arimidex

Been struggling with the Arimidex.  Now on to two years.  This is my second bout with breast cancer.....once 25 years ago with double masectomy, chemo and reconstruction and then just a few years ago with the same crap.  Now we are all hoping the wonder drug does the trick.  The side effects are most unpleasant, and my last contact with my oncologist suggests that more rather than less is going to be the prescription.  I thought I was in for 5 years.....now it is 7!  Any comments?suggestions?  Very discouraging news, but I will take whatever I have to take to see my grandchildren grow.

I too had a recurrance after 9 years and am on Arimidex.  My oncologist says the Arimidex will be for life now.  I, too, had lots of side effects.  My primary care doctor helped me get adjusted on an antidepressant for that side affect.   Because I am so "lucky????" to have major lymphedema from radiation in my upper right quadrant I was referred to a Pain Solutions doctor.  I am now also on Lyrica.  Not only has it helped the pain in my upper right quadrant but had also helped diminish the musculoskelital side affect of Armidex.  

God bless!

Susan

I took tamoxifen one year, arimidex for 4 years and went off arimidex last December at my oncologists advice. I would like to give you some encouragement by telling you that the aches and pains at first for me were pretty bad, but little by little it improved.  I took a lot of ibuprofen until my Dr felt it was too many too often and he prescribed something else. Exercise really will help although you don't feel like moving.  I also was given neurontin for neuropathy and it helped a lot with the hot flashes and pain.  We do wonder though if the neuropathy was connected to arimidex.It started about 2 years into the regimen. I didn't have chemo.  Off arimidex now for 9 months and the neuropathy is improved quite a bit.    The best part though is to think to myself 'I did it!'   got thru 5 years of side effects and am tumor free.  We are lucky to have this available. The side effects are no fun, but either they improved a lot or I got used to them. 

Wishing you much success with this and good health.

Susan 

The one most important thing that you need to do is "alkalize" your body. Cancer only grows in an acid environment. I know someone who had metatastic liver cancer,,,,with months to live,,,and when she began to alkalize her body, her tumors not only stopped growing...they are disappearing, after only a few months,,,with NO chemo, just wanted to give you an option...and I do not think it would hurt to combine with what you are doing now. Look it up on google.....it is easy to do.....best of luck.

I have been on arimidex for over 5 years. I had problems with aches and pains but it improved with time. I agree that regular exercise really helps...I do a stationary bike because it is less stress on the joints. Taking calcium and vit. D is really important, too. I think going in the sun for 15 minutes a day is a must but you can get it in pill for, too. I have problems with my feet and hands, too. There were times when I just couldn't stand for what seemed like any amount of time at all without pain. That, too, has improved. The side effects are well worth the protection it gives. I think yoga is a good idea...I don't but am thinking of it.

Hi -- I read your message re: arimidex -- I also started taking it after my bi lateral breast surgery -- for one month -- I could not take the side effects -  I hurt all over and cried all the time along with most of the other side effects -- I was prescribed meds for the depression but then thought " why take something for the side effects - just get rid of the cause"  so I threw away all the meds.  Within one week I felt like my old self again -  instead I am loading up on green vegs, especially broccoli, frrits, and also take capsules from my vitamin company - pomgranate, blueberry, grape extract, cinnamon, all anti toxins for breast  cancer and other cancers.  My oncologist said o.k. -- but is watching closely-  I do not know your age but I am 82, still working every day and I am thinking of the quality of what life I have left not how much I have left and I am enjoying every day. I too have grandchildren and great grands but I want to feel good enough to enjoy them and do things with them with whatever time I have left and who knows I may have many years left .  Life is a crap shoot -  we could get hit by a car tomorrow and not have to worry about  the  cancer.  Just keep up the good thoughts and  enjoy life to the fullest.  I know of people who took all the meds and everything else and still nothing helped and others who did nothing and lived forever -- it is in god's hands not in the hands of the meds. I do not try to explain why - life is what it is and we have no other choices.  My very best wishes Toni

Had invasive ductal carcinoma 6 years ago.  Took tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years, followed by aromasin for two years.  Aromasin, like arimidex, is an aromatise inhibitor.  My back pain, ankle pain, joint pain, got so bad, that I couldn't get out of bed.  Stopped taking aromasin after 2 years, but still have long term side effects.  Back pain still exists.  Orthopedic docs want to do fusion, but finally found cancer specialist with rehab background that told me  I didn't need surgery, but rather put me on a regiment of steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, along with traction.  Some help, but daily swimming seems to be my best friend.  For more info on all the aromatise inhibitors, I suggest you go to breastcanceraction.org for their report on the long term side effects of these drugs.  You are not alone; women across the United States are complaining about the side effects of these drugs.  Hope this has been helpfuol.