I have just finished 6 weeks of Radiotherapy, and am enjoying being home again. My oncologist is thinking about changing me from Arimidex to Tamoxifen due to some osteoporosis showing up in my lower back after a bone density test. I have been reading about some of the side effects of Tamoxifen and feel quite anxious. I am past menopause and have had a hysterectomy long ago. Any comments welcome.
Hi Debsx. I was advised straight after my path reports came in to start Arimidex, and also calcium and Vit D, now also Protos granules for the osteoporosis. I guess it depends on your specialist. Good luck, Viv48
Hi hippyviv. Arimidex has had very few side effects for me, apart from the bone density issue. The Protos granules are ok to take, and the side eff from them has eased. I think it is worthwhile for me. All the best, Viv
Hi ladies
Hi Viv It is hard to know what is best with tihs isnt it?
I found reading your posts intereting as I am waiting to see the oncologist in order to start arimidrex or the like. He hasnt really explained which one yet!!
I was interested to see that you have had endocrine therapy whilst having rads - I am having rads at the moment but my oncologist is only starting other after rads had finished!!
Is this usual or unusual ?
I have signs of oesteopenia already and ahvent started anything yet - so will have to do something for my bones !!
Not sure which he will choose - I too am postmenopausal but havent had a hysterectomy !
Hope that you find a settledness about how you move forward!!
All the best
Debsx
Hi ladies
Hi Viv It is hard to know what is best with tihs isnt it?
I found reading your posts intereting as I am waiting to see the oncologist in order to start arimidrex or the like. He hasnt really explained which one yet!!
I was interested to see that you have had endocrine therapy whilst having rads - I am having rads at the moment but my oncologist is only starting other after rads had finished!!
Is this usual or unusual ?
I have signs of oesteopenia already and ahvent started anything yet - so will have to do something for my bones !!
Not sure which he will choose - I too am postmenopausal but havent had a hysterectomy !
Hope that you find a settledness about how you move forward!!
All the best
Debsx
Hi Viv,congrats on finishing your treatment and all the best. . I am waiting to start my 6 weeks of radiotherapy. For the past 4 weeks i have been on Tamoxifen (for next 5 years )and zoladex injections (for next 3 years) The only side effect i have had so far is more depression (i already suffer with depression) hot flushes day and night, dull headaches all day.
I was pre-menopausal prior to BC, so the symptoms i am having are apparently due to me going into medical menopause now. If i can get the deppression under control i can manage quite well on tamoxifen.
Can i ask you does everyone have a bone density test prior to having our radiation treatment or did you ask for it? I have seen the Oncologists and i'm booked in for CAT scan, mapping then Rads but nothing was mentioned about a bone density test. Should i be asking?
Cheers Jo
I was on Tamoxifen for 4 years before being re-diagnosed in December 2010 and being switched to Arimidex. (that's another story - not on it at the moment) Anyway the only issue I had with Tamoifen was some break-through bleeding which required D&Cs. As you may be aware there is a risk of uterine cancer whilst on this drug. Because of your previous hysterectomy that risk is removed. I think you will find it a breeze. Good luck XLeonie
