Arimidex - Coping with the SE's

bethu77 - It is very easy to be confused by the Oncotype data.  A negative of ER on the Oncotype chart doesn't necessarily mean that you are ER- unless you had a 0.  If your doctors sent your tissue in for testing, this is unlikely.  An ER in the negative range means that your ER is low or weak enough to negatively affect your Oncotype score, meaning that it will push you to a higher recurrance rate.  I am 5% PR+ and it showed as very low, as a negative, on the Oncotype, but it did register above 0.  Adding to the confusion is that a HER-2 +++ is in the positive range, but, unlike a high rate on the ER or PR, raises your recurrance score.   These three and other data is plugged into a complex formula to get the recurrance rate.  The ER, PR and HER2 data is only some of what goes into figuring the Oncotype score. 

Hopefully your MO can better explain the content of the report.   

moonflower - namaste - I like that autocorrect!  Thanks!

Hot flashes, I used to get at work, I would use antipersperant around my hairline so sweat wouldn't drip down. The things we do.

Good. So glad you have found someone who will work WITH you!

A good doctor that listens to you is priceless! We all deserve that.

I agree with F the hot flashes! If only we could convert all that heat to energy, the world crisis would be solved! 

I am feelin' ya sistas!! Took tamoxifen for one year, off because of severe blood disorder... Now on Arimidex since August... Joints, bones, hot flushes, sweating, blah, blah, blah... Tried Femara, worse AND had migraines. Same with Aromasin. Back on arimidex and day 87 of migraines... Nausea, puking... And new really gross, actually puking in my sleep, aspirate some... On antibiotic for pneumonia caused by that.... I'm only 43 so the benefits of a longer life are great, especially because I have a 9 yr old boy. Onc says I should just quit, but the cancer that invaded me is highly likely to return, so that is not a "real" solution... Using yoga, meditation, hypnosis, essential oil massage on head, aromatherapy, accupuncture, chiro, on and on... But still severe migraine... HELP! Only you know what the SEs are like... What should I do???

Yes, I am seeing a neurologist and taking gabapentin for them, but no real relief. I have had severe post mastectomy pain syndrome and severe radiation damge so am on a barrage of pain meds alreadys. I always had migraines associated with periods, but after a recent radical hysterectomy, I'm sure my body is hating me with no estrogen... But since my dx was triple positive, estrogen is my enemy anyway. Just got off phone with onc... Same option, stop the AIs, but I really want to see my son grow up... So they said I just have to way quality over quantity... Really at 43? After 2 1/2 years of fighting to win? All the research shows FIVE YEARS of AIs work, not one, not two, but 5. I am so depressed. I started crying but my head feels like it is going to explode so I need to stop. Has anyone else had success fighting back debilitating SEs from these damn drugs?

One week on Arimidex and so far so good. When did everyone start to feel the SE's?

Three months on the "A". I thought my side effects started within the first month but talking with my Oncologist she said the pain was still left over from the chemo - 3 months in and the pain/discomfort is definitely worse. I have been taking the claritin but not much relief. I'm flying to see my mom whom I haven't seen in 3 1/2 year(long story) tomorrow and dreading the 12 hour traveling. I don't move very fast, long or well! On a good note - attended a Cancer Survivor Reception yesterday and made me feel great to know I am not alone in this battle and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Even with this site and all the other info out there sometimes you still feel like you are on a deserted island. Hope everyone has a Blessed Day! Thanks for all the info and insights. 

Thanks, notself! I am only on my second month, so I am glad to know it can be done.

Thanks Notself!

I'm only 15 days into arimidex and so far no real side effects, but I have noticed the last couple of days, when I first get out of bed I'm so stiff I just kind of scoot, but just going to the bathroom and going to make coffee seems to get rid of it. I first thought it was the chilly mornings, and I do have degenerative joints, but from reading these posts, I'm thinking it could be A. I just pray it never gets worse than this.

Do you take Claritin? Not Claritin D.



Blessings

Paula

Does ayone know what meds/supplements are no no's while on the once a week Vitamin  D 50,000 units? My onc who put me on it didn't say anything.

Notself thanks for the advice about vit. D. Is that for just those in treatment? Or for anyone diagnosed? I'm asking because I haven't had surgery or chemo yet. I'm about 17 days on arimidex. My yearly labs showed low D in April even though I take calcium with D. So now, I'm taking D3 1000 iu.



Blessings

Paula

I've been on a generic Aromasin since around August 11th.  I was also on a mega dose of Vit D (50,000 units once a week), months before starating the Aromasin.  The Vit D Rx ran out a few weeks ago and I hadn't followed up on it.  I was doing fine on the Aromasin until I stopped taking the Vit D, but never made the connection.  Yes, ankle pain!  Insomnia, nightsweats and increased fatigue.  

I did not have any of these symptoms when I was dx'd with low Vit D (pre-BC dx), so I attribute them to the Aromasin - but also that I'm low on Vit D.  Does this sound correct?