Done with Rads starting Arimidex, Aromasin, or Femara.

Butterfly1234

I'm starting this thread as I'm looking at my Armidex bottle looking back at me. Having just completed rads, I'm about to start taking these lil' white pills in a about a week. I thought this would be a good place to start another support group for fellow newbies like me. All are welcome to chime in no matter where you are on this hormone suppressant trek.

Goincrzy8

I started on Arimidex on Feb 10, I have had no major issues. There was a lump on my neck (no chemo or radiation) long story. But after starting this tiny white pill, within 2 weeks, it was smaller, today I can not even feel the lump. I did not have serious hot flashes during menopause, and I do take it at nite before bed and maybe 2 or 3 times I have woken up a little warm. So today I see the new oncologist, and I wlll see what he says.

Good Luck.

Butterfly1234

GoingCrazy - thank you for sharing and joining our thread. Let us know how it goes with your new oncologist.

CeliaC

Joining in - Thanks for the heads up on this new thread. TEVA is the Manufacturer of my generic Arimidex. MO started me on 1/2 pill for 1 week (how my DH split those tiny teeny pills is a mystery to me). Was taking them around mid-day, but found since I am on PC all day that wrists/fingers were feeling it. Switched to before bed, which is working better. Had terrible menopausal hot flashes, but so far not an issue. Gotta run for now.

bravepoint

I also will probably be joining in late May. My next appointment with my MO is the 26th. I'll be interested the posts leading up to that appointment!

6cats

I started Femara in April, about a week before I started rads.... she said she was putting me on it because women like the "taste" better?!? It has no taste, so maybe that's why people like it!

Ruby3813

Joining in - will be starting Anastrazole (generic Arimidex) in about a week. Praying for no SE's.

Butterfly1234

Let's be sure to check in regularly once we start taking these lil' Tasmanian devils. Now having expressed my anxiety, I'm going to think positive and focus on how these meds will help treat my cancer. We can do this!

Goincrzy8

So met with the new oncologist yesterday. He had taken my case to the tumor board, part of my long story. He felt my neck said that this definitely seems to be working so no changes. He said he wanted to start Radiation Therapy, he called the RO and they told me to go downstairs after appointment. I start the process of radiation therapy on Monday. I have been dealing with this since dx date 10/18/2016. I finally feel like something is positive.

So I know everyone is afraid of this tiny pill, but for me it is working and I don't dwell on the SE's because I can deal with them.

Butterfly1234

Starting Arimidex today. Fingers crossed that this next part of treatment goes well

Ruby3813

Good luck, Butterfly! My bottle of Anastrazole says to start it 2 - 4 weeks after final rads treatment. My final rads was April 21st, so this Friday will be 3 weeks. I think I'm going to wait another week after that. I'll be interested to see how you do the first week. Only difference is that you'll be on the "real" Arimidex and I'll be on the Accord Healthcare Anastrazole.

Butterfly1234

Hi all.

Took my first Arimidex today so will see how it goes. I'm just wondering why some of us get side effects and some don't. It would be so helpful if there were studies done on this. I have lots of questions and no answers. Stay well all.

6cats

Now I'm wondering. My MO said there was no reason to wait to start Femara until after rads. I started right away because I wanted to get my five years over with! Any idea why some people wait till after rads are done?

Butterfly1234

My Mo didn't care if I waited to start Arimidex before or after rads were done. My RO said since my MO didn't care to wait a week or two after completing rads. His reasoning was that if I had side effects he wanted to make sure it was from the rads and not Arimidex . I guess it doesn't matter either way. All part of the BC maze. Makes my head spin

bravepoint

I won't be starting til after rads. I meet my MO right at the end of my radiation treatment. That's fine with me.... I'd rather deal with one set of SEs at a time!

Butterfly1234

Last night was the first time in weeks that I slept through the night. I'm going to attribute it to Arimidex. It's my story and I'm sticking to it! My DH says it's the new sheets. Still going with Arimidex. Lol

6cats

I take my Femara at bedtime and am convinced I sleep better!

PugsMama

I'm starting at the beginning of June. My MO gave me a little reprieve after chemo so I can enjoy a cruise we're taking at the end of this month. Glad to be taking this next phase of treatment with all of you!

Butterfly: great news on the good night's sleep!

alpLewes24

I will be starting my third week of 4 weeks of radiation treatments and have been on anastrozole for 3 weeks. So far I have had no SE of radiation, nothing other than being a little more tired, or from the anastrozole My Dexa Scan showed mild osteopenia and my doctor wanted my to take the prolia injextion. I refused because I did not like the SE. Can anyone tell me more about this injection and should I have gotten it? I certainly don't want to experience any further bone loss.

Butterfly1234

I just started Arimidex a few days ago. I'm getting my first Prolia injection next month because I am borderline osteopenia. The AIs are known to cause bone loss. If you look at some of the other thread re Prolia most responses are very positive. Unfortunately, we have to continually weigh benefit over risk for our individual situations, I call it the BC maze

Pugsmom and others : we'll continue to support one another on this journey!

6cats

I had a Prolia shot two weeks ago. I have fibromyalgia and had an increase in pain the next day and fatigue the following day. But then went back to my "normal" I was borderline osteoporetic when I was dx with BC and am unable to take oral bone meds due to acid reflux. I'm actually excited I was approved to take it! I read that some people actually have better bone density at the end of tx than when they started.

Butterfly1234

Good to know 6cats re Prolia. I've read that too regarding re Prolia and also helping with bone mets

ReginaZ

I also have mild osteopenia, but my MO just recommends I keep exercising and take my Calcium and Vit D. Will recheck bone density in 2 years. My PCP says everyone my age has osteopenia. I won't treat unless I actually get osteoporosis

WenchLori

Hello everyone! I'm heeeere! My MO decided to try the Arimidex with me first instead of Tamoxifen. He said there were a lot less side effects and that I'd be much happier. I've got a one month script just to make sure I can handle it so we'll see!

I've got some reading to do to catch up with everyone 😊

Tappermom383

Good luck, Lori! I'll be joining you in July (after rads - second one today) so I'll be curious to see how you do.

MJ

Butterfly1234

I'm on day 15 of Arimidex with no side effects so far. Hoping this lasts. Taking it one pill one day at a time. Regular exercise is really important from what I've been reading. Good luck all!

WenchLori

Butterfly, that's awesome! Praying no SEs continues for you.

I didn't have any problems with taking that first pill last night and it went down without a fight! I've been preoccupied with what ifs before actually starting anything but it was just one more pill to add to my nighttime schedule. Thank goodness. Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us on this next step in our journey with this dreaded BC crap!

Gentle healing hugs to All that needs one 🤗🤗

MLMSC

Hi all - finished Taxol/Herceptin in November, radiation in late January and started with Arimidex in early February. I am still on Herceptin until late August. Seems Arimidex side effects are minimal. I take a pill in the morning.

I have a few hot flashes, at least one each evening, and also one or so during the day. I seem to have leg (shin) cramps, especially on my left leg. Ankles seem to hurt when I get up, but then are fine once I start moving.

I am fairly active and exercise at least 5 days each week with either an hour of water aerobics or a 2 mile (35-40 minute) walk.

I'll see my oncologist in a few weeks and see what she says.

Hope you do well.

Tappermom383

I'm curious, all you Arimidex warriors - how big is the pill? I'm hoping pretty small as I have trouble swallowing larger pills (that's why I've been taking gummy multivitamins, although I'm out right now).

MJ

Butterfly1234

Tappersmom - Arimidex is 1 mg tiny. You should be fine swallowing it.

Tappermom383

One less thing to stress about! Thanks, butterfly.

MJ