Angela

Thanks everyone. It's reassuring to know I can get such reliable first hand knowledge on this site.

Hi Tanya

Your children are young, which makes you young too.  I hope you don't have to do 10yrs on Arimidex.  Keep on keeping on - we all will.

All the best - Judi

Hi Shirl

Good on you for keeping up your regular exercise.  Main thing is we're all still here and not doing too bad, all things considered.  Keep up the good work.  Wish I was as good as you at the exercising.

Take care too - Judi

Oh my goodness Judi I hope I dont have to do 10, but I will if I have to.  My children are still only 6 and 8 so if it means staying cancer free for longer I will continue, but so hope I can kick those little white pills to the curb!!!!

Hello Meir

I can understand how you are feeling with sore joints. It is a very common side affect when taking Arimidex.  I have tried Aromasin and Femara and for me personally, I found them worse. I hope your doctor has also given you medication for your bones.  I take Actonel Combi.  Good luck with it all and I hope you too will have the strength and support to get through it all.

What relief and reassurance I've received from reading all these comments. I've just started Arimidex and stiffness and aches in my hips and lower back are scary and I was beginning to wonder if they are connected to the medication or not. I'll talk to my GP today. I think you are all amazing ladies and do hope and pray that you will all have the strength and support you need to get through whatever lies ahead of you.

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