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Kripa's avatar
Kripa
Member
3 years ago

Exemestane side effects

Hi lovelies, I have not posted in a while.
Diagnosed last November invasive ductal carcinoma. Had a lumpectomy and it was hormone postive, so had chemo 3 rounds, had to cancel the last round as reacted badly. Then radiation which was fine. Now started on the exemestane tablets daily and zolodex injections. Now developed unexplained high blood pressure, and for me it's always been on the low side. So now GP has put me on BP medications. I don't know what's next. 
For someone who hated taking any medications except for the odd Panadol, I am just exhausted and as to how many more medicines I will have to take to counter the side effects of what I am on for the cancer. On top off this there is pressure to remove my ovaries.

Sometimes I feel regret at finding the dam lump.in the first place.

Sorry about the rant. 
  • Sounds familar 😱
    Be vigilant with side effects
    Always follow up with Oncologist
    Always have side effects followed up 
    Check temp and unexplained pains or  breathing and cold chivers or unable to tolerate food and water
    Was on everolomis examestane combo...Went to emergency for unexplained major headache no other symptoms...Had brain scan all clear
    5 days later Pnuenomitis in care unit for four days..changed meds
    Side effects lasted two months

    Was very glad to have hospital with vigilant cancer care team and no problems entering by emergency 
    All the best
    Bright in hope

  • Hi there
    I Sometimes joke I am “ sponsored by Pfizer”!
    I had a petscan when I was diagnosed with breast cancer due to the size of my tumour that showed a tiny thyroid cancer which meant I had my thyroid removed as well as a double mastectomy.
    I now take a pill every morning to replicate the work my thyroid did - I am amazed that a tiny pill can do this.
    Similarly I take exemastine daily to help prevent a recurrence   Of my breast cancer - I have some side effects but am managing them - I will do what I can to keep on living my best life - if you have side effects from the drugs raise them with your medical team - there are things that can be done  to help with any side effects.
    Take care 🌺

  • Hi @Kripa, I hear you. I was diagnosed 30 Apr 2020. Surgery, chemo 12 rounds and 20 rounds radium. I stated tamoxifen in November 2020. Weight gain, fatigue, breathlessness, mood changes and heart palpation. Heart tests, offered anti depressant but after talking to oncologist she recommended a break. Had a 6 week break but now Letrozole. Some stiffness and joint pain and weight gain. I take panadol for pain, stretch exercises, walk and pilates. I am on thyroid meds too as under active thyroid. I have had 4 melanoma and see a dermatologist every 6 months. Over the last 20 I have about 40 skin biopsies. In the last 10 yrs I have had 9 surgeries requiring general anaesthetics. It is exhausting but I am here and I just keep going as the other option is attractive 🤣. Hang in there. Keep going warrior 💐
  • Thank you all , for sharing your journeys , knowing that I am not alone is such a support. 
    I will take the advice and look into the side effects I am having.
    God bless

  • Hi @Kripa,

    I also had blood pressure issues. Apparently exemastane can increase blood pressure by 10%. Im on tablets.

    Re ovaries i have had a few throw away comments from onc about if i wanted to remove ovaries. Like its something you might choose like your socks. Ive just told them im trying to hold onto my remaining body parts thanks. 

    Hang in there. Apart from hot flushes, ive found exercise very useful for other side effects like joint pain. 

    Michele
  • Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing.
    So does this mean U are now taking BP medication and it has controlled it?
    Are U on the zolodex injections? And for how long.
    Just had my zolodex today? 
    I am definitely excercising , keeps my mind sane.
    Thanks again.