I am supposed to start Arimadex this week and quite simply, I feel quite negative about it. Has anyone else gone down the really healthy eating/lifestyle, plenty of exercise, as little stress as possible etc... route?
Ah okay. I am not as well researched as I thought lol. Thank you so much:)
You can take tamoxifen after menopause. Doctors tend to mostly recommend aromatase inhibitors as they are slightly more effective in reducing recurrence in post-menopausal women. But tamoxifen still does the job almost as well. And in fact if you've had osteoporosis you might be better off on tamoxifen. AIs like Arimidex, because they completely block the production of estrogen in the body, lead to depleted bone density. Tamoxifen acts in a different way. It allows you to keep your estrogen and the benefits that go with that - such as stronger bones (among other things) - but blocks the estrogen from feeding any stray cancer cells that may remain in the body.
Women who are pre-menopausal can only take tamoxifen. AIs will not be effective for them because their ovaries are still pumping out so much estrogen. But after menopause either drug type is effective.
There may be other reasons though why your doctor doesn't want to put you on tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is also association with a slightly higher risk of strokes. So if you have any blood pressure issues you wouldn't want to take it.
But as I said, if it turns out the side effects from the Arimidex are really unpleasant why not ask you doctor whether tamoxifen could be an option for you.
Thank you Mozzie bear, It will be the best protection it seems. Yes I start at a gym next week and have already stopped all sugars - just have to get better at detecting things with sneeky sugar in. And have greatly upped the veggies. I have pretty much decided I will go on the Arimadex. Probably really not a choice, although I had hoped it might be. Thank you again xo
Thank you Tracey
Yes the weight gain worries me too. I am walking each day and am beginning at a gym next week so hopefully that does not happen. But yes I probably will take it because the alternative does not bear thinking about. Cuddles back to you too :) xo
Thank you I will more than likely take it because I would worry one heck of a lot more if I don't. I just dont want to live with bone pain which seems to be the one you just cannot avoid. xx
Thank you. Having gone through Menopause Tamoxifen isn't a choice, but I think I will be going ahead with the Arimadex. Toooo many decisions :( Thank you:)
The fact I already had osteoporosis before them. hasnt even been taken into account with the Arimadex. Which worries me greatly. chemo has prob. done more damage and then the Arimadex!!!!! But yes, I will probably be going ahead with it - too worried not to really. Thank you:)
It is daunting. You see the list of side effects and even though I know it is likely I will only get a few (or less hopefully) I think I am just over it - bit of denial me thinks. Even my nutritionist has said nup no choice. Yes treatment was only just finished christmas eve so perhaps my perspective on "normal" is a little skewed Thank you:)
I know what you mean about being emotional. Shocking:( I think I am just having a fight with my common sense, which is telling me there is really not a choice unless I want to take the chance of going through this all over again...
I have been on arimadex for over six months and while I do get some joint pain and I have put on weight, I also see this as my best protection for the years to come. This year I am going to start a gym program and follow a weight watchers diet so I am hoping this will help with all my symptoms including the fatigue I still get following my other treatment.
You can only try it and see how you go and follow the healthy lifestyle plan you have in mind as well. Everyone reacts differently to their treatment and you just won't know unless you give it a go but it is your decision.
Good luck. Maureen
