Problems with Femara and tamoxifen

[fauxgypsy]

I don't know how common this is but I just thought I would see. I couldn't take the Femara because of the severe mood swings it was causing. So I started Tamoxifen. Better for my bones, etc. My arm on the mastectomy side ached for months, finally getting to the point that it was interfering with my sleep and other activities. Then part of my hand started swelling. First I was told that it was not lymphedema, then that it was. Then in one of the very tender areas I developed phlebitis. I looked like I had been scalded. I quit taking the Tamoxifen for a couple of weeks because it can cause phlebitis. The swelling in my hand and arm got better and the pain went away. I started taking it again and the pain and swelling started coming back. Stopped it and it got better. The oncologist switched me to Arimedix this week. I had just assumed that the pain and swelling were from the surgery. I wonder how may people have had that happen and not known what was causing it. Now I am hoping that I have no bad side effects from the Arimedix. I have no idea what my options are left if I cannot take this one.
I am still getting Herceptin every three weeks. I have hip pain and some other side effects from this but I am looking forward to an end to it in July. That makes it bearable. Has anyone chosen not to take the the estrogen blocking drugs because of side effects?

Leslie