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

Immediately after finishing tx I asked my dermatologist about rogaine. She said it would help, but I’d have to use it forever. If I stopped it would fall out.

Strike one.

So I bought some anyway read the instructions. Keep away from pets. Well, I sweat a lot and I was afraid Spookie would lick the sweat and get sick or kill her.

Strike two. I took it back. I love her more than my hair. I’m weird like that.

Mine is definitely thinning. I liked my totally bald head better than what I have now - 15 months post chemo.

I use biotin, nioxin shampoo and conditioner and want to scream every time I shampoo. I don't see it falling out like on taxol, just seeing more scalp.

So are the side effects from the pill itself or the response of the body to the lack of estrogen?

New to this thread. Over on the "how are others doing on 10 years of Arimedex" thread, we've been discussing the studies showing that bisphosphonates combined with AIs show results that the bone -strengthening drug significantly reduces/prevents recurrence as bone mets. Below are two of the studies. Apologies if someone has already posted these.

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20140128

This was the study that inspired me to ask my PA and it was presented back in 2013. And this later study showed that all bisphosphonates reduced risk the same.

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/all-bisphosphonates-reduce-risk-the-same

And somewhere on the main site is a short video from breastcancer.org recommending that early-stage, post-menopausal women on AIs ask their doctors about going on a bone-strengthener to reduce the chance of future bone mets by as much as 18% (I don't know how to search for videos; just stumbled on it).

My baseline bone scan recently came back showing osteopenia and my PA agreed to prescribe generic alendronate (Fosamax). I am willing to withstand side effects for those increased odds.

Mindy

yes I think its the lack of estrogen

And thanks diveslikeagirl

I really need to suck it up and take the boniva

Anyone taking prolia shots

7of9, I'm also in the Cleveland area. Had my Zometa infusion last week.

I'm still not used to seeing so much scalp. I wish this didn't upset me as much as it does. MO gave me a "drug holiday" till after my revision surgery at the end of September. Then I will have to decide whether to try Femara instead of anastrazole, or go back on the anastrazole.

I also have thinning hair ... ugh...my MO said oh its not from anastrozole... I think she is wrong but there isn't anything i can do since its a preventative to cancer returning and I don't want to take any chances..

IamNancy, some MOs seem to be less familiar with the hair thinning SE. There are studies about it, and it's not unheard of, but sometimes we ladies do more research than they do. My MO said something about giving me a referral to a dermatologist, which could be helpful.

@TrailDweller - Thanks so much for responding. Yes, please let me know how you are fairing. How long have you been on Arimidex

Anastrozole IS an oral chemotherapeutic agent. It is also a hormonal inhibitor anti-cancer drug (Aromatase Inhibitor) but ANY chemical given to arrest or impede cancer is by definition chemotherapy. Here's a couple references for you----check the titles highlighted in yellow at the top of the page of the second one--"Types of Chemotherapy Drugs".

https://member.carefirst.com/carefirst-resources/p...

http://chemoth.com/types/aromatase

Cancer.org also has a page devoted to Oral Chemo and Anastrozole is on it, I just can't get the durned page to load so I can give you the link. You can go there & explore topics yourself, though.

When I got my first scrip of Anastrozole a monograph/flyer came with it with a bold-faced caps title of "Oral Chemotherapy". This really surprised me so I called my Pharmacist, who is a Doctorate in Pharmacology and he explained yes, it is chemo...just oral instead of IV. It is a different category of chemo than say Cisplatin, Methotrexate or IV chemotherapy we're familiar with, but it is chemotherapy nonetheless. I realize this flies in the face of what so many breast cancer patients ( and some Drs!) believe but it's true. The American Cancer Society defines "oral chemotherapy as any drug that is taken by mouth to treat cancer. "

There are many misconceptions out there about this drug and what it is/isn't. I have to admit I misunderstood that myself at first and I'm a Critical Care RN with 31 years of practice in ICU/ER/PACU.

Hoping this helps clear misconceptions for those who're on it.

miranda2060 - I was thinking about going to a dermatologist ... but if its from the anastrozole will they be able to do anything? I guess it wouldn't be bad to at least check

Hi Blessed,I am also on Arimidex. Have been for about a month now. Yes,increased joint pain,but I'm taking ibuprofen daily,which helps. Working out will help! Try Replens for the vaginal drynessit's helpful. All the best,Diane

Life1963–. I have had really good luck with First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream. My skin stays moist and hydrated for 24 hours after using it.

I had flakes in some places because my skin was so dry but no more.

Best of luck

Life1963–. So glad it’s working for you!! I carry the small hand lotion in my purse

Djt— First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream. My skin stays moist and hydrated for 24 hours after using it. I love it!!