Femera = anyone else on it?

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clariceak
clariceak Member Posts: 752
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I start tonight and will begin Zometa soon as well.  When I asked about Zometa last fall, my onc wasn't convinced by the data available to prevent bone mets, but after my bone density scan it looks like a necessity.

For me, the beauty of stage III is the lack of anguish in decision making regarding treatments with se'.s that impact quality of life.  I just want a life.  Preferably without aching bones and joints but I'll take what I can get.

Anyone else on Femera? 

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited May 2010

    I am having my ooph June 3rd and will be starting Femara afterwards. I have it in my drawer ready to go....lol.

    I have been on Tamox for 2 yrs, tested as a poor metabolizer and will be switching.

    I have also been on Zometa since July 2008. I have my 5th infusion next month. The first infusion is a little rough. Achey bones, flu like symptoms. But I remember I took a Tylenol and it was ok. The rest of the infusions get easier.

    We can compare side effects! Joy. Tongue out

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  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 904
    edited May 2010

    I've been on Femera since August 09, along with Zoladex injections and is due for my second infusion of Zometa in July.  As for the Femera, I really don't have too much trouble with it.  I do get stiff sometimes, but once I get going, I'm ok.  I hoping I can stay on Femera for a long time. As for the Zometa, the first infusion made me feel that I was hit with a truck.  I was achey the next day but fine the day after that. 

    Good luck!

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited May 2010

    I'm on Arimidex, and it is not so bad. I have some stiffness (hands and feet), hot flashes, that's about it really. I do find exercise is incredibly important in keeping the SE's minimal. My Onc did stress that if the SE's were bad we could try another one, so if you feel you are being hit hard, do consider switching.

    The Zometa is awful the first time (but only for a day, not like Chemo) and OK the second. I still think it is worth it even if Oncs are not convinced.

    You are right about the Stage 3 thing - I would have to be crippled to consider not taking it. I hope I never have to stop!

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited May 2010

    i found it a bit shocking at first.. till I learned that the discomfort goes away with movement.  the first couple weeks were the roughest for me.  I take a couple pain killers a day and totally am not impacted otherwise... i just keep going... i got used to it.  I have read horrible effects reported by some of the people on the Femara thread and really experience none of those.  I don't look older, my skin is glowing, in a 50 year old way,..  getting out of bed in the morning is kind of different and I say OW alot.

    i am glad to take it.

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited May 2010

    Thanks everyone!  I started reading the dedicated Femera thread  and then stopped.  I really don't need to hear the horror stories since I'll take just about anything that doesn't outright kill me. I'm all for using exercise to keep the se's and pounds away.

    For those on Zometa, how many infusions are you receiving a year?  I don't remember my onc mentioning more than one, but I see it does vary.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2010

    Clariceak -  I'm going next month for my 3rd zometa infusion.  First one was given the first chemo treatment, the second one was in December 09,  So I'm getting them every 6 months.  You mentioned that your onc was not convinced on the data available to prevent bone mets.  My onc was very excited about the available studies he had just returned from a cancer seminar and mentioned to me in Dec. that there are very good things coming out about the Zometa.  I hope that's true. He travels around and gives speeches at all these cancer shindigs. So I'm trying to put my trust in the cocktails he recommends for my BC.  He has me on Arimidex, and I do really get so much bone pain and achiness especially during weather systems coming thru.  I'm wondering if Femara would be any different?  So far I have no other SE, so I'm afraid to roc the boat.

    PhotobucketBarb

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited May 2010

    I'm on Femara for about 2 years now.  Not many side effects for me.  Some stiff joints but goes away with movement. 

    I have not done Zometa yet.  My onc. is still holding off and waiting for studies.  I worry slightly about that but she tends to be research driven.  Instead I am on Fosamax.  I tried Boniva and had horrible side effects on that-worse than chemo, if you can believe it! 

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited May 2010

    Barb -  I originally asked about Zometa last fall based on information on this board and she dismissed it at that time.  She has since changed her mind and did mention the potential mets benefit at my last visit. My onc is incredibly nice, rated one of the best bc oncs in Seattle but I don't get the impression she spends her free time reading research journals. 

    She is prescribing Zometa for my crappy bones and I wonder if the dosage is different based on the reasons for treatment.

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  • my2kids
    my2kids Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2010

    i take femara and i have backaches and fatigue but its fighting the cancer great therefore i am just dealing with it.

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  • clariceak
    clariceak Member Posts: 752
    edited August 2010

    My symptoms eased considerably after the first month or so.  I'm still creaky, but it's so much better!

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  • silvergrl
    silvergrl Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2010

    No issues with the Femara, but I was in bed with bone aches and fevers for the weekend after my first Zometa infusion.  When I mentioned this to my primary care nurse (love her) she said that there was good evidence that if you are REALLY well hydrated before the infusion, during and for 24 hours after it will keep the aches at bay.  Last 2 infusions have been no issue at all following that regimen.  Here's to many, many more!

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