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

proudtospin

smokes but I do not need to increase the size of my DD's even if one if odd shaped, gonna stay as it is

Timbuktu

So is it the sudden drop in estrogen that causes all of the problems?  Then it makes sense that in time the symptoms would ease.

proudtospin

I sure hope so Tim! really hoping for the dumb things to go with the pill~~

mybee333

It seems so.  Here is an article I have been wanting to send out a link for:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2826784/

It makes sense that for me, having a hysterectomy, going on estrogen replacement and then having that abruptly removed, would make me more susceptible to arthralgia.  It also explains why women in their 50's having a harder time with the meds.

proudtospin

hmm, did not realize women in 50's had harder time on meds, since I was 58 when diagnosed, guess I get to blame part on age

mybee333

Here is another I have been wanting to post (so busy lately!):

http://m.annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/24/6/1443.long?view=long&pmid=23471104

mybee333

Going way back in the thread.  Claire - how do you cycle without getting a tremendously sore ass (pardon my french). I bike ride and used to for about two hrs. but would have to stop due to the pain in my 'seat'.  Sometimes it would prevent me from going out the following day!

flannelette

Kathy 044 - LOL! and me with one already big boob 46 c or d and my stomach sticks out further than the boob.....could the fat migrate from the belly upwards? the other side perfeclty flat with bicycle tire effect under the armpit. this ehnacement of breast size does make me want to research more - I did start a thread, not one response in 16 hours, clearly place in the wrong spot....must perhaps go to alternative meds or wht's for dinner or someplace - thought perhpas someone here might already know.

ps I do believe it's the abrupt decline in estrogen that causes problems, as mine all seem to be smooting out & at 65 can blame stiffness on out of shape with arthritis. but yes, can still sit with legs crossed folded into a big armchair so yoga & exercise do help, i think and feel MUCH better than a few yrs ago -

Ruthbru am eating lots of prunes a day. Delicious cold out of the fridge - I have a resealable bag with nice moist ones. Yummy.

Timbuktu

mybee that was a terrific article.  thank you.  It admits there are unknowns, which i like because it's honest.

As I sit here in pain, I am trying to figure out my next move, literally!  lol  

proudtospin

mebee....I cycle but always wear my padded cycling shorts

but I also find if the seat is adjusted to me properly, no pain! I once took my comfie bike in for service, they messed with the seat and I had to take it back for adjusting to my rump!

Timbuktu

What surprised me was that chemo also makes estrogen drop.  When i went on AI's before the chemo, i had no problem at all.  In fact  asked the onco how we knew it was working since I felt nothing.  But after chemo it was a whole other thing!  So, maybe we should look on the pain as a good sign?  It means the estrogen is really gone?  I'm trying to look on the bright side but it ain't easy!  oth, just got back from my yearly mammo and they say I'm ok.  yippee!  Ouch!

mybee333

Yes- I have been wanting some if those shorts for a long time. I should just get some already!

Tim-which of the two?

mybee333

Tim. Yes I saw that too re chemo. I was on another thread where the poster, age 46, said after chemo she had the estrogen levels of a 9 yo girl!

Timbuktu

The first article, but then I read the second too.

I don' think anyone has ever measured my estrogen, which bothers me!

mybee333

Yes. I thought that was a good one. I liked that it gave ideas for help.

I saw a partner yesterday instead if my usual internist. He suggested Lyrica for my fibro pain so that maybe I could handle an anti-hormonal. I believe the article suggests that in severe cases.

Timbuktu

it makes sense to me.   My onco said the pain was from over sensitive nerves and that sounds like fibro.

Doesn't fibro usually hit during middle age?  When estrogen declines?  Just trying to connect the dots...

mybee333

It is most prevalent in middle aged women, but I don't know if there is an estrogen connection. I've had mine since age 40. It does make sense that it might get more noticeable, less tolerable, as women experience a decline in estrogen tho' doesn't it?

ruthbru

Good articles, thanks mybee.

I went off HRT (yes, I know....completely stupid for being on it), did chemo & then Arimidex....so I got triple punched with the estrogen drop.

mybee333

The famous nurses study has found that HRT can increase breast cancer risk, although no one knew it until recently, as you know. Estrogen replacement alone has not been found to raise risk.  I wouldn't think too much about raising risk in our pre-BC life.  I think we have all engaged in some type of behavior that has raised risk. I know I have!

ketch

I was switched from Tamoxifen to Arimidex last month. The tamoxifen made me ache, but I was functional. The arimidex makes me feel awful. I am thinking of switching back to the tamoxifen until my next onco appointment in August. This has affected my quality of life. I really do not know what to do at this point.

sweetandspecial

I'm noticing a lessening in my symptoms after 6 months on Arimidex.  Fatigue issue has taken a dramatic turn for the better and trigger thumb is showing a bit of flexibility every now and then.  Insomnia is really no better or worse than before BC, I think I'll be plagued with that for life.  Since Arimidex, though, I have to pee fewer times during the night.  Usually only once, often not at all, and that's a huge change for the BETTER since taking this pill.

