Arimidex/Fermara ?

Laurel · 11-10-2010, 06:37 PM

I am on Femara and cannot say I am enjoying the experience. I have begun running on my treadmill in recent weeks which really seems to be helping my stiffness. I do take Glucosamine/Condroitin, & Fish Oil which really seem to help with the sore joints.

I am looking forward to the close of treatment in 3 more long years. Wonder if we go back to "normal" then? Anyone know?

Jean · 11-10-2010, 07:20 PM

Hi Laurel,
I am past my five yrs. now...and the verdit from the onc.
was to continue on AI since the studies that came back
were so strong. The Famara had showed very positive
feedback so much that the Dr. are not thinking of the five year limit. Maybe your dr. will be of a different mind set. Dr. Slamon and my onc. here in the East both advised to remain on.

As far as I am concerned we are the test study.
These are new drugs and we are learning as we move forward. Now of course this may upset some who
would rather have results first then take the drugs.
For me who was highly er positive I have made the choice to remain on Femara. I found that the product CosaminDS made by nutramax to be the best for my joints. I purchase this in CVS or Walgreens. My orthopedic dr. swears by this brand and I have to agree. I take one capsule in the morning and one at night. I also find keeping the weight under control (ugh) helps everything! Exercise and movement is a must - but then we should be doing that anyway even if we did not have breast cancer.

The early studies with Femara are impressive. So with that I move ahead. I was hoping that in the near future we her2 gals who are er positive would be able to have treatment with just hercpetin and AI. I believe there is a study on that at present. That data will be interesting
but that study may not be for early stage gals. (not sure).

Hang in there Laurel...
hugs,Jean

Becky · 11-11-2010, 06:01 AM

I too am past the 5 year mark. I was on Tamoxifen for several months but then got my ovaries removed. I have been on Arimidex over 5 years and my onc is keeping me on. My onc said that the jury isn't out on whether or not more time on is better (and how much more time on) but I will stay on for now.

My mother's onc (who is in the same practice as mine), was not going to keep her on (mom is highly ER/PR+ but not Her2). She demanded at least one more additional year and will play it that way. Her onc did give her a script for another year. He may have been playing it differently with her since she is almost 79. My onc's rationale with me was "that I was young" and that may be the difference since no drug is child's play.

Neither my mother nor I have had joint issues on Arimidex.

sassy · 11-11-2010, 07:18 PM

Yesterday, I returned to my "fantastic" onc who develped my course of treatment. He moved away three years ago, but has returned closer to me, so I'm back!

I've been on Arimidex for 5 years, but he plans to have me continue on an AI and probably will for life. He says all research is pointing to more is better in this case. I did ask to switch to Femara as a trial to see if there might be a decrease in joint stiffness. Although mine is much better since being on Lasix and stopping Lupron, I still have some stiffness. We will try three months and see what happens.

Jean · 11-15-2010, 06:06 PM

Hi Sassy,
Love the photo!!!!

Please keep us updated on how you feel after switching to Femara. I switched from Arimidex and for me it was
a great improvement.

Best wishes.
Jean