For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
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once you are post-menopausal, your estrogen is coming from your adrenal gland, so removing your ovaries won't do the trick (some pre-menopausal women do it so that they CAN take Arimidex instead of Tamoxifin).
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Newbee, after surgery, internal radiation, I was put on Ariimidex. I asked my oncologist why I needed to take it. I didn't know that the adrenal glands produce estrogen. When I did some research I found out that there are foods that increase estrogen. I have a skin condition and when I had a bad rash on my legs I used tea tree oil (it also increases estrogen). I always tried to keep up on taking a natural approach. You need to talk to your doctor and do your homework. This forum has been helpful and issues that concern me I will talk to my doctor about.
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Hi all. I recently went from tamoxifen (had ovaries out in december 2012) and my script was $30 a month for a 90 day supply. Thats pretty good. Then I went to arimidex or the generic version, and switched my insurance so now I pay 114 for a 30 day supply!!?? I about hit the ceiling! This stuff better work!! As far as SE's, went from mild hot flashes and joint pain, to more frequent hot flashes and joint pain, bone pain, and shortness of breath. Nice, love that the meds that are supposed to make us better make us feel like crap. As long as it works!! I try to get up and stretch to relieve some pain. My company is going through layoffs next week and I honestly hope to be let go so I can quit working my life away. Peace....
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I just came back from an appt with my PCP to discuss my Dexa scan results (-2.7). He wants me to begin Fossamax. I'm just wondering if anyone else is on it and if so, what side effects are you experiencing.
I've been on Arimidex for almost 2 months and I'm having some stomach issues which he told me Fossamax can also cause.
Thank you
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CherylinOhio I get my Anastrozole (generic Arimidex) at Costco for less than $50 for 3 months supply. I hear it's even less at Walmart. If I go through my insurance it actually costs more!
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I had hair loss that seems to have contnued after being on Arimidex for 1 1/2 years. I finally went to a PA who specializes in Dermatology yesterday. He said it "may" be due to Arimidex, but it was not common (haha) He said likely losing job, two surgeries, having to move, and radiation all contributed to stress and hair loss, and that after pregnancy women take up to 1 1/2 years to start getting thier hair back. He said to use Biotin 2500mcg instead of the 1000mcg I was taking, to stabilize the hair root, continue to use"men's" Rogaine OTC. And he will look into Procecia (sp) So I hope that and time will help.
The Mystery Dough Boy Belly which my polite Onc says I don't have, I will look into that app that some of you mentioned for your phone. Can I get that on my iphone? I am new to the stupid iphone, it's for work, but they let me use it. What is it called again? I landed in the middle of the thread and can't find it again!
Thanks!
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Propecia the last time I checked was only proven to be effective in men and its $$$. Once you stop the gain will be lost in 6+ months. Check with your onc as well. I think Propecia works with hormones so it might be ineffective or not something a survivor of BC should take.
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I even worry about taking Biotin for my hair loss....I am never sure what is OK with all the meds I take. or what isn't.
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I have seen Biotin mentioned before. I was in the store and picked up a bottle and looked at the ingredients. It said soybeen oil. I thought we were not suppose to take any form of soy.
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I forgot to mention one thing. I took the once a year injection to stop bone loss (a few years back). I am borderline osteoporosis. I had to think about taking Arimidex. I was given the choice. After talking to my gynecologist, I decided the benefits from Arimidex out weighed the bad. Hope I don't have to go back on something for my bones. I stopped the medicine after having trouble with my jaw clicking (not talking about a little).
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Oh, thanks, my PA is going to check on the Propecia with my med onc before recommending it. My onc never said anything about biotin when I told him. It may be listed as one of the inactive ingredients that is a filler. Thanks! I'll check it out more!
I'm really paranoid too. I was vegetarian, but no more "soy burgers etc for me!"
Now I've added shellfish and a rare fish
I think that most importantly, all dairy and eggs are local, organic, and without hormones. as well as being cruelty free
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The dermatologist my onc recommended (deals with a lot of cancer patients and hates taxotere) was pleased to see I was taking biotin. Also the biotin I take from the Vitamin Shoppe…
"Does Not Contain:
Yeast, Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Soy, Dairy,Citrus, Fish, Artificial Colors or Flavors Added."Also note that the jury is still out on soy. The amount that is used in some capsules is so minute I know I wouldn't worry about it. I do avoid processed soy but still have my hot & sour soup at Sun Wah in Chicago.
