and fat than normal chocolate. It also stimulates the production of endorphins in the body which give a sensation of pleasure when eating it. It also contains serotonin which is an anti-depressant hormone. There is also caffeine and a number of other natural substances that act as stimulants. This is why so many people love eating chocolate. It tastes so good and leaves you feeling on a high afterwards.
While the taste of dark chocolate may require some getting used to, it is an excellent place to start if you want to lose weight by eating healthy. Instead of eating normal chocolate or candy bars try replacing it with a dark chocolate bar. It contains much less fat and sugar yet is still tasty and has more health benefits.
Like wine tasting, chocolate tasting is also something that can be greatly enjoyed. Because making chocolate has become such an involved process, with each bar containing over 300 different flavor compounds, it is worthwhile spending time to really taste and enjoy the chocolate. Dark chocolate is the original taste and is not smothered in sugar or added milk flavors. Dark is also the favored chocolate when it comes to cooking and baking. Chocolate that is both bitter and dark can be used in the preparation of savory dishes."
Finally, a prescription we can all enjoy
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My oncologist recommended avoidance of concentrated soy products like soy powder in smoothies or a diet reliant on soy or tofu as a main source of protein. Otherwise, she said an occasional meal with tofu, soy milk, edamame, etc. is fine. She doesn't seem to indicate that I need to be reading the fine print on labels to look for trace amounts of soy. I have my second appointment with her next week and plan to delve into the dietary/supplement issue with her just to confirm and to get any reference sources if possible.
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I was initially going crazy eliminating all soy from my diet. Found chocolates not processed with soy lecithin, abandoned baked goods made w/soy oil, bought grass-fed milk only, even went out of my way to find eggs from hens not fed soy feed. But my oncologist, who happens to be a top clinical researcher, said the jury is really out on this one. If you go onto pubmed.org and search "soy breast cancer", you'll find one major study in China that showed a protective effect of soy - but it seemed the protective effect may have stemmed from massive quantities eaten at a formative period in breast development (teens).
So I suspect the oncologists' standard "You don't eat enough soy to matter" is a bit of a dodge. They fact is, they just don't know. There's so little research in this area - of course! - because it's not a money-maker for Big Pharma, which subsidizes most studies of drugs to TREAT cancer, but not trials of ways to PREVENT it.
I suspect that one of the many possible reasons for the sharp rise in BC in this era may be traced to the prevalence of phytoestrogens in our food supply (not to mention xenoestrogens in our cosmetics). Once upon a time, before government farm subsidies and mega-agribusiness, cows and chickens used to munch grass and peck at the ground; now they're packed into feedlots and poultry barns and stuffed with corn and soy feed. Why? Because corn and soy growers get big government subsidies to grow massive amounts of these two crops, which they can then sell at rock-bottom prices and still realize a profit! So the whole agricultural system in our country is skewed, and we women may possibly be paying the price for it in our breasts.
But the corporate patriarchs don't want us rocking their system! Let them run races and raise money for research into a cure, so they'll feel better. Hell, some of these corporations even sponsor the races! But they don't want us demanding major studies of breast cancer's causes or any research focusing on prevention - because they know that effective prevention would entail a sea-change in how we live - a re-ordering of the whole setup of modern capitalist society. God forbid anyone interfere with the sacred right of our mega-corporations to manipulate us from cradle to grave - even down to the very food we put in our mouths -- for the sake of quarterly stock profits!
Ok, I'm off my soapbox. Phew!
Nan
Happy to be hereDiagnosis: 3/25/2010, IDC, 2cm, Stage Ib, Grade 2, 1+/60 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-, OncotypeDx 17. Mx 4/12/10, ALND 4/23/10, declined TCx4, taking Arimidex + Zometa. Dx 10/26/10 DCIS Gr 3 w/necrosis, Mx w/bilat TEs 12/17/10, Bilat DIEP 2/16/11, revision 5/31/11, 3D nip tats from Vinnie Myers 7/26/11, DONE!!
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Okay, gals, I'm going to pick and choose my poison. Chocolate, yes. Tofu, no. Just kidding, I know this is serious. Common sense seems to be the only thing we can rely on.0
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Exactly right. Moderation, moderation, moderation! I surely wouldn't add soy or flax to my diet in the form of suppliments, but I am also not going to go running from the room if I see a bottle of soy sauce or a flaxseed muffin!
