I am on Arimidex, have been since july last year. I am now having some side effects which are worrying me. has anyone had swelling of the breast and tenderness whilst taking them and were they told it was the arimidex. Also can Arimidex cause lymphoedema. I have this is the affected breast as well. marjie.
Hi there. I’m on Arimidex as well. Don’t have any information that says it can cause breast swelling or tenderness, and it certainly can’t cause lymphoedema. However, my breast surgeon told me recently that breast pain after surgery is very common, and can go on for many years, and that this tends to be more pronounced in those who have had radiotherapy. Certainly people can get breast swelling (lymphoedema) following radiotherapy, and it can last for a couple of years. If it is very troublesome the lymphoedema clinic can show you a simple breast massage which might help with the drainage. Hope this might be of some help. Seabird.
Hi seabird.
The lymphoedema is in the affected breast, which is also very tender around the scar tissue, and the “good” breast is also very teder and swollen, like before or during your monthly cycle. I hve heard that Arimidex, as a hormonal treatment can cause this as a side effect. Would like to know if anyone else has had similar symptoms. Due to have my first mammogram since operation and am worried. marjie.
Hi. I have been on Arimidex since August following WLE in July and rads in Aug/ Sep. My affected breast is still sore and swollen - and does not seem to be improving. It too is quite tender around the scar area which is now pink and almost scaly and is very itchy. I have been trying to get back to exercising but find that it any significant movement causes pain in the breast despite wearing a very supportive sports bra. I had a check up about a month ago and my onc said that this was lymphoedema caused by the radiation and that it can take a couple of years to settle down. Deep joy! I have also read on a website that this is more likely to occur if the tumour (and therefore the rads focus) is in the upper, outer quadrant, nearest the armpit, which mine is. I didn’t think it was anything to do with Arimidex because I only have these feelings in the affected breast.
I am surprised that there is such a lot of information about breast cancer but I have really struggled to find any mention of lymphoedema in the breast following radiotherapy except on sites for medical professionals. I would really like to know whether exercise will be beneficial or increase the drainage problem.
Anybody have any itching? I had a bit post op but it has returned now - some six months later. Marjie, your post struck me because it sounded so similar to my experiences apart from the both breast tenderness. Are they tender all the time - and has it got worse recently? Seabird, your info is reassuring, thanks, but fortunately the swelling is not too bad - but am keen to know how best to manage it. I have been putting Bio Oil on - is this a good or bad thing do you think? Looby x
Hi loobytuesday and marjie
Sorry to hear about your lymphoedema.
If it is bad, push for a referral to a lymphoedema clinic. They may be able to give you additional help in the form of a compression top, manual lymphatic drainage or kinesio taping.
Interesting your query about Arimidex and lymphoedema. I think I read in ‘Lymphline’ (quarterly magazine published by the Lymphoiedema Support Nerwork - the UK’s only national lymphoedema charity) a few years ago that there was some evidence to suggest a slightly heightened risk of lymphoedema with Tamoxifen…
You’re right; quality, accurate information on lymphoedema is not easy to find. In the lymphoedema forum on here, there is bit scattered about - try the thread ‘want more info?’. There are also quite a few ladies currently posting on there about their breast lymphoedema.
As you know, we’re not allowed to post most links on here, so I’m going to pm you both some sites where you can get good, up-to-date facts about lymphoedema.
Swimming is really, really good for lymphoedema, btw
Hope this helps a bit
X
S
Hi I’m new on here I’ve been taking anastrazole since July I had a mastectomy in May. I get stabbing pains in my other breast and under arm the consultant examined me yesterday before discharging me he said he felt no swelling anywhere. I get so paranoid now