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Thanks for the information about biotin with the Vitamin Shoppe.
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Biotin can be made with soy but many are not so read your bottle.
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I am new to this group. Finished 4 rounds of TC and 7 weeks of radiation. Got hit with walking pneumonia and finishing the antibiotics for that. Started Arimidex last night. Hoping to avoid many SE's as I already have osteopenia from previous parathyroid disease more than 5 years ago. After six months of this journey I am ready to get my energy back and move on.
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schoolmom I had my bone density tested before chemo and I too have osteopenia (no surprise given my frame and family history). I had a huge drop after chemo but that was to be expected because I was tossed into chemopause. Now I'm not losing all that much. Last year is was barely anything although my spine is -2.3. Osteopenia is not osteoporosis. I'm not being treated. Just take extra calcium, D and exercise per my doctors orders. I've been on Anastrozole 2+ years.
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schoolmom...I am also osteopenic...possibly from thyroid disease for 30 years (one side totally removed and the other partially) and I was warned to watch for osteoporosis. So far not too bad considering I am 69.
As for the Biotin, I will check out the health food stores this weekend and compare. I still eat Chinese food every so often...jeez ya gotten have a life or what's the point right? I never took any supplements before BC but I sure do now!
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I have to eat Chinese food. It's required of all Jews. It's Jewish Soul Food!
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I went to my favorite Chinese Buffet last night - enjoyed single every morsel. My sister in law's and I go- it's an annual event to celebrate our birthdays - Love it...Don't see how we could possibly eliminate soy from our diets - it's in almost everything....
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I love Chinese food, and eat it when I can. I really don't worry about soy. Since finding out about my cancer, I have had to really evaluate things. I have changed my diet and lost weight, so that is good. Also walking a lot more. I have never been the slightest bit athletic, but the walking I do enjoy. My DH is tall and when we walk our dogs we walk at a fairly good clip. I have made a lot of healthy changes (I have lost 50 pounds in three years) and quit smoking. I find I can balance my diet and still be 'bad'. I pretty much eat what I enjoy, but of course in moderation. I fall off the food wagon now and then but for the most part I have been really good. My DH has always been reed thin but quit smoking almost three years ago and he has gained weight, but I think the extra weight suits him. He was really bony. He cracks me he is more neurotic about gaining weight than I am. I feel good, and I guess that is what counts.
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Hi ladies: I am planning to start my Arimdex tonight. Got the results of my bone density test today and found out I am osteopenic. Z score of -1.3. I take calcium and vitamin D and also going to get working on more weight bearing exercise. Sounds like many of you were osteopenic before you started the meds but doing okay with the adjustments you have made.
Anything else I need to consider here?
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Jazzygirl, I will be starting tomorrow! It is a bit scary but we can keep in touch and see how it is going? I hope you will do well!!
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Well, if the A Team ever meets for supper, I know what kind of restaurant we should meet at, because I ate Chinese tonight too!
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I got biotin from the Vitamin Shop. They are 1mg. How much should I begin with? After reading some of the signs of a biotin shortage I was shocked. I have several of them and my dermatologist never said anything about taking it. I will like to see if it clears up some of my skin issues. On another note, I increased my trazodone to 75 mg (she said I could take up to 100 mg). I think I am sleeping a little better; however, getting asleep is still a problem (unfortunately my husband snores and that doesn't make it any better).
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The Biotin I get from the vitamin shoppe is 5mg. My Dermotologist confirmed this was the correct daily dosage for me.
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Hi Ladies, I am touching base since being gone for awhile from this place. I have been off A since July 1st. All the sore joint stuff is over. I do have borderline high Cholesterol and am working to get that down with more exercise. I live in a snowy place now and have been staying inside for the past months. brrrrr. Anyone who went through the 5 years have their cholesterol levels elevate and stay up for awhile after stopping treatment? I am 6 years older as well. sigh. My best to everyone.
Lorna
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Mine was down on the first recheck after I was done...we will see if that sticks or if it was a fluke!
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Bedo, I found you! Have been lurking on our dinner thread but not posting -- dealing with prep for my own BMX, don't want to ruin everyone's dinner. What's happening? Will you PM me?
Because I am one of the triplets, it could not be said that I am stalking you
Hugs, Bobogirl
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Has anyone heard of or used Cellgevity, it is suppose gets rid of toxins, free radicals and cellular inflammation.
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Anyone getting Prolia shots? If so any side effects?
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