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Thanks so much to the two ladies who I can't remember your names since they are on the other page. lol I never would have thought to question the Vitamin D. After next week, I will try taking it twice a day. I have already packed my meds. up for this week. I will be getting lots of natural Viatmain D this week at the Beach! Now I must get to bed. It is 3am....where did the time go.
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Lago, so true about not giving up the big guns because of some SE's. I already had my thyroid removed, a BMX and a full hysterectomy, yet, I am afraid of one tiny pill. How ridiculous is that? I was on Tamox and Lupron shots for three months prior to my hysterectomy. My knee joints were hurting so bad. Then the doc switched me to Arimidex but warned that my joints might hurt even more. I am glad there are other drugs other than Arimidex or Tamox. My hot flashes are not bad, so I don't need any meds for that...thank goodness!
Can anyone suggest an alternative to Arimidex and Tamox that have few SE's? Thanks!
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slinky some people do well on Arimidex and some don't. Same holds true for any of the other AIs. You just have to try and see. You can find the list here: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aromatase_inhibitors/
What is scary is hearing 5 years. That seems like such a long time. Also there have been studies that women stop for a month then go back on the drug and do much better (less SE). These are all things to discuss with your onc.
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I have just joinged and don't know if I am in the corect location. I am on arimidex and facing year 5 since diagnosis. In the last 6 months I have overwhelming depression and mental confusion. I have always been "bright" but now find myself "addled" and at the point of losing my job. Can you direct me to the right people or forum for support? I am about to give up--survival wa nothing compared to living!
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Nancy: I would call your oncologist and check your issues out... but you can stay here for support I'm so sorry you are feeling down... I just started Arimidex last week, I'm on day #5 so I'm not much help for SEs.. What type of work do you do?? My boss is really good about keeping me out of things that muddle my brain.. I work at a fabric store and on the days I have trouble dealing with counting she puts me over in stocking Items instead of the register... Is that a possiblitiy or do you have a rough and tough boss??? By the way there is also the "Great Saying about Depression" forum under Depression and Anxiety.. The ladies there deal with depression and helped me during my times with depression too.......BIG HUGS AND KISSES ...........I will be praying for you!!!! (if that's ok with you?) 0
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Nancy.....focus on keeping your job. That is so critical. Is there anything you can do in terms of taking some leave? This is what employee assistance programs are for. You need to be proactive here and get help.
The next step is making sure that nothing physical is going on. No, not your oncologist, but a general physical work up. Suddenly happened six months ago??? There could be a physical reason, and no, not Arimidex-related.
I know I am a sorry broken record here, but exercise is the best brain cleaner I know of.
Did anything change at your company??? It could be something external as well.
Anyway, I am so sorry these things are happening, but at the same time, I think you really need help to get to the root of the problem. Wouldn't assume Arimidex or even BC-related either. I am saying this as a close friend nearly died from not getting proper medical attention. Finally, he is getting the help he needs and just in the nick of time.
So start with the physical and don't assume. Make sure you get leave from your job if needed. Then work on to counseling if that is where you need to go.
Good luck. Feel better soon! - Claire
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I have heard so many women say they are afraid to take an AI. I have just the opposite problem. Despite surffering numerous side effects, I'm afraid to miss a day of it. I feel like it is really helping to keep cancer away as my tumors were 80% ER+. I remind myself to be thankful - yes even when my joints hurt and my cholesterol goes up. I'm alive and it's indeed easier to treat side effects than cancer IMHO.
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Or you can take Fareston (Toremifene). It is a SERM like Tamoxifen but with less severe side effects than the Tamoxifen because it uses a different metabolic path.
I have been on it for 6 months with no side effects and I have both rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. That is why I refused to take any of the aromatase inhibitors.
Just thought I'd give you all another alternative.
Judy
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Nancy, whatever treatments you've done; they take you through the wringer both physically and emotionally. It is hard to sort out the SEs at this point. Your clinic should have an oncology social worker who could give you some advice and direction. Also you should check with your doctor to rule out physical causes....thyroid problems, low/high blood sugar, depression etc. can all cause some of the symtoms you are experiencing.
