Arimidex anyone?

NorthernPrairie

Hi ~ This is the first time I've posted, but just reading this forum has helpful to me, so Thank You to everyone for that.  I went in for what I thought would be another annual, routine mammogram October 8, 2008 and the tech. saw an abnormality in my right breast right away.  I underwent a stereotactic biopsy two weeks later which found DCIS, but didn't get my final diagnosis until the Pathology report came back after bilateral mastectomy November 4 - well, I didn't get the lymph node status until after a second surgery December 4.  BRACA 1 and 2 testing came back with no mutations.  So it's been a whirlwind of lows and highs the last couple months!

I have been prescribed Arimidex, but am trying to educate myself more about this med. before filling the prescription.  I have researched the medicine itself, but would sure like to hear from some women that have actually taken this medicine if anyone would share their experience with me?  Thank you in advance!

MinAZ

Northern - I've been on Arimidex for two years. I have some problems from time to time but no horror stories. Check out the forum Hormonal Therapy - Before, During and After - it's farther down on the main Forum Index. There is a lot of discussion of Arimidex there.

Best of luck - Minz

wishiwere

Yes, check out the hormonal list of armidex questions.  Just rememeber while reading, that it will seem like many of us have problems on it, but it is normally only those who have problems that come looking for answers.  Those without SE's usually don't post.  There are many who find it tolerable and/or have NO SE's.

NancyD

My only se has been some additional aches like arthritis aches. Very tolerable, all things considered. I've been taking it since September, not a long time, but with winter weather setting in, I expected to have more aches and pains than I have had.

Long term se's like bone loss are yet to be seen. 

zap

Hi, I have been on arimidex for nearly  two years.  I think "wishIwere" is giving you a very wise insight.  It only makes sense that people who are uncomfortable with arimidex will post more, while those with the status quo will move on.  Some people apparently do have a very hard time with it and I believe them.  I am having very few problems.  A few aches and pains, but I am 60 years old and I do get warm during the day.  I personally am so grateful I have this medicine and I sure hope it lives up to its reputation.  My onc told me that of all treatments (chemo and rads) arimidex was my best bet for avoiding further cancer episodes.  I hope he is right and I hope that in three years, when my stint with arimidex is over, they have something else!

 Good luck, regardless,

Susan 

NorthernPrairie

Thanks so much for everyone's input!  I will check out the Forum on Hormonal Therapy.  I have thought that I will never know if I am going to have any adverse SE's until I just try it! 

grannydinny

Hi Northern Prarie,

I too went to what I thought was a routine annual mammogram 12/12/07-my dx very similar to yours. The aftermath of it was 3 biopsies, 2 mx and 2 reconstructions.  Have had no problems with arimidex at all. Like Zap, I too hope it lives up to its reputation. My doctors tell me it is a far better drug than tamoxifin. The doctors sent me to a baseline bone density scan, as a side effect of the drug is bone loss. That needs to be monitored. Boniva and calcium seem to be holding the line on it

God bless you, and a better 2009 for us all! 

mawhinney

I have been on Arimidex since July. Very few side effects.  I do have hot flashes & night sweats & mild chills. Annoying but tolerable.  I am forever taking off my sweater and in a few minutes putting it back on but other than that I'm feeling fine.   I do take Oscal daily to help protect my bones.  Everyone reacts differently to meds so you really just need to give it a try and see how you do.