Arimadex Side Effects

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year. I had a lumpectomy and a lot of lymph nodes removed. The cancer had spread to one lymph node.I had eight months chemo followed by 15 radium treatments. Apart from an abcess on the operation site, I managed the treatment quite well. (Even the cold cap which I found very painful, but I kept my hair.) My problem now is the awful pain in my joints due to the Arimadex.I know there are a lot of people out there with this problem, but I am finding it hard to cope. I have tried various methods of pain control without success, and at present am on a high dose of slow release Tramadol, but it makes little difference. I wonder if anyone has tried either acupuncture or hypnosis for alleviating pain.

Please check out the following link which has information regarding Arimadex and Avemar. Perhaps you will be able to stop the Arimadex and use the natural substance that has no side effects. http://www.cancercompass.com/cancer-news/1,12705,00.htm

On 5/11/2008 ritacliffevale wrote:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year. I had a lumpectomy and a lot of lymph nodes removed. The cancer had spread to one lymph node.I had eight months chemo followed by 15 radium treatments. Apart from an abcess on the operation site, I managed the treatment quite well. (Even the cold cap which I found very painful, but I kept my hair.) My problem now is the awful pain in my joints due to the Arimadex.I know there are a lot of people out there with this problem, but I am finding it hard to cope. I have tried various methods of pain control without success, and at present am on a high dose of slow release Tramadol, but it makes little difference. I wonder if anyone has tried either acupuncture or hypnosis for alleviating pain.

 

On 5/11/2008 ritacliffevale wrote:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year. I had a lumpectomy and a lot of lymph nodes removed. The cancer had spread to one lymph node.I had eight months chemo followed by 15 radium treatments. Apart from an abcess on the operation site, I managed the treatment quite well. (Even the cold cap which I found very painful, but I kept my hair.) My problem now is the awful pain in my joints due to the Arimadex.I know there are a lot of people out there with this problem, but I am finding it hard to cope. I have tried various methods of pain control without success, and at present am on a high dose of slow release Tramadol, but it makes little difference. I wonder if anyone has tried either acupuncture or hypnosis for alleviating pain.

I too had the same experience - 4 months of terrible joint pain.  My oncologist switched me to Femara (which is another drug in the same class) and the pain went away. He explained that each person's tolerance is different.  What one person can tolerate is different for another's.  Have a discussion with your oncologist about alternatives. 

 

On 5/11/2008 ritacliffevale wrote:

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year. I had a lumpectomy and a lot of lymph nodes removed. The cancer had spread to one lymph node.I had eight months chemo followed by 15 radium treatments. Apart from an abcess on the operation site, I managed the treatment quite well. (Even the cold cap which I found very painful, but I kept my hair.) My problem now is the awful pain in my joints due to the Arimadex.I know there are a lot of people out there with this problem, but I am finding it hard to cope. I have tried various methods of pain control without success, and at present am on a high dose of slow release Tramadol, but it makes little difference. I wonder if anyone has tried either acupuncture or hypnosis for alleviating pain.

I was on Arimidex but changed to Aromasin because of the bad side effects.  Unfortunately, the side effects for Aromasin seem to be worse.  I have tried Reiki and Jin Shin Jyitsu and have found both of these to be excellent in helping to alleviate some of the pain.  Check out the hospital you're associated with - they might offer these to cancer patients.  That's where I get my treatments.  Good luck to you.

 

My suggestion is that your onco do a bone scan at least to see if there is any actual bone deterioration.  If not, see an orthopedic oncologist for a consultation. You should also get a bone density scan. I developed many bone and joint issues while on Arimidex. You should be receiving a bone protectant such as Zometa or Aridia. Speak frankly to your onco about your concerns.

 

On 5/18/2008 Kbcns7 wrote:

My suggestion is that your onco do a bone scan at least to see if there is any actual bone deterioration.  If not, see an orthopedic oncologist for a consultation. You should also get a bone density scan. I developed many bone and joint issues while on Arimidex. You should be receiving a bone protectant such as Zometa or Aridia. Speak frankly to your onco about your concerns.

 

Hi I too take Arimidex and have very painful bones and joints! I have found that if I take Arimidex at 8 or 9 o'clock in the evening ,that I don't have as much pain.  Most of the pain is at night and I take Excedrin PM at bedtime and that stops the pain,plus it helps me sleep. Don't get Tylenol b/c it don't work as well.Also take 2 Calcium pills with Vit. D with the Arimidex . That has helped me so much and my pain is liveable now. I have arthritis and the Dr gave me Plaquenil,which I take in the morning. This is working for me.I just take a very low dose !

Hugs Shirley