Arimidex

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for your feedback. I am seeing the Oncologist on 2/8 to discuss with him and I am seeing surgeon next week for carpal tunnel in my left hand. (I am left-handed so not looking forward to this).

I also have it in my right hand but not as bad. I get so frustrated sometimes about the joint swelling and about my weight gain. I seem to just stay the same now and can't lose the weight no matter what I do.

I am worried about stopping Arimidex as I think it has become a bit of a security blanket. My mother passed away from secondary breast cancer just after I had a mastectomy and she was taking Tamoxifen for about 12 years. She didn't have problems with her joints.

I hope you have a great result with the surgeon. It is such a worrying time but I guess if they were very worried you wouldn't have had to wait so long. Thanks for posting and all the best to you.

Nola

Hi Nola,

I was operated on over 20 years for carpel tunnel on my right hand.  I also had it in my left hand but the Surgeon told me to have the one hand done as often times the other one comes good.  I did this and have had no problems until recently when my left hand has been playing up again. 

I can't really blame it on the Arimidex but I do get joint pain.  I also take Caltrate+D.  My Doctor justs tells me my body has had it. 

I have trouble keeping the weight off and one of my Friends who had breast cancer and just starting Tamoxifin and always been thin is having a weight problem.  I am also greatful for having survived but being low in estogen certainly has its problems.  I have a lump in my other breast and am seeing the Surgeon nexrt week.

It has been there for 2 years and hasn't changed so they think that it is a fatty cyst.  That is why I feel safer while I am taking Arimidex.

All the best, Ruth

I am 5 years post surgery (praise God) but I too am worried about stopping Arimidex. I also take Caltrate+D. I have had sore joints for quite a while now but just put it down to old age! (I am 62). I have recently developed Carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands and this wakes me at night. It was only this morning that my sister told me her friend had the same problem and changed medication but I have since read that most of the medications can do the same thing. Whilst I am a very grateful survivor I am getting tired of being overweight and having joint pain.Off to see the hand surgeon next week for the Carpal tunnel and back to the Oncologist next month for review of meds. Good luck to everyone. We have so much living to do.

I took Arimidex for 5 months, and by the end of this time the pain was so great in my joints that I would just sit and cry.  The onc. did not listen;  however, the radiation oncologist did listen, and put me on Femara, after a one month break.  The difference was amazing - no pain.  I have been on Femara now for six months, still good.  However, I know of women who started on Femara, had a lot of painful side-effects and switched to Arimidex, and are better now.  I think we just put up with these things sometimes, but it does seem worthwhile to switch from one to the other if you are having problems.  I also take flax-seed oil capsules, the fish oil capsules didnt agree with me.  Good luck to each and every one of you.

I took Arimidex for 5 months, and by the end of this time the pain was so great in my joints that I would just sit and cry.  The onc. did not listen;  however, the radiation oncologist did listen, and put me on Femara, after a one month break.  The difference was amazing - no pain.  I have been on Femara now for six months, still good.  However, I know of women who started on Femara, had a lot of painful side-effects and switched to Arimidex, and are better now.  I think we just put up with these things sometimes, but it does seem worthwhile to switch from one to the other if you are having problems.  I also take flax-seed oil capsules, the fish oil capsules didnt agree with me.  Good luck to each and every one of you.

My Oncologist told me that they were the best for the braca 2 gene that I carry.  It is 12 years since my Cancer diagnosis.  I like to think that they are helping.  Most of my Relations developed Cancer in the other breast in 5 years and lost their lives.  I try to walk every day and try to eat healthily.  I like to put my trust in this medication beause I want to do all I can to manage this insidious disease.  I have too much living to do.

thanks Ruth. So good to hear from you. Yes after 6yrs  am way tired of being overweight and moody.... etc.

Have had enough of the hot flushes and disturbed sleep... gues I am one of the guinea pigs.. I certainly wonder how much benefit is there really???

Hi Linda,  I have been on Arimidex for 7 years now.  I find it a struggle to lose weight as I also have taken high doses of prednizone  for asthma and chronic urticuria.  I take fish oil for my joints and still have occasional hot flushes.  I do not to stop taking arimidex as I feel I have a better chance of the cance not returning.

Hi girls, I too, want to discuss the arimidex issue. I have now been on it for 5 yrs, after diagnosis of invasive lobular carcinoma in 2005.  The concensus out there is to keep you on it for 5 yrs.

Ok , side effects not too bad... but am tired of being overweight and moody at times.  Joints stiff at times. Had hot flashes and at times  fine trembling in my fingers.

True, there are certainly loads of side effects... is it worth staying on??