For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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proud, you are so right! I think it was my stomach, not my heart. Everything scares me...maybe it's the pill causing the anxiety? lol I'll try to forget about it. I see the surgeon for a check up tomorrow...that makes me anxious in itself, as we all know.
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Loral: my aunt had BC in the 60s MX no chemo, no rads, no AIs. She was in her 30s and died in her 60s of heart attack.
My first cousin had BMX in her 40s and had no chemo, no rads and no AIs and died in her 70s from Alzheimer's. You are right, who knows?
Is there even a ZERO precent?0 -
Was just switched from one month on Femara to Arimidex today. The only side effects I had on Femara were horriffic Insomnia, I could have snatched anyones head off without blinking and absentmindedness. Just one person please tell me the Arimidex was better. My OC said he had an elderly lady that played bridge three times a week that said she could hardly play because she couldnt think straight. He switched her and she did well. Scared to death to start these new ones !!!! Help !
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I don't think there could ever be a zero percent of recurrence or even zero percent chance of first occurrence because we ALL have cancer cells in our bodies that may or may not be triggered at some point in our lives by who knows what stupid factor that causes our stupid immune systems to misfire and allow those stupid cells to multiply and cause stupid BC.....
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BrooksideVT – that’s the scary part. I had huge, droopy, fibrocystic breasts my whole life. They felt like bags of rocks. Self-exams were impossible. Every year at mammogram time, I begged my PCP for an ultrasound or an MRI, because of my hx of BC in the family. Every year he refused, saying that ultrasounds and MRIs “are not screening tools.”
Well, one morning at the breakfast table, my left nipple began bleeding. A LOT. I got in to see the PCP the next morning, and a day later, was sitting in the BS’s office. She was confident it was a papilloma (growth in a milk duct) but unfortunately, it wasn’t. I had seven different biopsies – the first five showed DCIS; the last two (ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsies) showed the tiny areas of IDC. Nothing had EVER showed up on a mammogram, and by the time I had my BMX, there was nothing left for them to see in the final pathology report, just DCIS.
I do credit my Radiologist, who was an absolute pit bull once there was a sign of cancer. She kept pressing for additional biopsies, because the tissue just “didn’t look right.” In fact, when she thought I might consider a lumpectomy or a UMX, her next step was to send me for an MRI, as she believed the tissue in the right breast was equally suspicious. She said that by looking at previous mammograms, she could tell specific areas of suspicion. But she quickly added that it was because she knew exactly where to look. Otherwise, mammograms can look like snow on a black and white TV.
Rather than feel cheated that no IDC was found in the final path report, I feel good that I went with my gut feelings and had the BMX anyway. For me, I think it would have been just a matter of time.
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Hi, Ruth - I think you have it backwards... my MO is well aware that some women do much better on different drugs, and even assures me that some women who take a break from the Anastrozole can go back on it with less severe side effects the second time around. She is the one who wants me to try everything before I make the decision to quit.
But given the severity of my SEs, she is also well aware that some of them are potentially permanent and dangerous, and does not want to see me take an additional 8 different prescription medications for 8 different Anastrozole side effects. She agrees with me that having to walk with the aid of a walker because of intractable pain is no way to get through life. In her experience, which is huge, she has had women who just cannot take an AI, and knows this might be the case for me. But that won't stop her from giving me the pep talk!
Thank you for being such a positive influence here. You've always been such a great cheerleader for those of us taking the AIs!
It's really, REALLY important for anyone new starting out to not panic when you read stories like mine. Because this is a thread dealing with AI side effects, the gazillion women who have few or no SEs will not be posting here. They are simply out living their lives.
My feeling - all you can do is try. You might be surprised.
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Bren58 - wishing you the best with this second course of Arimidex!!!
Loral and Chinneymae - may we all live long and healthy lives without any recurrence!!!
sweetandspecial - (and others who mentioned it) No, I don't think there IS such a thing as ZERO percent. My MO is a tiny, red-haired spitfire of a woman, is a tireless researcher, head of the Oncology Department, and wears a big button that says "CANCER SUCKS".
I think her point is that her job is to make sure her cancer patients never, ever get a recurrence, and if they do, get treated agressively yet appropriately enough to have both quantity and quality of life.
As long as there is the slightest chance I might have a recurrence, it is her job to educate me on the ways I can possibly prevent this. That's why she just smiles when I say my risk is only 1%, and says "But it's not ZERO!"
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Blessings, Long time no talk to!
I am here hoping for inspiration. Planning to change from Tamoxifen to AI so I can go back on Zoloft. Seeing my onc tomorrow.
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Beckers!!! How are ya, Darlin'?
My only advice would be "Think Positive!"
Sorry, no experience with Zoloft, but like I said earlier, there are many, many women on AIs who have no, or few, side effects. They're just not posting here, as they are out living their lives.
All you can do is try. Don't assume that because so many of us describe certain SEs, that you will get them too. Many are mild enough to ignore, or go away after a while, or can be treated with other medications so that they are not a problem.
Stay active, keep moving, and think about some of the things that have worked for others - nutritional supplements, gluten-free diets, yoga, etc.
Wishing you the very best...
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Well, goils, I tried using 5-hour energy yesterday to combat the after lunch drags and mental UN-clarity. Downed it at about 3pm. Left work at 4pm for a business dinner an hour away. Got home about 9:15. Was still wide awake after 11. Barely slept all night. I'm such a pussy when it comes to caffeine! I haven't had any caffeine for a long time and apparently I still can't handle it!
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I'm worse! I forgot and had a diet coke at the movies at around 6 last night, Was up until about 3. Can't have any caffeine after a bout noon. At least I remembered what I did so I didn't blame the pills!
