Cymbalta a life saver

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KatherineA
KatherineA Member Posts: 54
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I haven't been on for 6 or 7 weeks but I have to tell everyone what has finally helped me beyond my expectations. I was on Effexor (150 mg) during all my chemo and with Tamoxifen then they started me on Aromasin last July. I was in so much pain that I ended up taking myself off of it. I was having to take Darvocet. It caused my lymphedema in my hand and leg to be very very painful too. So I wanted a better quality of life.

Well the doctor didn't like the idea of me not taking anything since my cancer was so aggressive. I agreed to try Arimedex and then ask to change from Effexor to Cymbalta. WOW no more pain, my energy is 200% better. I never ever thought I was going to be able to feel this well again.

The Cymbalta is used for Fibromyalgia patients. Since the Arimedex and Aromasin both cause joint pain and increase other pain in your body the Cymbalta works amazingly well.

All that said I know other women that couldn't take the Arimedex and could take Aromasin. So the message is keep trying different combinations until you find one that works for you.

I finally feel really good and 4 months ago I never thought that would be possible.  FYI May 25th will be my 3 year mark for being diagnosed.

You are your own best advocate!!!!

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  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited May 2009

    good to know. I have been thinking about switching. Plus I hear you DON'T gain weight on this one.

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  • vivo
    vivo Member Posts: 532
    edited May 2009

    Fitztwins why do you want to change treatment.You are on Tamoxifen, aren't you?

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited May 2009

    cymbalta has totally turned my body pain off. i had chronic shingles from treatment 7 years ago; and i started cymbalta a couple of months ago and it has been a wonder drug. i highly recommend it for people who have pain. no weight gain either***

    diana50

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  • Sukiann
    Sukiann Member Posts: 310
    edited June 2009

    I have to say that cymbalta has made a HUGE difference for me with fibromyalgia.  I too was on effexor but my doc changed me over to cymbalt a little over a year ago.  I can't believe the difference (this was all before the bc).  In fact I just asked my friend last night if she recalls me complaining about my muscles aching in the last few months.  She said "no" and I told her it was the cymbalta.  I am on 60 mg once a day.  What dose are you on?

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited June 2009

    i am on a low dose; 20 mg. but it has really worked on my shingles. i recommend it for anyone deal with pain from shingles...or nerve pain.

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  • Waiting_at28
    Waiting_at28 Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2009

    I've been on Cymbalta for nearly 1 year. I've had depression, anxiety and PTSD...but I've also had frequent migraines since about 4 years old (at least one every week or so). Oh, and leg pain. Anyway, the Cymbalta has made a HUGE difference in all of those issues. I can't remember the last time I had a migraine. Sometimes my leg will hurt, but it's not all of the time anymore. I take 60mg daily (at night because it makes me a little sleepy).

    Hopefully I'll never had to stop taking it, because the weaning process is absolute HELL for most people.

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  • KatherineA
    KatherineA Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2009

    I'm glad to hear others have had the same great results with Cymbalta. I take 60 mg once a day. Everyone has noticed a difference in me. Most importantly I feel so much better. I think it is important for us to tell our Oncologist the results we have experienced with Cymbalta so that they will consider this for their other patients.

    Doctors are just people too and sometimes get myoptic regarding the drugs they prescribe. I never expected to feel this good again.

    You are your own best advocate.

    Cheers!

    Katherine A

    PS:Please check out my website www.confidentclothingcompany.com help others go through this journey easier.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011
    bump
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    I have chronic pain everywhere, and wondering if fibromyalga is going on here.  But this thread caught my eye and I may discuss Cymbalta with my onc.

      image

    Barb

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    Anyone here tired on Cymbalta ?  I only take 30 mg, but I am very tired

    It has definitely taken away my appetite, but that has not resulted in weight loss.  Anyone else ?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2011

    It also helps the "nerve"pain I have running down my arm (not the cancer or SNB side)

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited January 2011

    i have been on cymbalta for a couple of years. it has worked well for me.  i highly recommend it.

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