Doing Well on Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
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Entering my 4th week. Intensive night sweats—6 times one night! But able to back to sleep. Well except one night so I watched 4 back-to-back episodes of Handmaid’s Tale from 2:30-6 am. Nothing else so far. Took no sick leave during radiation so headed off tomorrow for a 10 day Alaskan cruise. I need some serious R and R.
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Have fun, Haliday!
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SimoneRC - you made me feel so normal, I had/have shin splints too! I am drinking a magnesium vitamin thing now. I need to exercise and have printed off a diet to start Monday and plan to walk every evening. We can do this, thank you for the encouragement!
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Hi MissouriCatLady!
Oh, the shins! Mine cleared up a few weeks after beginning the AI. I am sorry you have the shin splints still! I try to do 20 miles per week in fast walks/slow jogs. Shins have been AOK. Crossing fingers that the walking and mag do the trick for you!
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Through my employer, and my BXBS I got a free digital scale with an app on my phone and I have another app that is a coaching app. Really cool. I started barely with 2K steps a day. Now I am doing 10K a day! The app is very encouraging it says hey, you've walked 1K more than last week,I can also watch health videos, and log my food each day. Most people don't know about thiss feature. At BXBS website I watch healthy videos and I have won $100.00 to Whole Foods. Enjpy your weekend, Ladies!
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I was never a big believer in supplements but have been adding some in recently, including magnesium for leg cramps (and I've read it may help with depression?). I think it's helping? Went out with some friends last night, in heels, after a couple of glasses of wine. I could feel sometimes in bed that my legs were almost kinda *starting* to cramp but never did. I'll take it!!
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Could I please ask what dosage of vitamin D3 you are taking? I have been taking a calcium with vitamin D, but am going to add a vitamin D3 supplement. My knee started hurting about 3 days ago and I've read this can help. Also, I started the brand Pure Essence product called Iconic-Fizz Magnesium Plus. It is a powder you mix with water and it has helped me stop having leg cramps/shin splints at night. Someone at work recommended this and said it is more easily absorbed than a pill. Just in case that might help someone. It's Monday and my husband and I are starting on the DASH diet and plan to walk, but I will be a hop-along walker til this knee quits hurting. Have a great Monday, thank you for your help, Lisa
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Missouri Cat Lady
I don't think you should supplement D3 unless you know you are deficient. It's not a water soluble vitamin. At too high doses it can be problematic!
However I agree it's an important vitamin to monitor with bloodwork. I was highly deficient prior to BC diagnosis and it can be a contributing factor. I have my blood tested every 3 to 6 months to evaluate its level. Staying on 2000 ius a day keeps me in a healthy range. But I vote for getting the bloodwork first!
Good luck.
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I think 1,000 IU daily is most commonly recommended for Vitamin D.
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Thank you. I get blood work every 3 weeks with my HP infusion. I will check with the doctor to make sure, thanks so much!
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RE: Vitamin D - Yes, it's a supplement that should be monitored. My Vitamin D level was checked (bloodwork), then I was advised to take a particular dosage (currently it's 2K units daily) and we'll re-check it annually, my MO said. Depends on how much time you're outdoors with skin exposed, other health and physical and metabolic issues, latitude you live at, and D affects Calcium absorption, of course. I have, in previous years, been advised to take higher dosages than I'm currently on, due to lower levels at testing.
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I too take 2,000 units of D3. But it was recommended by my MO after my bloodwork. I vote with others to get the blood work; or review previous results, before starting.
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I take 6000 Vitamin D3. My level was really low.
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I take 3,600 iu of vitamin D and 1200 calcium. I have osteoporosis and osteopenia at age 53. I got a Reclast iv in January. Hope it helps. My vitamin D level was 30 last time it was checked almost a year ago. I guess we should test it again soon.
I got my next 3 months of my exemestane today. I was reading the packet and it said to take with food. I usually just take it right before bed. When do the rest of you take it? I haven’t had any problems but wonder if it makes a difference as to its effectiveness if taken with food
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Legomaster, I thought I read somewhere that the reason you should take it with food was that it needed fat to help the body absorb it. However, just did a quick internet search, and found it could be taken with or without food. Also, food type doesn’t matter, then another article that says you shouldn’t take it with a high fat meal. 🤷♂️ LOL. Do you have your estrogen checked periodically? If your levels are good, and you feel ok taking it at night, why not? I just went off exemestane, and re-started anastrozole. I have some lingering shortness of breath from chemo, and exemestane seemed to make it worse (so does anastrozole, but to a lesser degree). When I was taking it, I took it after dinner. I take the anastrozole before bed
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i take my exemestane on an empty stomach (first thing in the morning). I don’t normally have breakfast until 2+ hours later. I’m still alive and healthy 2 years later so hopefully it’s working. It contributes to my insomnia if I take it at night and the likelihood I’d remember to take it with breakfast is slim to none.
