For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Has anyone tried, or better yet, had success with, a tens machine for AI induced knee pain?
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have to ask, what is a tens machine?
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I don't know what a tens machine is, either. But I'd like to know for my knee pain, anything that might help!
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Here's an explanation of tens:http://physioworks.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=33132
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A TENs is a small device which has wires and electrode patches to be attached where you hurt. They can be programmed for several types of stimulation. You get relief from the pain while it on. Doesn't cure it. Usually a PT or pain doc can order them insurance should cover them.
I haven't tried mine on the AI pain, sure helps with the lumbar pain
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that sounds like something a PT doc did on my lower back many moons ago, remember him saying it works for some folks and others...not but no harm in trying
it worked on my funky back at the time
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I think most PT's use them. They used them on my hip few years back. I ordered my own on Amazon to use on minor back pain occasionally. Don't know if the doc's is any different but mine are wonderful.
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hmmm, may look into getting one, my back has been crankie the last couple of weeks and could use something more than stretching and swimming
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Well, I think I'll give it a try. I do my best to avoid NSAID's because of HBP, and, I'm already constipated enough without taking anything with codeine in it.
I was doing pretty well (far from good, but tolerable) with supplements (fish oil, D3, claritin) and acupuncture until about 2 weeks ago when things seemed to take a downturn for some unknown reason. My knees began shouting again and then my feet and right shoulder joined the party. Sigh.
I've reached the halfway point and I want to stick it out but at this point I've granted myself a two week drug holiday and when I go back on I'll use the brand name Arimidex rather than the generic to see if that helps at all.
If it doesn't I'll insist a try with Aromasin at my next visit with my MO. He deflected that option when I suggested it at my last visit.
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Why do doctors do that??????? What does it matter to them if you try something different?????? A doctor 'pooh poohed' a friend of mine's request to try a different med. too. INSIST, it is your body!
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Update
My MO wants me to try another AI before she will consider Tamoxifen. I guess it was my NP's idea to go with Tamoxifen and she never did clear it with my MO before recommending it. In her email she didn't say which one so I'm going to tell her Aromisin (Which I did mention in my last email). I knew it sounded a bit strange that my MO would switch me to Tamoxifen before trying another AI.0 -
good luck on the aromasin, that is actually what I took for most of my time and it did not cause any thing I could not handle
course today I am going to the foot doctor for a stress fracture, betcha the AL for 5 years caused osteo and that may be the reason for the foot issue now, but we all take the risk and at least I am clean of the C crud for now
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Lago, my MO said that her patients saw little difference when switching to another AI, so put me on Tamox. I am wondering if the protection is less with Tamox. Wondering why AI's are preferred by drs....
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Stage1 AIs are slightly better than Tamox and don't have the risk of Uterine cancer. Tamox though isn't as hard on the bones or heart.
You may be right about a different AI but I know others that have switched and it was better. My main concern is the depression. I can't function that way. It was getting really bad to the point of scaring me. That's why I wanted to take the break.
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yes, my main reason for switching from Anostrosole to Tamox was bone pain and arthritis, feeling like I couldn't stand the thought of losing bone strength. I fought depression long ago with elevil, which I still take mainly for sleep. Anostrozole did work for me for more than two years, and the SEs became too much....good luck, Lago!
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Well I lasted 3 years on Anastrozole. Really hope that Aromasin works.
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BosumBlues I think they peak at 2 years then really drop after 3. I wish I had a copy of that graph I saw a long time ago. But it also depends on what kind of breast cancer you have, age, node status, etc. Triple negative, although tend to reoccur early, after 3 years most are cured.
But yes I want to know too. I will be starting a different AI soon. If that doesn't help then it's Tamoxifen or nothing.
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I too remember seeing a chart long ago which should reoccurance, the first 2 years were sky hi...then it dropped way off the cliff.
something makes me think it was on a pharm website and it might have been for Tamoxifin but do not rely on my memory as we all know what 5 years of the med does to the memory!
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Lago
Have you tried the Prolia yet or researched it My oncologist wants me to take it also because
my bone scan shows less bone. I am on Arimidex for almost 3 years.
Not sure if I want to take Prolia.
