Herceptin and Arimidex
 

HI ladies,
I am a bit confused and would like your experience. I finished Chemo 6 rounds of TCH (6/19)and now continue on herceptin every three weeks for a year. For some reason I thought I would just be having herceptin for a year and then start the arimidex. The onc nurse agreed but come to find out that the ONC wants me to have both concurrently. what has your experience been and when did y ou start taking arimidex/femara? I ask becasue I am somewhat concerned about the weight gain. I know that sounds stupid all things considered.... but I have fought the weight battle all my life and really would like to lose the 17 pounds that I gained during chemo before starting with another drug that adds even more weight.
Advise?
Melinda

I was on Arimadex with Herceptin. While on Arim/Herc, I actually lost 10 of the 18 lbs I gained on chemo. So maybe it won't be too bad for you either!

I also am on herceptin and arimidex at the same time. Started both after finishing taxol. I have not gained weight. I actually lost weight while on chemo, had alot of stomach issues. Maintaining my weight now. I walk alot though so this keeps unwanted weight off. Only side effect I have had from the arimidex is joint pain, but this has been managable.
Debbie in North Caroliona

I had Arimidex while still having Herceptine every 3 weeks. Onc said to do both since I am 90% ER+ and had partial results after chemo. I did not gain weight at all during the 2 months I tried it but I had so much pain and was so stiff that I could not walk. Onc stopped me 3 weeks and switched me to Aromasin. On it for 2 weeks. So far so good.
Michka

Melinda,
I started Arimidex, then stopped it when I started TCH. I resumed taking Arimidex again after my last tx of TCH. So now I am doing the 3 wk interval of herceptin and taking Arimidex daily. It has been 2 months now and I have not noticed any wt gain. All my other side effects are dissipating from the TCH. I do not notice any significant side effects from the herceptin and Arimidex (knock on wood)....
Maryanne