For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Fat=estrogen....so you want to lose weight (to reduce the amount of fat you start out with), exercise (to turn fat to muscle), and take Arimidex to reduce whatever is still left of the estrogen after all that work. A pill isn't going to do the whole thing on its own, we have to do our part too.
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I'm copying this over from an article I found on BCO research pages. Updated May 2013. (I bolded hormonal therapy)
The researchers looked at the outcomes of 4,770 women who had participated in one of three studies on chemotherapy or hormonal therapy treatment regimens after surgery that were sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. All the women had been diagnosed with early-stage disease and had surgery to remove the breast cancer.
All the women received treatment after surgery, including chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy if the cancer was hormone-receptor-positive.
Compared to healthy-weight women:
- women who were obese when diagnosed had a 30% higher risk of recurrence and a 50% higher risk of dying from breast cancer no matter the characteristics of the cancer
- obese and overweight women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer had worse disease-free survival (the length of time a woman lives without the cancer growing) and worse overall survival (the length of time a woman lives with or without the cancer growing)
Extra weight didn’t seem to affect the outcomes of women diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer or triple-negative breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is cancer that is estrogen-receptor-negative, progesterone-receptor-negative, and HER2-negative.
This study strongly suggests that being overweight or obese has more of an effect on the outcome of early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, the most common type of breast cancer. About 66% of breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are hormone-receptor-positive.
Researchers don’t completely understand why extra weight may be associated with worse breast cancer outcomes. One possible reason, particularly for hormone-receptor-positive disease, is that extra body fat can increase estrogen levels and estrogen can make hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers grow.
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Another article from May 2013:
Many studies have shown a link between exercise and a lower risk of breast cancer, but the reason why hasn’t been clear. Now new research is starting to provide an answer by showing that aerobic exercise seems to change how our bodies break down estrogen. It’s the first study to show that aerobic exercise has a direct impact on estrogen metabolism in premenopausal women.
The researchers wanted to find out whether exercise affects the body’s production of compounds produced when estrogen is broken down. These compounds are called estrogen metabolites. Earlier research has suggested that a higher ratio of certain “good” estrogen metabolites to certain “bad” estrogen metabolites was linked to lower breast cancer risk. The “good” metabolite is called 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and the “bad” metabolite is called 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1). 2-OHE1 can reduce the effects of estradiol, a type of estrogen that’s been linked to breast cancer development. 16alpha-OHE1 can contribute to cell processes that could lead to the development of breast cancer.
The researchers randomly assigned 391 inactive, healthy, young, premenopausal women to either a non-exercising control group or an exercise intervention group. The women were between 18 and 30 years old and ranged in weight from healthy to obese.
The women in the control group continued an inactive lifestyle for the 16-week study period. The women in the intervention group did 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise five times a week during the 16 weeks. The intensity of the workouts was adjusted for each woman so they all had similar maximum heart rates.
For 3 days before the study started and 3 days after it ended, the researchers measured the amount of certain estrogen metabolites in the women’s urine.
At the end of the study, the women in the exercise group had higher levels of 2-OHE1 (“good” estrogen metabolites) and lower levels of 16alpha-OHE1 (“bad” estrogen metabolites). This means the ratio of 2-OHE1 to 16alpha-OHE1 was higher in women who exercised. This ratio increase didn’t happen in women in the inactive group.
There were no other differences in other estrogen metabolites or ratios in either group.
Over the course of the study, the women in the exercise group also became more aerobically fit, gained more lean body mass, and lost body fat.
Based on the results, the researchers concluded that the effect exercise has on estrogen metabolism may be one explanation of how exercise reduces breast cancer risk.
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Thanks so much! That is very motivating. My breast surgeon has emphasized losing the weight. But the other drs no. As with everything they differ. But the research makes sense. One onco I went to for a second opinion said that they think that excercize decreases inflammation,, That cytokines are decreased and those are what cause the cancer, but it's just theory. the onco who told me not to worry about the weight was from Columbia University. She said losing the weight would be good for other things but the pill just shuts down estrogen production so it doesn't matter. Hey, anything that motivates is good, Off to the gym!
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Timbuktu My onc says the 2 most important things we can do to prevent recurrence is to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise! My NP asks me how much I exercise at every appointment0
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Easydancer - even though my joint and muscle pain increased the longer I took the Anastrozole, it was totally unpredictable. I could feel great one day and go out in my garden to dig up shrubs with no extra pain.
Other times DH and I would just be strolling slowly somewhere and the next thing you knew I'd be suckin' down the Norco and using my walker.
YES - do keep a log of symptoms. Docs want to see patterns and trends. Don't write a big narrative - just assign a rating scale however you want to measure things, and add a column for comments.
(And when you list your meds, always add in whatever alternative or naturopathic things you are taking.)
Hi,patoo - only six months to go!!! Yay for you!!!!
