Life on aromasin

Les

Megace is actually a fake progesterone like chemical. It was the very first treatment for ER+PR+breast cancers way before Tamoxifen. If you do a search on this site there are articles that mentions Megace along with Tamox and Ai's

Used for bc treatment the doses are very different.

Its also used in very high doses 800 mg to increase appetite in AIDS patients.

Anyway, killed the hot flashes and sweating in a week.

AND Its cheap.

Can't live without it.

Rauder, did your appetite increase?

Lily, I hope you are getting this checked because it is a scary side effect if indeed it is from the exemestane.

Lilly

When I go to the MO every 3 months they ask a million times if I have shortness of breath.

(I tell them yes , immediately following a roll in the sack.)

Kidding aside, you have to talk your doctor. It may be nothing it may be everything.

Keep us updated.

April

I heard other reasons why AI cause weight gain. Estrogens in post menopausal women are produced in fats cells . When we take aromatase inhibitors our bodies know there is something wrong...wheres the estrogen? So it makes more fat in the hopes of making estrogen but alas, we are still on AI's and so its a cycle.

In other words, we are screwed.

NY

Oh no, the invasion of the butt snatcher.

hey, happy to pass on some of my butt, it did not shrink although it is the same size as last year so taking that as good

I would be happy if invasion of the butt (belly and thigh too for that matter) snatchers came here. I won't get on the scale but I know I've gained in the 4 months I've been on exemestane. I feel bloated, fat and gross. I try to exercise but I really does hurt so much more.

 Too funny ladies! I too would welcome a "fat snatcher" of any kind but particularly the tummy snatcher. Some people get away with the AI not causing weight gain and some of us...well, let's just say we don't and leave it at that. Ha!

Big butt is not a problem if you have no breasts - it's an asset!

Iago, I tried to get mine larger but the stitch on the radiated side popped after several expansions and then I developed an infection. I'm afraid I'm going to come out of this smaller than I was before (if that's possible!).

Leslienva I didn't have radiation. I didn't want to be this big. I was supposed to be a large B/small C. I'm a D and a full one at that. I kid and say my PS gave me middle aged boobs. I'm still learning how to dress t hem

I am doing monthly lupron shots. Just got back from my second one. I haven't had any side effects from them. Basically everything that I was complaining about prior to getting diagnosed with cancer, I am back to complaining about (e.g., weight gain, fatigue, general aches and pains, occasional hot flashes) but these were, seriously, all part of my (peri-menopausal) life prior to breast cancer. I don't mind getting the shots, although, and this is my inner spoiled brat talking, I hate going in and feeling like a 'patient'. I am very much over that experience...

It sometimes feels like that, ElaineTherese. Today what really made me mad was that I was SUPPOSED to just be getting my shot, but I ended up having to meet with my MO, AND put on a gown, and the whole 9 yards. I was irked beyond belief, which is unreasonable of me but man, I just don't want to be constantly reminded.

Yes, I get the Lupron shots once a month. And I take exemestane daily. So far so good. (I know there is a 3-month version, but it was not offered to me and I am actually fine with the once a month deal...)