Life on aromasin

Sickofpink,

I started out on arimidex and had to switch because of the horrble SE's. I was doing pretty good for around three months, then the same thing started all over again. I hope you have better luck than I. Everyone is different.

Hi Ladies, I just started taking Anastrozole (generic Arimidix) and immediately had fever and chills - felt just like the flu.  It lasts about 10 hours each day.  I was wondering if anyone else had this and does it go away if you can stay on this drug for a while?  I'm not sure I can handle this?  Left call for Onc. this a.m. to ask about this side effect. I can handle joint pain, but flu symptoms every day is crazy.

I think all the hormonals cause joint/bone aches, but some less than others (depending on the individual) I have a friend who does great on Femara, but couldn't tolerate the others. I could not tolerate the Aromasin, but others do fine.  All you can do is try----

My Onc. said to stop taking it and come in next week. I guess she'll try another one.

Has anyone noticed a lack of focus while on Aromasin? I used to be a reader, could sit and read for hours. Once BC and treatment came my way it was hard to focus so I put reading aside. I'm almost 1.5 years from chemo and radiation and 1.5 years on Aromasin. I still have trouble sitting down to focus on reading a book. It's just not the seem as before.

I'm wondering if the focus thing is hormone related, or if it's just life. I do stay focused on tasks at work and home life, it's just when I sit down to read I almost have to talk myself into staying focused on the book. Just not the same.

If I can't blame it on Aromasin, that's okay. Maybe it's just my new normal. I can live with that - I miss the enjoyment of reading but....it is what it is.

I went through surgical menopause about seven years before Aromasin. Focus was not one of my changes at that time. I mean, life on Aromasin is 'ultimate' menopause so I guess the symptoms all run together. And, I'm not getting younger......

Life is just interesting.......

So day 3 of being back on Aromasin and so far, things are fine. I am carrying the inhaler with me since the doctors says I have "situational or allergic" asthma and that is what caused my attack that night and the subsequent episodes of shortness of breath. The breathing thing is likely what caused the palpitations cause I was so panicked about the breathing thing. Ugh!

Anyhow, hoping I can tolerate the aromasin, at least for as long as possible. With my already bad joint pain (prior to any cancer stuff) I am not holding my breath that I will be able to tolerate worse pain but giving it an honest try since I promised my MO that I would at least try.

Hoping you all are finding what works for you whether that is a new drug or NONE. We all have to do what we find is best for us.

Cindy, it has been a month for you and it is going well I assume? I hope I am like you.

I still say my rads caused my breathing issues. Never had an issue in my life and now, just right about the time it would begin, I feel this breathing issue and it seems to be more concentrated in my left lung. Did not realize that initially, but paid attention and sure enough, it feels worse on that side. Pneumonitis is very real despite the denial by the RO. She said my films (she had the hospital send them to her) showed nothing that would indicate radiation pneumonitis. Acutally, I am HOPING it is that since that goes away eventually.

Have a great day ladies.

April, I am 2 1/2 months on Aromasin and my joint issues are just stiffness and sometimes a little achiness. I hope you tolerate it well.

Cami, it does make me a little evil . I figure if I have to endure menopause the second time around, so does every one aroune me.

Saw Oncologist today as I had fever, chills from Arimidex. Switching to Aromasin. Hoping I can handle it! She told me the benefit if AI's is about 3-4%. I feel better knowing its a small amount in case I can't do this. Anyone else know that? Next choice would be Tamoxifin if this doesn't work.

Taking an AI for me only changed my recurrance rate by 1% - so not worth the severe SEs I was experiencing...  Good luck!

the cancer math and sloan kettering site are great if you want to figure out your percentages

Dogs OK stupid question time from guess who--11 months shorter than what---u don't know the future so what does that mean--God forbid there is a car accident, what happens? I don't get it.

Dogs hahahahahahaha--see we've settled this one. LOL