Arimidex

I was diagnosed with coloid breast cancer in sept. 2002 and had lumpectomy done twice. I was not given any radiation or chemo. Was placed on tamoxifen which worked very well. In Feb. 05 my oncologist felt I should try arimidex as it was a much better drug so I did so and had terrible bone, leg and calf pain. I spoke to him about it and he really did not think the arimidex was causing the problem. I went back to tamoxifen for 30 days and then back on arimidex where I am now The pain is not quite as bad but I do still have the problem. I plan on discussing this again with my oncologist in August.

Hello Mama Jane,
I can well relate to what you are saying about Arimidex. I have only been on it since Dec. and have terrible muscle, bone and joint pain as well as constant nausea.

To encourage you, though. My tumor markers had doubled from Nov. to Jan. after masectomy, 2 different chemos and 35 radiation treatments. Since starting Arimidex, every month my tumor markers have gone down so as miserable as I am, I hope to continue it. The alternative is so much worse. For me-I try to bear the pain (with over the counter such as Advil) until the afternoon and then take one Percocet.

Am praying for you encouragement and wisdom.
Jean

I was put on Arimidex after the usual lumpectomy, chemo and radiation treatment. The bone pain was excruciating, and I was taking Bextra just to get by. I am now taking Aromasin with much less bone and joint pain. Aromasin is a newer age drug than Arimidex. You might want to ask to be switched to Aromasin.

Catharine