arimidex side effects??

CBergman · 01-31-2007, 11:34 PM

Hello Ladies,

I recently quit tamoxifen due to it's horrid side effects. I was on it for 2.2 yrs. quit november 27th. I was lathargic, bloated, thickened wall with cysts, weight gain, acne-ed, you name it. I hated it. However, I'm triple positive and am nervous not taking anything now. Last hormone test showed post-menopause. Onc wants to do one more to be sure. If that's the case I'll go on arimidex.
Please tell me what to expect on arimidex? I know there's bone loss and joint paint. (great). but how does it compare to tamoxifen? I read somewhere that it causes some hair loss and foggy memory. is this true?? what else? has anyone gained weight on it? I'm trying really hard to lose the weight I gained on tamoxifen. I don't crave the sugar and carbs anymore and am scared arimidex will put me back there.
I'm stage 2a, er+pr+her2+, grade3. TAC(6), rads, lupectomy

thanks for you help!
Cindy

Hopeful · 02-01-2007, 06:12 AM

Cindy,

I was diagnosed post-menopause, triple positive, so went on AI's from the start. I began with Femara and developed severe tinnitus (ringing in the ears). My onc switched me to Arimidex, and I still have the tinnitus, but not as bad. I noticed some occasional joint pain, mostly in my hands, from Arimidex, but nothing that would make me stop the med. All told, I have been on AI's since October 1, 2006, and have had no problems with weight gain or additional hair thinning. As to "fuzzy brain," I can't blame either the cancer or the treatment for that - I think it is menopause and predates diagnosis.

Best of luck to you with your treatment,

Hopeful

tricia keegan · 02-01-2007, 11:03 AM

Cindy I'm triple positive and had my ovaries removed to take Arimidex last August.

I have'nt come up against any side effects to make me want to give it up and read somewhere Arimidex is more beneficial for her2 positive cancers.
I did have some stiffness in my fingers and joints which usually goes when I exercise.
However the past couple of weeks I'm having back pain so not sure if it's the meds or something more serious but I'm having a bone scan to check it out.
Even if this is from Arimidex I still feel it's worth taking and have had no weight gain or hair thinning.
Good luck
Tricia

suzan w · 02-01-2007, 11:39 AM

I started on Arimidex at the same time I started my Herceptin treatments. I experienced severe joint pain almost immediately...could not stand without help etc. After alot of comparing notes, this seemed fairly common among women on these treatments. I am happy to report that I had my last herceptin treatment in Oct. 2006....and I am almost pain free now. Through the year of herceptin treatments the pain subsided considerably as it moved around to different joints. It is hard to know what side effects were from herceptin and which ones were from arimidex. I am having alot of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, not sleeping well...these I attribute to arimidex.

MJo · 02-01-2007, 12:53 PM

I have joint pain, though not bad enough to make me stop. I've lived with arthritis for years, so I'm used to mild chronic pain. What's different about it is that sometimes it feels as if my little fingers and my right kneecap are going to pop out of their sockets. I dont think this will happend, but it's a strange feeling.

Becky · 02-02-2007, 08:58 PM

MJo

I get that popping out of socket feeling with my hips. I just figured it was me because I wanted to start running sometimes instead of walking. When I would start to jog/run - I had to be so careful because I thought my hips would pop out of the sockets so I just walked fast. I used to run in my teens and 20's and this didn't happen so I just thought it was age (maybe so but maybe not!)

Thanks for mentioning this. Like you, I don't think it will happen but it sure feels like it will.

carlsoj · 02-02-2007, 10:57 PM

I started Arimidex in October after finishing Taxol, and have had minimal problems.....certainly NOTHING compared to the Taxol (nasty stuff). Minor stiffness in the beginning (Tylenol Arthritis was my new best friend). I started walking with my husband and am up to 2 miles 3-4 times a week. I do need to start some strength training...in a small way to begin. I was just so glad that I was no longer huffing & puffing as I was on the Taxol.
In my experience, I don't see Arimidex as anything to be scared of. Hope you find it a positive experience, also.

carlsoj

Bev · 02-02-2007, 10:59 PM

Cindy, I'm on tamox with few side effects. I've gained a couple of pounds, but I think they were due to Christmas or chocolate. I'm weird in that I wan't to stay on it as long as possible to give them time to fully evaluate the AIs.

This evening Lani was recommending Falsodex. I think it's only available to stage IV.

Good luck. BB

sassy · 02-02-2007, 11:14 PM

I've had the popping out of joint with both little fingers. My left hand has improved greatly and this doesn't happen with it now, but my right still does it, especially in the mornings when I first wake up. Have been on Arimidex for 14 months now.
________
LIVE SEX

CBergman · 02-02-2007, 11:37 PM

thank you ladies for all your responses. After reading them, I'm not as nervous as I was. I love to play tennis and jog every now and then and I hope the joint pain won't get in the way. oh well, what can ya do.....

hugs to all.

Cindy