Which Aromatase Inhibitor?
Hi girls, Am accepting I need AIs as post menopausal and er+ but don't find my medical oncologist that helpful/reassuring - tbh had 2 visits and came out quite distressed from both . Did not feel tha...
Forum Discussion
He@Romla, I completely understand your anxiety in starting on an Aromatase Inhibitor. My breast cancer was 100% ER/PR receptive. I am also post menopausal and was put on Arimidex following my mastectomy last August. I had the prescription filled and it sat on my bench for 2 weeks while I googled everything I could find on Arimidex. Probably not the best idea as my head was overloaded with horror stories - I knew I had to take it and was becoming more and more stressed.
I ended up going to my GP who put things into perspective. Basically, I had to take it - no choice with my cancer results. He did believe there were things I could do to offset the side effects. I already have B12 injections every 2 months as I don't produce B12. I am naturally low in vitamin D and already take a compounding prescription of a 25,000icu capsule per week. In addition, I take 2 glucosamine and 2 calcium tablets per day plus magnesium powder in a glass of water.
Exercise is so important. I've been a bit slack lately with the darker afternoons, but I take a long walk on the weekends and most evenings when its light. Or I'll spend 30 mins on the treadmill at the gym.
After 11 months, I don't have many side effects. Not everyone does. A little stiffness when I bend down and first thing in the morning, but no pain. Yes, there are some hot flushes, but I was getting them anyway! They are not life altering, a couple a night and one or two a day. Bone density is my real worry as I already have some loss of bone density. I'm hoping the vitamin D, calcium and exercise will keep this under control. I've got a bone density scan coming up so I'll find out!
So far no issues with memory either.
I know some ladies have had a lot of side effects with Arimidex and similar drugs, but that doesn't mean you will. We all react differently, you just need to give it a try and see. There will always be an option to try something similar which may better suit you. I got most of my information and reassurance from my surgeon and GP. I hope they can put your mind at ease. Wishing you all the best. Jane xx
I ended up going to my GP who put things into perspective. Basically, I had to take it - no choice with my cancer results. He did believe there were things I could do to offset the side effects. I already have B12 injections every 2 months as I don't produce B12. I am naturally low in vitamin D and already take a compounding prescription of a 25,000icu capsule per week. In addition, I take 2 glucosamine and 2 calcium tablets per day plus magnesium powder in a glass of water.
Exercise is so important. I've been a bit slack lately with the darker afternoons, but I take a long walk on the weekends and most evenings when its light. Or I'll spend 30 mins on the treadmill at the gym.
After 11 months, I don't have many side effects. Not everyone does. A little stiffness when I bend down and first thing in the morning, but no pain. Yes, there are some hot flushes, but I was getting them anyway! They are not life altering, a couple a night and one or two a day. Bone density is my real worry as I already have some loss of bone density. I'm hoping the vitamin D, calcium and exercise will keep this under control. I've got a bone density scan coming up so I'll find out!
So far no issues with memory either.
I know some ladies have had a lot of side effects with Arimidex and similar drugs, but that doesn't mean you will. We all react differently, you just need to give it a try and see. There will always be an option to try something similar which may better suit you. I got most of my information and reassurance from my surgeon and GP. I hope they can put your mind at ease. Wishing you all the best. Jane xx