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Wow, Timbuktu, you are absolutely the first person I've ever come across besides me that can't have caffeine after noon. It's soooooooo nice to finally have proof that I'm not the only one! I really get razzed about it sometimes. My DH can down a 20oz Dr Pepper just before climbing into bed, be asleep within 60 seconds and sleep all night.....I just don't get it. Good thing I'm not that fond of pop.....it's typically water, juice or milk for me.
Oh, and I'm also different from most in that drinking alcohol has the same effect on me as caffeine. If I have any sort of alcohol past early afternoon I'm restless all night long. Alcohol is supposed to be a depressant so I don't get that at all. Needless to say I don't drink much and am usually the DD
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I'm with you. I can't have caffeine after lunchtime, alcohol results in restless sleep and even chocolate for dessert affects my sleep. I've seen my DH have an espresso and still sleep!!!
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Yay!!! I found another caffeine sensitive friend
. It probably seems silly but I am absolutely tickled to find you both and finally feel validated in my reasons for not drinking much alcohol or caffeinated drinks. 0 -
When I was younger, I used to be able to drink coffee after dinner and sleep just fine. Not anymore! I usually drink decaf coffee and tea now, even in the morning. I can handle a regular coffee or tea for lunch if I am out, but like the rest of you, anything beyond lunch and I am up more than usual that night. My DD makes fun of me and calls my coffee "why bother" coffee, but when she gets older, she'll get it
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No caffeine for me - EVER. Used to be able to drink it before noon, but even that stopped working after a while. What's so sad is that I can't even have chocolate at night!!!
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I can't drink caffeine after noon, no chocolate candy, cake, or anything with caffeine in the evening. Can't even take Excedrin because of the caffeine...You are not alone ladies....
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I too am a caffeine, once for B fast and never in the afternoon.
actually, no longer even order decaf in rest at night as I do not trust them!
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I am the same way.. use to drink it all day and night and never a problem sleeping but as I got older I found I could no longer have caffeine after about 1.. I'll be up all night if I do!
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Don't you just hate the way men can sleep? No matter what is going on, they just start snoring the minute they hit the pillow, We stopped sharing a bed after 25 years because I am up and down all night and he can't stand it. And I can't stand watching him sleep and snore! lol Happy couple huh?
Saw surgeon today and all is aok! You all know how much of a relief that is and hopefully I'll sleep well tonight,..but I'm not counting on it!
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Yea, Timbuktu!
Blessings, you are awesome to keep such a balanced view with the Al problems you've had!
I think sleep is a man thing, my DH drinks gallons of diet pop until the minute he turns off the light and immediately falls into a long, deep slumber. Me, who doesn't drink caffeine in the evening....I sleep like a baby.....I wake up ever two hours to pee and fuss
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Holy crap - I'm beginning to thing I'm the NORMAL one where caffeine is concerned
! I had no idea there were so many women like me who have trouble with it.Timbuktu - yes, the way DH goes comatose withing seconds of hitting the pillow drives me nuts! I'm trying to get back into sleeping in the same bed with him but it doesn't always work out. Wasn't able to for many months because of BMX and TEs but the mattress is fine now with the implants. I've gotten so used to falling asleep on the sofa with the TV on and the overhead fan going (plus a box fan on warm nights) and the windows open. DH doesn't like fans blowing on him, we don't have a TV in the bedroom (and even if we did he doesn't like it on when trying to sleep), and since the bedroom is in the front of the house (family room is in the rear) there's lots of traffic noise with the windows open. Sigh....
Ruthbru - "....I sleep like a baby.....I wake up ever two hours to pee and fuss
".
Two words: Love. It.! You have an awesome sense of humor!y'all are so great!
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Great news timbuktu!!!
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Thanks all. Seee, we're the normal ones!
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Timbuktu...0 -
Thanks so much!!!!
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I sleep just fine. Well.....didn't those two nights of vineyard camping over Labor Day, but I don't think those count. Hard ground, and then that rooster rose long before the crack of dawn to announce the new day. I was unimpressed.
I am off to bed in a few as was a very long day. Fortunately, no meetings in the AM, and I can work in my home office tomorrow. Looking forward to a long night of sleep.
I can do tea, but not coffee in the pm.
Glad you are fine Timbuktu.
I get much deeper sleep if I exercise. So another reason to keep moving. - Claire
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SweetandSpecial
Alcohol is ALSO a stimulant. ..;)
Violet0 -
I've been on the generic form of Arimidex for over 2 years. I have all the aches and pains but I keep going and take some ibuprofen if I really get to hurting. My plan is to finish out my 5 years and I'm done. I can't imagine doing this for 10 years. Recently my mail order prescription company changed their source from Breckenridge to Accord Health and I'm wondering if that is going to cause a problem. I have heard that the different inactive ingredients sometimes are an issue. Does anyone have any experience with a change such as this. Thanks.
Lynn0 -
Hi.
I have been taking arimidex for a little more than a year and since about 2 months ago its been bad. It has gotten to the point where i cant go to the gym because i am so tiered. I have been having really bad pain in my ankels. Im either just sleeping for like 2 hours and then getting out of work to go to sleep. I feel my body is out of control. Im tirerd all the time i have headaches well...i, just a messI had an appointment with my onco tomorrow but they moved my it to next week. I thought it was my thyroyd but it was ok my surgen told me it was probably the pill. Im really thinking of not taking it anymore. I was waiting for my appointment but its been really intolerable. The thing is that its just latly gotten like that, i used to get pain but then it would go away and i had problems sleeping but i could handle it. I dont think tomorrow ill take it. Thanks to all for posting. Now i feel better to know im not alone and to know maybe waht is the cause for thebway i feel. Its so frustrating not to know whats going on with your body0
