Aromatase Inhibitor side effects...

Hi Shellies.....

I did the Chilly Hilly in February, skipped most of March and April because a bicycle, hail, and RR tracks aren't a good combo, did a cycling adventure in May where I also got to buy a new clutch for my Subaru in a strange town and a lot of extra cycling, two cycling events in June, the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic in July, the RSVP to Vancouver in August, and two other cycling events in September.

As you can see, I am seriously debilitated from Arimidex.

I bagged a ride last Saturday as my cycling buddies and I decided to go for breakfast as opposed to getting a major soaking, but did 45 miles on Sunday.  New trail and new people.  Great fun.

I can't wait to ski this year as ankle injury is sufficiently healed so that I should be fine on downhills.  Can't wait.

Good luck with your exchange.

Now on to living.  I would drag your friends out on the hiking trail, bicycle trail, or slopes.

Having said all of this, I do admit to some knee symptoms, but NOTHING like the ankle last year or my shoulder prior to being diagnosed.  That was from a fall backwards onto ice in the ski resort parking lot, and then re-injuring helping out two stranded ladies (chains were in the car, and not on their tires).  In NO WAY am I going to miss out on my life.

Example: did a 50 mile cycling event on a hot day 2.5 months ago, and stopped for a swim on my way back to Seattle.  Now THAT is living. - Claire

Aw, Shellies, I'm so sorry you've been through so much. No wonder you're feeling vulnerable.

HOWEVER, those two "friends" you mention sure don't seem very supportive at all.

First, why would they even try to make you feel worse than you already feel, and second, who made them experts?

I was dx'd just over a year ago, had my BMX w/TEs in December 2011, went on an extensive diet and weight loss program and lost almost 60 pounds so far and more than 65 inches, got rid of my fibromyalgia pain, had my exchange surgery in August and got two beautiful New Girls, and started the Anastrozole on September 5th. No side effects that I can tell in almost two months.

I feel better than I have in 20 years. I'll be 62 next month, and I am SO excited that I can have the strong, healthy body I've always wanted.

This is your chance to make the rest of your life into something that you've always wanted. Never let the naysayers determine who or what you are.

Rebuild your life, stay active, stay strong. You deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way. Big honkin' hugs to you!!!

Shellies I have been on Femara/Letrozole for 4 years and at 62 I am far more active than I have ever been in my entire life, my surgeon and onc told me of the benefits of exercise so I took the ball and ran with it, yes I had belonged to a gym for 10 years and walked on a treadmill and did a bit of weight training but now I am a gym rat, 6 days a week - I am the person they lose money on cause I use my membership to the max.  Have I had twinges and twangs, absolutely but who's to say I wouldn't have had them, I am aging but the gym has become my second home, I love to spin and do Body Combat and Body Step.  I had read all the "terrible" side effects stories and was terrified when I put that first pill in my mouth, but nothing happened.  Glad you're seeing the light is at the end of the tunnel.

OK, I guess I am the downer. I have been on Arimedex for 3.5 month. Fine the first two mos. Then more and more hip and back pain. And I haven't had back pain in years!! Hmm, did my bed suddenly become bothersome? Am I a bad patient and not stretching enough? why do I ache? My doc told me yesterday to go off for 1-2 weeks and then let's see if you go back on this one or try another. I am mad!!! I just wanted to take the stupid pill for 5 yrs and be done with it. Not have ISSUES.

Thanks for positive advice. I am just starting this journey. Having a small (1 cm.) tumor and no lymph or vascular involvement I was told by the surgeon I would only need radiation and hormone therapy. I am now waiting for chemo to start! I think because it was grade 3. (agressive little buggers) Advised by the onc. to be on the safe side. Trying to stay on the positive track. All of the stories I read here of women worse of and better off is very inspirational. Much better than any cancer book or website I have read. Thanks to all of you.

Claire in Seattle! Thanks for all your upbeat answers to Shellies: tomorrow I'll find out my oncotype score to determine if I need chemo in addition to starting an aromatase inhibitor. A review online of possible side effects had me considering reducing my biking time, but your answer confirmed what I want/need to hear: keep up the regular exercise-and-healthy eating routines, build strength, and get back on the trails! Just what this 2-timer (first was 27 years ago, age 39) needed to hear. Thanks so very much.

Shellies, I will be watching for you over on the exercise thread . For what it is worth, I have 4 local friends who are on anti-hormonals (or were, a couple of us are done with our five years); the one who went naturally skinny, stayed skinny. The one who went in plump, stayed plump. The other three of us who were always watching and working on our weight before, stayed the same weight by watching and working on our weight during (and still have to watch and work on our weight after).