I havn't posted for a while as I was not too good on the last chemo I had, and had to refuse the 4th and last chemo. 6 weeks of radiation and no problems with that, I am now taking femara and want to know if there is anyone who has had an ok experience with this drug.
pressed too may buttons. sorry.
I have been on femara for two years and have learnt to manage femara on a day-to-day basis. By this I mean that no amount of wishing I didn't have muscle and joint pain, which comes and goes in intensity, some insomnia, and perspiring more than I remember I used to (I wouldn't say I have actual sweats, I'm just more perspirey) makes it better.
I have found that since I have my mojo back after chemo and herceptin, which both left me very fatigued, I can easily make sure I either swim or bike-ride and walk as much as I can without my ankles becoming painful, on an every day basis.
I use 2000mg of fish oil and glucosomine and chondroitin every day. No idea if these are effective for femara side effects in reality but they are heplful for my arthritic ankles, and the fish oil is helpful in maintaining good cholesterol.
I take two panadol rapid every night (oncologists suggestion) and just keep moving. I am grateful that I feel mentally and physically well these days and can thank the researchers who discovered femara and its benefits.
I would really LOVE those researchers to find a way around the myriad side effects of AIs and also tamoxifen. Maybe some day...
So, I wouldn't ever say I have had an OK experience with femara, but it's good enough.
One other thing - thinking of having to take it for another three years doesn't help me. I will just take one tomorrow morning, then the next day, the next, the next, and so on.
I hope you can manage on it. Keep us posted.
All the best.
Thanks Kerrie for your reply I have been on it for about a month and a half and have just noticed the sweats mainly at night I thought I was over them with menopause 7 years in. I have a pain in my hip my moods are not very good but like you I will just keep on with it for the end result. I had AC chemo but had to refuse the last one as I was so sick. They told me I wont be having any more tests unless I have symptoms, apart from mammogram of course. Please let me know how you go with your test results, I have not heard of the Xgeva before.
