For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Yeah, I kind of got the same explanation about penicillin. When I was a baby, I got it while we were visiting my grandma. Apparently, I broke out in hives all over and might have had some trouble breathing. (Er, that was more than a FEW years ago!!!
)But a doctor explained to me that the forumulation of the drug has changed so much over the years that I probably wouldn't have the same reaction to it today.
However, instead of giving it a try for minor infections, they prefer to hold it back and use it in more serious situations (like during surgery?) so they would recommend still saying I'm allergic.
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Arimidex has changed my shape and shifted it all to my belly. Major muffin top which I never had and shows in my current clothes. Can't afford to buy new ones. This makes me feel kind of bad. I'm about the same weight.
Has anyone else experienced this and what have you done about it?
On the negative side, I'm single and I think that relations would be impossible due to the effects of the drug.
On the positive side. Arimidex eliminates all desire.
But anyway, any answers on the "fat shifting" Please? Thanks much0 -
lots and lots of ab and core work (come over to the 'Lets Post Our Daily Exercise' thread on the Fitness Forum if you'd like some exercise buddies).
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Wondering if others have similar experience. Been on anastrozole since Oct. 1, little over 4 months. Had some minor aches and pains, but overall little side effects--until recently. Came down with a head cold approx. 2 weeks ago. Pretty much recovered, some minor congestion, but overall good. Except, since being ill I seem to be easily exhausted. Working full time and by mid week I am exhausted, really dragging. Wondering if this is a side effect and if others have experienced it would appreciate any advice to overcome it. Thanks.
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Count me in on the antibiotics. Allergic to , all 'illins, 'mycins, 'cyclines, and Sulfas . So far Cipro is one I can take. Also was.just on one of the newest ones on iv. Began with D. Sorry it will come to me or Ill look it up. The joys of being allergic to abx!
My bone density loss doubled this year. I will need a dexa next year as well as I changed so much in just one year. Almost all of my bones show major loss. But I am still just this side of osteoporosis yet. And. I am overweight! The one thing that is supposed to help with! I got robbed! LOL much love to all.0 -
bedo I do the ab & core work but still have put on in my middle. Not too bad just not what I was like before but chemo put me in chemopause so that could be a big part of it too. I had noticed before chemo I was gaining in the middle, shape changing. Some of this is just age related. Also right now I do need to eat a little less. I've been pigging out
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I aslo think it is age related, and the fact that Arimidex kind of puts you into 'super menopause'.
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Agreed....it speeds everything up...belly fat and for me hair loss...as if the chemo baldness wasn't enough???
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So does that mean in 3 years when I go off it I'll lose a few pounds and my skin will be less saggy
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Hi,
I wanted to ask about the fuzzy thinking. I took the Anastrozole for a few weeks and noticed the confused feeling. I went off a couple of weeks, but told my Dr. I would try again.
It has now been two weeks and I am starting to experience fuzzy thinking as you called it. I thought it was just me, as my oncologist seemed so surprised by my reaction.
Are there others out there also feeling confusion as a side effect ?
Love and Thanks
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My body is just fine, and next year I plan to do the Cupid Run in my skivvies. I need to learn the fine points of running first. Such as lacing up the shoes I have yet to buy.
As far as garden variety aches and pains go....yes I do get some, but nothing like a good sports injury to mask it.
I use cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter to stay fit. Plus weights, crunches, walking. That also keeps my BRAIN in tip top shape.
I am off for a three day ski trip early tomorrow. That is after the PRE birthday party at the wine bar. I am bringing food to share (technically a retail outlet so wine laws are different and you can do these things). Wish me luck as doing DOWNHILL tomorrow and I haven't been on those skis in 6 years.
All that said, I will be happy when over my Anastrazole time in just a bit over 2 years. So happy to have as for women with my diagnosis, this moves the survival likelihood from something like the high 70s at 10 years to near 90. I will do that one! - Claire
I have more work I need to do prior to taking off.....as well as pack and put downhill skis/boots/poles in my car.
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RESTINHIM...I am not sure if my "fuzzy" thinking is chemo brain leftovers or Anastrozole...either way it's a nuisance.
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schatzi14 I started using biotin vitamins, it's a B vitamin and Rogaine, the strength for men, as my dermatologist said that the women's wasn't strong enough to reverse hair loss. They really help, but when my hair grows back I stop like an idiot and in 2-4 weeks end up the same. Lazy, lazy, lazy, it's really no more difficult that brushing your teeth. Now I had an idea... if I have to take lisinopril for high blood pressure, I'm going to asked my PCP if I can switch to Spironolactone, as it blocks the androgens that cause hair loss. AND I signed up for a gym. We'll see. It's not that I'm vain, but I hate seeing that scalp and I DON'T want to buy new clothes! They can be expensive!
