anastrozole

my Oncologist says my last visit will be in December ( after 5years)  dont know if he will stop the hormone blocker but if he does then what?? am I suddenly no longer hormone sensitive to breast cancer ??

This article does list skin benefits of fennel so I guess why this might be helpful.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/what-fennel-good-6-conditions-it-can-help-relieve-330946

Thanks so much Jane. The gynae at the hospital today hadn't heard of it. I'm seeing my oncologist tommorrow so will ask again and if no luck head to the GP. Cheers xo

Hi Janine, there isn't much information on the container.  My GP researched that post menopausal women in ancient Egypt used fennel internally as protection against vaginal atrophy.  He has a local compounding pharmacy make a soft cream containing 5% fennel which is syringed (1ml) and injected nightly high into the vagina. I do think it has made a difference. Given that any HRT is out of the question for me, I'm more than happy to give some natural remedies a go!  Hope you can get something similar Janine.  Jane xx

I have just come off Letrazole, Femara after 6 years. Most side effects that I had dissappeared after a year or so. Due to low bone density I have been switched back on to Tamaoxifen for a few more years. This will have a better effect on my bones than the femara had and hopefully it will increase the density while still protecting me from a recurrence. While on Femara I noticed considerable skin and vaginal dryness. I have only been back on Tamaoxifen for about 3 weeks, but already i can notice that my vaginal dryness has eased quite a bit.
Chris xx

Hopes and dreams I'd love to know more about the fennel cream you mentioned. Can you please post some details I see my Gynae tommorrow.  Thanks Janine xo

Hello @LadyLace, I completely understand how you feel.  I was prescribed Arimidex following my mastectomy last August.  I was ER/PR 100%.  I also had my prescription sitting on my bench for a fortnight while I Googled side effects, feedback, experiences etc.  Finally, I went to my GP and shared my concerns.  His wife was diagnosed with breast cancer a year before me and he has done a lot of research on managing Anastrozole side effects.  I know everyone responds to drugs differently, but he gave me the confidence that I would be OK with it.  My body doesn't make Vitamin B12 and have had B12 injections every 2 months for the past 30 years.  I also am low in vitamin D so take a compounding prescription of 25000 ic per week.   He believed these 2 vitamins would have a positive effect on reducing side effects. 
Anyway, 10 months on I appear to be one of the lucky ones and am almost side effect free.  I take glucosamine, calcium, vitamin C and magnesium daily.  I try to exercise, walk regularly and eat a healthy diet.
There is a bit of stiffness when I kneel and get up (maybe just age tho haha) a couple of extra kilos I am having trouble shifting and some general dryness.   I'm using a compounding facial moisturiser which contains niacinamide and also a compounding prescription for a fennel cream vaginal moisturiser.  Both work great in keeping my skin healthy.
I'll have a bone density scan shortly at my 12 month check up which I'm a bit worried about, but I know there is treatment available to help me if my bone health has gone backwards.
Some of the ladies on this forum haven't had a good experience with Arimidex and my heart goes out to them.
All I can say is that we don't all experience the same side effects - I really hope you are one of the lucky ones Ladylace.
Wishing you all the best, Jane xx

Ps you can get the For Benefits Medicine brand of Anastrazole and profits go half to research and half to breast cancer network. Makes me feel better about taking it:)
janine xo

Hi ladylace. I changed from tamoxifen to Anastrazole nine months ago. I feel better on this one. Yes the muscle and bone pain is awful but I manage that with panadol Osteo magnesium vit d and calcium. Dryness is another prob to continuously manage. Dry eyes mouth skin vagina. Apart from the physical side effects I am me on Anastrazole compared to Tamoxifen which made me mentally foggy. Happy to answer any other questions. Good luck 
Janine xo

Is this Arimidex? If so, it is an aromatase inhibitor usually prescribed for post menopausal women (the other is Femara). I have only used it briefly as I have been on Femara for over 4 years (will be on for 5 in all) and appear to have had no side effects other than the known effect of a reduction in bone density. Perhaps some others who have been on Arimidex can comment?