Question about Femara

GRD4711

Hi Everyone -- I am brand new to all of this so please bear with me.  I am 57.  I had double mastectomy Dec. 8, 2009 for IDC.  I am stage 1, +, +, -,  and supposed to begin Femara on Wednesday.  My question is: What can I expect for side effects?  I have researched this drug and just when I think I know what to expect I read something entirely different.  I do better with things if I am not caught off guard.  Would someone be willing to share with me the TRUE common side effects and not the catch-all literature.  Your experiences are greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

momand2kids

GRD-

I had a lumpectomy in Nov 2008, chemo, radiation and then went on Lupron (I was pre-meno) and femara.  So, I have been on femara since July.  My experience early on was really stiff muscles--not pain, but a stiffness that made it hard to get up from a chair---my feet were stiff in the morning, hands were stiff--- I think it must be a little like what arthritis feels like.  I also experienced some real vaginal dryness...

So now, , 6 months later, here is what I have learned.  I take glucosomine chondriton and vitamin d3 for the stiffness--and the thing that really helps it is exercise--so I swim, use the elliptical trainer and bike--- yoga also helps.  I have found that the se's are much less now, or I am adjusting to them-but I do fine that they are almost invisible on days that I exercise--so I am pretty much exercising every day.

As for the vaginal dryness, my onc recommended Replens (you can get it in the drugstore), or coconut oil,KY jelly.  Still working on that one....

I really don' t have any significant hot flashes, although I do have a couple each day--but I would have been having those anyway--- I know some people have experienced lack of sleep or thinning hair--that has not been my experience.  I also found, for some reason, that taking it at lunchtime works better for me--- not sure why--- you will have to play around with it and figure out what works for you.

Like you, I like to know what is going to happen-but I decided not to bother to read about the side effects since I knew I was going to take it, no matter what.... It has continually gotten better over the past few months as my body has adjusted and I have ramped up my exercise.  A number of us also eat prunes each day for bone health....

good luck!

GRD4711

Thank-you, Momand2kids.  Something very important that you said (and I wish I would have thought of) is  you knew you were going to take the drug anyway so why read all the scary stuff.  You are right! 

 I really need to get back to some regular exercise and perhaps your advice will help to move me in that direction.  Thanks.  I feel like I have been "frozen" since the diagnosis -- can't do anything I used to.  Thank-you for taking the time to share with me -- much appreciated.

Take care..............

Harley44

Hello GRD4711

I have only just started Femara one week ago...  I took Tamoxifen for 2 years, and my onc's plan was to switch me to an AI after 2 years on Tamoxifen.  So... here I am...

I worry about the AIs because they cause osteoporosis... and elevated cholesterol levels...  I've read about joint pain.  But for the joint pain, I have been increasing my vitamin D.  It helps with our BONES also... and it seems to be helping me with my depression.  I've been doing the extra vitamin d for about 5 days or so...  I don't like prunes, so I am taking more vitamin D... 

I also found that at first I had a bit of dizziness.  Another disturbing se I'm having is that I am finding that I am very HUNGRY and I think it's from the Femara... this didn't happen with Tamoxifen...

so that is the lowdown.... so far... but it's only been a week.  Maybe we can support each other, and help out with motivation for exercise, and the like....

Good Luck to us all!!!
Harley

momand2kids

Harley,

I found I was really hungry early on as well--that has subsided but you do have to watch in the early stages.... you are right about the bones-I am also taking calcium-- I had a baseline bone density scan done in April (I have very thick bones!)  and will have one annually at least until I am done with the meds.  

 Hang in there--it will get better

lovinmomma

I have been on Femara since May! Stiff joints are the worst for me, but manageable. I do the glucosimine also and it helps.

Harley44

momand2kids,

Thanks for the encouragement...  good to hear that this period of being so hungry all the time will pass, in time...

lovinmamma

So... glucosamine has helped you??   I may add it if I start having joint pain...

Harley 

GRD4711

So far so good --  everyone, thanks.   I think the Femara is doable.  I have to start taking it on Wed. after my bone density test but then need to drive to the city for appt. w/my surgeon and since its quite a distance didn't want to worry about something "happening". 

I'm really working on changing my mindset so I can try to bring back a few things I used to love to do.  I can see by the posts that exercise is going to be key. 

Has anyone's physician recommended a change in cholesterol meds due to the increased levels from Femara?  Osteoporosis is a worry for me also -- first bone density in 2007 showed I was osteopenic.  That is a result of Crohn's disease which I also have.   I think I'll add Glucosamine to the list -- better to be proactive and it seems to help several of you.  I love prunes but the Crohn's prevents me from eating so many good foods.

kami88

Hi 

just got into this discussion bd... I have been on Femara for 6 mo.  a lot of knee jt. pain, elbow pain, hands swelling, fingers stiff, trigger finger in the morning.. hard to get out of a chair.. stiff muscles. and increased fatigue.. I have increased Vit D, and on glucosamine and exercise. swimming is good and cycling, still working on it.. This post is old, so how are you doing now?  

I am also on Fosomax, a bisphosphomate, for bone density.. help against osteoporosis and new studies out for less risk for BC.