Lucky777 - my estrogen levels have never been tested, even with a 100% ER+ result on my pathology reports. I'd hit menopause 14 years before my BC dx, then a year later had a complete hysterectomy. I guess they figured there wasn't much left to measure... also, I didn't need chemo or rads, and I was on the six-month plan with my MO.
Oh, Timbuktu, initially, I tried to argue with my MO over even needing to take Anastrozole, telling her I had NO estrogen in my body, but she very kindly pointed out that estrogen is manufactured in body fat - especially belly fat!
I weighed 204 pounds at the time and didn't have a snappy comeback for that. I joined a weight loss program at Kaiser and lost 60 pounds. I also started exercising for the first time in my life. My MO told me that this in itself reduced my risk of recurrence by 23%, and taking the Anastrozole further reduced the risk by 50%. Now, without the drug, I have to be VERY motivated to take off the 20 pounds I've gained back, and to keep moving in any way I can.
The way I look at it, I didn't need chemo or rads, so a healthy diet and regular exercise IS my breast cancer treatment - just as important as any medication. Lago is right!
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This is amazing! Thank you!
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I added an exercise program and changed my diet as part of a weight management program at my cancer center shortly after starting anastrozole. My mo tells me that her patients who participate in the program have fewer side effects. I've lost 80 lbs. and have only minor side effects. I was stage 4 from diagnosis but I've had no progression (knock wood!) in over 2 years. Take that, estrogen!
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Hi all, when I saw my BS for a follow-up visit on Friday we talked about the insomnia issue and I just picked up a prescription for Ambien today.
I wondered if any of you that have used it or are currently using it have any advice for me. I've read the pharmacy info that came with it so I know I need to take it on an empty stomach and to make sure I give myself at least 7-8 hours downtime before the alarm goes off, etc. Anything else anyone has experienced that might be of help or to watch out for or anything that may not be part of the standard usage/precautions/warnings/side effects information?
Thanks!
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I LOVED Ambien!!! I took it off and on from shortly after being diagnosed until I was done with Arimidex.... I have always had sleep issues and had even more with all that stuff going on. It let me sleep through the hot flashes..... I find I rarely need it anymore now that I'm done with everything. Physical? Psychological? Combination of the two?
I would said to make sure that they are giving you the lowest possible dose. It may be all you need & you don't want to take any more than necessary to do the trick. I was sure able to cope a lot better when I got some sleep!!0 -
Thanks so much ruthbru. I haven't had a good night's sleep since the onset of menopausal symptoms about 7 years ago. I don't have a problem falling asleep but I wake up at at least a couple times a night even with a sleep aid and if I don't use a sleep aid I'm WIDE awake and have trouble dropping back off. I'm lucky to get maybe three hours at a stretch without interruption and there have been less than a handful of times in all 7 years that I've slept more than 4 hours in a row.
I simply cannot imagine sleeping a full 7-8 hours without waking up so that's what I'm really hoping for. I wonder what sort of wonder-woman I could be if I consistently got a good night's sleep...hmmmm. This might be just what I need to help me with mental clarity as I study for a project management certification plus deal with some big upcoming projects at the office.
I'll let you know how it goes for me. Thanks again!
Oh, my dose is 5mg if needed and she said I could up it to 10mg if 5 doesn't do the trick. How does that compare to your dose?
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That's good. It's the dose you want to start with. Sleep tight!
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carpe diem - you lost 80 pounds while taking anastrozole? wow... I am on my 2nd month of nutrisystem and my first month of anastrozole ... I lost 10 pounds the first month on my diet but since adding the meds, I haven't lost a pound - haven't gained but not losing is not a good thing.. I have at least 40 pounds to lose.
Exercise has increased .. while I was going through chemo amd radiation I was lucky if I could walk from my car to go inside work now I have more energy so I can walk without being short of breath etc.. I walk alot on weekends - during the work week I use the steps alot and am trying to use light weights for my arms.. not enough exercise through the week but I have a long work day..and long commute to work (85 miles back and forth)
reading the articles Ruthbru posted are scary to me - I do have belly fat and sure don't wanna be storing estrogen there .. I am almost 63 so I am far from menapause..
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Okay, so those of us who had DIEP reconstruction, which takes belly fat, are running little estrogen machines in our breasts?
Of course the tummy tuck to harvest the fat, and a lift on the noncancerous side did get rid of some extra fat.
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Has anyone every tried spitting the Arimidex in half? I am thinking about trying that to see if it will help reduce the SEs. My main problem is joint pain. I can barely move when I'm on the Arimidex.
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Tomorrow I'm 1 week out from rads and I start arimidex in the morning. I have my Claritin all ready to take with it.
