Arimidex - Coping with the SE's

has anyone gone from arimidex or femara to tamoxifem, as my onc suggested?  I thought tamoxifem was just for premenopausal women?

For a more postive note:  I had fatigue at first (and am taking other meds that cause fatigue) but my body has adapted and I sleep fairly normal nights (9 hours, normal for me), and occasionally take a short nap late afternoon -- so you may adapt.  Most of the time my energy is good.  And if you're not far out of treatment, I know I had a ton of fatigue the first months after I got done with everything; it took about 5-6 months before I really felt myself feeling much better.  But if you don't bounce back or your fatigue is really extreme, talk to your oncologist.

Jo-5, google it -- there's some interesting information about stress and chloresterol.  I didn't see the stats you were looking for but the articles are still interesting.  Yet another reason to take care of ourselves on all levels...

Jo-5--it was a while ago that I saw the stress/cholestrol info, but I'll see if I can chase it down again.  One of the advantages of being a University Instrutor--access to GREAT library resources!  

NativeMainer - I dont recall if it's been discussed here before, but one of the SE of Arimidex can be increased cholesterol. See paragraphs 5.3 and 6.1 of the Arimidex bottle instructions: http://www1.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/arimidex.pdf

That's what I understand Whole Foods did to calcium chews.  So might be worth checking out.  I just bought a large box of the Trader Joe's, so need to eat those first.

Anyway, my former business partner says the dark chocolate ones are just fab.

I am wondering what the effect on cholesterol will be too.  Getting it checked in a couple of weeks.  I typically have borderline high LDL, extremely high HDL (88 last year), and very low triglycerides.

I am hoping all the exercise has brought my HDL back to where it was a year ago.

I slept like a log last night after a wonderful bicycle ride, three miles of walking (doing errands), and a couple of glasses of wine.  Doing some work/networking this AM prior to church.  Then work as have an assignment to get out.

I do not want to be on any other meds if possible.  Just anastrazole and vitamin supplements.  And of course aspirin.

To remember which is which I use HDL = Healthy cholesterol, LDL = Lethal cholesterol

Aah but my lab uses the abbreviation LD (LDH). Scared the hell out of me the first time since my number was 217 ! Then I realized that that was the good cholesterol which has always been super high...

On the joint pain front.....somehow it's all but gone (hands still weaker than they were but no longer aching any where near what they were; almost fine). Not certain whether my D is finally higher, or the fact that I upped my fish oil or Glucosomine a bit or the tumeric that I added, but I'm a happy camper. Of course, it could be just time - 4 1/2 months Will try to figure out what's made the difference and share.

You know, there is an entire generation that will not understand the Hoover reference!

Nuns are a lot more fun than they are generally given credit for!

Janesluvsdogs -

I read some of your earlier posting and I have trouble with your logic.  A recurrence thwarted by Arimidex would definitely change the survival out come for me?  

Not sure what reasoning, stats or logic you are using? Are you a researcher?  Have you conducted a blind study that supports your statement?  I only know what my research has provide and no recurrence will absolutely extend my life.  

When you talk newly diagnosed are taking in to account the heterogeneity of each case when making your statement?  Or is your statement "one size fits all"?

Do you consider long term survival a process or an event based on conditions?  Knowing the  answer to that premise would definitely clarify how you arrived at your decision to disregard the absolute value of the blind studies done on Arimidex and Tamoxifen.  How do you feel about Tamoxifen survial stats? 

Curious.    

About losing weight....... I have lost about 50 lbs in the last 2 years. DH was dx'd diabetic and wanted to try to control Blood sugar levels with diet and exercise. So we went on a low and balanced carb diet and upped our exercise which was already pretty good. All this before my BC diagnosis. In fact, I think weight loss combined with new digital mammo equipment probably made my IDC tumor visible.

Along came breast cancer plus two knee surgeries in 2009. I was doing pretty well, thought I looked healthy and fit. Started Arimidex in July 2009.

Diet is the same, exercise is the same, weight is great.... 5'7", 130 lbs... but I think, people think, I look a lot older. It's true... my neck is creepy, I have smile wrinkles where I used not to. Sometimes, if I am dehydrated, my upper arms, the bisep area, look like grapes that are two weeks old... withered-wrinkly. The skin on my legs is crepe-y looking too.

Is it just weight loss? Age? I am 63. Is it Arimidex, now anastrozole, sucking all the estrogen out of my body? Creams and lotions have MINIMAL effect.

DH says if I gained 20 lbs it would fill out my wrinkles. But my onc is thrilled with my skinniness and thinks it is a good thing. Clothes fit great... just don't get too close :-)

Does anyone else think A is affecting their skin quality and texture? Would I rather look younger or live longer? Well, that is a no brainer!!!

pam 

OK, I am officially accepting donations in 5 lb increments. I especially would like donations that can be applied to my too narrow shoulders, flat behind, saggy neck, and bony fingers.   I will also accept smaller quantities of cheek fat and lip plumper. Tummy pounds will not be accepted and will be returned to sender. Cellulite will be returned COD.

pam 

I have had a problem with wrinkly, thin skin also.  I have been pretty much the same weight (give or take a little) for the last 10 - 15 years.  I notice it most at my neck - my eyelids.  In the last 5 years, I have gained 10 in looks.