Let me know what you think about it Thanks Rosieo
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Just curious.....does the countdown for recurrence begin at the time of surgery or at the end of chemo?
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I asked my MO when my cancerversairy was, he said Sept. So I'll be coming up on 2 years
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Rosieo Prolia is the plan right now because the Fosamax gave me heartburn. Yes I have researched it. Yes there are SE. I'm willing to give it a try.
RhodyMMM I'm not sure but for me I count NED date which is surgery.
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I asked for, and received permission for a one month vacation from this da$m pill on the 2nd day I could walk without pain! Now my ankles just feel like a cramp. All of the other arthritic joints hurt less. The cough is clearing up.
My Walgreens has the generic from Israel, so will go on that soon. I'm afraid not to take it, but hate the se's.
If anything goes wonky, I have a rx for name brand.
Wish me luck with this.
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BosumBlues The 50% is talking about those who's cancer returned as either local recurrence or mets to other parts of the body. It is not talking about those who remain NED with no recurrence. It's not 1/2 the women who have been diagnosed, only the ones who have a recurrence. Also if you scroll down you would read:
"After five years, 91 percent of women whose tumors test positive for hormone receptors are alive, compared with 80–81 percent of women whose tumors test negative for these receptors. After ten years, 84–85 percent of women whose tumors have hormone receptors are alive, compared to 75–76 percent of women whose tumors do not have these receptors."
Hope that makes sense.
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No sweat BusumBlues. It happens to all of us. We scan when we read things on line. This causes us to miss stuff. When I read something that sounds awful or not quite right I try to find some information that will prove it wrong. I did that just before I was diagnosed and had blood coming from my nipple hoping for some good news… unfortunately I knew even before my mammo that I had breast cancer. But many times you will find the info is incorrect, just 1 small study or you just read it wrong.
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Rosieo - I've had 3 Prolia injections so far and am due for another in July. I have not experienced any negative side effects that I'm aware of. Pretty sure anything I'm experiencing is from Anastrozole. My first DEXA scan was early December 2012 before I first saw my MO. I had another scan before my 18 month follow up last week. I was just slightly osteopenic before starting on Calcium/D and Prolia. The most recent results show my hip density is about the same but my spine reading actually improved slightly.....yay!!!
Lago - I agree with you.....it's certainly worth a try and I for sure hope it works out for you
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I've been on Anastrozole for 1 year 3 months and having more and more muscle and joint pain as time went on. Last week I was on vacation and mixed up my AM meds with my PM meds. I noticed I wasn't so achy the next day. I was taking Anastrozole in the AM. Now I'm taking it before bed and I feel so much better.
Thought this might help others.....so far so good!
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Iago & Holeinone: Thanks for the information. I've switched back to the name-brand Arimidex. About three weeks now. I don't know if it's a placebo deal but my SE seem to have calmed back down to their dull roar days. I'm going to be in contact with Arimidex directly as you suggested. I'm sure my MO will write the necessary letter.
Wave Whisper: We recently retired to,Wburg. I love it. I think it does as much for my emotional health as my Arimidex does for my physical health.
Unfortunately I may have to switch off Arimidex anyway. My last set of scans shows a little new cancer activity in a fairly benign spot. My MO wants to see if I respond again to the name-brand, but if not it's time to try Aromisan. I've been on Arimidex for over three years, which is terrific for Stage IV, but it's still really scary to start messing with meds. Oh well....
I haven't been able to work since treatment. I was preparing to,Retire and Stage IV kinda knocked me on my butt. I have such respect for all of you who continue to be able to deal with the effort & stress of work while facing this. That shows such strength. I have mets to the bone on top of SE of treatment. I would have been quite a site if I'd gone back to work. Being fortunate enough to save my good hours & days for hubby & kids is wonderful.
I really appreciate the support & insight I find here. Have a great day, ladies.
Virginia
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Thanks lago!
Been on Arimidex for a month now....lost a little hair and my joints, bones a bit stiff, just like you. Hoping that is the worst of it
I have Fibromyalgia as well as another lady who commented and I hope the increase in Vit D will help me too. My Oncologists check for D2 levels.0 -
fgm - I switched from AM to PM for anastrazole quite some time ago too and felt it was better for me. Definitely worth a try for folks who's SEs are more than just annoying.
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