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sarah · 07-03-2006, 11:57 AM

Dear Deborah,
Sorry you feel you've been ignored. I just got back on-line.
I've been on Femara for about 16 months. Since chemo/Herceptin I've had some odd side effects. Not sure who to blame for the side effects but I know that my oncologists strongly suggested taking it at bedtime to avoid side effects so unless you've tried that, try that. If you read the side effect label it just about includes everything. If you're worried about anything talk to the pharmacist, your oncologist and general practioner, you never know who'll come up with a way to deal with some of the problems. I've just accepted the side effects I have as part of the price I pay to stay alive. One of the most annoying for me - caused by the cortisone during chemo - is cataracts which I'm putting off doing anything about for all long as I can still drive safely but reading is a real bore and I'm a big reader. Also fatigue still hounds me and weight gain. Also hot flashes!!!!
I do get headaches but they pass and achy bones and skin rashes and.....but from what???? I haven't had the waves crashing yet.
I do hope you find an answer to your problems. Since more than just HER2 people take Femara - in fact more non-HER2 people probably do since HER2 is generally PR and ER negative, you might try a regular breast cancer site to see if they have any suggestions.
Sorry not to be able to be more helpful.
Good luck and keep fighting and stay strong,
try taking it at night and see if that helps.
sarah

07-03-2006, 11:57 AM	#3
sarah Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: france Posts: 1,648	Dear Deborah, Sorry you feel you've been ignored. I just got back on-line. I've been on Femara for about 16 months. Since chemo/Herceptin I've had some odd side effects. Not sure who to blame for the side effects but I know that my oncologists strongly suggested taking it at bedtime to avoid side effects so unless you've tried that, try that. If you read the side effect label it just about includes everything. If you're worried about anything talk to the pharmacist, your oncologist and general practioner, you never know who'll come up with a way to deal with some of the problems. I've just accepted the side effects I have as part of the price I pay to stay alive. One of the most annoying for me - caused by the cortisone during chemo - is cataracts which I'm putting off doing anything about for all long as I can still drive safely but reading is a real bore and I'm a big reader. Also fatigue still hounds me and weight gain. Also hot flashes!!!! I do get headaches but they pass and achy bones and skin rashes and.....but from what???? I haven't had the waves crashing yet. I do hope you find an answer to your problems. Since more than just HER2 people take Femara - in fact more non-HER2 people probably do since HER2 is generally PR and ER negative, you might try a regular breast cancer site to see if they have any suggestions. Sorry not to be able to be more helpful. Good luck and keep fighting and stay strong, try taking it at night and see if that helps. sarah Last edited by sarah; 07-03-2006 at 12:01 PM..