FEMARA

mally0404

Hi:

I was dx with bc in June 2007 - had lump removed in July 2007 began chemo Aug. 2007 and radiation January 2008 - I took tamoxifen from December 2007 until yesterday, June 7, 2010, as my oncologist decided it would be more beneficial for me to change to Femara... I had no side effect at all with the tamoxifen but now I have read a lot on internet regarding side effects from Femara and this scares me.  I am not at a point that I am just so darn fed up with all the meds, docs, etc... would like to take a break but do not want to be at a risk for reoccurance.  When I was operated they were able to remove all the cancer, and they removed 7 lympth nodes, none affected, and no other spreading in my body.  My margins were clear and now I am wondering why I must take the Femara.  I took the tamoxifen for 2-1/2 yrs but am wondering if any of you decided to stop taking Femara, how you stopped and what your oncologist said.  I lost all my hair after chemo and it still has not grown back completely, very very thin with bald spots, so frustrating and now was told one of the side effects of the Femara is hair loss, Great.... just what I need.  Sorry if I sound upset but I am... or maybe I should say frustrated, I was so proud of how I handled the chemo and radiation, even having 1 week of radiation called currie therapy.  Would love feedback from anyone regarding my delema, what should I do and what is the % of chance of the cancer returning if I do decide to stop the Femara.  Thank you so much for listening. 

msmpatty

Mally - Since your tumor was apparently hormone receptor positive, taking one of the hormone inhibitors is one of the most effective ways of preventing a recurrence and mets.   I started Femara about 10-weeks ago and, like you, did a lot of online research (including the Femara board on this site).  Scared me to death!   But...I haven't had a single problem with it.   The fact you did well on Tamoxifen may mean you'll also do fine on Femara.   You definitely should at least give it a try!     Patty

mally0404

Thanks Patty for your reply, sorry I think I was having my annual pitty party, yes I still allow myself a yearly pitty party, and felt the weight of the world on my shoulders.  I did begin the Femara on June 7, 2010 and so far so good, yes the tumour was hormone receptor +.   I am seeing my surgeon, a woman, July 6th and I discussed with my husband, who is so supportive and is always available to listen and after discussion he suggested trying the Femara, as you said, and by July I should have a good idea of how I feel about this med and will discuss with my surgeon to see what she says.  I guess there comes a time Patty we are just so tired of all this bc talk, I know I should consider myself very grateful that I no longer have any cancer and should be doing everything possible to continue on this path.  Once again thank you for your reply.  Mally

fritzellen

Hi Mally - I too was taking Tamox until Feb. of this year with few side effects. I developed additional bone mets and my Onc. doc switched me to Femara. Wish I could say it has been an easy transition but I am experiencing alot of SE's. The most significant one being joint pain..lots of it. I can usually control the pain with Advil... about 1600mg/day. For me, being stage 4, it's a no-brainer. I have to take it to keep the monster at bay for as long as possible. Good luck with your decision and let's hope you have minimal SE's!!

mally0404

Thank you so much for your reply fritzellen.  I am aware of the joint pain, seems a lot of people taking the Femara experience this side effect.  I did begin taking the Femara on June 7th and now 10 days later no side effects as yet... maybe it is too soon.  How long after you began the Femara did your symptoms appear??? and also how long did you take the Tamoxifen before changing to the Femara.  But as I mentioned in my previous post I will discontinue Femara should I experience any major side effects, a few joint pains that can be controlled I can handle but hair loss (again) and major side effects another discussion... Thank you again and have a wonderful day.  Mally