Angela

Thanks Judi Ann,

I'll keep you informed on how I go with 2nd treatment. Good news is it did not hurt. I didn't know what to expect as have not had acupuncture before, but all good. If you do have to go back on Arimidex then maybe try acupuncture as well.At least it can't hurt to try.

I have also had three sessions in the hydro pool to try to build up my muscles (forgot I had them) around my knees and ankles to help keep the strain off my joints, so this might be worth a try for you also if you get the joint  pain again.

I find that nurifen plus also helps.

Good luck for the 11th.

 

Hi Genetten

So good to hear the actupuncture seems to be working and with just one treatment. Like you I hope this treatment will really ease joint pain for you.  If I have to go back on Arimidex, I might consider the same.

I see the Oncologist on 11th Oct for a 2nd opinion, so it will be interesting to hear what he might suggest.  Because the surgeon wants me to take Arimidex for 10yrs, I have a feeling the oncologist might just agree with him.

Good luck with your acupuncture.

 

 

Hi all,

I saw the acupuncturist yesterday for the nerve damage in my fingers and the joint pain in hands. She said that if it was going to work I should feel improvement within 12 to 24 hours. Well, last night I finally had a night's sleep without being woken up with my hands going to sleep. I hope it will continue and the same happens tonight. I am going back to her in a fortnight for another treatment so I will report in again then. But so far so good.

I hope all is goimng well for you all. 

 

Hi Judi

Now that you mention it, I don't know of anyone who has been taking Arimedex for so long.....

In my case the surgeon removed 24 lymph nodes, 6 were involved.  I had a lumpectomy, the borders were clear.  I had radiotherapy and chemo...!  Then, the oncologist said that I had to take Tamoxifen but as I explained before it didn't work for me and I was prescribe Arimedex, that according to the oncologist was the best in this situation.

Keep in touch, all the best

Norma

 

Hi Judi

Now that you mention it, I don't know of anyone who has been taking Arimedex for so long.....

In my case the surgeon removed 24 lymph nodes, 6 were involved.  I had a lumpectomy, the borders were clear.  I had radiotherapy and chemo...!  Then, the oncologist said that I had to take Tamoxifen but as I explained before it didn't work for me and I was prescribe Arimedex, that according to the oncologist was the best in this situation.

Keep in touch, all the best

Norma

 

Hi Norma

Thanks very much for your message.  You are the only person I've heard of, except for myself, who is having to take Arimidex longer than 5years.  Do you know why your oncologist wants you to take it for 8yrs?  I understand the reason I have to is due to having 4 out of 12 lymph nodes under my arm having cancer too.

I do admire you for being so positive and I also agree we are better to take the Arimidex, despite the joint pains, etc rather than the alternative.

Keep on fighting and I will too.

Regards - Judi Ann

Hi Judy Ann

I've been on Arimedex for 7 years.....Yes, there are side effects however, I'd rather take the tablet daily than risk cancer returning. I'm aware that there are no guaranties.  My oncologist said that the best would be to take it for 8 years but if I have to take it longer I think that I will.

I was on Tamoxifen for almost 1 year and had polyps so my dr prescribed Arimedex. I had joint pain (very mild now), my hair is thinner than before and has affected my bone density but I'm here fighting....

Regards

Norma

Hi Judy Ann

I've been on Arimedex for 7 years.....Yes, there are side effects however, I'd rather take the tablet daily than risk cancer returning. I'm aware that there are no guaranties.  My oncologist said that the best would be to take it for 8 years but if I have to take it longer I think that I will.

I was on Tamoxifen for almost 1 year and had polyps so my dr prescribed Arimedex. I had joint pain (very mild now), my hair is thinner than before and has affected my bone density but I'm here fighting....

Regards

Norma

Hi Lynne

My GP has referred me to an Oncologist for a second opinion about Arimidex, so meantime, I am off it on a trial basis and the joint pain has eased in 12 weeks for sure.  My GP thinks I could take Tamoxifen, but I have read things about this as well.  You are right in that it's better to take it and have a better chance of not getting cancer again.  I hope we can keep in touch.

Judi Ann

Hi Judi Ann,

I have not heard of anyone having to take Arimidex for 10 years. i ahve been prescribed for 5 years and have now been on it for 6 weeks. i have noticed considerable differance in my joints-knees,ankles and especially hands. I already have nerve damage from the chemo and arthritis so my hands are a mess.I am frustrated with the loss of dexterity in my ability to use my hands so I am hoping that this will improve. I will give the drug another month and hope I see some improvement. I am going to exercises in a thermal pool (started today) so am hoping this may help my joints. i have also booked in to see an acupuncturist in 2 weeks so lets hope that helps the hands & nerve damage.

I had a bone density scan before starting the drug and am also on calcium and vit d supplements. I hope your dr has checked these out for you as the supplements will help with the bone density issues.  

For joint pain i am also taking glucosamine and fish oil. I'm willing to try these if I can get some improvements.

 

My last resort is going off the Arimidex as I hope my symptoms will improve and better than cancer returning.