For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Just sent the recipe to my parents. Dad likes yellow raisins.
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Gosh, my aunt (whose doctor told her about this recipe decades ago) would be so thrilled! Hope it will help all who try it!
* a cute aside, both she and my aunt were teetotalers, so it was pretty funny when they ran low on gin and had to sneak into a liquor store to get some more supplies!
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I am getting some gin tomorrow! So just to confirm, you soak covered for several days, and then you need to let the gin evaporate, or it evaporates during the soaking process?
Maybe we can turn this Into a martini, lol! We'll call it the estrogen enhancer. Can I just eat 9 golden raisins and drink a gin and tonic?
Nice to know about the duck walk. I watched an interview that Sophia Loren gave once years ago and she mentioned that she tries to rise from sitting and walk, without stopping. She felt it made you look less aging.
I think of that every time I get up off the couch after sitting for an hour. I stand, freeze while everything gets into place and then go. So far, once I get up I. The morning and start moving around, it's ok. But that middle of the night bathroom run, and then first trip,out of bed is not pretty!
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the gin seeps into the raisins....and yes, if that doesn't help, you can skip the raisins and go straight to the gin
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starting Arimedex today...was on Tamoxifen for three years and got another cancer diagnosis a few months ago, so they are trying this. Has anyone had nausea or dizziness? Just trying to get an idea of what to expect...
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My MO said nausea is not a SE for Arimidex, and he did not mention dizziness. I've been on it just 34 days, but so far so good with no SEs.
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Blessedteacher, I am so sorry about your redx, that is terrible but thankfully caught early? Did you have surgery with the first dx? I do hope your feeling ok and it sounds like your on the right track?!I have just been told by my MO that I was approved for Reclast but possible SE were necrosis of the jaw (very low SE) but its there. I am just not understanding why something that is supposed to help Osteo, cause more in another area? Are all these drugs made to keep us from getting completely better to keep these hospitals/doctors in the business?
Im sorry, just very frustrated at the moment. I know my issue here is minor compared to what others are currently going through but its just so discouraging.. If not relcast infusion, what else? Sigh....
Sorry for the venting!
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B123 - Necrosis of the jaw is also a possible side effect with oral Fosamax. As much as I hate to take the Fosamax I feel my risk of jaw necrosis is less than the possibility of spine or hip fracture with untreated osteoporosis. Invasive dental work while taking these drugs increases the risk of jaw necrosis, I don't know what the risk is with healthy teeth. Seems this whole journey is a series of weighing risks and benefits. Sigh......
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Jaw necrosis is also a rare but possible SE with Prolia injections. I'll be getting my fourth Prolia injection next week. I discussed this with my dentist at an appointment last week. He said it would be very, very rare for just a normal cleaning of healthy teeth to result in jaw necrosis for someone on these drugs. For any sort of invasive work needed you would definitely want to talk to both your MO and Dentist to determine the best approach and timing. I personally feel that the risk of jaw necrosis is very minute compared to the benefits to my bone density by taking Prolia.
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Yes I'm still waiting for my Prolia injection to be scheduled. It is rare and more common with teeth extraction, root canal etc but not a regular cleaning.
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I had a lumpectomy after both biopsies. The first lumpectomy also included a sentinel node biopsy; the second surgery did not.
I read the comments about the bone loss. The aches and pains I felt during the Tamoxifen are probably not related to it, since they didn't subside when I stopped taking it. Hope the Arimedex doesn't make them worse.
Thanks for the helpful hints!
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Blessed, most people do fine; go in with that attitude & deal with SEs if they arise.
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I was diagnosed with osteopenia long before the BC. I took the Fosamax for over 5 years. then can the BC.....I had a dexa just as I was beginning aromasin. Miracles but my bone density was awesomely good! Especially my wrists~~~I attribute that to many miles on the bike!
my approach the last 5 years was exercise and weight bearing workouts.
just had a new dexa scan now that I am over the aromasin so we will see
you can not take the Fosamax for ever.....
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Thank you everyone.. So if I have a root canal, which is a good posibility in future, then that increases my risk for jaw necrosis?! Do any of you do the IV infusion? Or orally?
Proud topspin, are you no longer osteopenia? Is that from the fosomax?
Lago, I hope it is soon for you!!
Sweetandspecial and Tina, I am with you, saving the bones is priority. How can a med that's supposed to save our bones, destroy jaw bones?! What if I did have root canal?
I'm told I would just do reclast 1x/2 years only. Does that rebuild bone?
Blessed, you are going to be just fine.. Eat lots of calcium rich foods while on arimidex. That was my mistake
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B123 I would recommend you see your dentist before you start the drug especially if you are doing root canal.
