Pain/mood management

Hope so too. Bloody awful things  :)

I didn’t really expect anything to change at all @kmakm . I figured my overies were dried up raisins already so removing them would make no difference at all :)
I only had a couple of flushes a night where I kicked the quilt off but nothing for the last 2 nights. Rather get none so let’s hope this continues!   

That is interesting @Hopes_and_Dreams. Were you expecting this side effect?

@Sister  I have a prescription for a fennel based cream from a compounding pharmacist.  It is syringed to the vagina at night and helps maintain internal vaginal suppleness and moisture.  The story goes it was used by ancient Egyptians as a natural remedy for this particular side effect of menopause.
My GP’s wife also had breast cancer so I am benefiting from much of his year long research to help her.
 @PatsyN I would expect that an element of vaginal atrophy would be naturally occurring post menopause but yes, Arimidex does it’s best to suppress the oestrogen stragglers still being made in our bodies.  I was concerned too but it is manageable and worth it to keep cancer at bay.  
Talk to your GP about your concerns - there are all sorts of natural products which can help you.

Interesting side note - I had a full hysterectomy on Tuesday (uterus, tubes, ovaries and cervix)
and I haven’t had one hot flush since, not even at night??   Jane x

@Hopes_and_Dreams What is fennel cream?  I've never heard of it and a quick google just brought up food recipes!

@Hopes_and_Dreams - My first bone density scan is next Tuesday. After the frying I got from radiation I've been asked to not fall over because my ribs are so brittle. It was suggested that I look out for stones and things that I might trip over.
No one mentioned galloping a horse bareback down the beach (which is my plan).
My joints have been aching since day 1 of chemo, lol, so I can deal with that.
I've been thru menopause so hot flushes no big deal.
Putting on weight would be fantastic. My usual weight is 45 kgs which is too thin on a woman my age but at present I'm only 41 kilos.
But vaginal atrophy?
I'm afraid that's a dealbreaker.
I've still got the script in my bag...
Thanks so much for all your info.
I'm really hoping I won't even notice, it's been 12 months of pain already so I'm kinda used to it, I guess...

Back again @PatsyN - there is another side effect to Arimidex (and an important one, so I’m surprised I forgot it!) and that’s loss of bone density.  I’ve been having bone density scans for a couple of years due to early menopause.   My left hip is a problem area and has deteriorated further since taking Arimidex.  My oncologist said it’s not in the danger zone yet but I have started 6 monthly prolia injections.  My next scan is in August so fingers crossed it hasn’t worsened.  
All the exercise and calcium hasn’t made much difference to me but I know many of the ladies have had great success in reversing bone loss x

Hi @PatsyN, I completely understand your fears about starting Arimidex.  I held onto my box for 2 weeks before I got up the courage to take one.  All I can say is we are all different and not everyone gets any or all of the side effects.  I’ve been taking Arimidex for 21 months and have minimal problems.  I’ve managed to put on 4kg which I can’t seem to shift but I’m tall and can cope with that.  A bit more self discipline needed I think haha. I was already menopausal so the hot flushes were nothing new and they have just about disappeared.   I have a good GP who is always looking at complementary products and he prescribed me fennel cream for vaginal atrophy (syringed) plus I take glucosamine, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D.  Yep, I rattle in the morning!  Exercise is really important to keep your joints flexible.  There has been some discussion re when is the best time to take Arimidex.  I take mine in the morning, others prefer night.  Just give it some time and see what works for you.  
I really hope you are one of the lucky ones - sadly we don’t have a lot of choice but you will have the option of switching drugs if Arimidex doesn’t suit you.  Good luck.  Jane x

@"Beryl C." - You've made my day knowing that I can get patches for Arimidex. Not that I shall ask unless needed, and I hope I won't need them but good to they are safe to use during whilst taking Arimidex.
It's interesting to me the differing effects drugs have on the various individuals who take them.
I only noticed gradually how good I was feeling though.
When I'd got to midday the day after the patch went on I realised I hadn't cried since I woke up and thought that the tears would surely come. The only crying I've done in the last 2 weeks is for the usual things I'll always shed a little tear over, like the fact there there is so much war and suffering in this beautiful world we all live in.
Thanks for your response
Cheers 

Hi PatsyN - I've been taking Arimidex for seven years and the side effects have been unpleasant. (I've given a description in previous posts). Should you have unwelcome side effects don't hesitate to ask for the patches again. I tried these a few years ago but after a few days of alarming 'tripping out' (as the hippies called it) my doctor advised me to stop using them. I now rely on Panadol, coffee with friends and knitting for pain management. This discussion list is 'the best' and I  thank BCNA for establishing a venue for sharing and discussion.