Depression & Femara

Suse1263
Suse1263 Member Posts: 10
edited September 2015 in Health and wellbeing

Hi Ladies,

I started taking Femara in April and although I initially thought I was okay on the drug, I could not have been more wrong! I had joint pain which I expected due to the joint pain I had experience during chemotherapy. What I did not expect was the carpel tunnel, muscle weakness and depression to the point of not wanting to be here, which is ridiculous considering that we are fighting like hell to be here. My oncologist has given me a holiday from it for 6 weeks as I still have 4 more Herceptin treatments and she is talking about Tamoxifen will be my next step and to be honest from all the research I have been doing it does not seem a hell of a lot different to Femara and I cannot go through this depression again. I am now three weeks off the Femara and within 10 days I started feeling like I was coming out of a fog and each day my mood has improved as has my carpel tunnel, muscle weakness and joint pain.

I am considering not taking any hormone therapy as for me life living like that is not living! Any experiences or thoughts appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • KarenneW
    KarenneW Member Posts: 43 ✭
    edited September 2015

    Hi Suse,  I was originally prescribed Acrimidex and then at about the 6 month mark apart from some other issues I spoke to my Specialist and he prescribed Femura for me.  I had the Script filled, and only really took it for about 10 days and felt so unwell on it, I stopped and went back to my Acrimidex.  I have to say that since going back, apart from the usual aches and pains in my knees and hands I feel so much better.  I also am on Sertraline (my happy pill) which helps with the negative thoughts and these certainly help me. 
    I saw my Specialist last week and told him and he said so long as I was taking something he was happy.  I also take Tumeric capsules and Krill Oil capsules which help with the aches and pains.  Why not speak to your Oncologist and see if a change is worth trying..   Karenne

  • Suse1263
    Suse1263 Member Posts: 10
    edited September 2015

    HI Karenne,

    Thank you so much for your reply... Your honesty was very much appreciated... I will speak with the Oncologist but my two non-negotiable side effects are the depression and carpel tunnel (I could not even wring a cloth or pick up a cup without extreme pain) which is a strong side effect of Arimidex. The depression I now realise started around 6 weeks from the initial dose and was life threatening to me.

    Thanks again lovely lady... Susan

  • Mozzie Bear
    Mozzie Bear Member Posts: 88 ✭
    edited September 2015

    Hi Suse, I am taking Arimidex as well.  Started a few months ago and noticed a distinct shift in my mood.  I severe case of the sads I called it - not the severe depression you have experienced.  I did tell my oncologist but I had only been on it then for a couple of months so we agreed I would persist at least until my next consult in December.  I have found that if I take a multi vitamin I am much better - I don't know which bit helps but I'm not going to complain.  I have also found that exercise really helps. 

    My onc also suggested counselling to help deal with all that has happened.  I am now one year since diagnosis so that is probably a good idea although I am positive it is the medication that is causing the change in my mood.

    Good luck. Maureen

  • KarenneW
    KarenneW Member Posts: 43 ✭
    edited September 2015

    Hi Suse,
    How are you going now?  I've only just seen your post.  I noticed that Mossiebear also responded and she mentioned about seeing a Counselor.  I forgot to mention that when I had my attack of "the sads" and couldn't control my tears or thoughts I saw my GP who in turn referred me to a Psychologist.  I went along thinking she can't help me, but in the end I felt so much better by having someone to talk to about my journey.  I live on my own and although I have dogs and they are good listeners they don't give much response unfortunately.  Have to say that my hands and knees are really causing me problems at the moment, but I'm getting through.  Hope you are feeling better.
    Big Hugz Karenne

  • LucyQ
    LucyQ Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2015

    Hi Karenne

    I am on Femara and am about to see a hand surgeon about my bilateral de quervains. The aches in my joints have been helped by shark cartilage and lypronil (Blackmores green lipped mussel)

    I am just ploughing on as anything is better than the alternative at the moment.

    Lucyq

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