Faslodex Girls

I started on faslodex at the end of March and my lung mets stabilized as well. Only one scan under my belt since I started, but so far so good.

Anyone else gaining weight on faslodex? I am biking and swimming daily and still gaining, sigh.  

I've just started on Faslodex. My nurse was very good and I really didn't feel the injections. However, the injection site developed a hard egg shaped like area on both sites and is slightly sore. I am supposing that this is normal. I just hope it works for me.

X Sarah

I haven't gained weight, but I haven't lose any either. My existing fat seems to be redistributed, settling into an unlovely spare tire around my midsection.

Ouch Tina sounds like she hit a nerve. I have only gotten two doses so I am definitely not an expert, maybe try a warm compress or a long walk to get the medicine to disburse. How are you doing on faslodex? I threw up and felt really tired after my last shots, it did not happen the first time? I would love to hear about the success you are having with it since you have been on it for a year!

Thanks for the heads up on the warm compresses, I guess I though it would be like a vaccine when it knots up under the skin with my kids so thanks for the info. Is stable considered remission or is NED considered remission ( I am still a newbie). Thanks

Had my third and last "loading dose" yesterday.  So far, so good.  Now let's hope it works!  I've had little to no negative side effects, so far.  Fatigue, following injection; some fleeting nausea and joint/bone pain similar to what I experienced on femara. It's often difficult to distinguish the difference between pain resulting from treatment and that of mets, so not sure, yet.  Time will tell.  Overall, a small price to pay. 

Eva, I've just started gaining weight like crazy after a year on Faslodex.  At first it wasn't a problem, but I can't seem to get rid of the tire around my middle, and I used to be so thin.

I'm on vacation now, but when I get back I'm going to try more diet and exercise, but since I already hike and walk quite a bit, I'm not sure what else I can do. 

I also have scans when I get back. If I'm still stable, I'll stop complaining.

Tina, my last couple of injections have left me more bruised than before, and I even had one painful one like you described, except that the skin split and bled at the injection site, and still isn't completely healed after four months.!

  I'm wondering, since we've been on it so long, if we have built up scar tissue and the injections don't go in like they normally would, or did in the past. I hope we aren't just "full up" with Faslodex.

I'll be interested in what she says.  I don't have a "lot" of muscle in that area, so I can imagine how this might be true.  The same nurse has been giving me my shots for quite awhile, which is why I don't think it's the nurse.    When my rupture happened, the nurses were very concerned and wanted me to see the head nurse, and then make an appointment with the nurse practicioner. They were worried that it would never heal completely. It's much better now, but not gone.  My onc saw it, and said he'd never seen that happen before, either.  I now have to have both shots on one side, to avoid the damaged side.  I hope it heals and I can go back to both, as the second shot in the same side is the one that seems to bruise the most.

  There could be something about my individual biology that I'll never understand.  I hope I can stay on it for several years.

Hi Ladies,

Ive posted this question before on the general Stage IV board, but I didn't get a great response. I was wondering whether anyone is experiencing some of the following side effects because of faslodex such as: heartburn, acid reflux, occasional neck pain, fatigue and indigestion (I'm lucky enough to be experiencing all of these) 

Ive just received 3 "doses" so far, 2 weeks apart, and I'm becoming really concerned as to whether these are the drugs side effects or whether my liver mets are just getting worse.

Thanks for any insights you may have.

Crissie69: I have diarrhea for a few days after injections, and I stink like carbon. But my only big SE is new arthritis in feet, knees, and hips. I suspect faslodex enhances any normal aging issues, such as I am prone to arthritis so by binding to my estrogen, it just enhances our aging process. This is my guess, I have not read it anywhere. But seems to make sense as to why I suddenly hobble everytime I stand just after starting faslodex. My $.02.

Welcome to the thread--Syrmom, Crissie69, EvaPerone, Tina72!!

 I haven't been around the dissusion forums lately--the hubby and I had a busy summer training and caring for our new Cavaleir King Charles Spaniel.  She's a hanfdul!  I think we had forgotten how much work a puppy could be.  Anyhow, she's on a more regular schedule so, I have time to use the computer.

I just had my 10th round of Faslodex (I get it with Zometa, which is delivered in IV form).  I don't always have swelling after the shots but, usually there's a bruise and some tenderness at the injection sites (for afew days).  This time, I have a little bit of swelling on my right side.  I forgot to relax that leg at the time of the injection so, that might be the reason I have a little swollen spot.  For me, the Faslodex side effects have been minor.  However, the Zometa gave me flu-like symptoms so, I get and IV drip of Decadron to prevent that.

I think the Faslodex does, at times, give me some stomach troubles--gas, cramping, unpredictable bowel problems.  If I stick to startchy foods for a few days (after the shots) I have fewer stomach issues.

From what I understand about being "stable" it means the cancer is inactive--it's not growing or moving to another body part. Unfortunately, the cancer will never go away--there won't be any "no evidence of disease" or remission.  I have Stage IV spinal mets and I have some compression fractures but, my worst pain is from slipped vertebrae and an entrapped nerve.  I can't do things I'd normally enjoy.  A nerve block helped a couple of times but, my pain management doc is going to try Radio Frequency Abalation.  I'm hoping and praying that it'll work!!

Talk about working--best of all--Faslodex has been working for me for ten months (it's kept me STABLE)!!  I feel blessed.  I pray it will work for all of us for a long, long time!!

crissie69  I've only had 3 loading doses so far.  The arthritic areas are defin. more painful & increased fatigue.  I have noticed more sensitivity in the digestive area, like cramping and gas.  I was worried I might be forming liver mets; however, not sure what those symptoms are.  No further scans until Dec., but the labs should reveal something one way or another, next month.  Good luck.

Thanks for the info, EvaP!  I agree that "remission" is not part of the vocabulary for "mets."  I'd say it's normal to get nervous before a scan.  I've had several scans and they've been stable but, I still have a little anxiety attack before.

Crissie--I haven't had orange urine but it does look more "yellow" for a few days after the shots.  You can always check with your oncologist just to make sure.  It's difficult NOT to worry about side effects.  Take care, hon and let us know how you are doing.

Had my first night sweat!  Had night sweats while on femara when it was working!  I hope this means the faslodex is working!  I'm also having an increase in headaches.  Anyone had headaches as a side effect?  I know it's listed as one.  I've always been a headachy person.  Had CT of brain few months back, which was negative.

Bones ache, but I will adjust!

Thank you, Robin.  What makes you think it's not working for you?  You've only been on it since July and I understand it takes a while to kick in - that's why the 3 loading doses.