Anyone stopped arimidex/anastrozole for a break? Results??

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twinpeaks4me
twinpeaks4me Member Posts: 16
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I'm at 18 months post surgery.  I've taken arimidex and switched to genieric anastrozole.  I'v been on them for 13 1/2 months.   Side effects are such that when I went to my onco this AM she suggested that I take a break for a few weeks.  This way I would know if they are drug related.  Duh, never had them proior to taking the "little white pill".  I'm curious what others have experienced??  I'm afraid if I stop and symptoms,  bad hip pain, thumbs that I can't bend, weight issues, and overall discomfort go away I won't want to start taking them again.  Please share your experiences.  Thanks sisters!!

Leslie

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited May 2011

    I've been on Femara for 3 years, and have negotiated two one-month "vacations" with my onc when the s/es got too bad.  I started experiencing joint and muscle relief within a few days of stopping, and a week after stopping I'm actually able to get out of a chair and walk away smoothly, not all stiff like a 90 year old.  Within 2 weeks after stopping my weight starts dropping - I have dropped 3-4 pounds during each of my "vacations" without really doing anything different as far as diet and exercise during that time. 

    The nice thing is that each time the "vacation effect" for ache and pain relief has persisted for 3-4 months after resuming Femara - the s/es seem to build up very slowly which is nice. 

    Good luck!  

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  • nlm
    nlm Member Posts: 96
    edited May 2011

    I was in arimidex and then generic for eleven months when I could no longer handle the joint pain and weight. He let me take two weeks off, then go on femara. It took about that long for most of the pain to subside. Have been on the femara for a. Month, and so far the joint pain is much better. The weight is another story.

    Good luck

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  • twinpeaks4me
    twinpeaks4me Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2011

    Thanks NatsFan and nlm for your input.  I didn't take pill last night and will continue for the next 13 days.  I really not sure what to hope for.   Choices are stop and take nothing, try possibly taking femara or continuing with anastrozole.  Doctor said because  IDC was a total of 6-8mm it was so small that I could take a chance without.  I can't wrap my head around that because I'm afraid if I don't take something and "IT" returns it would be self induced.  I know I have to make the decision, but it's just sooo hard.  16 years ago I had large B cell lymphoma.  Had chemo/radiation.  The mantle radiation is more than likely what caused the BC.  All 3 doctors are in agreement to this.  I realize that without the previous radiation I might not have done so well, but now I don' want to take anymore chances.  Kinda like damned if you do and damned if you don't.  Thanks for listening dear sisters!

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  • CrazyKitties
    CrazyKitties Member Posts: 180
    edited May 2011

    I stopped femara after 2 months, and i don't care what my onc says. According to cancermath.net i get the same outcome with 4 dif. therapies. I choose chemical menopause and no other drugs. I cannot get better if I walk like a 90 year old woman. The pain was horrible, and I need to exercise. i am taking my chances.

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  • CrazyKitties
    CrazyKitties Member Posts: 180
    edited June 2011

    I m bcak on femara because i am scared. I am in pain from it, but I guess that's how it goes.

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  • webstertoo
    webstertoo Member Posts: 51
    edited June 2011

    I had bad athrithis before cancer and was on Arimedex for six months.  Switched to Tamoxifen and the side effects are less.  Will say, however, the wrist pain did not go away but I can now walk again. 

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  • twinpeaks4me
    twinpeaks4me Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2011

    Well 1 day short of 2 weeks and most - 90% of the joint pan is gone.  My hands are feeling soooo much better.  Hips are back to the way they were before the "little white pills".  Talked with insurance and the name brand pill is 5 times more for 90 days than the generic.  Also, there is a deductible with name brand and none with generic.  Now that Femara also has generic, I guess trying them opposed to Araimidex is also out of the question.  Can't decide what to do.   I'm praying for an answer.  Thanks for you input.  I'll keep yous posted.

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited June 2011

    My experience has also been that after the break, side effects are much less. I will try for another short break this summer when I know I can make enough vitamin d and sleep as much as I want.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited June 2011

    Dang you guys are scaring me about Arimidex. I am supposed to start taking it when my RADS treatment is finished which will be in about a month. Sounds like some gruesome side effects. Diane

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