Hi, Ive had my lump removed and my lymphs taken out so should have started taking Arimidex by now - but Im scared to take it. Im frightened by the huge list of side-effects. One of the BC counsellors told me to look on the forums, but I havent found it that easy to find what I want. Id like to know:
What’s it like taking Arimidex? ps. I am already menopausal, so will it all just start again? along with all the numerous other side effects?
What’s radiotherapy treatment like? As I start that v soon.
When will the blue dye fade from my boob?
Hello,
I have taken arimidex for several months and had aching and stiffness of my joints which is usually worse in the mornings and wears off a bit. I walk like a penguin when get out of bed! I think that taking this drug is important in preventing cancer recurring in post menopausal women, and the advantages of taking it far outwiegh any side effects that can occur. Most of the worse side effects are rare and are unlikely to effect most people.
I am now taking letrozole, which is an aromatase inhibitor the same as arimidex and I have found that I am much worse stiffness wise and am experiencing more hot flushes with this drug, perhaps it is more effective!
I think you ought to just try it and note any new symptoms you feel, its all a bit of a leap into the darkness is’nt it?
As for radiotherapy its not so bad, it does not hurt and is over quickly, I had a grin and bear it philosophy for this one.
Hi
Cant help with arimidex im afraid, but rads was no probs for me. Each session only lasts a few minutes, and I just had a bit of sun burn effect (but hosp gave me aqueous cream for this), no tiredness either (which wasnt bad considering my 1 yr old was waking at 5am each day!).
As for the blue dye, my surgery was 19 months ago and Im still blue, but it has faded a bit!!
Good luck xx
Hello. I had rads in March/April 2008 and had no problems, in spite of the fact that I’d had a lot of problems with the lumpectomy wound and it had still barely healed. Ribs are still a bit tender now and there are a few spider veins round the scarline, but nothing significant. I’ve also taken Arimidex since around that time and hot flushes did increase at first, but gradually improved until I only have mild and occasional ones now. I probably am a bit creaky and slower getting moving in the mornings, but that could be down to the fact that I have arthritic joints and am 56! I do take concentrated fish oils (have done for years) and I also believe that taking high dose Vitamin D3 has made a difference to the side-effects. There is evidence that this discourages reoccurrance of the cancer as well as helping with side effects of aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex.
A word of warning though - please ask for a bone density scan before you start taking it. I had a hairline fracture in my tibia that’s taken nearly 4 months to heal, and when I had a scan my bone density was absolutely rubbish. It was probably poor before I started Arimidex, and this drug certainly won’t have helped. If I’d had a scan before I started taking it I could have taken the bone protection drugs I’m now on from the start, and might have avoided 4 months hobbling!
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Its given me a bit more knowledge and knowledge is power.
Thanks, Siang
I have been taking Letrozole for 2 years 7 months, it is being used pre surgery to reduce tumours prior to double masectomy but the reductions are so great that surgery seems some while away. Side effects, well at first I had jont pains so I now take Glucosomine (on prescription) and that has solved that problem. My Consultant recommended Calcium and Vitamin D to help with bone density problems and that works okay. Hot flushes, well I can deal with them because while I get some side effects I know the meidication is doing its job. I also take cod liver oil. Otherwise I am a fit and halthy 67 year old. I first had breast cance in 1980 - lumpectoy and radiotherapy so you can imagene my surprise when it came back after 28 years both breasts. but I cannot change that I have to trust my consultant and my God. Take care ladies. Kim