Arimidex - Coping with the SE's

Well, I took my first Arimidex today. I'm interested to see how I do on it. I breezed through rads with hardly any pinkness, no discomfort, fatigue, etc. Hopefully I'll fare as well with this new venture. I've been reading this thread for quite some time so hopefully I won't be surprised if anything new crops up. I've even bought some Claritin, just in case! If I don't have the joint/bone pain, at least I'll be prepared for the next allergy season! The only thing I'm afraid of is that every time I feel something a little different, I'll assume it's a SE of the pills. Right now I have a bit of a headache, which is unusual for me (I usually refer to my "annual headache" because I get them so infrequently). So I don't know if it's just anxiety or a real side effect. Funny how such a little pill can have such a big hold on our lives! Just want to thank all of you in advance for your helpful info and tips.

Chachamom - We do that pose frequently in my restorative yoga classes.....on the floor with arms out to sides and legs up on the wall.  It sounds uncomfortable, but it's very relaxing and great for circulation.  My instructor says that even if she's having a crazy day and doesn't have time to do a whole yoga session at home every day she always spends at least 5-10 minutes in this pose.

Hint:  It's rather difficult to get the hips/butt right up against the wall to allow for total relaxation - almost impossible to "scooch" closer to the wall once your legs are up.  In class we sit sideways with one hip/leg pressed against the wall, then pivot to swing the legs up the wall and lay the torso flat on the floor.  Hard to describe .

crking...

I take it first thing in the morning because I figure if I am going to have hot flashes, I would rather have them in the day rather than at bedtime. I also am very careful to take it about the same time each morning and with PLENTY of fluid. So far, so good and I am almost thru my 3rd month.

I always take first thing in the a.m. too, and never have sleeping issues. Ginger M.

Layla-Way past the time for a new MO. Run, don't walk away from that jerk.

Saw my Onc yesterday, and I am remaining on the Aromasin, she said no difference between that and the Arimidex and since I seem to be doing better (depression/anxiety issues) to stay on it.  I feel so much more like my old self, a little harder with the joints/muscles etc... but have acutally been back to exercising slowly. 

Sometimes when I tell her certain s.e.'s she looks at me like really? from the meds? I want so say I think more Onc's should be on THIS website getting educated! LOL  I am happy I don't have to go back for 6 months, to her anyway.  B.S. in July after another mamo. 

Anyone get pain in the breast that the surgieries were done on, I didn't have masectomy only lumpectomies?

I am a happy girl today, rain and all Ginger M.

Hi ginger and schatzi,

I'm 2,5 year after lumpectomy and I still have occasionally pain in my operated breast. Onco says: scars and late effects...

Best

TinaT: thanks for the tip! It HAS been difficult to scootch my butt close to the wall! .....and knowing its an actual Yoga pose gives my DH's recommendation more credibility! LOL!

YES, swelling of HANDS and FEET/cankles is a well known SE of all the AI's.  I can no longer wear rings.  Could have them sized larger, but they still make my fingers look even more like sausages.  Kind of comes & goes - but mostly it's just there.  I notice it increases, esp. feet, ankles,  if I eat salty food.  But, the bottom line, in answer to your question re: swelling hands...yes.

Keep a CLOSE eye on it, make sure it isn't lymphadema.  I notice if I bruise my hands, realy bump something hard, they stay swollen AND black & blue much longer than pre AI.

I have swelling in my hands also...especially in the morning. I have numbness in both hands that comes and goes, especially my right hand. I have been wearing a wrist splint on my right hand at night and that has helped.

Yup...thanks ladies. I'm right there with you.  I wake up at night because of the pain in my hands. I will try the wrist splint.

I saw a posting from a doctor discussing  Arimidex/Aromasin/Femara vs. Tamoxifen.  And they say the SE's from Tamox are considerably LESS... 

I'm considering trying one of them.  If I find the link, I'll post it. 

In the face of everything, girls.....i made a video for Dr. Phil on coming back from BC........(and losing my brother to a brain tumor 2 weeks before my diagnosis) I want to put a face to ALL OF US (as well as share a little humor)

This is the story of how I worked through it....please watch it, share it on FB and help me help others who may feel hopeless.  With Dr. Phil on our side....(as well as Oprah, the "Mighty O") there's no telling what mountains can be moved for us.

Here's the link! Please view and share on Facebook.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4cOM9uIQ4 

love,

michele 

Yes, they can and usually do level off as your body adjusts. I was achy & hot flashy for about 6 months & it gradually tapered off until one day I realized I wasn't hot or achy either one!

The zapping pains in the breast are nerves growing off & they can go on for years. That has mostly gone away for me too, but I still get an occasional jolt.

I don't like this format at all!!

vivirasselena, just watched your link.  Loved those crazy, crazy wigs you wore, that was so creative.  I'm sorry for the loss of your brother to brain cancer.