Weight gain and constant pain

Was treated for BC 2015, lumpectomy, radiation, arimidex. Have used arimidex, aromasin and tamoxifin, no difference in side effects. Since diagnosis, I have gained 40 pounds, have no energy and hurt all over. I know my oncologist is recommending a minimum of 5 years on the arimidex, but I am seriously considering stopping after 4 years. I thought I could make it but it just seems to get worse every day. I have tried dieting, it makes no difference if I eat salads or candy bars, the weight won’t budge. As for getting more exercise, it’s all I can do to walk across the parking lot at work. Thank goodness I have a sit down job. None of the doctors seem to understand, it’s always you need to exercise more or have you tried the keto diet. It’s almost like they are completely disconnected, giving me the text book solution. Well it doesn’t work.  I am tired of not living my life. I was always active until this. Anybody have any ideas?

 

PS- I have just turned 60. I always knew I would get old, I just didn’t realize it would happen overnite.

 

Hi - I’m so sorry you are having such a miserable time .I can identify as I’ve put on 2 stone in the last 18 months due to immobility because of joint /bone issues - didn’t realise how much being active impacted on my weight until now .There are lots of us on the forum who have struggled with the quality of life versus possible cancer prevention dilemma .Do you know how much benefit you are gaining from the meds ? For me it was only 0.7 % over 10 years but for others it is much greater and maybe much more worth struggling on with.

Hi, you’re not alone! After 8 months on anastrazole, I seemed to be doing ok ( changed brands which helped for a while ), but now my joint pain is increasing, knees were always a problem but hip and foot pain now, seriously affecting every day life and my mood. Feel very low, very old and yes, very overweight. Gained a lot which doesn’t help joints or mental health. Going to speak to BC nurses to see what they suggest, not very confident there’s any alternative hormone treatment that will be better, I’m determined to find a way of managing the pain though, as I wont come off the meds if the chance of BC recurrence is reduced. Anybody with advice…much appreciated!