For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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I've been taking 1200 vit D3 way before bc. I had it tested, I was 17, the low range of normal is 40. Really helps me with the fibro.
Thanks!0 -
Spookie, I was on Anastrozole for 1 month and was headed into depression (I know, I have been there before) and wanted to cry about something at least 3 times a day! I am normally NOT a crier. And it was making me witchey. I had to stop because I knew it would only get worse. Took a 3 week break and started back on Arimidex (name brand) at half dose and have not had the problems. I know when I see my MO he will want me to up it to the full dose, but I figured I would try the half dose first because if I could not even tolerate the half dose there would be no point in taking the full dose. If the SE's are too bad you might have to switch to different AI.0 -
I will be on arimidex 2 months next Sunday. So far my only SEs is awful stiffness. When I get out of bed I have to literally hold onto furniture as I walk through to the bathroom. I look like a 90 year old woman. Well, maybe I should say, a 90 year old man since I have so little hair on my head.
I take Loratidine for bone pain. So thankfully I don't have to deal with that, and I didn't have hot flashes during menopause, and don't have them now.
Paula0 -
I had the exact same reaction as Bren. I've been on and off anastrazole 3 times and this go round I don't have the depression and I'm not crying. It's so strange. Either my body is getting used to it, or I haven't been on it long enough (only 2 months) or my life is a lot happier than it was (true). The crying is definietly a side effect. So strange.
I just woke up and creaked over to the computer. My hands are fine but my back, knees and ankles are stiff as boards. Hopefully I loosen up as the day goes on but generally I do walk like a 90 year old. Yesterday my 3 year old grandaughter was in a panic to get to the rest room of a store. I hadn't seen my son in some time and and he asked if I could take her. I said "sure". Then I proceeded to inch my way there. lol He couldn't figure out what was going on. He said "It's an emergency!" I told him "this is as fast as I go!" lol We must make quite a sight to people who have no clue what is going on!0 -
I don't feel that I'm depressed. The crying thing can be caused by, awwwww that's sooo cute, that DH! I'm gonna clobber him! Oh drat! I'm out of that and I really don't want to go to the store right now. There doesn't seem to be a pattern.
SEs, well, with fibro and OA in most joints, it's hard to tell what causes what. Plus some stuff needs to be replaced or fused. I do wall walk at times.
But I'm still on the good side of the ground!!0 -
Well so much for all the D, Calcium, power walking and strength training. I lost a tiny bit more bone mass. I am now in osteoporatic range but just barely.
My onc's NP recommended a Rheumatologist. I'm thinking it's because non of the Endocrinologists specialize in osteoporosis where I'm being treated. So what do you guys think. Should I be looking for the Endocrinologist. I don't have to stay at my center. Hell there is one place rated higher closer to where I live.
and if they think I'm staying on this drug for 10 years they are nuts. I've only been on this a little over 2.5 years and now at 52 I have osteoporosis. Hips osteopenic but not so bad and haven't had any change in 2 years but the lumbar spine is the problem.
BTW what happened to the emoticons.0 -
I didn't think endos or rhumys treated that? News to me. I think I'd check with an ortho. They do bones best.
I've been told from the beginning 10 years. But I'm older than you.
They had an "upgrade" here. Can't post pics either. I'm on my iPhone, I still have them.0 -
hmmmm0 -
won't post from my phone. Some upgrade!0 -
What about fossamax? Or that shot...Prolia? It's supposed to fight recurrence too,
My onco mentioned it but I've yet to get my bone density scan and I really have to do that!
Don't the new treatments even reverse osteoporosis?
I have not been happy with anyone in Chicago. I wish I could recommend someone good!0 -
I was on Fosamax before cancer shit, started the shit with having fine bone density
have not checked the BD since why bother? this is not a med for ever but for a short period and my time is up
what ever is is, not taking the AL after my 5 years0 -
I wondered about the emoticons too.....nice that we didn't get any notification of the 'upgrade'. They could PM us or something.
I feel badly for all who are having such serious SEs. My SEs are minor compared to what I read about here.
On the bright side, my daughter was finally home for a week and a half after 10 months working at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It was wonderful having my favorite little girl here! The house was an absolute disaster, and I do mean DISASTER, the entire time. We spent three days going through all her things (closets, tubs still here from college, furniture from college apartment....you get the drift). The next 3-4 days was prepping for a garage sale to get rid of a lot of those things. Then, just like that, it's Saturday and she has to leave again
. But she'll be stateside, has a new job in Baltimore at the naval air station at Patuxent River, her first 'big girl' job as she puts it. She's so excited (about everything except the change in climate from GTMO!). I already miss her again!0 -
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I just complained about the lack of smileys AGAIN, so the topic should be near the top of the Active Topics.
Lago, I would look for an Endocrinologist. I don't know what in the world a Rheumatologist could do for you, that doesn't make sense to me.
