Hi everyone, I have been on Aromasin for 4 months now and I wondered how other people find it. I have bone mets to the hips, ribs and spine. I get the usual hot flushes but these aren’t too bad. I get stiff finger and toe joints in the morning, but these loosen up once I am up and about.
I also get some discomfort in my hip and shoulder joints. I wouldn’t call it pain but it is sensitive and if I press in certain areas it can be painful. Does anyone else recognise these symptoms? The hip and shoulder issues seem to be worse at the moment. I am due my Zometa in 3 weeks (8 weekly treatment) so wondered if that is an another reason why my hips are playing up?
Just a general question, how long does it take for AIs to become effective? Also is it common for them not to work? (I am 100% ER receptive)
Aromasin works by preventing the production of the enzyme aromatase. Aromatase causes oestrogen to be produced from the testosterone in our bodies. So - the overall effect is that we gradually have less and less oestrogen in our bodies - and - in my case - I’ve noticed that the side effects have correspondingly got worse gradually.
I’ve been on Aromasin for 4 years now. From the start I’ve had hot flushes and sweats. I started getting stiff, sometimes painful joints early on too, although I’m not sure if those are the same as your symptoms.
The condition of my bones has gradually worsened and my bone density scan last November showed that I have borderline osteoporosis. My hair was fine at first but over the past year I’ve noticed that it’s started getting thinner and I’ve got receding patches at the temples - real male pattern balding.
I don’t know how long it takes for the aromasin to become effective, nor what its success rate is, although medical friends have told me it’s a very good drug.
Hi Anthi, that is really useful thanks. As I am 100% ER + I am hoping it works for me in the same way it is helping you. I hope you continue to do well on it. I didn’t realise that the SEs could get worse over time. It will be interesting to see what other people have to say.
I forgot to say that I have had only primary breast cancer - no progression (fingers crossed) yet. Had WLE, chemo, rads, Herceptin and then onto Aromasin. I was eighty per cent ER.
I’m hoping to be able to stay on the Aromasin beyond the five years but shall have to wait and see how my bones are at the next bone scan when I shall have been on Alendronic acid for a year.
Hi
I’m a few months into aromasin and have dodgy knuckles on my fingers and some general aches and pains, but feel its worth it. The joint probs started very quickly so I have assumed that its worked pretty quickly. Also had oophorectomy 15 months ago and flushes have stopped in the last few weeks.
I too am a recurrent primary rather than having secondaries and am 100% oestrogen receptive.
I am much better on Aromasin than I was on Arimidex. I changed about a year ago after 2 and a half years on Arimidex. I still have painful knees but I am much more mobile than I was on Arimidex. However my hair is very straight and thin with no body at all whereas it used to be much thicker and wavy. I have been told that I will be on Aromasin for at least 5 years ( so over 7 years in total on AIs)because although I have primary it was very aggressive. I have osteopenia but it is stable as I take alendronic acid and Adcal D3.
Good luck
Anne
Hi Aromasin isn’t a good idea if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I was on it a week and had to come off it as my hand went numb and useless. My hand used to get pins and needles in it with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which my job has given me. xxx