Arimidex Side Effects

Hello friends,

I have been on arimidex 1mg. for 3years after living through a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. No chemo or radiation. I have had the side effects of Arimidex become more severe as time has passed. I am no longer chosing to take it. I did not discuss it with my Dr. because I trust my body's wisdom, my gut instincts and I believe the shackles I have had with breast cancer need to be broken. To thine Own self be true! I believe some of my "fear" of the cancer returning has been programed in my mind because of our culture. However, I do not believe my cancer will ever return but if I continue this medication (arimidex) I will pay a high price with bone damage. God bless all of you my friends and thank you for sharing!

sharon baker "Queene" 

Hi,

 My history is very similar to your history.  Can you tell me specifically what types of side affects you have experienced.  I have not been on arimidex as long as you have and would like to know specifically what I might expect.  The dr. did tell me about the joint pain and hot flashes.  He advised me to stretch when I wake up in the morning.  I have always taken my med at night when I take my calcium pill and I don't have much joint pain thus far.  Thanks

My 72-year old mother has been taking Arimidex for over a year now (she had breast cancer 12 years ago, and had mastecetomy, left breast).  Most of the time these days, she is having painful stomach cramps; lately the cramnps are getting more frequent and the pain more intense.   Do you think this is a long-term side effcet of Arimidex?   My mom's oncologist plans to switch Arimirdes to Tamoxifen.  Do yiou think this switch will alleviate her frequent stomach cramps, whch are getting more intense by the day?  BTW, she is also taking iron supplements because she has anemia, so the stomach cramps may also be due to iron-induced constipation.  What are your thoughts on this?   Best wishes to you all.

 

On 6/6/2008 Martas son wrote:

My 72-year old mother has been taking Arimidex for over a year now (she had breast cancer 12 years ago, and had mastecetomy, left breast).  Most of the time these days, she is having painful stomach cramps; lately the cramnps are getting more frequent and the pain more intense.   Do you think this is a long-term side effcet of Arimidex?   My mom's oncologist plans to switch Arimirdes to Tamoxifen.  Do yiou think this switch will alleviate her frequent stomach cramps, whch are getting more intense by the day?  BTW, she is also taking iron supplements because she has anemia, so the stomach cramps may also be due to iron-induced constipation.  What are your thoughts on this?   Best wishes to you all.

Dear Marta's Son,

The stomach cramps really sound like a side effect of the iron supplements, which I understand is quite common to get constipation, especially at your mom's age.  Ask the doctor for something to aliviate this miserable side effect.  It sounds like she may need something like a laxative to get things going and then something more gentle on a regular basis.  Never be afraid to call the doctor's office....you can always leave a message for the nurse.  I am surprised they did not think about this to begin with.

Best Regards, Linda Lou

 

On 6/4/2008 sharononstress wrote:

Hello friends,

I have been on arimidex 1mg. for 3years after living through a mastectomy and breast reconstruction. No chemo or radiation. I have had the side effects of Arimidex become more severe as time has passed. I am no longer chosing to take it. I did not discuss it with my Dr. because I trust my body's wisdom, my gut instincts and I believe the shackles I have had with breast cancer need to be broken. To thine Own self be true! I believe some of my "fear" of the cancer returning has been programed in my mind because of our culture. However, I do not believe my cancer will ever return but if I continue this medication (arimidex) I will pay a high price with bone damage. God bless all of you my friends and thank you for sharing!

sharon baker "Queene" 

Oh my gosh, you just put into words how I feel... I also had stage 1, mastectomy, no chemo, or rad. I was on the femara for six months, it was fine at first, then came the bone pain after about four months.  The oncologist switched me to arimidex a week ago.... in just one week I felt even worse, with not only bone pain, but aches all over, including my head and sick stomach, and depressed.  I talked to the doc again and he told me to go off for a month....  Im thinking I will stay off as I dont want to do damage to my body after all of this.  Other than the breast cancer I am a healthy 51 year old.