Does anyone work while taking these drugs ??

LisaG61

Hi all,

I am not having luck on these drugs as posted in other areas.  Started out on Aromasin, next to Arimidex...will find out tomorrow what is next on the agenda.  I am a hairdresser, and already have horrible arthritis in my spine , knees and elsewhere.  So before all of this work was difficult but I pulled it off 40 hours a week, 4 ten hour days. Since all this has started, radiation, then meds, work has become a nightmare.  I finally called out last week when the arimidex did me in.  I just do not know how I can physically pull it off, the drugs and work.  I explained this to my oncologist when he pulled me off the aromasin.  I told him i could probably handle the side effects, if I could stay home and when i was up all night because of night sweats and just not being able to sleep, or when my feet are swollen and my shoes are too tight, then i could just chill out and let my body heal and relax, etc.  He just looked at me, and put me on Arimidex.  That medicine is just pure evil to me, god bless the ones who can handle that drug.  I just don't know what to do, I am stressing out because i know i need these drugs to survive, but at the same time i need to work...ar there any other suggestions out there, besides these awful drugs ?

thanks so much for any help

Anonymous

Hi Lisa, sorry you are going through this. You don't have stats showing so don't know how long you have been on the meds. Could be the SE's will go away or your body will adjust aftet a bit of time.  It's different for everyone and I understand you would love to stop but also want to throw all in your power to prevent recurrence. Are you able to do intermittent leave under the ADA which would allow you to take time off when you are unable to manage. Your job is difficult if you have a clientèle following you.

Hopefully others will come along in a bit to offer helpful suggestions. 

farmerlucy

Have you talked to your doctor about tamoxifen?  While it has its own SE, joint pain is less of an issue. Hot flashes can be controlled with Effexor.