Arimidex side effects - Tamoxifen??"

BoraBora said:

Could only tolerate this drug for about 7 weeks - I experienced every side effect but joint pain in hands is the worst. I have been off this drug for about 6 weeks and pain is getting worse. Half life in body is 8 days according to manufacturer. Oncologist/surgeon want me on something and have suggested Tamoxifen. Everything I have read about this drug sounds just as bad and I am loathe to make my hands etc worse. I know drugs affect people differently but would be keen to hear other experiences/opinions.

@"BoraBora " I didnt tolerate Tamoxifen well I thought I didn't, it messed with my mood depression lots.  Then I had my ovaries removed as my primary cancer was triple positive and I went onto Arimidex oh Lordy Tamoxifen was way easier to tolerate than this Arimidex drug, we tried ceasing the med and restarting still extreme joint muscle pain aches.  I was then switched onto Femara which I tolerated really really well no joint muscle pain just night sweats and hot flushes from menopause.  I was diagnosed in 2002 did 2.5yrs tamoxifen had a break to have a baby did a further 18mths tamoxifen/zoladex implant, then had ovaries out to go onto the Arimidex which I think I did about 6mths of.  Early 2009 I commenced the Femara and I was on this right up until I was diagnosed with liver mets in 2012.  I then went onto Aromasin which was similar in side effects to the Arimidex.  
What I didn't know was is if you stayed on the drug and tried to battle through the side effects can lesson, that was the case for me on Aromasin as every morning I could barely walk the second my feet hit the floor I was in pain, until I got moving then I was ok, this lasted about 6mths now I have no joint or muscle pain from Aromasin.
sorry long winded but persevere if you can cause the alternative of mets well its life long treatment and it sucks arse.

I wish you all the best and I really hope you tolerate Tamoxifen

hugs xx