Life on aromasin

camillegal

Hi Mybee---I think 'r riht, exceot I'e never gotten used to them to blend in wih sleep. And as soon as I get a new drug it seems o add to he problem. and nothing helps my chronic diarreha, nohin and I'm more upset about tha cuz it keeps me from goin places ALL the time---I'll o out sleepy, achy, headachy whateer, bu no a cuz here is no warnin and I always wer depends--my mom didn't even wear hem and my diet has nohin to do wih it and I take he hihest dose I can ake for his,---(sorry I just had it now and I've o lots of plans for the weekend and right now I'm really aggrevated) did mean o hrow it at u...and my keys stick on my computer LOL

hopefulhealing

camillegal it is ok to vent here. That is why we are here The side effects impact us in so many ways and people see us from the outside and think we are peachy and we are not!

mybee333

This is from another thread.  I thought it was of interest.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-06/breast-cancer-link-to-paxil-drug-category-found-in-antidepressant-research.html

camillegal

Thanks Mybee---my typing is sos so bad today I'm going to rest awhile.

dogsandjogs

I stopped sleeping thru the night in my mid fifties.  Always get up at least once.  I think it is just part of getting older---

SusannahW

Thanks to all who responded. I'm starting aromasin next week, will let you know how it goes.

SusannahW

Phxsunshine, yes, we love living in Southampton, moved here4 years ago. I'm so eager to get the medication issue resolved so that I can go back to the life I love.

Susannah

mybee333

Here is another interesting piece regarding adherence to antihormal therapy.  It is long.  At the end they give these stats:

longitudinal databases found that adherence to adjuvant anastrozole therapy decreased from between 69% and 78% at year 1 to between 50% and 68% at year 3. 

http://www.cancernetwork.com/breast-cancer/content/article/10165/2077056T

The authors recommend that Onc.s try all the different AI's in order to work around the side effects and improve compliance with treatment. Switching to another AI may be an alternative for women who are nonadherent because they are unable to tolerate the side effects of a particular AI.

So anyway.....we are not alone in our struggles with these medications, unfortunately, as they are so beneficial.

dogsandjogs

It says "Article not available"

mybee333

http://www.cancernetwork.com/breast-cancer/content/article/10165/2077056

try this.

mybee333

Let's see if this will post.

http://www.cancernetwork.com/breast-cancer/content/article/10165/2077056

mybee333

The title of the article is : Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer

I don't know why the link won't go.

Authors are Rao, Cobleigh,  out of Rush University Medical Center, Chicago Illinois.

camillegal

Oh Cobleigh is my sisters Dr. I have to tell her about it, if she doesn't know already. She has an excellant reputation around here.

I saw my cardioloist today gettin more labs, ad labs for my other Drs. that I see next week so we see how it all goes. so far OK.

kfs616

Hi All!! I have been taking Exemestane, the generic for Aromasin. My liver enzymes are elevated, not sure if this is from the drug or not. Has this happened to anyone else? I have an appt. with my Dr. this week, but was wondering if anybody else had the same problem? I have noticed since I have been taking this drug that I have these symptoms, not everyday, but I have had them... Fatigue, headaches, increased hot flashes, sleep probs., no energy, heart palp., depression, anxiety and also for the first time ever, pain with sex. I don't know if this is from the meds or just menopause and age, I am 55. It may be a combination of all these things. I do have an appt. for a liver US to see why enzymes are elevated. How are you all doing/feeling on this drug?

mybee333

I would say your symptoms are caused by the uber-menopause that is caused when one is prescribed these medications.  Used consistently estrogen becomes essentially non-existant in your body.  It is quite a shock to your system.

camillegal

kfs==I agree with Mybee. Tell u Dr. all these things when u see them. These drugs can be no fun for alot of us, sometimes some go away in time. We all react differently to all the chemos rads and meds--but one thing is pretty true we all react. So like I said please talk it over with u'r Dr. and let us know.

SusannahW

What time do all of you think is the best time to take your Aromasin to avoid sleep problems?



Thanks, susannah

kfs616

Thank u all, your input was much appreciated! Will keep you posted. Kai

ptdreamers

susannah, i take mine around 6PM after dinner. others take at noon or morning. You may have to experiment. just be sure to give it enough time to see how you react. i started in the morning, tried noon and found current schedule best. for me it was joint pains that i can pretty much miss because i'm sleeping. otherwise i started having discomfort about six hours after taking. good luck. still only have use of one hand, so no caps, sorry.

SusannahW

Thank u pt dreamers, I will try taking it around 6.



Had a hard time with femara so I'm looking for positive stories about Aromasina, so that I can make myself open the bottle and take a pill. Tales of good experiences with Aromasin would be much appreciated!



Susannah

pupmom

Susannah, I've been on it 9 months and haven't had difficult SEs. There have been some, but they're easily dealt with. You can do it!

SusannahW

Thank you yorkiemom!

camillegal

Oh Sussanah (like u haven't herd that before) I'm glad u got a positive answer from yorkiemom.

ginger_mea

Kfs616, when I first started on exemestane my liver enzymes were up also, my Onc said the meds can do that, to wait and repeat, which they did and then they were fine.  Maybe just an adjustment, not sure.  Everything else is soooo from the meds unfortunately.  Although I have to say, its getting better for me, or I've just adjusted to my new lifestyle.  Except for the sex thing

mybee333

Gosh  Ginger.  I think we mentioned this before but our diagnosis are almost identical.  I got my call that I had breast cancer on April 6th, 2011, called my ob. about my suspiciious lump on 3/24/11.  I am sorry to hear about the sex thing.  That is a big deal.  It is minimized so frequently but it is a tremendous loss, I'm sure temporary, but still.

camillegal

No One has been here lately--Well I ave been on my 2nd dose of antibiotics for a silly sinus infection and I still can't sleep well at nite and it's getting cooler (nice) but my bones are aching. Now I saw this and anyone who lives in my climate (cold and snowy) Illinois can do theis around the holidays. I tink it's adorable so when I can't sleep I'll be doing this. LOL

pupmom

Camille, that's adorable! I'm going to try it! Thanks! 

camillegal

Oh and it won't cost a fortune either. hahaha

rakulynda

Hi ladies - I have a question for everyone on Aromasin. I've been on the little white pill about 4 months now and wonder if anyone has experiened a general feeling of being unwell. It's hard to descibe, just feel a little "icky" most of the time. Gabapentin took care of the night sweats but this feeling is new. Maybe it's the lingering effect of the Navelbine I just came off of? Any ideas would be so helpful 'till I'm able to see onc. Oct. 10.

Thanks!

rakulynda

Hi ladies - I have a question for everyone on Aromasin. I've been on the little white pill about 4 months now and wonder if anyone has experiened a general feeling of being unwell. It's hard to descibe, just feel a little "icky" most of the time. Gabapentin took care of the night sweats but this feeling is new. Maybe it's the lingering effect of the Navelbine I just came off of? Any ideas would be so helpful 'till I'm able to see onc. Oct. 10.

Thanks!