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B 123,
I was Stage IV from my initial diagnosis. I was scheduled to begin Arimidex immediately and monthly Zometa infusions shortly. My MO told me that my very next step needed to be a trip to my Dentist for a teeth cleaning and thorough exam. The dentist was to determine if there was the need for any "major" dental work (ie root canal, etc) needed in the near future. They recommended that I have any such dental work ASAP, waiting to begin Zometta until AFTER the dental work was finished. My understanding was that the concern wasn't due to issues with the bones but with post-op recovery of the mouth and gums. Apparently meds like Zometta can interfere with the ability of tissue to heal. My understanding at the time was that should the need for dental work arise after treatment was under-way than it was likely that I would take a "vacation" from Zometta until the healing was complete. I hope that this helps.
Car2Tenn, I to am quite attached to my Arimidex! It is the first, and only, AI I have used since my diagnosis three plus years ago. I was switched to the generic at some point and have had a significant change in SEs and possibly new mets. If you find at some point, that your Insurance Co is refusing to pay for the name-brand Arimidex than you can buy it directly from its manufacturer: Astra Zeneka.. I have posted instructions earlier. But info is available at Arimidex.com. I hope you continue to do well!
Ruth, My Aunt had a similar-ish recipe for Brandied Grapes... You take a glass jar (washed out mayo jar with lid) and fill it with White Grapes. Pour a decent Brandy over the grapes so that all are covered but jar is not overflowing. Refrigerate until needed. Eat until feeling better. Usually is most affective when shared with a dear friend.
Sweet Dreams All! Virginia
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I agree....I was asked if I needed any dental work done (no) before starting the Fosamax, which is an oral med. There are others that are given IV or subcutaneously. I didn't ask what the protocol would be if a dental emergency arises while I'm taking Fosamax. I figured we'd have to cross that bridge if it came up. Meanwhile, I'm being very vigilent about my dental care to avoid problems.
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I don't need any root canals but I do need a crown. The tooth is prepped and done for it already so I don't think it's a big deal. If I'm doing the one time infusion/year and the need arises all of a sudden for dental work.. That's where I'm worried, it's already In my system via IV?
Does it really make that much of a difference in healing from a one time IV?
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B123 talk to your dentist. I know mine knows all about this. S/he will be sure your mouth is in good shape. I've only had one tooth die on me unexpectedly and that was because I was going to a crappy dentist. I also take care of my teeth. Yes I floss daily!
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Just an fyi - Prolia is not administered by IV, it's a subcutaneous injection in the upper arm, upper thigh, or abdomen. Mine have all been in my upper arm.
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Yeah I know Prolia is an injection. That's why I'm getting it. One of my arms has LE and the other at risk. Place I go won't infuse Reclast in my foot so we are going with injection in the thigh or tummy. Fosamax gave me reflux pretty quickly. Granted I knew it would but you have to prove this to the insurance. We still had to fight for the Prolia over Reclast.
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hi, I'm hoping someone can give me some info on the AI drugs. My MO is taking me off Tamoxifen because of liver issues and has given me the choice of which aromatase inhibitor to take. Are there any big differences in the 3 drugs as far as side effects that anyone knows of?
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I was told I had osteopenia years before this junk, the Fosamax built up my bones so all was normal when I began the aromasin. I have increased my exercises since doing the AL and I am awaiting results of a bone scan that I just had.
note, I do know that my bones on the last test were much stronger in certain areas where I had been doing lots of weights...actually, my wrists from leaning on the handlebars of my bike! so exercise does work!
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mammalou I would press your MO for more information regarding the choice. Usually they start you off with either Anastrozole or Generic Femara. They are very similar although my friend said Generic Femara works better in those over 60. I started with Anastrozole. My SE got to the point where I needed to switch. I'm on Generic Aromasin (exemestane). So far much better but the cost is much more. I was paying $10 for Anastrozole. Since I haven't reached my deductible under my insurance generic Aromasin costs $500-$350 a month (it varies from month to month). My deductible is high. Even using GoodRX I paid $230 for just one month.
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I asked my dentist who indicated that the problem happens primarily following extractions. If I understand him correctly, root canals, crowns, and the like affect only the tooth, and jaw necrosis most often results from exposed bone when the gum fails to heal over a wound, such as that left from an extraction. If they know you are taking one of these drugs and need an extraction, they suture the cavity, so the gum does not have a chance to avoid healing. Please, everyone, make sure your dentist's records state, nice and clearly, that you are on one of these drugs, and speak with him/her about risk. I was very much relieved after speaking with mine.
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proudtospin, that's awesome! Please share if you can when your results are in! So no SE from reclast fusion? You felt ok? How long did it take? Thank you for sharing!!
Brook side, omj! Your wonderful!! I feel SO relieved reading this!! Thank you for checking and for sharing it with us! So basically they know how to handle it so nothing will happen and healing will be normal!!?
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proudtospin sorry if I asked already but is the fosomax IV or pill? Any SE either way?
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fosamax is a pill
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my Fosamax was the daily pill...no infusion and I think when I took it, no weekly available.
I think the strength training is worth a try for any one who is borderline. I think my new tests results will not likely be ready till next week due to the holiday. I have refused to stress over all this junk...refuse!
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