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Hello ladies. I've been following this thread for a while because I feel like it fits my attitude about AIs. Thank you for all the positive energy provided here.
I started generic anastrozole in June 2018 and had bone pain, fatigue and generally down/sad thoughts in the first 3 months or so. My NP recommended a 3-week "vacation" and that seemed to hit the reset button for me, so I went back on anastrozole. I continued having bone pain in hands/feet and periodic fatigue but I felt like I was managing OK using exercise, water and supplements. At my June 2019 meeting with my NP, she offered to switch me to exemestane to see if the SE would be less (seeing as I have another 4 years at least). I agreed and am almost done with my first 30 pills. It could be selective memory, but I don't think the SEs on anastrozole were ever this bad. When I first get up, I ache from head to toe and the fatigue seems more pronounced. They have gotten stronger now that I'm about 3 weeks in. I can't remember on the anastrozole, how soon SEs started to ease off (or I just got used to them). I'm supposed to let the NP know if I want to keep going on exemestane or go back to anastrozole.
What would you do? Keep taking the exemestane and gamble that the SEs will eventually subside, and maybe even become LESS than the anastrozole? If I go back to anastrozole, do you think I'll have to go through a "break-in" period of troublesome SEs again (or maybe suffer worse?) I have an appointment with my MO in September, but need to fill one prescription or the other before then.
Any ideas you have would be appreciated.
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Just hopping on to say “hi.” It seems like we’re coping with our varied SEs. For me some days are better than others, mostly my fingers and toes. Still manageable after free 2.3 years. Hanging in there with exercise. Gentle hugs all
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I started Arimidex 6 days ago. So far, it's going okay, but I have a bit of insomnia (difficulty getting to sleep, specifically), and I am very grumpy as a result/. Good thing I live alone. I also have a few more arthritic aches but I am used to that...I played a lot of sports in my younger days, so I live with a bit of arthritis and just exercise to stay loose. I just need more sleep...I hope this goes away. For me, sleep is a big deal. I need it and usually get it!
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And I am taking it in the morning because I would never remember to do it at night. My schedule is too chaotic and different every evening!
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Scrafgal - have you tried magnesium about half hour before bed to help you sleep. I know there is a specific one that is good for sleep and calming. If you're interested I can find out from my naturopath. (She specializes in women's health and cancer)
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GiddyupGirl, I would love to know the name or brand. I just emailed my oncologist asking for ideas. However, I think that we all know that our MOs don't always know about these types of remedies....thank you.
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Scrafgal I will get it for you tomorrow. Sleep is so important.
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Thank you. I agree.
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Diveikeagirl - I was on Anastrozole for almost a year with all the SEs, before I clued into how critical exercise is to managing side effects. (even walking 30 min every other day can make a difference) I was blown away at how “binary” it is for me. I move my body and life is good. I don’t and I feel like a 90 year old dragging myself around. (bone pain, foot pain, fatigue)Additionally, after the first year, I started on an antidepressant to diminish the intensity of the constant hot flashing. This combo has kept me feeling sane, much less stiff and good energy. I wish I had figured this out earlier
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powerthruit Same here. I'm miserable without my daily exercise. It's a non-negotiable: I have to exercise every day. Also drinking a LOT more water is helping me manage SE's.
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Diveslikeagirl, I would go back to the one with fewer side effects or try the third one (letrozole). Arimidex made me so fatigued I was certain my thyroid had quit working. Aromasin was like a breath of fresh air- almost no side effects.
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How much Vit D to take depends on what your level is- Have you had your level checked - most people in the northeast are low because we dont get enough daily sun exposure-. being in the recommended range is supposed to be helpful in decreasing breast cancer risk . that doesnt mean that more is better as some make the mistake of thinking. So do check in with your doc about being tested and then she/he can advise you on what is the best dose for you--I was mildly low and was put on 2,000 units /day and bumped up nicely to normal range and have continued the dosing....
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If anyone is available to respond....
I have to fast this morning, prior to a blood test in 4 hours. I just started Arimidex 6 days ago. I've been taking it after eating but it can be taken without food. Should I try it on an empty stomach? Since it gives me trouble sleeping, taking it early might be best. But I am afraid to try it on an empty stomach. Thoughts?
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you dont say what blood test you are having- will just say that when I worked in same day surgery as an Rn we told patients to take their am meds with only water...or you can take right after your lab draw with food- dont think it will matter really as to effects--have a good day--
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