For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing
Comments
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Beija, I am so sorry for your pain with the pill. I am just getting ready to start taking it. I had surgery and radiation recently, but have not experienced what taking the arimidex generic will be like.
I pray that you will get some relief soon.
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to Mamadog53- I am about to begin my arimidex generic treatment very soon, as soon as I recover from the flu. From all the posts about the anti-estrogen treatments, I will have to say I am scared I already have a tendency to get achy in my joints. I am not exercising right now, but I am still recovering from the fatigue of the radiation that I finished on August 30.
Wish me luck!
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Nothing to be scared about. After what we've all been through, we know we are brave and tough. Most people breeze through, it's the rest of us who are on this thread. But honestly, yes I ache, but in the scheme of things, so what? I'm alive! If the pill can prevent a recurrence then so be it. Yes, it's a bummer to have these side effects but obviously I'm choosing the side effects over the increased chance of recurrence. It's always our own decision in the end, so there's nothing to fear but recurrence. that's the thing we're all running from. the side effects stink but it's a trade off we're all willing to take. And you most likely will not go through the worst side effects so please, try to be happy (as I try) that there are these pills that can lessen the odds of recurrence. That's the true enemy. And how lucky are we that we live in a time when something can be done for this disease. One hundred years ago, no 50 years ago, nothing could be done!
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Ditto what Tim said!!!!
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Well said Timbuktu! recurrance is the enemy, I have very few se but also not far into treatment, I do feel some stiffness that wasnt there before creeping in but will try to keep moving! a good day to everyone.
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something just happened that I have to share immediately.
When I went to my surgeon on Wed. I asked her about switiching to Arrimidex from Anastrozole. I had spoken to a pharmacist and read on these threads that sometimes that switch helps. My surgeon, who is the head of the breast center and a Harvard graduate said "I think that is a myth. They are chemically the same. And I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY PAYING FOR ARRIMIDEX."
Discouraged, I accepted her verdict. My husband has been pressing me to make the switch to see if I can find something that I can tolerate. I told him what she had said. He said "I don't believe her. Call the insurance company tomorrow."
So half heartedly I listened to him, feeling all the time it was hopeless. How could the head of the breast center be wrong? Guess what? They cover Arrimidex! I can get two months for $40 and even less if I go mail order.
Now I'm wondering about her other advice. These people have our lives in their hands! In the end, our lives are in our own hands.
I wanted to warn everyone that you can't just accept what they say and you have to keep trying. I don't know if the switch will help me but it's sure worth a try!
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wow that is wierd! my onco is very open to switch folks from one AL to another and did switch me once when I was blaming the med for some side effects
my onco believes that all 3 of the ALs are essentially the same but has no problem if I want a change
lots of folks on these boards have switched meds....
strange...maybe she was having a bad day....yikes
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I've been on all 3 AI's. This was a request to switch from generic to brand name.
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Timbuktu, thanks for the encouragement about starting the hormonal therapy.
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Timbuck - I switched from anastrazole to Arimidex about 2 weeks ago - called the mail order pharmacy and they said it would cost more but guess what - after all the meds we have all had this year, it cost me $0 for 90 days. The doc has to put Do Not Substitute on the script..... I TOLD the Onc I wanted to switch, told them about all my side effects and after one of our girls on this board mentioned generic made in differernt countries I switched because arimidex is made by astrazenica, the other was from breckenridge which is just the distributer and they could have been from India - not that there is anything wrong with India but we don't know what they use as fillers. I do notice less hot flashes but I still have joint pain.. we shall see.
Beja hope you feel better - things will ease up after awhile.
Rachel, we are all here in the same boat and Ditto what Timbuck said. You know we are all getting older and a lot of our current issues may just be intensified with the meds - keep us posted....
Claire, after being soooooo jealous of you biking everywhere, I want you to know I pulled my dusty bike out of the garage and washed it up, one tire is rotted but that's not the big problem,,, the problem is I shrunk!!!! I can't get on or off the bike even on my tippy toes and I'm scared of falling and breaking a bone..(not on Prolia yet).. Maybe I need a girls 24"!!!!
Also Claire, your young in your mind and body but what does your birth certificate say? Inquiring minds want to know...
I go from 18 to 80 but on paper, I'm 66
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Luvbugs.....you should be able to adjust the seat downwards which the bike shop can do when they fix up your rotted tires. So that would take care of the problem of leg-to-pedal. Have them do it.
I am three years younger than you are.
I am gearing up for Cycle the Wave on Sunday.....60 mile course of HILLS to support victims of domestic violence. I think I will be able to do all of them for the first time. One reason is that the running I am doing has strengthened my core. I am hoping not to need any bone stengthening meds....ever. - Claire
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OMG! I"M 63!!!! I was afraid to ask but I was sure Claire must be 30 years younger!
I was determined to get on the bike today but then it got so windy! Water spouts on Lake Michigan. Good excuse?
I'm also afraid of falling. Balance isn't is a good as it was. But I'm going to do it for sure.
Claire, you are THE inspiration!
Thanks for the info luvbugs. I hope it helps but at least you tried. I just got back from the supermarket.
Claire...you can stop reading now. lol...I got out of the car and my feet hurt so much I could not believe it.
A new side effect?! They didn't hurt as though I'd walked too much, they hurt like I shouldn't walk on them.
