I have just read all the postings about arimidex. Must admit to feeling slightly depressed about so many side affects.
I was premenopausal at Dx but 2 chemos in and no periods since which is 20months ago.
I HATE tamoxifen because of the weight gain and flushes.
I am confused by onc not being willing to do a blood test to determine my menopausal status. Because of this thinking of having a oophrectomy.
I would be doing this so i can change to arimidex.
Can anyone please tell me its is easier to be on than tamoxifen and have they lost weight?
I dont like the idea of joint pain increasing as i have this already.
Liverbird - 17 years ago I was on Tamoxifen and the flushes were relentless and quality of life zero so I came off it after 3 years. My BC came back this April and I have been on Arimidex since May and can assure you that the flushes are much milder - no dripping and no going red, just feeling hot but only about 6 - 8 in a 24 hour period. I do not get any joint pains that I can attribute to Arimidex and no weight gain. I get tired but maybe that is just old age! So overall I would say Arimidex for me is much better but have just read that it sends your cholesterol and liver functiion tests up the spout. You just can’t win but we have to keep on smiling and a sense of humour helps. Love Olivia X
I was on tamoxifen for 2 years alongside Zoladex. Don’t know if you have read my earlier posts but when the Zoladex injections stopped 3 months later my ovaries started working and the side effects of the tamoxifen were horrendous. No pains but the depression and weight gain were just awful. Never in my life have been depressed and never in my life have I felt so ill. This might just be me, it will probably not be the same for you as my Onc said this was most unusual. Ended up having my ovaries removed and put on Arimidex. Yes there are side effects, hot flushes, aching muscles and joints and a little weight gain, but in comparison to the Tamoxifen give me Arimidex any day. I think each of us has to make the decision that is right for us as an individual, we are all different. After being on Arimidex now for 6 months everything is calming down and life is quite manageable. At the end of the day we must do what we can to avoid recurrence but, and it is a BIG BUT, in my opinion, we must have quality of life that goes with it. Rather have a good life to enjoy that’s a little shorter, than a longer one that is totally miserable.
So worried all the time now that I may say something that upsets or offends, so do hope I haven’t been too blunt.
Hi Kelly
your posting is absolutely fine kid, thanks for your input its a great help.
When i next see onc which shud have been Fri but postponed for 2 weeks i am going with a suitcase of questions.
The flushes tonight have been just unbearable, sweat pouring off me and looking like a beetroot.
Sense of humour is still there though keeps me going.
Hi Liverbird I have been on Arimadex now for nearly 3 months I did have afew aching joints but no weight gain. A lady on here suggested Cod liver oil capsules which I have been on now for 2 months I do feel lots better If my joints do feel a bit sore then I just take 2 paracetemal Someone else said to me that these little tablets Arimadex are great so I will keep taking them for the next 5 years. I have just started a new job and I do 12 hours shifts 4 on and 4 off and I do feel well Hope this has been off some help to you Love Linda xxx
We didn’t really talk much about BC last wk and I’m not sure if i mentioned that I had had a few side effects with Arimidex but was pursuaded to hang on for a few more wks and give it time. I have done this and most days feel pretty ok now. Knackered today cos been on my feet ALL day so muscles aching but think thats lack of fitness. Don’t think I’ve had weight gain. My other side effects are from having no oestrogen so any inhibitor will cause them. I’m sticking with arimidex. I also get bonefos to protect bones. Apparently these are mega expensive (£33K for 5 yrs treatment!) so not all hosps prescribe them.
Hope you get what you want from your onc. Is the back pain any better?