Arimidex

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LouiseIndigo
LouiseIndigo Member Posts: 70
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Arimidex
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  • LouiseIndigo
    LouiseIndigo Member Posts: 70
    edited January 2008

    I'm due to start Arimidex post radiation, which is in about a month's time. I'm terrified of same and would rather take my chances by not taking it and have better quality of life -- even if less of it. I've had mastectomy, axillary nodal clearance and AC/T chemo. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited January 2008

    Hi Louise,

    I have been taking arimidex for 1 year now. I do not have any side effects...may be same for you.....why not try it? Let us know what you decide.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Candie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2008

    I think the benefits outweigh the risks.  The s/e's are weight gain, bone loss and joint pain.  My joint pain is mostly in the morning or if I sit for long periods of time. Weight can be lost after you're done taking it or managed if you have time to exercise a lot. Bone loss ... take calcium or Boniva.

    I had hot flashes on Tamoxifen like you wouldn't believe. I had my ovaries out so I could start on the AI and now don't deal with the terrible night sweats.

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  • KariLynn
    KariLynn Member Posts: 1,079
    edited January 2008

    I took Arimidex for a year with no complaints.  Some people do have a miserable time with it but that was not my experience and may not be yours.

    Give it a shot - you can always stop if it does cause problems.

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  • djd
    djd Member Posts: 866
    edited January 2008

    I had terrible SE's on tamoxifen after my first round of BC, so I quit taking it after about 4 months.  Then I had a new occurence and figured I had to do something long term.  So, I had a hysterectomy and have been taking Arimidex for 2 years now.  I have a little bit of joint pain and I feel older than I should sometimes, but I find that taking Vitamin D and Calcium supplements make me feel much better.

    I would definitely try the Arimidex for a few months and see how your body responds before giving up on the idea.

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  • LouiseIndigo
    LouiseIndigo Member Posts: 70
    edited January 2008

    Many thanks. Really appreciate the feedback and i think you are all terribly brave to have gone through with it.

    I'm 42 and hate the thoughts of having to take Arimidex. I am so afraid it is going to mess with my head as i've suffered from depression caused by hormonal upheaval in the past. I love my life too much. I can take anything as long as my head is in the right place. God knows i have been through lots since diagnosis but never lost my optimism or my faith in life. Because hormonal depression threatened my life before i'm really scared of Arimidex.

    My thanks again, Louise

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  • JoyRebecca
    JoyRebecca Member Posts: 787
    edited January 2008

    Louise, I started Arimidex last week and also Effexor. The effexor has made a world of difference for me! Good luck!

    Joy

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  • LouiseIndigo
    LouiseIndigo Member Posts: 70
    edited January 2008

    Thanks Joy. I'm wondering, what is Effexor?

    Louise

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2008

    Effexor is an antidepressant and is also used for hot flashes. 

    Louise, I don't think any of us see ourselves as brave.  We're just like you...trying to live.  You can try Arimidex and also give the Effexor a try.  Have you ever taken any antidepressants before?

    Shirley

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  • LouiseIndigo
    LouiseIndigo Member Posts: 70
    edited January 2008

    Hi Shirley, and thank you. No, I haven't ever used anti-depressants. I'm getting hot flushes now just from my low estrogen levels as i'm in early menopause as a result of the AC/T chemo. They are not the nicest but i can manage them. V bizarre to be cold with winter temps and to suddenly have to throw off hat, scarves, coat etc -- it does have its funny side too!

    Louise

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