CancerCompass message board discussion started by DianaL10 on 7/6/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25773,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I am looking for information on the types of foods and/or supplements to help with the side effects of Arimidex.  I know that Vitamin D and Calcium are needed, possibly glucosamine chondrotin, Omega 6 etc., but how much of each??  I have just started with the Arimidex (5 days to be exact) and am very depressed when reading from other women about the side effects.  Any info would be greatly appreciated!! DianaL10 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/6/2008 DianaL10 wrote:I am looking for information on the types of foods and/or supplements to help with the side effects of Arimidex.  I know that Vitamin D and Calcium are needed, possibly glucosamine chondrotin, Omega 6 etc., but how much of each??  I have just started with the Arimidex (5 days to be exact) and am very depressed when reading from other women about the side effects.  Any info would be greatly appreciated!!Hi Diana,First, remember that everyone reacts differently to meds so one person's side effects may not be yours.  I also wonder if age or other health issues contribute to the side effects experienced.  That said, I will tell you what has helped me.  I was 53 when I started Arimidex and side effects came on gradually.  I started experiencing hair loss (this was just when my hair was starting to look good again after chemo).  Eventually found a hair stylist who told me that growing it longer and styling a certain way would help hide the scalp.  This did work pretty well but I have now gotten a custom human hair piece which I am thrilled with.  More serious side effect was aching hip joints, to the point that, after sitting for a while, I had to get up very slowly and then just stand there and wait until my hips decided I could walk very slowly.  This drove me to see a naturopathic dr. who prescribed several supplements.  Kaprex AI was what I eventually ended up with and the results were terrific!  No more hip pain and I can move easily.  She also has me take Dim Pro Plus; a fish oil supplement that provides 1200 mg of DHA and 1680 mg of EPA; a multi-vitamin; Magneluvres (a magnesium, calcium, B6 powder I mix with water before bed to help me sleep) and I also did a very gentle liver and kidney cleanse using Bio-Cleanse Functional Food in a morning smoothie.  All this was prescribed after a very thorough intake and medical history.  In addition, as recommended by a nutritionist I saw,  I take glucosamine, CoQ10 (120-150 mg/day), Alpha Lipoic Acid (600 mg/day), calcium magnesium citrate (to get 1000 mg calcium--I also get enough calcium from other sources to equal 1200 mg/day), C (1000 or more/day) and D3 (2000/day as recommended by my gynocologist for bone health).  Yep, you're right I take fistfuls of pills night & day (I take the Arimidex at night) but I'm also very healthy.  I can honestly say that the side effects I experience from Arimidex are pretty minimal.  My preexisting carpal tunnel has worsened so I wear a brace to bed most nights and see my chiropractor frequently.  My knuckles on my right hand have swollen (I went up 1 ring size) and I have a trigger finger on my ring finger (onco says both will go away when I'm finished with Arimidex). I do have hot flashes but have controlled them somewhat with diet (rarely drink, rarely have caffeine, don't like super spicy foods).  I also changed my diet entirely with the diagnosis.  I eat mainly veggies, fruits, legumes, tofu, very little grains and a little bit of chicken or fish (no dairy as I'm lactose intolerant)----this has helped me NOT to gain weight as many other women I know who are on it have---and no, I don't feel I'm deprived----I will still splurge on special occasions and have the stuff I normally don't eat (except dairy!)Wow, this turned into quite the dissertation!  Hope it helps.  My biggest recommendation is to see a naturopathic doctor! They help a lot!Blessings to you for your continued recovery!  Sewwonderfulwoman Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,Supplementation can be tricky.  There are lots of supplements out there and it is hard to be your own kitchen chemist.  One can go through many many vitamins and supplementation and not feel any better.I do know that the best vitamin/mineral supplementation to take is in liquid form.  I have heard that only 30% of pills are absorbed.  So try to look for a good liquid vit. supplement.I know of a gentleman who had colon cancer and started taking a liquid supplement and got tremendous results because of getting better nutrition.  I can find out more if you would like.  If you respond to this message then I will get an email notification that someone has responded and I can leave you my contact info. if you like.Sincerely, homeschool mom Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/20/2008 homeschool mom wrote:Hi,Supplementation can be tricky.  There are lots of supplements out there and it is hard to be your own kitchen chemist.  One can go through many many vitamins and supplementation and not feel any better.I do know that the best vitamin/mineral supplementation to take is in liquid form.  I have heard that only 30% of pills are absorbed.  So try to look for a good liquid vit. supplement.I know of a gentleman who had colon cancer and started taking a liquid supplement and got tremendous results because of getting better nutrition.  I can find out more if you would like.  If you respond to this message then I will get an email notification that someone has responded and I can leave you my contact info. if you like.Sincerely,Thanks for your response.  You are correct in the liquid supplements.  I found a powdered ionic calcium supplement that is mixed with water for better absorption.  Any other info would be appreciated.  Thanks!  Diana DianaL10 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT