For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing

SpecialK

I still eat beef, although grass-fed, no antibiotics or hormones.  Same with chicken, pasture raised free-range, no hormones or antibiotics, same with eggs.  I use protein fairly sparingly and try to concentrate on organic high-fiber, low sugar fruit, and organic low-starch vegetables.

Lee7

JO-5,

You can click on black tea on the list in Special K's post (thanks K!) and it will take you to a page that explains about black tea and green tea. http://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/black-tea   I've copied it here.

I started drinking black tea as a kid. I still drink it but I've added green and red teas now.  I really like the reds.

kjiberty

Thanks to all you ladies for the great info as a "new" arimidex user.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate this board and all your knowledge.

ruthbru

That's why we are called 'The A Team'!!

Msbelle

As a new member on the A team ......has anyone had loose stools? Trying to figure out if the cause is AI or herceptin. I'm suppose to start the metformin study soon as well. I may never come out of the bathroom.

Mini1

I just read somsething that has black tea on the OK list. Arghhh. Just once I'd like something to sraightforward and not contradictory to another study or list.

And MsBelle - I had the opposite issue. Of course, I had lots of other side effects, so I may not be the best person to answer your question. :-)

SpecialK

msbelle - I was plagued by this through both chemo (understandable) and the first part of Herceptin alone until one of the onc nurses told me to start taking a probiotic.  I started using Phillips Colon Health, because I could find it easily - only reason, about half way through H alone and it was like a miracle.  I have continued taking it (finished Herceptin in Jan. '12) and I am the most regular I have been in 20 years.  I did have a colonoscopy consult with a gastroenterologist recently and I specifically asked him if he had a different probiotic to recommend and he said if what I am taking works for me to stay with it.  I know a few people who use FloraSmart, which you can get at Whole Foods.  Yogurt is helpful but I don't eat dairy anymore and I don't think you get enough of the probiotic unless you eat about 6 a day, lol! 

Mini1

I use a probiotic as well. I guess it works both ways. :-)

C-squared

Starting Anastrozole today..., wish me luck!

exbrnxgrl

Good luck! I have been on it for 8 months and have had very minor se's which have easily been managed and are almost non-existent at this point. Caryn

C-squared

Thanks Caryn!  I like to hear the positive stories.  Any recommendations?  Vitamins?  Supplements? I hope to start walking (weight bearing exercise) soon.

exbrnxgrl

I think exercise has been key for me. I work out at a gym and use a personal trainer to structure my work outs. She knows about my bc and lymphedema risk. I alternate aerobic and strength training ( weights). I also try to take the more physical options in everyday life i.e. stairs, parking far away in lots etc. As for supplements, I take D3, glucosamine, boswellia and DIM. I also get monthly Aredia infusions. I am babysitting my granddaughter today. They live in San Francisco in a walk up apartment and I'll be taking a long walk, pushing her stroller, through Golden Gate park. That's after I go to the gym this morning so I've got my exercise covered for today! Caryn

C-squared

Thanks again exbrnxgrl!  Your grandaughter is adorable!!!  And yes, that is indeed exercise enough!

hrf

My worst se from Arimidex is thinning hair. Anyone else having the same problem? 

C-squared

hrf~  that's frightening.., I'm just trying to get my hair back -LOLOL

hrf

C-squared, it didn't grow back very well but since I'm on the AI, it just keeps getting thinner. MO said it the AI. I have 2 more years to go and think I will be mostly bald by then. Not good. I've tried everything and there is no improvement.

ruthbru

Have you tried Nioxin? Haven't needed it for Arimidex, but that is what my hair dresser recommended for post-chemo hair growth.

C-squared

ruth~ funny I was just researching that last night.  I will be trying it!  I'm ready for hair (on my head).

Mini1

I am trying Biotin for hair thinning. I've several threads here that recommend it. Just started so I have no idea if it will work, but it's worth a shot. I don't like the idea of Rogaine. Too many chemicals.

SusannahW

Good luck C! I'm starting arimidex soon, please keep us posted.

hrf

I have been using Biotin for 3 years ... no help. Have been using Minoxidil for 2 years....no help. I've been to specialists - have had scalp biopsies.....nothing can be done. I use Head & Shoulders because of the zinc. The hair I have is damaged from chemo (at the root level) and my hair continues to fall out. Was told I might have some growth back when I finish Arimidex but not to expect a lot. 

ruthbru

You could try Nioxin for chemically treated hair. I washed my scalp with the 'chemically treated hair' formula during chemo because, as my hair stylist explained, my hair was being chemically treated from the inside out. When you are done with chemo or it quits actually falling out, then switch to the regular formula until it is the thickness you like. It would be worth a try anyway.

C-squared

Ruth~ I picked up both the cleanser and scalp treatment today..., can't wait for hair to grow back!  They are both for chemically treated hair and I finished chemo May 31st so we'll see what happens!  Keep your fingers crossed. 

hrf~ Did you have any hair thinning prior to chemo?  Does it run in your DNA at all?  I'm a strong believer in genetics and unfortunately I was passed the BRCA gene. However, I am thankful that both my mother and father had full heads of thick hair! LOL

Lee7

My hair is much thinner after a year on Arimidex.    I do take Biotin, and I don't know if its helping or not. Is Nioxin a prescription or can you buy it in a store?

C-squared

Lee7~ You can buy Nioxin over-the-counter.  You can find it at an Ulta store if in FL or a salon.  You can also buy it online.

Lee7

Thanks!  I'm going to check it out. 

ruthbru

Any beauty salon will carry Nioxin. They have a scalp massage as well as the shampoo and conditioner.

kjiberty

C-Squared:  I started Arimadex on Saturday. I am also taking Biotin and using a scalp shampoo and conditioner I bought at Ulta.  I was going to buy Nioxin, but the hairdresser recommended another brand: Bios?  I will keep you posted and for those of us who are new, please keep me posted on the hair growth/thinning issue. Pre-chemo, it would take up to three hours for my thick, fine hair to dry.  

hrf

Thanks, Ruthbru.

marge33

I just went off Letrozole because of extreme joint pain and unbearable muscle pain. I'm about to try anastrozole and I'm very nervous about it. I also had to be taken off tamoxafin because I got a blood clot in my lung. I have had a bad experience with every drug and I'm almost ready to take my chances by going off them. I'm going to try anastrozole but I have read mostly terrible experiences. Is there any hope at all with these drugs? Has anyone else decided to take a risk and stop taking the pill?