FEMARA

Kitty, you have posed a very interesting question. I suppose the AI's suppress the formation of any estrogen.

It's my understanding the AI's zap every little estrogen molecule in our body, hence the bone/skin issues, to mention a few. Sigh.

Jen, I had that problem so I went down to an 84 mg magnesium and that seems to keep me off the toilet.

But maybe that's why I've been getting warm flushes a few times a day again.

Artsee

Hi ladies, I am new to this thread, I started taking Arimidex last July upon completion of radiation, and I was experiencing horrible headaches so they changed me to tamoxifen and so began the hot flashes and Joint/ bone pain, hand and wrist pain along with trigger thumb. I was then switched to Letrozole same ses but not to bad until a couple of months ago the joints in my hands got so swollen that I can no longer wear my wedding ring, and some day's walking was even difficult, they have since tried one I can't remember and then Raloxifine. Well that lasted 2 week and the joint pain really got bad agin so I took a break for a couple of days and went back on the Letrozole and after reading many of your posts I got some magnesium so I am hoping that will help.

Shary

Gardengumby: Please do tell about your diet that helps with the strange pains in the tops of your feet (that was me). I started fish oil a week or so ago and feel there may be a bit of improvement but I'll wait another few weeks to judge.

A little FYI: not all of us on Femara are post-menopausal, at least not naturally. AIs are more effective than tamoxifen so my oncologist insisted ... so I get Lupron injections to shut down my ovarian function. As soon as I can have surgery (long story) I will probably have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed so I don't have to be on Lupron for another ten years. It's a whole 'nother drug I would sooner do without!

Wishing you all well.

Hi All,

My MO switched me from Arimidex to Femara due to hideous joint pain three months ago. I guess this is all a balancing act, right? I have more hot flashes and tingling fingers than before, but the joint pain is so much better--at least so far!! Vaginal dryness has improved as well. We all react so differently I think we each need to keep trying until we (hopefully) find something tolerable.

What what tingling fingers?? I thought I had an onset of carpal tunnel issues! Thanks teach!

alaskamama - I avoid as many allergens as possible.  it seems like the more difficulties my body must deal with, the more pain I experience.  I also try to avoid inflammatory enhancing foods, such as sugar and gluten - notice the word "try", though.  Sometimes my cravings really get the best of me and I munch out on all the stuff I should avoid.

Snowgirl - Thanks for the warning!  I will look into it.  I read recently that omeprazole is being linked to heart disease.  I might have to reconsider the heartburn issue.

I would say don't give up too soon on these meds. It makes sense that there would be side effects as our estrogen levels plummet but more stability later. That's another reason I started with 1/4 for 4 days,then 1/2 for four days, but check with your MD (I did). I am glad I stuck it out: I almost gave up on AI's.

I have experienced side effects in stages, First neurological (tingles) and hot flashes; then joints.

I had to skip one day and had hot flashes then so I think it is fluctuations and changes that cause more problems for some than a long term low level of estrogen.

For joints, taking a longish walk every evening helps me more than anything. I was already taking a lot of magnesium (for years) and have been off dairy, gluten and other foods for years. Avoidance of foods especially helps me with things like tingling and numbness, which I had long before Femara, starting in 2001.

My nurse navigator told me not to take magnesium unless my oncologist told me I am low/deficient. Is magnesium something the rest of you have run by your oncologist? How could it hurt/help?

Magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and potassium (K) and all interrelated in how they work together and need to be in proper ratios. Too much (or too little) of one or more of them 'out of kilter' can cause all sorts of issues so our Dr should be consulted before adding. Any of them. I do have to add fairly large doses of K all the time and have since 1/2 way through Taxol. This is documented and Dr approved. My Mg and Zn have always stayed in normal range/ratio.

WindingShores -

I absolutely could not handle anastrozole, even at 1/2 dose. I switched to Femara and also started low, 1/4 and now up to 3/4...so far the SE's are manageable. Some mild joint pain in the morning, hot flashes and night sweats, but no pain! I can handle that!

I believe some MOs are having their patients stay on Femara (Letrozole) 10 years. However, when I saw my MO last month, he told me I would probably be on it for just 5. I have been on it for a bit over 3-1/2 years now.

Vickie

The newest research says 10yrs according to my chemo doc at Sloan Kettering. Love, Jean