Like Claire said; exercise is so important for both your physical and mental health. As for work; really organize yourself to make up for any fogginess (I am the Queen of the Sticky Notes!), think about if you may need a reduced workload or even a leave of absence for awhile. Is your supervisor someone you can talk to? Also do you have friends and/or family who can pick up some of your load at home, and with whom you can have some fun?!!!! Doing fun things and being busy with things you find rewarding is a great mood lifter and a way to start to move away from cancer being the main focus of your life.
There are many great threads, but keep checking in here too. We will be your cheerleaders! Ruth
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Nancy,Just to chime in and say "welcome" to our forum. Life is so difficult at times. We are here for you...All these ladies that responded to you are phenomenal women that have each gone thru simialar life changing issues. They have helped me... We are all hearing you. Hugs to you
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Nancy-I just want to add my voice to the others--please talk to the onc's office social worker or a counselor. Depression tends to show up after "active" treatment (chemo, rads, surgery) becuase we finally have time to process what has happened to us. Depression and menopause are also linked, so add that to the stresses of a cancer diagnosis and it's a wonder that more of us AREN"T debilitated by depression. Counseling helped me. You can access counseling through your cancer center social worker, or through your work's employee assistance program, or through your health insurance. Any counselor will work with you while you sort this out, including getting a complete physical exam to rule out physical causes. It's frightening how often people with cancer do not get complete physical exams--every doc expects the other doc is doing certiain things and in the end they don't get done. When depression is interfering with life (or work) it is serious and needs to be addressed. Please let us know how things are going for you here. We care.
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Well just wanted to say Arimidex is really getting into my pocket. With my fingers swelling and not being able to wear my rings I decided to go and get them re-sized, I have been on it for 8 months now and a long ways to go I figured it would be worth it to just re-size 3 rings that I really miss wearing. I was shocked when I found out it was going to cost me 236.00 that is just crazy. That is alot of money but the jewelry store told me if I had any old gold jewelry laying around then I could bring it in and sell it for them to melt it down. I went home and looked for some old stuff that I never wear and never will again and sold it for 283.00. WOW WOW. I not only get my rings re-sized but got 47.00 back. I am happy happy.
Nancy
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joycek are you sure your onc didn't mean only 1% with your diagnosis? That makes a bit more sense. I know my onc gave me much higher numbers for my diagnosis.0
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Mine was huge, a 40% risk reduction with Als.
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When I was taking Arimidex while doing rads, I was so nauseated that phenegren wouldn't even make a dent in it. So, I stopped taking it for a week and a half until I finished rads. I've been taking it for a week now and so far so good. Pray for me ladies. I can handle the achy knees, not the nausea.
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I think you will do better, rohanna, now that rads are done. I asked to wait until after rads to start Arimedx because I felt like I only could handle one set of SEs at a time.
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Rohanna, I did Arimidex while on rads with no ill effects but I agree that if I had the nausea I would also have stopped until I finished. Nausea is not fun!
HUGS.
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I started rads, had my port out, and started Arimidex the same week. However, that is not what I remember. I remember that someone I was working with who went after me for "being hyper" and "needing meds". I was just incensed.
Then he tried to trash my professional reputation, and I had to regroup, and win. I did.
Nice person!
He tried the same thing with the woman we were both doing work for a couple of months later, so doubt I was all that "hyper" to begin with.
Otherwise, I was fine during rads, although did drag towards the end. Then about three weeks of recovery afterwards. However, I was still cycling etc. Just dragging more than usual.
Good luck. Patoo nailed it......fortunately my appetite was just fine. - Claire
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Ladies - I found an awesome PA in my primary's office!!! - she actually spent an hour talking to me about all my SE's with the meds I'm on including Arimidex.... I feel validated.... She said that my rib pain and nerve pain are REAL SE's from rads and told me what to do for them. Then told me the headaches are probably from the Arimidex...She said that the pill works to bind all the estrogen and that happens after the first pill... its fast in removing the estrogen from our systems.. so fooey with the docs that say, "it will take 3 months before the side effect hit"... She also is checking my Vitamin D level to make sure its high enough... She also helped me sort out when to take what pill... I just felt so positive even with the SE's - that it is going to kick cancer's butt and I will be ok...
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Awesome!
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GmaFoley, yes, you will be okay - double Awesome!
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Wow, GmaFoley, that is fantastic! It really makes a difference when someone listens and explains.
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