Side Effects Of Arimidex

I've been reading the messages regarding arimidex--I'm new to this site, but appreciate all that you all have shared!! I was diagnosed after my mammogram in April of 2006, had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction which failed on one side, and since the cancer had already gone to one lymph node, got chemo.  I started arimidex in january 2007.  Same stuff--bone and joint pain, and profound fatigue--this is difficult since my husband is terminally ill and I still have 2 sons at home and I'm the only caregiver!!  My oncolgist took me off for 1 month to see if I got better but I didn't--now on Femara for 1 month, but I'm thinking I'll just try to hang in there with the Arimidex since the side effects are still there, and I had just filled a 90 day script for it ($60!!!). It feels really good to write this and know trhat others are with me.  I also pray a lot--I don't know what I'd do without Jesus!!  Joan P

Joan,

I have been on Arimidex for two years. When my hands started giving me horrible problems I talked to my doctor about changing to something else.  He asked me to see if I could manage the problems and stay on it because it's the best thing going for my er+ pr- HER2- breast cancer.  The pain and problems, d' Quervanes (similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but in the thumb), "trigger-finger", stiffness, pain etc. were a real problem due to the types of work I do, not to mention the normal day to day activities and the pain at night, I hung in there.  They sent me to an occupational therapist that worked with me and used the most modern teatments and it's helped enormously.  The bone pain, mostly in my upper back, neck and hip seem to bother me for a while then settle down for a while.  Mostly I have a problem with leg and foot cramps and stiffness but I can put up with those, too. 

I guess what I'm telling you is that Arimidex is not easy, but it's worth it if you can tolerate it.  A few people can't and have to change to something else.  As long as my doctor says to stay on it, I will.  I'm 2 years out of treatments and this Saturday will be my 3 year anniversary of finding the tumor.  It's been a tough 3 years, but I'm still here, and loving every minute of it. 

I certainly don't have the heart wrenching problems that you're dealing with and wish you and your husband the best.  May your discomfort with Arimidex ease and you're able to give quality time to your boys.  I don't know that I can help in any way but if you just need to vent or ask questions, please do.

 

Hi - I saw your message re: Arimidex -- I had a bi-lateral masctomy just over two years ago and my doctor also put me on Arimidex, but after one month I had to go off it -- the pain was so great I could not even lie  in my pilliow top mattress bed and the loss of sleep was so great.  I went off the Arimidex and have gone on to "over the counter" capsules I  get from my vitamin company thatI have been buying from for years-  I take grape seed capsules, pomgrante/blueberry capsules, and drink V-8 Fusion with pomgrnate/blueberry in it.  Also green tea capsules.  According to everything I have read these all have great antioxidions in them and pomgranate is the number one and blueberry the number two of all antioxidants.  I told my doctor what I was doing and he just said" that is your decsion to make" and I am doing great - all my tests come out clean.  There are also foods that are great antioxidions -- number one is broccoli and salmon - I eat a ton of broccoli and have salmon once a week.  I am also taking a estrogen blocker capsule ( Brevail) as mine was estrogen positive cancer which I get at a health foods store.  this is suggested by Dr. Christine Horner M.D.   Arimidex is an estrogen blocker meds.   .   I am not suggesting you try this but there are other alternatives to the meds doctors prescribe for us.  I thought I would rather live whatever life I have left feeling good and not in horrible pain than to live longer but not able to do anything and in constant pain.  Go on the internet to other websites that give you alternatives to the meds and check them out -- I think one is Dr. Joanna Budwig ( you can google it and find it)  and www.treat-cancer.nl, also an article by Dr.Daniek Reichner.MD on the board of St. Joseph Hospital in my city. - can you believe -- a doctor that actually promotes antioxidants???? 

Go to www.brevail.com and read up on Brevail  it has case studies and scientific validations   There are so many alternatives to the meds that have so many side effects - I think the meds are worse than what we are taking the meds for.  I correspond ( by e mail) with a lady in Georgia that has researched this stuff for years and she has come up with so much OTHER information ir is amazing.  if you care to e mail me it is

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Best wishes

Joan -- an add on -- the side effects do not go away after being off the pills for just one or two months - it takes a considerable length of time for that junk to get out of our systems- also my doctor suggested I switch to Femera after I told him I would not take the Arimidex but in going on the internet and checking out Fermera - I discoverd that it is to be taken AFTER having been on Arimidex for five years -- so why would I be taking it now?   And the side effects of the FEmera are worse than Arimidex. - I will ask my friend in Georgia to e mail you if you give me your e mail address. She has spent years researcing alternatives.  Toni R