Prayers for all who continue to suffer through various SEs that God will provide some level of relief, and also for patience, perseverance and endurance to get through this stage in the journey. (((hugs))) to all.

mybee333

I know a woman in her late 50's who has continued on Tamoxifen for 7 yrs. now. It's too bad you are having this response. I was looking through your sig.  You have been through a lot!  Give yourself lots of kudos!  If you go backwards in the thread there are some tips.  The article (one of them) I posted above has tips too. Peace.

sweetandspecial

I have a first cousin who's been on tamoxifen for 12+ years after I think two separate lumpectomies.  I don't see her often so don't know her level of SEs or why she's still on it this long.  I need to get her phone # from my mom and give her a call.

ruthbru

I saw my SEs drop off after 6 months too, so I'd give it that long anyway.

Timbuktu

That's what my onco said, 6 months is the turning point.  Unfortunately I could only last 7 months the first go round,  I hope I do better this time.

Claire_in_Seattle

Getting back to the cycling....yes, sore lady parts are a definite hazard.  But nothing compared to how a guy friend of mine describes it!

I go for super expensive cycling shorts for long distances.  Plus, true confession.....nothing with breast cancer treatment came close to getting back on that bicycle seat on Day 2 of the Seattle-to-Portland.  Fortunately, you go numb.

As for Arimidex, I started at the same time as radiation, so still had some Taxol SEs left over.  All subsided a few months later.

Off to bed as today's exercise as a brisk one mile each way to the wine bar.  But so fun catching up with everyone.  I think I signed myself up for next year's Rock'n'Roll half marathon here in Seattle.  Now, that one should cure me of excessive imbibing. - Claire

ClaudiaMetz

They thought that I had fibro around the mid 40's, then when I developed the skin rash they thought it was skin form of Lupus.  Finally when it got so bad a specialist in dermatology said it was dermatomyositis (only 1 in 100,000) have it.  I have been on and off meds for it and tried to stay off it until I had radiation.  My skin was in such bad shape.  I was given a shot which really helped and then put on Neurontin for the nerve pain.  It has helped me. 

mybee333

I have heard that Neurontin can be helpful. I'm glad it is giving you some relief.

Jazzygirl

Firestorm- I saw two different med oncs about my bc. One was a consult during out of state radiation treatment. He actually recommended 10 years on AIs, as there are some newer studies that suggest women may benefit from longer on the 10 year treatment. The med onc I am seeing in my city said there is not enough data yet to see if women would benefit from that long of a treatment. He says five years is the standard course of treatment.

The benefit for my particular situation reduces my reoccurrence rate by 5% down to 10%. So he advised we watch to see how I do this first year and then we go from there. I think you will see more women here being recommended to do 10 years on the AI once they know more about the benefits vs. risks of being on them that long.

I have SEs like bone pain, joint stiffness, some insomnia, irritability, water retention, and fatigue. I would say some of those things were there before hand, but perhaps made a bit worse since I started the meds. I found out I am just slightly osteopenic which is my greatest concern right now with this- the AIs and the bone loss.

I am doing regular exercise including weights, walking, swimming and yoga. I am having a harder time with walking as my feet hurt a lot more these days. I have plantars faciitis which was there before all this but has become worse since I went on the drugs 3 months ago. I take CA and Vit D daily to help with bone health. Low Vitamin D is also associated with higher risk of cancer and I have been on the low side off and on since my PCP started watching this.

Like you, I am concerned about how I will get through years of taking the AIs.

mybee333

Firestorm. I just went back and looked at your post. So they are telling you 10 yrs because of the grade 3? That's interesting. Concerning too.

Jazzy. I wonder about the bone loss too. Since my diagnosis 2 yrs ago, I have developed osteopenia. I believe that is due to my hysterectomy, the necessary discontinuance of my estrogen and then a yr of various AIs. I do take caltrate, vit. D, and magnesium.

I just started Lyrica for aches and pains. I feel rather fatigued. Hard to exercise this way. Keeps raining and all my exercise choices are outside (its an excuse, I know).