Arimidex

I was Dx in March with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma & 5 of 19 lymph nodes positive. My breast cancer is also Oestrogen +. Had a mastectomy, chemo & finished rads, now 2 weeks into arimidex. My biggest concerns are oesteoporosis & hot flushes. Will get results of bone density & Vit D on 4th Dec. But so far have had only a few mild hot flushes, much easier than when I had them during natural menopause. So I'm hoping that it does not get any worse. And there are no SEs listed about weight gain. I'm feeling pretty positive about this as a preventative treatment. 

Hi Ladies

I am new to this site.  Was diagnosed last month, had a lumpectomy - one of nodes showed micro metastases rest 4 were clear.  I am going to start radiation and zoladex and tamoxifen in next few weeks.  I am worried about the side effects like weight gain, no sex drive . I know  I shouldnt be complaining and  most of the times I am good (cheerful and positive)  I am confused  and feeling a bit down about  side effects of Tamoxifen.  I am trying to get as much information possible.

Hi Ladies

I am new to this site.  Was diagnosed last month, had a lumpectomy - one of nodes showed micro metastases rest 4 were clear.  I am going to start radiation and zoladex and tamoxifen in next few weeks.  I am worried about the side effects like weight gain, no sex drive . I know  I shouldnt be complaining and  most of the times I am good (cheerful and positive)  I am confused  and feeling a bit down about  side effects of Tamoxifen.  I am trying to get as much information possible.

Hello Pennybryn

I have just read your post here.

It could have been me writing as your words reflect my mood.

I had invasive ductal cancer, with no node involvement and have just two days to go before finishing radiotherapy.  I have just been given my script for Armidex and feel really down worrying about the weight gain having researched on the web about all the side effects.

I would love to here how you are feeling now we are into July 2012.

Up to now I have been very positive and just getting on with the journey whilst feeling very fortunate and I am sure this mood will pass soon.

Like you said, we are very lucky compared to some.

Warm regards

Angela

Thanks Jo,

Sometimes I think I analyse & read too much, and you're right there is a lot of anti Arimidex on the internet.  It is interesting that you were also diagnosed with invasive ductal and had a lumpectomy in August.  I have just completed week four of radiation, two more to go but who's counting? LOL  Next week I see the oncologist and will begin Arimidex.  Hopefully I won't get side effects, but hey, I'd never forgive myself if I didn't take it.  I might have to begin a strict exercise regime if the weight does start to increase.  Anyway, we shall see.

I am sorry to hear that your medication is having such an effect on your lifestyle, maybe there is someone you can talk to also.  Your radiotherapy may also have an effect on your tiredness at some stage, although I haven't suffered with it. I haven't been a very nice person to live with throughout all of this.  I have been very irritable and my head is very vague, (more so than normal).  I don't have kids at home any more, but I'm sure my husband wished we did have, then he wouldn't be the only one on the receiving end of my moods.

I wish you well with everything and I hope we can talk again soon.

Dale

Hi Pennybryn, and welcome.

I also was diagnosed with  invasive ductal and had a Lumpectomy in August and radiation commenced this week.  Mine is also hormone receptive  but i have been taking tomoxifen tablets (5 Years) and zoladex injections(3 years). On the Internet  there is loads of wrong advise and information  so maybe it was one of those sites that you read regarding weight gain.

Maybe ask your Doctor or breast clinic if they can refer you to a dietitian at the hospital, as they may be able to help you if you do start to gain weight.  Maybe i might do the same as i have found my medication makes me so lethargic i just eat and sleep  and are  gaining weight .  I think because i'm awake all night with horrible hot flushes and joint pain this is taking all my energy . .

Good luck with everything and let us know how you get on.

Cheers Joxx

Hi Pennybryn, and welcome.

I also was diagnosed with  invasive ductal and had a Lumpectomy in August and radiation commenced this week.  Mine is also hormone receptive  but i have been taking tomoxifen tablets (5 Years) and zoladex injections(3 years). On the Internet  there is loads of wrong advise and information  so maybe it was one of those sites that you read regarding weight gain.

Maybe ask your Doctor or breast clinic if they can refer you to a dietitian at the hospital, as they may be able to help you if you do start to gain weight.  Maybe i might do the same as i have found my medication makes me so lethargic i just eat and sleep  and are  gaining weight .  I think because i'm awake all night with horrible hot flushes and joint pain this is taking all my energy . .

Good luck with everything and let us know how you get on.

Cheers Joxx

Thank you so much for getting back to me Joy K, you have certainly covered all bases in your reply and for that I am very grateful.  I had my bone density and blood tests done last week.  My blood tests were all fine but I did need to commence vitamin D.  I get the bone density results when I go back to my oncologist next week.  From your advice it doesn't sound like weight gain would be a problem on Arimidex, so maybe I am just panicking over nothing, or been reading the wrong information.  The loss of appetite wouldn't be a bad thing as I'd do anything to get out of breakfast. LOL.

May I ask what "trigger finger" is, and if it isn't too rude of me or a personal question, may I ask why you were only on Arimidex for a "short time"?.  If I am overstepping the boundaries here I apologise and I don't expect you to answer.

Again, thank you so much for your assistance.

Best wishes, Pennybryn

Hi Pennybryn,

Congratulations on your weight loss, it certainly gets harder to do this as we get older.

I was on Arimidex (Anastrozole) and was given an information sheet before I started on it. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor which reduces the amount of oestrogen made by the body. Usually used in post-menapausal women.

As it is not a steroid you should not have any problems with weight gain. I have just re-read all the likely side effects ranging from serious side effects such as major allergy, to uncomfortable side effects such as loss of appetite to very rare side effects such as 'trigger finger', and nowhere does it mention weight gain.

The main side effect from all Aromatase Inhibitors (AI's) is bone density loss. You will need ongoing monitoring for this. Watch your calcium intake and try to keep your Vitamin D intake high. Both of these readings can be obtained through a blood test.

I know I actually lost weight on Arimidex, for the short time I was on it. I lost all interest in food and it could get to be mid afternoon before I realised I had not had breakfast!

Ask your prescribing doctor or GP to print you out an information sheet on Arimidex.

With love

Joy K