Doing Well on Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
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After some false starts, here's the cute little pill dispenser I settled upon for my prescriptions only (including the all-important AI).
I have my supplements in a different box.
An alarm on my phone reminds me every morning 6:30...I don't think I can miss, right?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-Portable-Fashion-Pill...
mlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=709&adid=22222222227059646845&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=163243700879&wl4=pla-269318482020&wl5=9030342&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112343202&wl11=online&wl12=194787315&wl13=&veh=sem
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Any concerns about tumeric? I was reading up on it and found this from Komen website:
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, turmeric might make hormone-sensitive conditions worse. However, some research shows that turmeric reduces the effects of estrogen in some hormone-sensitive cancer cells. Therefore, turmeric might have beneficial effects on hormone-sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones.0 -
Patsy- very inspirational, all that nutrition work you are doing. Weight bearing exercise is critical too
SMWUSAF and 2 FUN, thanks for the encouragement. I realized i needed to do what I wanted my husband to do during his illness- stop focusing on what I cannot do and look at what i can do. This will likely translate to a wider range of activities versus running 10 miles on a Saturday morning.
Hope everyone has a good we
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My MO has recommended Fosamax infusions. I'm in the osteopenia range.
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Patsy - I think they are basically the same thing.
Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is found in the spice turmeric. The two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but the technical difference between the two is that turmeric is the yellowish powder used to flavor foods, while curcumin is a chemical contained within turmeric
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Patsy- ive attached an excerpt from a vitamin site that explains the relationship between turmeric and curcumin. Switching to Curcumin may or may not work better than the turmeric you're taking. No matter which one you take it's important to find a supplement that's formulated for high bioavailability otherwise it's not doing anything. I use the Solgar brand.
researchers wanted to find out what makes turmeric so good for you. They learned that one the biggest health-promoting components of turmeric is curcumin.
What is the Difference Between Curcumin and Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant scientifically known as Curcuma longa. It's the roots, or "rhizomes" of this plant that is used in culinary spice powders and herbal tonics. Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound within the turmeric plant's roots. It's a carotenoid pigment that has strong antioxidant activity and gives turmeric its flashy yellow color.
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Thanks for the link, Lula73! And OCTAmy, thanks for that information. It sure sounds like the whole mixed-bag story on soy. My MO and his dietician both, knowing I have ER+ breast cancer, have no problem with me being on turmeric and are both fine with moderate soy-containing foods like tofu, edamame, soy milk. Like up to 1 cup of soy milk in a day. OR one of the others. Dietary soy evidently blocks estrogen similar to the way turmeric does. So I'm being very very moderate/minimum and going with that.
Sheesh, life gets complicated!
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miranda -I believe Fosamax is an oral med, not an infused one.
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Fosamax is an oral med, pill that you take once a week. The catch is you have to take it right when you get up, then remain upright and not eat or take any other meds for at least 30 minutes. I’ve been on this since December. My oncologist wantd me to take the twice-a-year infusion bone med, but I am still so needle phobic after chemo that I wanted to try the pill first. So far, so good, no bad side effects. Won’t find out until my next bone density scan whether or not it’s working
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I was originally on anastrazole with minimal side effects until I was switched to letrozole/Femara because of a rash. Almost immediately started having 24/7 pains in my muscles, bones, and joints that made exercising very difficult (tears in my eyes trying to get through Pilates class...) and woke me up regularly in the wee hours, and I was miserable. The end of April I was started on an antidepressant for depression, lowest dose of venlafaxin, and surprise, within a week all those pains pretty much disappeared. Although most people take double the starter dose, I’m sticking with the lowest dose for now (if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it...). Only SE has been bit of afternoon drowsiness (which I remember from a different antidepressant I took for awhile, decades ago). Turns out venlafaxin is used as a pain med especially in older people, so I guess what I’ve experienced makes sense. Works for me, might work for others here.