Paula0 -
Ruthbru: I'm so disappointed! 5mg had absolutely no effect whatsoever. I'll try 10mg tonight. I go back to work tomorrow, so maybe once I'm back into a more normal routine of getting up earlier in the morning and therefore tired earlier in the evening the 5mg will be more effective.
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I'm officially joining the Club today. I started arimidex along with my Claritin this morning.
Yesterday when I came in from the Breast Cancer Center I had a message from my PCP telling me, my bone density scan showed a 60% bone loss since Feb. 2011. They wanted me to start on Fosamax. They were already closed for the day, so I was waiting for this morning to call them back. Then about 6 pm, I had a call from my oncs N/P. They were on the same page as the PCP, and had already called in the Fosamax, which I picked up last night. I'm waiting for Monday to start it. The thing I hate the most, is waiting for 30 minutes after taking it to have my coffee. Oh well, I guess that's a small price to pay to preserve my bones.
Blessings
Paula0 -
you sound like you have the same coffee adiction I have! Even though I only have the one cup in the AM....it is a very important cup!
I think on this though, you will get used to it, when I was taking it, I seemed to get used to it
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Chinney, I started arimidex with half a pill, building up to a full dose over about three weeks. Now I'm on a full dose, but I understand that some women take only half a dose. If you are having this much trouble this quickly, however, please call your onc before you start chipping away at your long term protection. He or she might either suggest a couple of weeks' drug holiday (after which many women find their side effects a thing of the past), or a switch to another AI that might not afffect you so badly.
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Darn it, sweet. Better try the big guns, catch up on the zzz and then cut back
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Ok, almost 2 months on the AI and I have this awful pain in my left shoulder and left arm. I know it isn't a heart attack because I've had it for a few weeks. I think I pulled something putting on my bra in a hurry, but it just isn't healing. My problem is the breast cancer was in my left breast, so now my imagination is going bonkers.
Do you think this pain could be the arimidex? I don't think so because I don't have it on the other side. Your words of wisdom are appreciated ;-)
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any chance you have lymphedmia in your boobie? I have it, and it can be seen on my mamo plus the dang boob is a funkie shape but it does ache at times
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Hmmm, I don't know. This is more in my shoulder and shoulder blade. It is driving me nuts. I might take a few days off of arimidex to see if that helps.
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Sweet----be sure you take it JUST before you go to bed. The sleep can knock you on your arse,if you are doing "one last thing. My kids and I would be watching Leno and then the kids watched me sleep with a ciggy in hand and my cup of tea just at my mouth. FROZEN IN TIME--SOUND ASLEEP. I stopped taking so far from midnight bedtime. One other time,years later I took my pill,then decide to glue A flower on GD's headband. Next morning DH had to help out of bed, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. DH and DS said they heard a crash in dining room,found me under the table 1 leg twisted around chair leg and on top of me. I DO NOT REMEMBER ONE MOMENT OF THAT.
HOWEVER, I still take and need my ambien,just at the proper time. I have been on this since 1992. I can take an OTC type. Good Luck and have a good night's sleep--------kad2kar
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Pbrain you probably just pulled something but if you don't feel any better in a total of two weeks call your PCP… which is what you would have done even if you didn't have prior BC diagnosis. You might need some PT.
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Looking in the Mirror = well girls, today I was looking in the mirror and I couldn't find myself.. Who was that chunky round old lady standing there in front of me. She is no one that I know, big belly, sagging boobs, butt sticking way out, tired face, and super curly hair that looked like she had a perm and forgot to take out the rods!!! What the heck, where did I go? - to Pot that's where? Anyone else feeling old, fat and ugly? Did the Anastrozole take away all my feminine features!!!!!
Oh I forgot to mention the tapioca thunder thighs and the dry snake skin feeling...What the hell happened to me!!!!!0 -
5luvbugs: you look beautiful to me
. Analyzing ourselves naked in the mirror should be outlawed once we hit the age of 25 or give birth, whichever comes first!0 -
5luvbugs, unless that pic was taken 30 years ago, you look great!
Last few pages shows that Arimidex/Anastrozole did not affect the sense of humor of you all. Had a couple chuckles, guffaws, etc. from your posts (especially Chris saying her boobs are now sources of estrogen after DIEP!)
PBrain, yes you may have just pulled something although it could be possible this little pill targeted just one side - would not put anything past it. But we also have to remember that not everything is caused by this pill - we do continue to age and that comes with its own cocktail of aches and pains!
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Thanks Lago! I'm pretty sure I know what I did, and that was about 2.5 weeks ago. I have these bandeau bras I wear in the summer so I don't have to worry about bra straps with a sleeveless top. I was given a cancellation spot for my echo (so had to go over from work in one of these bras), and I was trying to dress quickly behind the little curtain because the tech wanted to get some more info from me before I left. I think I just pulled something wacky because I did it again a few days later putting on another strapless bra and realized "oh, that's why I hurt..."
It sucks to be too old for fun bras...
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