For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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I worked during my rads and such, took a week off at the end and continued to work (my job was sales and commission based). In retrospect that was not a good idea, 6 months after ending rads, I got shingles.
likely caused as my immune system was still kaput
give you self time, it is slow
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BosumBlues we have the exact DX but I noticed you mentioned aftermath of chemo. May I ask you why you had chemo?
Sweetandspecial, I know exactly what you mean about "lack of desire" ! In the 2 yrs. since I had the surgery, any physical urge has so totally left me. Mentally sometimes I think about it, but then the pain comes to mind and it's not worth the effort of even trying. After a few attempts I have just about given up! ( The astroglide is getting old)
I feel so bad for my husband, who I must say is being very understanding about this whole thing. But what can I do?
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MENA - yes, that sounds just like how I feel. Mentally, I want to be intimate because of the simple fact that I don't want DH to go without for 5 years or more and I know it's such an important part of the relationship. Physically, however, I'm finding it extremely difficult (well, obviously, it's been not only difficult but impossible for many months) to talk myself into it when there's absolutely no 'tickle' present at all for me.........it sucks! Having a patient and understanding DH is certainly a plus at this point in the journey.
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yes,ladies that is how I feel also about the sex...tho if I am honest the lack of desire started before the BC - stemming some from feeling unattractive because of weight gain - so now add to that my mis-matched mini boobs - hair everywhere but where it's suppose to be and I REALLY don't feel sexy - no matter what the DH tells me. I don't have trouble with dryness so far but I actually felt like it was almost painful - not at all the way it used to feel. I know we could work around the actual act but then that would go back to desire...which there isn't on my part.....oh, ladies...and so then there's the guilt....then i get mad - sure he's not having sex - but I'm hurting & not having sex either!...what to do??
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There was a thread called I want my mojo back. Not sure if it's still active, might try a search for it. Maybe there would be ideas or solutions to your problems?
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Someone on one of these threads had recommended this site below for sex-related fixes and I found it very helpful because she provides specific instructions for lubrication and pain-related issues after cancer. I was in a near panic because I had so much pain and even lubrication and Replens that my obgyn recommended was not working. It has made a big difference for me.
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The 'I want my mojo back' thread goes in fits and spurts (no pun intended!). It's not very active most of the time and then there will be a flurry of posts and then a long dry spell (now THAT pun was intended....lol)
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TwoHobbies - thanks for that link. Very interesting
. I read much of it aloud to my DH and I think it was very educational for him. Never having had dryness issues in my life, even post-menopause (and I've been with him since high school) I think that while he is very patient with my lack of desire for sex he can't really understand the effect of the serious lack of natural lubrication on sex drive.0 -
Sweetandspecial, we definitely are on the same page. I don't think my DH really understands the extent of what the lack of estrogen does to a woman. I love him with all my heart and it hurts me so much that I can't show my love for him physically anymore.
Three more years of this and I won't even remember how it's done! LOL
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OK someone has to say it since Patty Stanger isn't on these threads. What about BJs?
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lol lago you read my mind but I didn't have the courage to say it lol
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I wish you would write it! I certainly would read it! If that's not possible then give me some links to some of your previous comments
aurora
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Also Google "ScreamCream"
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Thank you.
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Oh yes, BJs are always an option and I do offer . DH has always loved them, of course, like any guy would. He doesn't take me up on it often, though, because he's the kind of guy that wants me to have the big 'O' too if he does. He doesn't necessarily want one if I'm not 'into' it on a similar level. And there's always the vibrator (which I always say was the real reason God invented batteries......lol!). But as much fun as we've had with that avenue in the past (oh, my yes!
) even that is something I really struggle to get remotely interested in! We'll be OK. We talk very openly quite often about the situation. It doesn't stay hidden in the closet where so many assumptions and misunderstandings could start occurring. It's just frustrating for me because our sex drives at this point are almost polar opposites. I'm optimistic that I'll regain sexual desire when this little pill is done (3.25 years, assuming I'm not told to extend it to 10).
Love y'all!
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yep, i have to be very "into it" for the BJ to come into play - and i've flatlined
another question - i am in my doubting Thomas mode today - what are the statistics for Arimidex success?? seems like it's given across the board, regardless of DX. So how can they say that this is what's stopping the recurrence when it could be any number of other reasons! including (not to be funny) not having sex! most of us are exercising more - eating better - cutting back on stress ( someone just told me yesterday they heard stress causes cancer, i give up) do you know what i'm saying?
If we're going to endure 5-10 YEARS of SE's I wanna be damn sure it's worth it
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sweetand...cracking up at the happy face icon you added.
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Bosum Blues.. I take methylphenidate for the fogginess and fatigue, its a cousin to Ritalin an ADD drug. It is a stimulant (speed). My psychiatrist. monitors me very closely as now we are dealing with polypharmacology. It is a highly controlled drug and I only get enough until the next visit. I must say it has given me my life back, and enabled me to be compliant with the arimidex. If I did not have this drug I would have given up arimidex the first month. It also gives me the energy to get up and exercise which enables me to enjoy the benefits, which include sleeping better, maintaining a healthy weight and a better overall sense of well being....but don't get me wrong I do have bad days, just less of them. As with any medications it has its own set of possible side effects including sudden death. Hope this helps
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my sis took tamoxifen 3 yrs and then Aromasin 3 yrs. No SEs from either. I've taken Arimedex and the aromasin fror a year (ouch) and now tamoxifen (semi ouch) fri almost a year. Aches, pains- hips, hands on particular. Some days/nights are better than others. Sometimes take Ativan to sleep. Sigh. 2 yrs of hard work!
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I tried Ambien when in the hospital. Crazy dreams!! I asked the nurse the next day if the party I had in my room the night before kept the rest of the patients awake! I will never take it again!
The increased dose of Effexor has decreased the hot flashes and I'm finally sleeping through the night!!
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I don't think Ambien gives me any weirder dreams than normal
. However, if I eat certain things (or great volumes of almost anything) shortly before bed I do have crazy dreams. A friend of mine calls them 'pizza dreams'.0 -
I call is aromidex induced ADD
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I am so excited I received my brand Name Arimidex today and insurance paid every penny....I already feel better that my cancer med is not made in India or by and Indian company.
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I started arimidex on July 11 so far just a little nausea. I was on tamoxifen alittle shy of 3 years now I will be on the arimidex for 7.. When I was on the tamoxifen I had bad Charlie horses and foot cramps so far I have had none of the above. I also weened myself off the Effexor, not fun severe withdrawl symptoms..Good luck for those on Effexor.
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soooo how long did it take for SE's to start??...just 3 weeks in on Anastrozole
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I started it on May 29, and at 2-3 weeks I started having hot flashes. I have 3 or 4 fairly mild ones a day. It hasn't gotten any worse, but it's only been 2 months.
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I switched my generic to brand name Arimidex to Arimidex direct! Was very impressed with customer service! Waiting for mine to arrive! I love how these discussion boards help each other. Not too many se and do not want any either . Started July 15. So 1/2month( is that all?)
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thanks, Janett, not a problem so far - I am more worried about the joint pain ...
went looking for some facts about Arimidex effectiveness & wound up right back here under topic "Does Arimidex prevent Mets at all?" interesting reading & links
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still doing well with no major se after 9 months. I started back with the flashes as soon as I quit my hrt when I was dx last July. Sucks. The effexor helps a bit but I hate the weird dreams it gives me. We upped the dose but I couldnt deal with how it made me feel, so am at a minimal dose again. Will ask about gabapentin when I go in Sept.
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