For Arimidex (Anastrozole) users, new, past, and ongoing

when I went for first onco follow up visit I got the NP.iwas passed! But decided see what happier GM's. She was great. Knew every thing. Said I'd switch off visits her and the onco, so next should be with him.

For the zits... Windex😄

I always see the MO, but she now has a NP who triages email questions, prescriptions, labs, etc.  So far they haven't pulled the old switcheroo on me

My BS has a PA and after the 2 year mark I have the option to see either of them (obviously harder to get in with the BS and appointments are often changed due to her surgery schedule).  Even if I ask to see the BS the PA comes in first and does the breast exam and usually an ultrasound (I'm being followed for several post-reconstruction lumps).  It works out fine except that last time it was billed under the PA who happens to fall under a different insurance tier for me.  So, I end up paying more (higher co-pay) to see the PA than the BS herself...huh?  I finally gave up and just paid the extra $$, but will be sure to ask them next time to please bill with the BS as the provider.

TinaT, I've never done yoga but that position sounds so comfortable. I may have to try it!

Aviva5675.........Windex for the zits, eh? Hmmmmmmm, not sure about that one!

windex-- see: My Big Fat Greek Wedding...

TinaT, this just inspired me to get back to my yoga class tomorrow.  I haven't been since my fat grafting surgery before Christmqs.  I'm ready.

Denilynne:  I was just going to post that you should try yoga. Tina beat me to it.  I totally agree with her.   I also do yoga 2-4 x's a week. Legs up the wall is a wonderful relaxing way to help you sleep.  I, too, had joint issues, particularly in the knees, and since I have been doing yoga, it was disappeared.  I hope it continues to be that way.  Do the restorative or gentle yoga--it's the best.  I love it.  BTW, I am from the Detroit area and my BFF lives in A2.  

Jayaytea - I'm going to class tomorrow too (I go twice a week).  Last gentle classes of the month are always 1-1/2 hours of restorative poses and meditation.  Seems like something that could easily be done at home, but I have a much easier time clearing my head  and letting go in class.  The instructor has an amazing ability to know exactly when and how to gently bring me back to the present when my mind starts to wander.  Plus she remembers the physical limitations of every student in the class and always offers alternate ways for each pose.  I feel great when class is done.

I visit Ann Arbor occasionally and I always try to make it to Zingerman's and Hollander's.

ruthbru -

I am new to this board. I took my first pill tonight. I hope the SE on this AI are better than what I had on Femara. I started tamoxifen in Oct 2012 and then after having a full hysterectomy in Jan 2013 switched to Femara. I had awful joint and muscle pain and trouble sleeping so after a year my MO made the switch to arimidex. I am hoping the SE on this are better. My MO said that there was even a third AI that I can try if arimidex still gives me joint and muscle pain. I told my MO that I could of handled the SE knowing it was helping me reduce the chances of recurrence and her response was I should not have to put up with the SE and to try Arimidex to see if it has less SE for me. 

I am still trying to read back pages, but wanted to jump in and say Hi. 

IamNancy - thanks for the welcome!

One question I have is how long was it before SE started showing up after you started?

I guess I still have some left over chemo brain. Can't remember if this has been discussed. Are there any diabetics here T1 or T2, who have noticed an increase in your am numbers? I don't think it's Dawn Phenomenon, or liver dumps. Or could it be the Effexor? I'm on the Pod, nothing has changed

I seem to recall maybe one followup with my RO but then he signed off, he did say I was welcome to call him if I had any problems

I did call him once , my brother wanted me to agree to a bone marrow transplant and I was having problems explaining to brother why I was not a good candidate

Denylinne, in response to your remark about your scan not being posted yet. sometimes it does take quite a while. I always ask for a printed copy of any reports while I am in the office so I have something to reference until it is posted.

Denylinne,

My RO gives the best breast exams of all my other Drs and is willing to talk about anything BC related.  He also checks for LE.  And it's true that issues can arise months and years after TX. 

Still if you aren't having problems, then there's probably no need to go. 

Denilynn, I think the RO mainly checks to see if the skin has healed, from radiation burns and whether there are other skin issues, as others have posted. I had maye 1 or 2 folos with mine and then she told me I didn't need to come back for 18 months. Personally, I like the attention and reassurance of all my BC docs. Some of us feel a litttle insecure and untethered when they let us go.

Momof3:  Welcome!

TinaT:  I can totally relate about the classroom setting vs. doing it at home. It's just not the same for me.  Plus, my instructor really pays attn. to my form--thank goodness.  

Denilynne:  My Ro and I broke up two weeks after rads were done. He said if I had any problem to let him know.  It amazes me how different our protocols are  I see my BS (for now) every 6 months--she's the one that orders the mammas, etc.  See my MO every 6 months too.