Radiation while on Arimidex

RFTexas

I was diagnosed with ILC Stage 3, one lymph node involved, right breast, in Sept of 2015. I had a lumpectomy and then 33 rad treatments. I was put on Tamoxofen in April 2016. I had two clear mammograms but in August of this year when I went in for my yearly mammo they found a tumor in my left breast--IDC. My MO switched me to Arimidex and I had a lumpectomy a couple of weeks ago. I am experiencing all the horrible side effects of Arimidex--body aches, fatigue, depression, etc. I go in for my pre-rad testing this week. Will radiation exacerbate the already horrible side effects of Arimidex? I will of course ask my RO about this but I wanted to see if anyone has any experience. Thanks!

CaliKelly

Just to let you know, I had a lot of joint and muscle pain when I first started anastrazole (Arimidex). After ,I guess 6 months i noticed it had stopped bothering me. Now my pains come from my exercises, so at least I'm getting something in return.I don't think rads made it any worse, I know I breezed through the 25 treatments.Barely any discomfort from the radiation just like a bad sunburn. No fatigue or nausea or anything. I'm really sorry to hear you have to go through this again! Not fair! 🤗💙

edwards750

I’m sorry too that you are dealing with the beast again. I took Arimidex for the first year post surgery but was switched to Tamoxifen because Arimidex attacks the bones and I was just DX with osteopenia. Btw I was 7 years out last August.

Actually I didn’t have unmanageable issues with either drug. I took Arimidex post radiation treatments(33 in all) so I have no clue if it would alleviate your side effects. Hope so.

Definitely ask your RO. Hope you get some relief.

Diane