Help! REally bad headaches and nausea on Faslodex!

[fcrcm]

I've been on Herceptin, Zomeda and Arimidex for almost a year. However, after my scans "worsened" last month (showing increase in bone mets and that one of the tumors in my liver was "lighting up) my onc. switched me from Arimidex to Faslodex. I'm finding it difficult. I have woken with incredible burning headaches, so bad that even my lips hurt. Also, I seem to have low grade nausea all the time. I am struggling just to get through the day. When I mentioned it to onc. at last visit he said "well, Faslodex does go through the brain."

I'm really disappointed because I was doing great before this change -- tho obviously Arimidex wasn't doing its job, what with the progression of disease. Also, I know that soon enough I will have some new chemo added to my regimen.

Does anyone out there, dear Her2Nu sisters, have any suggestions for me? I do not want to spend what time I have left feeling rotten. Is there no choice. (So sorry, but I am in a pretty bad mood). Please help.

fcrcm

[Becky]

I know it is "old" technology but have you taken tamoxifen or toremifene? Or even the new Evista which is like tamoxifen. Also, Aromosin (another aromatase inhibitor) works differently than Arimidex. If you just started on Faslodex, there are several shots in the beginning then it goes to just once a month so your side effects may subside by then.


Just some thoughts here.

Kindest regards and a nice weekend to you.

Becky

[fcrcm]

Thanks, Becky. I was on tamoxifan for years, and then the past year arimidex. When my scans "worsened" (onc's words) he switched me to Faslodex. Maybe after my 3rd dose (at 2 week intervals), when I go to a once a month dose, I'll feel better. So far, not so good.
fcrcm