Thanks, Ruth! I'll be over soon! I certainly need the support. Tomorrow we'll get at least 2 feet of snow and the Govenor has asked everyone to be off the roads by 12 noon, so maybe some crunches at home? And that Gingerale, which I am addicted to, (really) has to go!
Thanks!
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Bedo I don't know where you are in New England but seems things are already being closed down in the Boston area. My parents seem OK down the cape but are worried about winds/power loss.
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I am going to be looking for you bedo!
'Shovel and Sculpt' counts as exercise!0 -
Ahahaha! OK, have my -40 parka and -20 boots from living in the arctic.
Will be out there! Maybe I'll even shovel some other driveways!
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bedo...don't overdo it and end up with back pain or worse...easy does it. I am going out later to help hubby shovel and snowblow. This will be the first time in 4 years we have had the thing out of the garage!
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Does any one know the numbers (%) that arimidex is supposed to be helpful for? 80 % less of chance of recurrence? 1 % reduction? five percent? I cant find anything anywhere, and cant get a straight answer from my cheemonk.
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Kathec that all depends on your diagnosis, stage, age, nodes etc. You need to ask your oncologist. You can get a general idea if you have your path report at cancermath.net
Do note that if you have a tumor large than 5cm or lots of nodes cancermath says the results are not accurate.
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I was 99% ER+ and less so PR +. My onc quoted a stat that made me certain not to stop at any cost, however, I am very conservative. So far after a year, hair thinning and weight gain around middle, but not much change in clothes or if I style my hair. I think that it differs for each case. Can you get a second opinion if your onc won't answer. I know, not so helpful, but maybe someone else can give some insight. I hope your onc steps up and answers your question.
Here try this
http://www.lifemath.net/cancer/breastcancer/therapy/index.php
However, there are major flaws with this calculator, one if which is %+ is not addressed, and not everyone is "average"
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Hortense – I just bought a small tub of “Yes to Carrots” moisturizer at Target yesterday! I’m hoping the scent is mild, because all I usually use is unscented…
Hi, bedo! I had a huge argument with my MO about taking Anastrozole, because I was post-menopausal, and had already had a hysterectomy years ago, so that there was NO estrogen in my body!!! She very kindly pointed out that estrogen is produced in body fat – especially belly fat. That’s when I went on my big weight-loss program. It’s nearly impossible to remove fat from one specific part of the body, but overall conditioning will help. Be sure to get plenty of variety in your diet (fresh fruits and veggies, small portions, plenty of lean protein, lots of water, and no processed foods). Do the same for your exercise – make sure you get a blend of cardio/aerobic exercise along with stretching and strengthening. I think you’ll find that things start to even out! (It’s not about losing pounds, it’s about gaining health.)
Sherryh16 – I would be exhausted if I worked full time and HADN’T gotten sick!!! One of the consequences of getting these nasty flu bugs is that they just sap your energy for weeks. Everyone I know who has gotten sick has complained about the same thing…no energy!!! So give it some time… it may not be the Anastrozole at all. Hope you feel better soon!
Hi, Moonflwr912!!! Been thinking about you!!!
Lago – in three years, when you go off Anastrozole, you will immediately become slender and svelte, with smooth skin, thick hair, plenty of strength and energy, and the looks of a woman ten years younger. That’s my prediction and I’m sticking to it!!!
Welcome, RESTINHIM!!! Personally, I think stress and life in general after BC causes fuzzy thinking. But it’s true…. “confusion” is one of the documented, less frequently observed side effects of Anastrozole, according to the literature.
Claire_In_Seattle – You are my role model!!! I couldn’t even do all those things when I was YOUNG!!!
Kathec – After my BMX w/TEs, my MO told me that in MY case, my risk of recurrence was very low: 1% - 2%. She said that Anastrozole would further reduce that risk by 50%. (I am 100% ER+.) Also, weight loss and exercise reduced my risk by an additional 23%. These are the kinds of numbers that only your MO can really tell you, depending on your own personal circumstances.
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Blessings my hair better not get any thicker. My hair dresser thins it out now. My skin isn't bad just saggy and I can't say I'm fat when I wear a size 6, and I'm 5'6". Just need to lose 5, ideally 7lbs. I also do look a few years younger. Seriously I really don't have anything to complain about. I think this would have happened on menopause anyway.
