Has Metformin helped you with weight gain from Arimidex/Tamox?

Peppertree

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ILC 4-1/2 years ago and was put on Arimidex (Anastrazole) after chemo. No recurrence so far, knock on wood, but after losing 21 lbs, deliberately, during chemo, I've gained back most of it, probably because of the Arimidex. Worse yet, I've gradually become unable to lose weight even with careful diet and exercise.  Because of the weight gain, my blood sugar has also gone up, and though I'm not pre-diabetic yet, I'm getting close.  My onc agrees with me that it's vital to lose 20 or 30 pounds, not only because of the added risk for recurrence but because of the increased possibility of Type 2 diabetes (which she thinks is "worse than cancer because of the potential complications and because it's incurable once you have it").

I'm so worried about losing the ability to drop any weight that about three weeks ago I went to a medical weight loss clinic connected to the hospital where I was treated. The clinic uses Metformin, a benign, well-tested drug that's used primarily for Type 2 diabetes but has recently come into "off-label" use for weight loss (and is also thought to possibly have anti-breast-cancer properties, but that's a different subject).  Since starting a moderate (1500-1600 calorie) low-glycemic diet 3 weeks ago and taking Metformin ER 500 mg twice daily (just graduated from one pill a day to two a day)--I've lost 6 lbs, which has given me hope for the first time in years.

Unfortunately, I seem to be stuck right now in spite of being very careful about my calorie intake and walking and exercising pretty religiously.  I'm trying not to give in to the fear that I'll "never be able to lose weight again," at least not while I'm on an anti-hormone drug (I'll probably be put on Tamox in another year). I'm sure that Stage 1 obesity, plus a lot of long-term stress, played a role in triggering my ILC, so the idea of staying fat because an anti-cancer drug prevents me from losing weight really scares me! 

I'm hoping that the stalled progress is temporary, and that maybe Metformin takes longer than just a couple of weeks to really kick in.  Has anyone who shares my concern about the connection between obesity and recurring bc (not to mention diabetes 2!) had any experience losing weight on Metformin while taking Arimidex or Tamox?  Would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who's had experience with Metformin for weight loss while on anti-hormone therapy!

Dx 11/21/2008, ILC, 3cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 20/28 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Moderators

Hi Peppertree.

Until members post with their own experiences maybe you find helpful to read or connect with members under this other topic: Metformin-Anyone on this trial?

I hope this helps!

---The Mods