But I pushed ahead and sure enough the pain lessened the more I walked. So there is a lessen there.
Inactivity is not a good solution!
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Timbuktu - Lake Michigan? I dont' always remember previous posts but would you mind sharing your approximate location? Just interested if you're a Michigander like me.
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I'm in Skokie, just 5 miles north of chicago. The windy city, right?
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What? I can not believe they would say insurance would never pay for arimidex??? It is dirt cheap.. I pay 15 dollars for 90 day supply! Better give him a heads up on that, that dr. could discourage others from taking it because of cost. At one time I understand it was quite expensive.. the big pharma always has to make a few billion before going generic ya know! So far the ses are not too bad but 5 years is a long way off too, but will just enjoy every day I have, getting on my bike toom and gals I am 65 so close to a few here.
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You're right. I've beeen trying to figure out how to tell her nicely. I don't want her to mislead others but it could get touchy.
Let's all bike!!!
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Timbuktu, thank goodness you were your own advocate. I guess it shows that just because you have a fancy title and graduated from a fancy college, it doesn't mean that you know everything!!
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lots of insurance companies really want us to take the generic versions so the brand name is likely the problem. I am currently trying to get my singular back to the brand from the generic as the stuff doesn't seem to work the same...alergy meds are easy to tell when they do not work
but I know it will be a battle with insurance
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My insurance company would only cover the generic, but I found that you can go to http://www.arimidex.com/arimidex-direct.aspx and get the brand name from the mfgr. for no more than $40.00 month. All you need is for your MO to fax the script to them, then you fill out the online info (the directions are really easy). It is filled by a pharmacy in Florida. Just make sure to tell you MO if you want a 30 day or 90 day supply faxed in. I am on day 2 of the brand name (1/2 pill to start for this go-round).
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Bren, good info for all folks, thanks
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Ladies = I hope you let us know if there really is a difference for you that are taking the real brand of the meds instead of the generic.. Good for you gals getting the bikes out - I barely have any energy left once I get home from work - I leave for work by 6:15 AM and get home about 5:30.. so tired.. its a long day! I am 63 so close in age to alot of you.. weekends I do my walking.
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Thanks ladies. I try not to cycle in high wind either. Although it does make for a better upper body workout trying to stay upright! This has happened more than once.
Tonight's exercise is to the wine bar for a glass of champagne, and/or Wine Hop. Cheap pours of the good stuff. I was supposed to meet a friend and her new husband, but they got their return to Rio ticket dates screwed. Not sure how much the bliss of being in love, and how much over-celebration.
My brain is fried, as part of last evening's activity was cleaning out the sink drain which was backed up. I could have had the building do it, but I needed today free to cover all the action.
Gorgeous evening here. Just got out my flats so off I go. - Claire
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Hi everyone. I didnt take my pill today and i still feel bad but not as bad as yesturday. I know im supposed to be taking it but i took a break untill next week. By the way i am taking the generic anatrazole. Today i was at my other dr and i was telking her that i didnt take my pill and she was not happy. I said it for a week untill i go to my onco.I was telling her that i am tired of felling like a 75 yr old lady, she was telling me that it it because i am 36 but my body is ahead of me that i have to adapt.
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@ can't be flopping any more...
Claire the seat is as low as it goes...I am only 5'1" but boy do I want to ride.....Let's get our asses in gear girl, we can't let Claire put us to shame....
Oh wait, I did go to my first yoga class yesterday - it was sooo relaxing...felt good but not as good as the old zumba classes which really got the adrenaline going...unfortunately that's not for me at this time in my life...maybe when I'm older!0 -
I keep changing shoes. I was wearing these great gel sole sneakers. I used to love my fit flops but then suddenly they hurt too, But when hubby came home we went for a walk in the forest and it was soooo incredibly beautiful and after awhile the pains all went away. It's so unpredictable! Just now I got up from my chair and could barely walk. I don't wear shoes in the house.
I'm hoping the bike will work since there's little pressure on the joints. The dr encouraged me to swim, but that's a project! lol
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According to my PA friend, who has foot problems herself, you should always wear good supported shoes even IN the house!
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Ruth, very true on wearing shoes all the time. I had foot surgery free years ago and now can actually walk barefoot...briefly but for a time, I actually kept slippers by my bed that had Dr Sholls in them...for when I got up in the night to do the bathroom trips! Flip flops....not in my world!
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Two more things about shoes: only buy shoes with good support, and the minute that they don't feel 'right' as far as the support goes, ditch them....even though, on the outside they will still look perfectly fine. And, check out the Dr Sholl insert machine that you can find at Walmarts and probably other places too. You stand on it & it will calculate which insert is right for your foot. I buy new inserts every time I get new walking shoes. They cost $50. and have really helped me.
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Ok - I'm now appreciating the fact that I DON'T have foot problems.....yet. A little stiffness sometimes but no pain and I can still go barefoot and wear flip-flops without issues. I have a high arch and high instep so does that mean I should or should not have any basic troubles? The high arch/instep thing is weird because both my dad and my brother have flat feet and I mean no arch whatsoever - go figure.
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I love my Birkenstocks. I wear them year round, with socks if its chilly. I can't do barefoot anymore and they serve as slippers too. Pricey, but they never wear out. My oldest pair are about 17yo.
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