I have been reading through the blogs about Arimidex and found them very interesting. I have been on Arimidex for 6 months and up until 4 weeks ago, "side affects free" - until now that is. I now have what appears to be the usual aches and pains in the legs and numbness in the hands, tiredness and headaches, so I guess I didn't escape at all I am just like all my other Arimidex sisters. I will have to mention this to my oc next visit, but as so many others have said before at least I am here reading the experiences of others. It does help.

thanks to Kathleen and Ruth; you're right, a good laugh works wonders. I'll hunt something out to watch later tonight. your word are a great comfort to me xx

Thanks for your reply Moira, (cute baby) I read through your previous blogs. As I am new to this blog business. Did you have more side effects when you first started taking Arimidex? I am not looking forward to the first mamogram (squashing fresh scar tissue), but I should just be happy to be having them. I will mention to doc about side effects and as you say they may reduce with time. Its funny they come and go, one day I'm fine then the next not so fine. Guess that's part and parcel of it, one thing I realise, everyone is different and we all have different experiences with the side effects.

Hi! I have been on Arimidex for 7 years. The Oncologist said that as long as the side effects were not bothering me that I could continue taking it. I have braca2 mutation and I feel safer to take this tablet. I was on Tamoxifin for 3 years when the Oncologist suggested that I take Arimidex because it was found to be better for Families carrying the gene mutation. I had stage 2 Breast Cancer 12 years ago. I had a lumpectomy and a wide excision and lymph gland removal. Three tumuors were found, 2 were ductual carcinoma in sutu while the other one was an invasive ductal carcinoma. I also had 6 Months of Chemo and 6 weeks of radium. I do get side effects from the Arimidex however I would rather take it and have a better chance of survival.

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??

Arimidex | BCNA Online Network

244 Replies

KathleenT
Member
12 years ago
Dear Ruth Thanks for that - I appreciate it. As I said, there were just a couple of instances. Most of the time she was great. I just got annoyed with the "given scripts" & so diplomatic that fibs are told. Lol! K xx
shortlionruth
Member
12 years ago
Hi Finita, I am so happy to say that I have my drains removed (such a relief) and getting on with life one step at a time. Now the drains are out, I can getting around better but I have to be careful that I don't overdo things. Thanks for your prayers and your friendship. Love Ruth
shortlionruth
Member
12 years ago
Hi Kathleen., I am pleased to say that I have had those dreadful drain bags removed. I did have the bags to put over my shoulders but I was in so much pain and they pulled terribly. The first ones I had weren't that bad. Maybe, I have been trying to do too much. I came home fro m Hospital two days after the surgery and had to fend for myself and go 5 hours every two days to have the drains changed. Last Week, I stayed at my Daughters' and she looked after me. I am back to caring for myself and will look into getting someone to help with vacuuming etc. It is a battle on your own but I am getting there. Love, Ruth
KathleenT
Member
12 years ago
Haha! Finita! I love so much that u still have your sense of humour. It's a shame there's not much in the way of support networks where you are. Are you on Facebook? I am on the end if the phone and would love to chat sometime if you feel up to it. I ask about Facebook because at least there is the private messaging in there, where we can exchange phone numbers. I am going to try and change my profile photo on here to the one I have on Facebook, so you can find me. If I have to put my phone number on here, then I will. I'm more than happy to be a listening ear for you, and would love to help. Take care Hugs Kathleen. Xx Ps. On Facebook I'm the same: Kathleen Taylor (space between my two names) xx
finita
Member
12 years ago
Hi Kathleen, I am ok and thank you for the feed back on the anti-depression medication. But at least I have already taken the step, because the last 2 mood swing that I had left me shaking and my husband too , because I could not stop feeling bad and lost . Like you and so many others , I also have to deal with the extra pains and aches and so much more , plus loss of concentration . I used to always pride mysefl on having a good head on my shoulder ...not anymore more , lately I have been feeling like a headless chook hahahah!!! I keep reminding and telling myself daily ...its ok, it is the Arimidex , and so on, and so forth . I live in a Gippsland town and we don't have a cancer group, there are many women with cancer but I don't know them and there doesn't appear to be any interest in forming a group. While having my radiation therapy last year I met a couple but that was it. With me ,I am all for talking but most are not and I must respect that . But on the other hand, I do have you and this page which is so wonderful.

take good care always,

love and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finita
KathleenT
Member
12 years ago
Hi Finita How are you? Wanted to Che k up how you're going. It's frustrating waiting for depression medication to start working-I know because I'm on one too-not the same as you, but still takes a while to "kick in". It's a pity your family can't be more understanding and supportive. Going to hospital, having an injection for pain relief and you're a "heroin addict"? How ridiculous! Are you in a breast Caner support group? I am, it's great to be with women experiencing similar things, & being able to rant to each other. It's very a valuable part of my breast cancer journey. Anyway, just wanted to see how you were. Take care and do something for yourself today! Love and hugs Kathleen xxxxooooo
VivW
Member
12 years ago
Hi Kathleen,

Just wanted you to know that ranting is so good for you, especially on this site as we all get it!

I think we don't stew as much when we share our frustration, and the support is amazing.

I too had a bad experience with the McGrath Nurse, I have met quiet a few other local BC ladies and their experience has been the same or worse. This is so unfortunate, these nurses should be neutral and supportive, what a waste of valuable resourses.

Take care

Viv
Pollyanne58
Member
12 years ago
Hi Ruth, my heart goes out for you as you 'drag those bags around' but each day it gets better and you can put the pain and bother behind you little by little. Sometimes I used to wonder'why me?" Then I thought "why not?" At least I have got it early which gives me a better chance. Another person may not have been so lucky. Take care xx
finita
Member
12 years ago
I went to the doctor and he has prescribed me lovan ( anti-depressant , anti-irritability , anti., anti ..etc...haha! ) I have been getting moods swings and feeling very irritable ...not nice. From age 11 to 46 , I had suffered from Dismenohrea , PMT, PMS and so much more. When I became menopausal it was the biggest BLESSING ...no more pain and suffering . I was so very , very happy . But since taking the Arimidex, all Hell has once again broken lose and I am all over the place...the pharmacist told me that I am Post-menopausal...what ?? again...nooooooooo , so that is why I just had to do something. Back in the 60s , not much was known about women stuff, and the doctos were afraid to give me anything that may interfere further with my hormones. At work, I was told by so many other women ...you are just a neurotic Spaniard ...meeeeeee neurotic, then why am I all pale and yellow with pain? Sadly I was alone , because not even my two older sisters understood . Even when I used to go to the hospital emergency crippled with pain, all they could do is give me an injection, but then they even thought me a heroin addict . Anyway, I am on my 2nd day of lovan and i only have another 2-3 weeks before I even know if it is working...no problems , because at least I am once again dealing with it . All this is about being alive, and I am happy to be alive .

Lots of love and take care

Finita xxxxxxx
KathleenT
Member
12 years ago
Dear Finita Thanks- how funny, telling my not to stop ranting! It does one good though, to get stuff off the chest. Thanks Hope you're going well Love and hugs to you Kathleen xxxxx

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