Doing Well on Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
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Chiming in regarding dry eyes....I have been on Anastrozole for 11 months. Other than some slight hair thinning when I first started taking it that seems to have leveled off, my only real complaint is the dry eyes. I had dry eyes to begin with, and I work in an environment that is very dry....20% humidity. There are days that I come home from work and just want to sit with my eyes closed they hurt so much. I use all kinds of lubricating drops throughout the day that don't seem to do much. What seems to help the most is an over the counter liquid eye gel intended for overnight use. I usually buy one made by Thera-Tears that comes in a pack of single-use vials. The gel is thick and you definitely won't be reading or watching television in bed once you put it in, but by morning the gel will have been absorbed. When I use it, my eyes feel normal again upon waking. The gel does leave a crusty, flaky residue, but that washes off with my morning shower. While it doesn't completely resolve the problem, it helps more than the daytime lubricating drops, and my vision is much clearer in the morning than it is when I don't use them. In fact, as I'm sitting here squinting and blinking trying to see the blurry words on my screen, I can't wait to go put some in and get some relief LOL!
GoldensRBest-love that picture!!
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this pandemic! It's been cold and rainy where I am, but I was able to get outside today and go for a much needed walk in the fresh air and sunshine.
Take care, everyone!
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I just phoned the pharmacy where I get my AI every 3 months, and arranged for it to be shipped to me now. They said sure, they'll Fed-Ex it to me during COVID-19, so that I don't have to go inside my MO clinic to pick it up.
I am worried about needing ANY Rx meds from now on for awhile; I do NOT want to walk inside a pharmacy for quite awhile. We don't have drive-through pharmacy windows near me, but maybe I'll look for one elsewhere in Portland, if I do need any Rx during Pandemic Time.
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I have 3 scrips to pick up for BP Meds & Statins. The pharmacy has an outdoor pick up window, but I have not yet ventured out to get them. Will wear gloves & pay by credit card, so no cash to be handled. Hoping people who may be in line will respect the 6 ft distance. If it appears they are not, I will not pick up & will see what other arrangements can be made.
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Its been one week of anastrozole - no big side effects although my temperature regulation is starting to get a bit wonky (that is my perception of temperature - my actual temperature is normal!). Since I just started I have most of a 90 day supply. My eyes/nose/throat may be getting dry - resulting in the occasional cough which of course makes me worry about COVID-19. I am retired and live alone so I am social isolating mostly - we are actually on a "hunker down" order but are allowed to go outdoors for exercise so I am still walking my dog on trails near my house. They are not crowded and when meeting others one or the other of us steps off the trail. I am just starting to run low on fresh fruits and veggies - still have plenty in the freezer though and can do either delivery or pick-up of groceries. They are not allowed to do that for pharmacy but the local store (Fred Meyer a.k.a. Kroger) where I usually go to the pharmacy says they are working on it.
I took up knitting and so far have finished a scarf and a hat. I remember my grandmothers saying knitting helped keep their hands active which helped with arthritis so I am hoping that helps with joint pains (which I already have a little of).
One thing I haven't seen people mention is using a stylus (rubber tipped pen) to use the self-checkout or any other touchpad type thing in public. I happened to have one and it works! Just disinfect afterwards! I started that a few weeks ago before I quit going to the grocery store.
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What a great idea to use the stylus Mouse - thanks for the suggestion!
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I thought I'd say hi on here - I just started generic Aromasin yesterday. I am hoping for a positive experience since AIs, along with ovarian suppression, will give me the greatest chance of avoiding recurrence. Since I had three positive nodes, I need to be willing to do all I can to stay healthy. I have been dreading this phase of treatment, honestly, but I have to keep a positive attitude. I appreciate hearing about people doing well instead of just horror stories.
I haven't seen too many on here taking Aromasin. Seems like most are on Arimidex or Femara. I wonder why?
Magari - I have an Aussie/cattle dog mix, too!
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beautiful dog!
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My MO started me on Anastrozole because in her experience that’s the one fewer of her patients had problems with. I did try a month of Exemestane just to see if I noticed any difference but I really did not, so went back to the Anastrozole. FWIW, I seem to read about more hair issues with Letrozole.
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LoveMy4Kids- I started off on Letrozole and developed numbness in right hand within a few weeks. My MO didn't think it was an SE but when I stopped the Letrozole my hand improved. I switched to Exemestane and have been on it for 2 1/2 years. My right hand still tingles but it is manageable. I have some stiffness in my hips and knees but walking my dogs usually helps with that. My biggest issue is a very dry mouth. Good luck! Hope your SEs are minimal! Nice dog!
