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seaford_jenny's avatar
seaford_jenny
Member
14 years ago

arimidex

I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in may. since I have had lump removed 4 rounds of chemo and 20 radiation treatments I then had both ovaries and fallopean tubes remove.

I am due to start Arimidex and would like to hear from any one taking it as there has been some publicity stating it had now been withdrawn in the US and drug administration are currently looking at withdrawing it here.

I have no other cancer and I am not sure if I should be taking this as the side effects can be quite severe in some cases. I have contacted my Oncologist and I am awaiting a reply.

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  • hilsandglen's avatar
    hilsandglen
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Jane, I have had a mastectomy after being diagnosed ER +++ and HER2+++ with 4 tumours the biggest being 80mm . I have finished my chemo and radio and am still having herceptin. I have just had my ovaries removed via keyhole surgery and found the operation was fine I was a little  sore for a few days nothing that a couple of panadol couldn't fix. I have also started on Arimidex, my knees get a little stiff when I have been sitting down for too long, and I have been getting pimples on my face !!!! I had a couple of days when I cried non stop, the Dr told me that was common so I didnt worry too much, although I am a bit more emotional than usual . All things taken into consideration it hasn't been as bad as I thought t was going to be so fingers crossed all will be fine for you too Best regardsHilary xxxx

  • seaford_jenny's avatar
    seaford_jenny
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi yes had my ovaries and tubes removed 2 weeks ago as yet no symptoms but i am post menapausal most oncologists only remove them after 40ish, i had no cancer on my ovaries but my mother had breat cancer 30 years ago which spread to her ovaries.treatments are much improved today. i had my lump removed in may followed by 4 rounds of chemo docetaxol and cyclophosphamide, after two weeks break i had 20 radiation treatments which i hadno issue with other than some fatigue towards the end. i then had 2 week break and ovaries removed. At present i feel fine maybe a bit tired but otherwise ok. i started taking arimidex yesterday so i will keep you posted as to the outcome. im not sure if this helps wishhing you well with your treatment all the best jenny

  • Jrova's avatar
    Jrova
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Jenny, I was just discussing having my ovaries removed with my oncologist today. How did you find the operation and have you had a difficult time with menopause symptoms? I think she's planning on putting me on Arimidex afterwards too. I know everyone responds differently but I'd still appreciate hearing how it was for you. Regards xx Jane
  • Jrova's avatar
    Jrova
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Jenny, I was just discussing having my ovaries removed with my oncologist today. How did you find the operation and have you had a difficult time with menopause symptoms? I think she's planning on putting me on Arimidex afterwards too. I know everyone responds differently but I'd still appreciate hearing how it was for you. Regards xx Jane
  • seaford_jenny's avatar
    seaford_jenny
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi ladies thanks for your input on further investigation it appears it is avastin that is under investigation not arimidex. i start taking it tomorrow and hopefully will have no side effects best wishes and good luck to you all  love jenny

  • seaford_jenny's avatar
    seaford_jenny
    Member
    14 years ago

    hi ladies thanks for your input on further investigation it appears it is avastin that is under investigation not arimidex. i start taking it tomorrow and hopefully will have no side effects best wishes and good luck to you all  love jenny

  • kay's avatar
    kay
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi, I am taking it. I just seem to have stiff joints. My engagement ring and eternity ring won't fit over my knuckle most times.

    Kay

  • kay's avatar
    kay
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi, I am taking it. I just seem to have stiff joints. My engagement ring and eternity ring won't fit over my knuckle most times.

    Kay

  • Joy_K's avatar
    Joy_K
    Member
    14 years ago

    I agree with Chris, it is Avastin (a chemotherapy) that has been withdrawn in USA. Think it is still available here for metastatic breast cancer, but it is one of the chemos with profound and lasting side effects. I was on Arimidex tablets for a while and didn't notice any side effects, hopefully it will be the same for you. I breezed through chemo but I come unstuck with the contrast drink before CT scans every time! Now ask for a chuck bag with it.

    With love

    Joy K