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tessu, glad you are feeling better and if it works stick with It! I've been on arimidex for just 10 days. So far so good and only time will tell. I do take a claritin with it hoping to ward off bone pain. Going into this my dexascan was normal (a comment of "young normal" was in there lol, I'll take it) so far I'm keeping up my normal exercise routine throughout this whole diagnosis thankfully. What works for one doesn't always work for others but its nice to know there are options! You are right if it ain't broke dont fix it!!
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SpecialK, thanks, I was mistaken about the drug I am set to have. Hard to remember everything; I have a printout about it somewhere, but can't find it right now. One of the biophosphanates -- Zometa perhaps.
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Hi ladies you were all so helpful about my first question so I am back to ask if any of you had nail issues during Taxel? Mine are lifting off the bed, not infected but concerned on what I should be doing. Cant wear gloves cuz I developed that hand/foot stuff as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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DebAL - fingers crossed that the arimidex continues to be okay for you. Holding my breath myself (13 days into Letrozole). You and I are so similar in diagnosis profile (but maybe not treatment in terms of surgery/chemo), we need to keep an eye on each other!
tessu I hope you continue to feel better - these drugs aren't easy are they?
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hey patsy, yes we need to keep our eyes on each other! So far, so good and time will tell. Last chemo 3 weeks ago. Slow 4 mile run today, yard work, lifted weights for 15 minutes, and a 5 mile bike ride. Taking AI in the early evening and its ok so far. When are you taking it? Hope you are feeling well. Onward! Lol
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Read this article in regards to your nails being affected...be sure to talk to your doctor as well for advice
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/nail-changes-during-treatment-taxanes
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Imkopy2. Very informative web page. Thank you.
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Hi, all. I'm now 3 weeks in on Arimidex, and doing fine in general.
I saw my MO today for my Herceptin/Perjeta infusion and asked her what she recommended to help with the increased hot flashes and joint pain I've started experiencing. I told her that I'm already taking Claritin, and that Naproxen was working better for pain relief than Tylenol. She said that Naproxen was a better choice anyway, since it's an anti-inflammatory. She also suggested Glucosamine Chondroitin for the joint pain, and prescribed a low dose of Effexor to reduce the hot flashes. Will report back to let you know how those work for me.
We also discussed the fact that I am happy about the roughly 10 pounds that I've lost during treatment and want to keep it off. (I was a healthy weight before, but now I am actually almost slim!) She said that the Arimidex would work against me in that respect. So I will use that as extra motivation to continue to watch what I eat and remain active.
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Magari, quite a few women have dropped the pounds on Arimidex...some have gained a few. I think the key is exercise which is hard to do when you feel like your 90 years old. But then again, exercise is the key to feeling better
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Need some help !
Doctor has recommended Zolendronic Acid Infusion twice a year. My Aromatose med started in Jan 2018, and after 6 months Bone Mineral Density scan came out almost the same as it was after Radiotherapy - so no major bone loss.
Anyone of you went ahead with this Zolendronic ? Would it be required even when no bone loss after 7 months ? What to expect in side effects, any precautions etc ?
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Wow PatsyKB! I'm so impressed with all the measures you are taking to improve your health! I will be having a bone density scan in the upcoming months, but will probably request the shot regardless because of its strength in helping avoid bone mets. I've spoken with several docs and they say it can't hurt, only help-- so why not-- and I agree!
And wanted to help answer your question regarding turmeric and curcumin-- same thing. Curcumin is the active component of turmeric-- so you are right on. I buy the turmeric fresh at the grocery store, along with ginger. I peel them and pulse them into mini bits in processor. I add, some black pepper (aids with absorptions of curcumin), cinnamon to taste and coconut oil to make it into a paste. I put the paste in a glass jar in the fridge, and each evening I stir a teaspoon+ into a cup of warmed unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, cashew, macadamia, hemp or coconut milk. Sometimes I stir in a little honey. It is also known as "golden milk" and is very enjoyable in the evenings, and so beneficial with regards to fighting inflammation. Keep staying healthy and making such positive choices! 💪🏼😃
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mama, what proportions of tumeric, ginger and pepper do u use?