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Blessings, what would you suggest for protien? I am so sick of beans after many decades of being vegetarian since 16. I have recently decided to eat fish, shellfish, (2-3 years) and maybe chicken from Whole Foods- (have only had it 2 times in 10+ years, if it meets the 5+ "happy chicken life" (what I call it, probably better than mine) but it is very expensive, maybe 4-5$ / pound. Are shrimp good? And mussles? Thanks! PS, is wine better than beer? I'd like a glass now and then and I definately have to stop my gingerale addiction! :O
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lago - o.k. then. That's what I predict for ME!!!!!!!
bedo - I was a Zen Macrobiotic vegetarian for about three years back in my other life...
now that was a hard diet to maintain in the '60's!As far as lean protein that is not red-meat based, I have become dependent on Trader Joe's Organic Turkey Jerky - totally fat-free, no chemicals or preservatives, and 11 grams of protein in one ounce. There are 4 ounces in the bag; and I can have the whole bag on my meal plan. That's 44 grams of protein right there.
I also rely heavily on protein shakes - Right now, it's my Optifast shakes, but in the past, it was TJ's whey protein, with lots of water and ice mixed in my VitaMix blender.
I didn't do dairy for many years - drank only soy milk, but my MO said no to that, and to try Lactaid instead. LOVE the fat-free version. I make a lot of smoothies that way. I'll put a cup of FF Lactaid in a baggie and freeze it. Then I add that plus some frozen banana slices and a tablespoon of organic almond butter to my VitaMix, and blend it into a soft serve ice cream. You can add the whey protein powder to this if you want.
My breakfast is always the same: 2 cups water, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup fat free cottage cheese, vanilla flavoring, fiber powder, and vanilla protein powder. Blended in the VitaMix, it makes a HUGE amount (32 oz) and keeps me full all morning.
You can add fat-free cottage cheese to anything to bump up your protein. In a blender, you won't recognize it! I've put it in eggs, spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, and salsa.
We also eat wild Alaskan salmon - DH puts it on the BBQ - yum!
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Thanks Blessings20 for well wishes! Am feeling a bit stronger as weeks go on.
Been reading through protein ideas. Personally I've added whey protein to my daily lunch smoothy. Mix one cup V8 fruit/vegy juice with scoop of whey protein (unflavored), one diced mushroom (don't even know it's there), one banana, and a half cup of frozen fruit --blueberries, mangos, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, dependent on juice flavor--and mix in my ninja blender. Delicious! Hopefully the addition of the whey protein powder will bring my protein levels up on next lab readings early April.
I've really upped my intake of fruits and vegies. My weakness is I still have a glass of red wine with dinner. I really enjoy this one vice.
I have been taking numerous supplements including biotin, but my hair is coming in slowly and very thin. My scalp is easily visible. Any suggestions? Is Rogaine my only option? I would hope to not begin using Rogaine as I understand once you start, you need to continue forever.....
Thanks ladies. Enjoy the weekend!
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I am on Anastrozole - have been on for 6 months - I have weight gain, joint aches, fatigue & runny nose. I also have osteopenia. I am trying different kinds of supplements to relieve the aches and to counter the osteo. I have entered a Clinical Trial - placebo vs Omega 3 (fish oil) for the last 3-4 weeks. I have not seen any relief from pain so assume I'm on the placebo. Has anyone taken Omega 3 & seen any kind of pain relief?
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oilgas....nope no supplements but many of us took the 24hour Claritin (the one with the antihistimines not the decongestant) to ease the aches and joint pains. It worked for me and finally after about 3 months the pains went away so I went off it. I always have a runny nose and a stupid cough. I am thinking it's an allergy.
Just to add...my MO was NOT happy about me taking it but I did anyways cause it worked. I have been on Arimidex/anastrozole for a year now and other than hair thinning, I have NO SEs.
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I found after a year my stiffness is a lot less but I'm also working out more. Before just power walking but now I'm also doing strength training.
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Sherry please don't think that I'm being flip. My doctor said, There's always hair transplants to the area" I was very offended, but might consider it in an extreme case. Also, ask your dermatologist about medications. There are some that block androgens, but check with your onc. I find this is the worst time of the year because my hair is flat due to the cold. Once spring comes and the boingy frizz returns, it's not so obvious. But then there's the frizz. lol
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Sherryh16 - I suggest that you try liquid silica as it has been clinically proven to make hair thicker, both in volume and the diameter of the hair shafts. I used cold caps to save my hair (It worked) and silica was one of the things suggested to help hair stay healthy and strong. I have been taking it about six months now and am sure it is helping as I have a thick growth of hair several inches long that is coming in in-between the hair I kept. This new hair is from follicles that had shed the oldest hairs during chemo. They have apparently finished their resting period and are growing like weeds.
I use BioSil which I get from Amazon from whichever supplier offers it most reasonably. It's also good for skin and hair. It does take quite a few months to see results - just think how long it takes for hair to grow - but I think you will see them if you try it.
Liquid silica is taken by mouth. Five drops of it are put in a juice with strong flavor - cranberry, mango, etc. - as it has an unpleasant taste. I find it fishy if I catch a taste of it. The juice covers the taste.
Good luck!
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