Potential bone issues was probably the biggest reason why I chose to be done after 5 years. I'll have another DEXA this December (after being off for about 15 months). I think I will see better readings, but I will let you know whatever it shows).0 -
The Rheumatologist they want me to see is co-director of the Osteoporosis Center so I would think she knows something about it. Spookiemom they both can treat it linky
The issue I have with the bone building drugs is the SE. They can cause your bones to become brittle if you are on them too long. Given that I'm only 52… But if you go on the drugs you can rebuild bone (well maybe with prunes too but not a lot).
Back to the glass being half full/half empty again. No clear good choice IMO0 -
Well, check out the rheumatologist first then, hopefully either she can answer some questions or can steer you to someone who can (I would make a crying face if one were available!).0 -
BLESSINGS, glad you're feeling better and about to start a new ai. Just wanted to say that, in my case, a switch to Aromasin worked wonders, despite the experience of your MO's patients. I was on Arimidex for a year and had awful joint pain and stiffness... The 90-year-old woman feeling... I went off Arimidex for 5 weeks, felt better, then my MO suggested Aromasin. I had trigger fingers the first couple of months, but now they've gone and the stiffness is, too. I can say I feel the best I have since pre-bc. So just don't count it out as an alternative!!!0 -
lago,
AIs are so damaging to our bones. I get how frustrated you are when you do everything to keep them healthy, but it's not enough.
I got my DEXA results today via my BS. My MO ordered them and I won't see him for a while. I'm a year behind you on AIs. My bone density has barely or not changed on the spine and hip and these are out of the osteopenia range, but the femur is close to osteoporosis. But still not much of a change from before. I had one infusion of zometa over a year ago, then my MO backed off this. He saw how much I was exercising, I guess.
What is your Vit D level? I got mine up to almost 100. Maybe that has helped? Can't suggest which specialist is better.0 -
Last time my D was tested it was up to 79. I was still doing Herceptin. I just had my D tested (per my request) 1.5 weeks ago so we'll see if that's changed. My MO won't treat the Osteoporosis. Sent me to the Rheumatologist. 1st available appointment for the one I want to see if mid December. They are trying to get me in on a cancellation. I just want this done before my new deductible kicks in.
I'm also tired of the sore feet and the fluid retention from this drug. I have put on weight but that just might be chemo/menopause.0 -
lago~~Has your oncologist said why they won't treat you for osteopenia? My PCP and Mo got the report from my bone density on the same day. Within an hour, I had calls from both offices, wanting to start me on Fosomax.
My dexa showed a 60% bone mass loss in the femur in 2.5 years, and I didnt start arimidex until one week before.
Paula0 -
My onc monitors and orders the test but she tends to default to specialists when there are issues. I think she prefers I got see a specialist, in this case makes sense but I know if I emailed her back and said my decision is to quit anastrozole instead of taking bisphosphonates I bet I would get a call to see her
Its just like the water retention issue. She has my PCP dealing with it even though its the Anastrozole that she precribes that's causing it.0 -
Grrrrrr.......0 -
How often do you all get Dexa scans? I had one this spring, which showed I am only a hair away from osteporosis. My MO, of course, wants to put me on meds. I want to try the exercise and calcium route for a while. I asked him the other day when I get a new scan--next year? He said two years--that's what insurance covers. Seems to me pretty weird that adding arimidex to a borderline bone density situation doesn't warrant a more timely followup.0
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I get tested yearly even though the test recommends every 2 years. But do note the losing bone mass usually is pretty slow.0 -
The usual is every two years. If you get your doctor to order it as a 'high risk of osteoporosis' (which I did), you can get it every year (which I did while on Arimidex).0 -
Thanks, Lago and Ruth. I'm sure I can push one of my docs (maybe the pcp) into ordering the scan. I sort of do not understand why my onc would, with one hand, be pushing me toward meds, and with the other, indicating that it's fine to wait two years for another test. I've had two Dexa's before, and am clearly on a lovely downward spiral (one area is now -2.1 and -2.3 crosses over from osteopenia into osteoporosis.0
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I was on calcium and vit D for years, but still had a 60% loss in 2.5 years, but my mother and older sister were completely bent at the waist when they died. I thought I was safe though, since I took my calcium and they didn't. I guess for me, maybe it's genetic.
Paula0 -
Wasn't there a recent study that showed that calcium supplements did not work for osteoporosis? My surgeon said not to bother with those supplements and stick to healthy food. She defined "healthy" as anything that does not taste good!0 -
Studies are always coming out with conflicting reports. I would FOR SURE do the calcium/vitamin D, a multi-vitamin and eat as much of the healthy, bad tasting food as possible.
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Hello I am new to this thread. My Onc wrote me a prescription for this last Friday. I still don't have it filled, my insurance is Blue Cross and I guess they have made some recent changes and aren't sure if they will let me fill it at my pharmacy or are going to make me mail order it. My pharmacy is trying to work it out. They did say it is a really expensive drug, $400 a month!!! I wonder what my portion will be when they do get this all figured out. I can't afford that with the $13,000 I have paid with my out of pocked expenses. Insurance can be a bitch. Do you get your through mail order or a pharmacy and can I ask how much it costs you? Any feedback will be great. Thanks, Teresa0 -
Ok I got an email back from my insurance. I do have to get it from a specialty pharmacy however it should only cost me $10 for a 30 day supply. Yay!0
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