Angela

Hi Genetten

I'm wondering if you've made a decision as to whether to stay on Arimidex or not.  After being on Femara the last few weeks, I'm beginning to think Arimidex is better.  As well as sweating, I think I am a bit short of breath, plus have a few other side effects such as tiredness, fatigue, etc.  I see the oncologist on the 8th, so will ask his advice.  It could be that I haven't given Femara enough time?

The joint pain certainly isn't something one can ignore and I wish you good luck with your decision.  I guess being on medication helps prevent a recurrance, which should be considered.

All the best.

Hi Lynne

Nice surprise to return home and find your message.  I think you should talk to your doc again, though they normally seem to have made up their minds as to what's right for us!!  I guess I'll be able to tell in a couple of weeks whether the pain has returned in full again or not.  I do know Femara is much the same as Arimidex (and Aromasin) and all have the same side-effects, but who knows, one might be different for some people. I have noticed already today (after one tablet) I seem to be 'sweating'.  It's not cold here on the Gold Coast, but I don't usually sweat this much!  Here's hoping your doc might listen to you and help. 

I'll look forward to keeping in touch.

Judi

Hi Judi, thanks for the quick reply. That is very interesting. I will definitely talk to my doc again next month when I go back. I should be more pushy! Normally I just take what they tell me and don't question but this pain is getting worse. Fortunately the other side effects have lessened considerably as I don't want to stop taking the Arimidex. I will definitely keep in touch,

Lynne

Hello Lynne.  This was the first time I'd seen this Oncologist - for a 2nd opinion re the Arimidex.  He seemed thorough and read up various things on his computer.  He's printed me out quite a few pages to read which I'll do shortly.  He read my GP's referral and copy surgeon's report she had enclosed.  Today, I have started on Femara - to see how this goes, though I know Femara has much the same side-effects as Arimidex.  Guess it's a matter of wait and see!  The Onc also gave me a brochure about 'Novartis Oncology Bisphosphonate Access Programme'.  He didn't seem too happy about the Actonel-Combi D medication i take for my bones, opting for this other programme instead perhaps.  It's given by way of infusion and I think it could be yearly.  Doesn't cost anything so long as one is on the programme. I return to see the Onc in four weeks.  I guess by then, I'll know whether the joint pain has increased again.  I wish I didn't have to take it, but the alternative is worse! 

I hope we can keep in touch.  Judi

Hi Genetten

Thanks for your query. I posted a blog last night, but perhaps it didn't get through?  The Onc went through my referral and copy surgeon's report which my GP had given him.  He also read up things on his computer and has printed me out quite a few pages to read (which I haven't had time to yet, but will).  He prescribed Femara to see how this goes and I started it today.  He didn't seem to be happy about me taking Actonel-Combi D for my bones (I think he more or less suggested that could have problems too).  He has given me a brochure about a programme called Novartis Onc Bisphosphonate Access where you have regular infusions for bones (at no cost as a participant in the programme),  I notice the brochure states the Aclasta therapy is yearly for up to 3 yrs while being treated with aromatose inhibitors (like Femara and Arimidex).  I see Femara has the same sort of side-effects as Arimidex, so it's just a matter of 'wait and see' I guess.  I go back to see the Onc in four weeks.

I will be very interested to hear what your onc says. I don't see mine again until next Feb,

Lynne

Hi Genetton, I have mentioned it to everyone but none of them seem concerned. If I am walking straight and flat it is just a bit of an ache but if I slightly twist my leg I get a searing pain which stops me in my tracks. My hand gets stiff and aches and that is a completely different pain to the leg. I think I will have to make more noise next time at the doctors,

Thanks for replying,

Lynne

Hi Judi Ann,

 

How did you go yesterday?

 

Hi Judi Ann,

 

How did you go yesterday?

 

Hello Genetten

Thanks for your good luck wishes for my appointment with the oncologist.  I'll let you know once I've seen him on Tuesday.

I think we are all experiencing quite severe joint pains, but must say I'm concerned at going off the medication permanently because the alternative is not good for sure.  It has been suggested to me by breast care nurses, etc that I could try the other medications - Femara and Aromasin, though I understand they too have much the same side-effects.  It is stressful having the pain and I've found by stopping on this trial basis, the pain has eased.  I have a 'Pinkie' (breast cancer friend) who was on Arimidex for 5yrs and then allowed to stop.  Now, after 9 years, she has cancer in the other breast and she phoned me to suggest perhaps I should continue to take Arimidex. 

I'm not exactly sure how to write back to you in this block, only seem to know how to reply, so if you don't hear from me, please send a message and then I can reply to let you know what the oncologist has to say.

Hang in there.