Arimidex - Coping with the SE's

Jancie walking 30 minutes at a moderate pace is much better than nothing. If you can try to up it to an hour because you can't go as fast as you like. If  your cardiologist has you on restrictions I doubt he would want you walking up and down stairs! Be sure to check with her/him first.

ruth- Thanks for that description. It may not be medical, but I got the picture very clearly and it makes sense to me. thank you

patoo- cann 811(do you have that nurse service in the usa?) and ask. I think they generaly tell you if you foget, do not double your dose

345grace- sounds like you need to be on the 24 hour rule my dear....in other words..if today is overwhelming, have some green tea...take a hot bath...read a book..lift weights. (whatever calms you) and then go to bed....tomorrow is a new day...a new perspective. You will get through this...what helps you take your mind off of the side effects? Have you tried massage? acupuncture? There are potentially other options for you so call the oncologist or the nurse...they are incredibly supportive.

Denise- strength comes in funny packages. You are also brave for going out in the rain without an umbrella. I have not been able to take any medications sinc eMarch and am about to have the 'you are not post-menopausal so here are your options' discussion....and at 49, I want to lessen my 9-10% odds...but I sure don't want another heart attack or major health issue like amoxifen brought to my door so....this time, I am going to weigh all the sides before I pop one in my mouth..but like Ruth says, there are lots of different options at this point and one of them may be perfect.

Gabby, Minoxidil, women's strength.

My hot flashes are lessening. I think I have been on anastrozle for about 5 months now.

MY HAIR IS STILL GROING IN SO i AM THINKING IT WILL STILL THICKEN Up a bit. Sorry bout caps. 

Hi Everyone Day 2 on Arimidex and my vision is so blurry I can barely see the computer. Yesterday I had a slight headache and hot flashes already last night but this blurry vision has me scared. I opted out of chemo and I hate to give up already on this med. Anyone have suggestions?

dixiebell have you tried some refresh eye drops.  I have blurry eyes in the morning and my eye Dr. said it was because of dry eyes.  I was on tamoxifen at the time but Arimidex has the same effect.  Hope that is all it is for you.

Dixiebell---I take mine at night....my BP has stayed pretty normal until it was a bit high 2 weeks ago at my MO appointment...I'm hoping I was just anxious....I was at my RO appointment just 2 weeks before that and it was normal...

Prayers that it all evens out for you...

Tori 

I was instructed to take mine in the morning

buying a BP monitor for your home is a worthwhile purchase, just don't get the wrist ones..then keep a log and test it the same time every day so you and  your doctor have some data to go on..

I take mine at night because the pain is worse if I take it in the morning.  It does cause restless legs, though.  Not sure which is worse!

For thinning hair I also use minoxidil.  Someone told me that their hair thickened about 3 years after finishing chemo/starting AIs, so I have hope since I'm only 18 months out.

Exercise helps me with the fatigue but does nothing for the pain.  I take a combo of Celebrex/Hydrocodone daily.

I wanted to post a followup, I had decided to stop the arimidex as of September 1st because of the side effects. After about 10 days, I woke up feeling better than I had in months, and called my oncologist and told him what I did and what to do now. I just could not bear the thought of going back on it.  He said after 2.5 years on tamoxifen and 1 year on the arimidex, I had achieved about 90% of the benefit I could which was a pretty good percentige as far as I was concerned.  He said the quality of life was an important factor and he gave me his blessing to go off everything, and said not to feel guilty about anything. He will see me for a checkup in July of next year. It has been a good day.

yay garnetan!!!!

I have been taking arimidex for 6 months now. Minimal SE's and those being muscle and joint pain from my hips down. For now, tolerable. I have a question for you ladies.....has anyone noticed a difference in their facial skin texture. Maybe it's my imagination and vanity......but damn, I feel like I look 10 yrs older:-(((

Sereena - Me too...had a severe resurgence of acne right off the bat so back to the dermatologist.  Back on antibiotics and several different topical products.  The breakouts are better, but my skin overall isn't looking so lovely.  I also noticed the skin on my upper arms looking tissue-papery, which is new for me  .  Fun times.......  

Y ea h I'm getting some of the crey paper skin on thighs and inner upper arms… but my face still looks good. Moisturize!

I have very sensitive skin. Most stuff makes me break out. I used to have terrible acne (though hard to believe if you look at my skin now). I use Neutrogena Ageless Intensives® Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Night Moisturizer at night. I have been using Rénergie Cream Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Treatment by Lancome for 28 years. At the time it was the only thing that didn't make my skin break out. It's expensive. That's why I only use it once a day and use the Neutrogena that I get on sale at Walgreens or Ulta with coupons.

I'm sure there is something less expensive that can work for you. I know my mom swears by Oil Olay Regenerist but I'm not sure which one she uses… her skin is really nice too but that might be genes. She isn't getting the estrogen sucked out of her either although she is in her 70's.