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Sandy_J's avatar
Sandy_J
Member
10 years ago

9 months on Arimidex

I' 54, and after bi-lateral mastectomies in May 2015 I started on Arimidex in June 2015. I've had what seems to be massive side affects (to me anyway). The first thing I noticed was utter depression, I couldn't even get out of the house and cried for no reason.  I went on anti depressants to counteract that, and it's working, thank goodness.  In the meantime the nausea and a metallic taste in my mouth that makes food and drink taste awful started to creep in. Hot flushes a plenty to the point of absolute despare. Then the joint aches started.  Firstly in my hips, knees and ankles.  Now I have severe joint pain just about everywhere, every morning is difficult to get the joints moving.  Once out of bed and moving it gets better and is OK as long as I keep moving.  Cancer council offer yoga classes and I started through them. I now continue with the yoga twice a week. Try to walk every day and attempt to stay positive. Fish oil and glucosamine are a daily ritual, along with anti nausea medication and antiinflamitories for the joint pain.  

i'm now seeing a clinical psychologist just to help me to accept this as 'the new me, post Breast Cancer'. Yes... I have the all clear and to stay that way I refuse to give in to the side affects and need to find a way to live with it. I'm a positive person by nature and I know i'll get through this sometimes we just need to accept that we need help along the way. 

For those on Arimidex and suffering, hang in there it has to better than a metastatic cancer down the track. I wish you all well!!!

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  • LorraineB's avatar
    LorraineB
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sandy, I have been on arimidex since October 2015.   I can totally relate to the depression, and not wanting to leave the house.  I have tried a couple of anti depressants but couldn't cope with the side effects. I am seeing a psychologist which has been helpful. 

    The hot flushes and the joint pain aren't much fun but like you I am willing to put up with it if it means I keep my NED status.  I haven't had the metallic taste or nausea as yet. That sounds to much like chemo all over again. 

    Thank you for your post,

    Take care  Lorraine

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rowdy - great attitude - wishing you well with the adjustment of treatment.  Love the saying "look for the magnificent in the mundane ".

    It's not easy as we adjust - my GP and Oncologist have both told me to take Panadol Osteo for the aching bones and joints.

    Yes it is great to be here and it sparks a tear occasionally but I won't let that tear onto the cheek.  I welled up as I lay on the bed in the holding bay waiting for mastectomy and managed to put the tears away as I needed to be calm as they wheeled me in.  That is me, tough as old boots and this BC has tested that strength but I believe like you we are winning!

     

    Hi Sandy - when I get through menopause I am led to believe Arimidex will be the medication rather than Tamoxifen and Zoladex.

    Interesting to read your experience.

    Wishing you all the best with treatment and yay all clear! Hope the aches settle and your new normal feels good!

     

    To you both, sending you virtual hugs

    Take care Christine xx

     

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Sandy I started on Tamoxifan in 2014 and recently changed to Arimidex. I'm having terrible joint pain and have stated to take panadol osteo in the morning with glucosamine The hot flushes are terrible at night.. At the moment my mood is better on Arimidex than on Tamoxifin. I'm still struggling to get back into the gym as I put weight on during active treatment.

    I also have seen a psycologist and one of the things she has said to me is to look for the magnificent in the mundane. The last 2 years has been tough, I have just celebrated another birthday. Wow 54 great to be here  and hopefully I will be here to have grandchildren. Life is a blessing I intend to make the most of it