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Magari ... Weight control while taking Arimidex is possible. EVERYTHING is possible with Arimidex! Just stay your course and move, move, move. You have got this.
I wrote earlier that if not for Arimidex, I would be back at 175 pounds. Today I float between 123 - 125. Thank you Arimidex for making me get healthy.
Coach Vicky
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Coachvicky, you are my role model for healthy coping with Arimidex. I am on the same course, moving a lot more than I used to, and am losing weight, feeling stronger and better. THANK YOU.
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Filled my script yesterday. My daughter went with me for MO appt. yesterday. I go back in about 8 weeks to check if doing OK and possibly do the dreaded bone shot-(prolia). I hope I can avoid this with exercise, but my T scores aren't great. Also had an estradiol blood test (no clue why that wasn't done w/last panel back in March) My MO is young and very smart. She said most patients do not have any serious issues on the Arimidex.
Wishing everyone well and to stay well!!!!
PS -It's a lot to keep track of: MO in 8 weeks, RO follow up Sept, GP check up Oct (high cholesterol), Mammo and back to BS in Dec, then back to MO somewhere in there or maybe I can make next appt. next year! LOL Don't even get me started on the insurance claims and the bills!! I am slowly getting to all those.
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MamaFelice - thanks for the info and ESPECIALLY your recipe for the golden milk paste. I adore golden milk and have made it with ground spices and with packaged mixes but this paste sounds like the best solution of all! Some warm almond milk or Ripple (the pea protein milk not the cheapo wine from our youth 🤣🤣🤣) and yum!
Ctmbsikia - good luck on your new Rx! I’m on letrozole myself so don’t have experience with arimidex (no SEs for me so far but it’s only 2 weeks). Since one common SE is loss of bone density and my updated DXA scan showed a T-score of -3 in my hip, as far as I’m concerned, I really have no choice but to go with my MO’s recommendation of Prolia. My primary care physician (I run everything by him) assured me that Prolia is exactly what he would prescribe. Both doctors have seen it arrest and sometimes reverse bone loss. I’ve consulted with my dentist and he will be watching out for jawbone health and he has had a lot of experience working with patients on meds like this who have to have extractions or implants (neither of which is in my dental treatment plan).
Like you, I’ll keep up with my eating plan and workout regimen and supplements.0 -
...and another thing, Arimidex-people: is weight LOSS a known side effect of arimidex? I believe weight GAIN is a known side effect of letroxole (my AI) which strikes fear in my heart, as I’ve struggled with weight all my life; only in the past year as I have worked to beat back pre diabetes has it reached and stayed at a just-right level. I hate to lose ground.0
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patsy,I was on letrozole for a year, and I worked to lose weight, and I was able to lose about 5 pounds. Pretty good considering my body was very achy. I would think if you eat mindlessly you will gain weight
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OMG you go! Here I’ve been following this whole time and had NO clue you lost that much weight. I gained 45 lbs on chemo 🙄and I’m slowly chipping away at it. Figured with A-dex I may never get there but you’ve given me a whole new perspective. Much love 💕
Hmm this golden milk recipe sounds fantastic...do I have t9 drink it at night? Silly question I know but I’m thinking I may enjoy this more in the am but wasn’t sure if the ingredients needed time overnight to work.
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lmkopy- the golden milk tends to make you sleepy so I would do it at night. I was out like a light within 10 minutes of drinking it nightly. I did stop because the turmeric stains everything and can stain your teeth. I ended up making a concentrated version that could be downed as a 2oz shot (as in shot glass) and really not touch your teeth much. Then I just switched to curcumin. Let me know if you’d like the golden milk shots recipe.
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