Side effects...am I crazy?

Bluedragonfly

I had a lumpectomy on 3/4, have experience lots of anxiety and depression, went through 6 1/2 weeks of radiation, then I return to work, The oncologist put me on Arimidex 1 mg along with a calcium and Vit D and alendronate 70mg.  I have been this medication along with two BP rxs, one for depression and also a pill for anxiety and allergra.  I felt I was losing my mind.  I have not been able to remember, concentrate or focus since the radiation ended and beginning this medication..

I  have seen a dietitian and changed my diet, not eating anything white and no sugar.  I have lost 11 lbs in 3 weeks.

  I had an office visit with my doctor on Friday  7/23  and she stated I was going through the early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.  I was given three packets of patches I was told to use every 24 hours.  I had gut feeling about this medication and called my oncologist on Friday.  I was advised to discontinue the Arimidex and also not to use the patch which my PCP had given me.  My oncologist is referring me to a psychiatrist to evaluate the medication I am taking and  I have a office visit with the oncologist in two weeks.

Has anyone else experience any side effects such as this.?

BrendaAreYouA4

I think your doctor may be experiencing early signs of dementia or alzheimer's for telling you that your difficulty with memory and concentration are due to early signs of dementia.  Apparently the Dr. doesn't understand stress and trauma.   I don't know what all your medications are and how they might interact but I know you have experienced a traumatic event and as a result your focus and concentration have been effected.  Stress does effect short term memory and working memory -- a lot!   As the stress decreases you should see improvements in your memory but it could take a while.  Try not to be stressed about being stressed it will just cause more stress,,,it sometimes seems like it never ends.  Arimidex does effect mood and has tons of side effects which may be relevant for you.  Check out the Arimidex thread and you'll find over 3000 posts on Arimidex.  Also, get a new doctor!  How ridiculous, unprofessional, and insensitive!  You could post what your Dr. told you on the thread == People say the stupidest things!  

Bluedragonfly

Brenda, thanks.  I have went through several traumas in the last 10 years. husband died, mom died, lost my job, supported three kids ( 14 -19), had a house fire, and then this detour of cancer.  I am on a anti depressant and anti anxiety and had an addtional BP rx added in February.  I work in a call center handling disability claims and have to be alert and focused.  I need to work and need to get my life back.

I am trying hard by managing my diet, walking and working cross word puzzles for 45 minutes a day.  It is hard, sometimes I have a hard time getting motivated, but I force my self to walk and watch what I eat.

I appreciate you taking the time to reply.  I decided to call the oncologist and was relieve he wanted to stop the  Arimidex and make the referral.  NO, my PCP has not idea about the cancer,  She is good and has been supportive, but only someone specialized in this field really understands. 

Thanks again!

rrartist

You are not crazy. It is the arimidex. You need to try another drug.