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Hi Ros,

You don't need to be IT savvy, you are doing just fine :). The Online Network is here to support, respond and help in any way we can.

If you need any other help please let me know.

~ Ann-Marie x

Hi Jan - one day at a time is so right - hope the radiation isn't causing you too much discomfort.  I got a good laugh out of the '7 dwarves of menopause'.  RosG x

Saw my Breast care doctor today.  She was very helpful.  Some of the stats she gave me on Arimidex  -10% of women decide not to take any follow up medication - 20% of women change medications during the five years - didn't have % but apparently a lot of women see a decrease in bone density on Arimidex- some alternatives are Aromasin/Femara/Tamoxifen. She understood my objection to starting the spiral of taking medication, and then having to take another medication to counteract a side affect of the arimidex - also understood my concern about the side affects given my otherwise current good state of health and fitness - still not sure if I will take it - could try it for a few months and see how I feel I suppose.  Hope everyone has had a good day today.  RosG x

Hello Robyn W, thanks for the info. As I had a hysterectomy some time ago I'm not really sure if I am going through menopause. I get warm feeling every now and then, not sure if that is the hot flushes. I guess I will soon know when I start tamoxifen. Thanks maria

Thanks Glynnis - nice to hear from real people instead of all the horror stories on mr google.  RosG

Hi rosg, welcome to this site not that any of us want to be here but here is the best place to be. I have been taking armidex now for about 3 weeks, have notice joint and bone pains at night, with stiffness during the day but all good once I get going, planning to take some panadol when I go to bed from now on and hoping these side effects settle down. Take care Glynnis ????

Hi Ann-Marie

I am not sure how to answer messages - do I answer them individually or just make comments on the 'comments' section at the top of the page - not really IT savvy.  It was so nice to get so many responses.  You guys run a wonderful service.  Ros x

Thanks to everyone out there for your messages. I finished my 30th radiation treatment today - thought I would be relieved but think I am now falling in a heap.  I guess that's what happens when you stop to think.  I am going to see my breast care doctor tomorrow to see if I can get some more stats on the arimidex I hope - will keep you informed.  Take care all  xx

Hi Rs and welcome to our site, I've just started on Arimidex and was told of some of the side effects that could occur. Have been on them for about 6 weeks now, just a little joint stiffness, but once you get moving it settles. Don't know any stats on not taking them. Hope that this helps, Trace ??????

Hi ROSG, welcome to the site. When I was moved from Tamoxifen to Arimidex some months back there was some concern about the effects on my bone density as I have borderline osteopenia so there were a few things my oncologist did:

1) ordered a bone density scan that, when compared to a previous scan, showed my bone density as stable - if it had continued to decline she would have left me on Tamoxifen, which does offer some protection for bones,  

2) put me on a bone thickening drug (Alendrobell) that I had to have once a week, and

3) continued advising me on the need for Vitamin D, exercise etc.

All was going OK until I had some unexplained bleeding which possibly indicated I wasn't entirely post-menopausal, so I'm back on the Tamoxifen until February as Arimidex is not effective with pre-menopausal women. If I'm going back on Arimidex in February my oncologist will closely monitor my bone density (yearly scans) and will put me back on the bone thickening drug.

Two of my tumours were strongly hormone positive (as per the pathology report), so either Tamoxifen or Arimidex (or similar) are an important part of my continuing treatment and although the side effects were initially pretty horrible (constant hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain etc) they have settled. As suggested, it would be good to chat to your oncologist to understand more about the role of hormone therapy in your treatment plan and why it is important for you. Best wishes, Jane xx