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brave point, try Biotene tooth paste and mouth wash for the dry mouth.
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Bravepoint - I use the "store brand" (Target, Meijer, etc.) of Biotene mouthwash for dry mouth. Seems to work. Also, I drink a lot of water.
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Thanks Celia and Taco. Nothing has helped my dry mouth. I have tried Biotene and other things. The only relief is ACT lozenges and Bubblemint gum. I am just sticking it out.
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Lovemy4kids - S/he is beautiful!
Here is my girl:
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LoveMy4Kids & Magari - Thanks for the lovely pics of your dogs. FYI - there is a topic dogs, dogs, dogs that you may want to take a look at/post your dog pics, etc. I love dogs, but no dog in my life currently, so live vicariously.
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Seawell and SUPer52,
Dry eyes! I have them. Started while on taxotere/ carboplatin. Have been gradually improving over past year since finishing. Not sure how much being on anastrozole contributes, don’t want to stop to find out. Refresh Megadrops and warm packs ( check out Bruder moist heat eye compresses) helped a bit. Restasis prescription drops helped so much more, outrageously expensive but worth it to me. Without Restasis, my vision was affected enough, ghosting with seeing double images, that I couldnt drive at night. Not perfect now, but much better. And, no more waking up with eyelids stuck together!
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I’m so amazed that the dry eye thing is never mentioned as a possible side effect ...and now I’m finding that so many of you are experiencing it too. Thank you all for sharing. 💕
I’m trying all of your suggestions including talking to my ophthalmologist about Restasis.( My eyes are so dry that they are red in the morning so hopefully my insurance will approve it)
In the big picture it’s a small inconvenience to deal with in order to stay cancer free.
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seawell - Hope you are able to find some relief for the dry eyes. There does seem to be more than 1 SE that is not mentioned in the scrip info.
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I just wanted to weigh in on the dry eye problem. I take a product recommended to me by my MO to help with vaginal dryness but she said that is also helps with dry eyes too. It is Omega-7 with Sea Buckthorn. It says it supports mucous membrane hydration-eye, mouth, digestive system and vaginal dryness. It has been working for me so thought I would pass along
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Polkadot1, thank your for the info,any particular brand of the Omega 7?
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This is the brand I use....sorry the picture is so big 0 -
Hello all! I have been on Anastrozole for a month and a half. Truly, I have had only minor side effects. Recently however, I am experiencing extremely sensitive skin. Has anyone experienced this and found some sort of resolution?
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polka dot......thank you! I ordered some on Amazon....it should be here in a day or two! I will post my results. 💜
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MITTD
I have been on Anastrozole for about two months. I have developed some acne....at 56. Is that what you mean by skin sensitivity ? With the quarantine, and not being able to get out, I have also noticed more joint pain. Are there any additional supplements anyone takes? Stay safe everyone!
Lauren
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Lauren- For joint pain and overall stiffness, I’ve had good luck with Curcumin supplements (Me First Living brand) and glucosamine supplements (anything reasonably priced). 2 tablets each every morning
Lanne
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For many years, I have taken Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM for joint health and added Turmeric after starting AIs. Some find relief from joint pain by taking regular Claritin (not the D or decongestant version). Another relief for sore joints that is homeopathic is Arnica cream or gel, which is available in stores like Whole Foods & also at Walgreens, or similar.
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Thank you Lanne! I will check them out. Yesterday I did yoga stretches and 1/2 hour on the exercise bike and felt much better. Quarantine is hard! Stay safe everyone
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I should have been more clear! In addition to extremely dry skin all over, my left armpit area, part of the radiation treatment area feels almost burned again. I finished radiation mid January. Skin seemed to return to normal but is now very sensitive. I'm using the lotion that I was given during radiation which has helped slightly. I'm wondering if there is something that has worked for others.
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MITTD, my radiated skin is still sensitive and tends towards dryness and irritation 1.5 years out, even though it looks fine (not like it did right after). Moisturizing religiously seems to help. My skin overall is a bit dryer on the AI's, but sounds like radiation side effects to me.
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MITTD- it could be from the nerves cut during node removal, if you had that. Ask your RO, he/she might have some insight.
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I'm coming here later than some of you as I just started Letrozole yesterday. I'm really tuned in to watching for side effects. On this second day, I've had some slight feelings of neausea. I took it after an apple and coffee, thought that'd be enough. I want this to be a success. Anyone have suggestions--empty stomach or full? A different time of day? Hoping this'll work for me--I've never been on any kind of meds for more than a week or two so I'm a little worried. Julie
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