ASPIRIN. who takes it?

[Maggie51]

I take aspirin daily with tamoxifen I have been told by oncologist that a side effect of tax is clotting hence the aspirin

[Magical_Moon]

Thanks, LL.

If I am successful will let you know. So pleased to hear that Arimidex is proving much better for you. A sweet success story to give hope.

Hugs,

M x

[lexilou3]

Hi MM,

Your GP may be unwilling to make the switch to ARIMIDEX, but then you ask to be referred back to your onc,,,, since my onc suggested the3 month trial my side effects have reduced so much. I still hobble, but am less limited , my sleep is better (though can still be disturbed) but,,,, if you dont have the conviction that life could be better - or at least is worth exploring if it could be better,,, why will they try to work with you.
Jot down your side effects, your limitations, the positive comments you have heard from others and get that discussion going x x
Let us know how it goes
LL xx

[rubycat]

Hello Magical Moon - time to find those big girl pants and get to the docs to get that Arimidex!!  My mouldy chemist told me Arimidex was over £100 when I enquired about it.  I know Arimidex were the original pioneers to make the drug, and need to recoup their input, but at that price I wonder who actually gets prescribed it. Let me know if you find the secret. Yes, know exactly how you feel with your comfy blanket - there's no way I'd stop taking it - even wondering if there is any chance of extending it to 10 years!!Gulp.  Peace and positivity coming back to you. Christine xxx

[Magical_Moon]

Hi Christine,

Hope my pharmacist doesn't start going down the cost saving route by dispensing the Teva brand. I'm currently trying to find the courage to ask my GP if she will let me have a three month trial on Arimidex to see if my chronic joint pain is reduced. I've still got two and half years to go on my 'imposed sentence' of Anastrozole (sigh!) but it has now become my psychological 'comfort blanket' so hard to give up despite the joint pain.

Take care,

M x

[rubycat]

You're welcome MM   I had asked my chemist to supply Accord as I'd started with that and had no s/e - he said he couldn't as Teva cost £2 and Accord was £60 - would only supply if  doctor insisted and paid. AARRGHH.  Am seeing Dr next month, so will ask then! Christine xxx

[Magical_Moon]

Hi Christine (Rubycat),

How kind of you!  Thank you so much for the lovely compliment.

Agree, it is an interesting topic.

Pleased to hear Zentiva brand is being kinder to your body so far and you've noticed a difference for easing your aching bones. If the improvement continues ask your chemist to always supply you with this brand. Teva brand of Anastrozole didn't suit me either. My local chemist has been very helpful and added my preferred brand (Accord) to her customer computer records.

Peace and Positivity,

M x

[rubycat]

Magical Moon - as always I find what you say easy to understand and spot on. Thank you so much.  I saw the press info about taking aspirin and began to wonder if I should as the bone aches on anastrozole are not easy.  Now that you have put everything in perspective I am just going to put up with my aches.  One good thing I have just found is that my brand of anastrozole was changed - had been on Teva (yuk), chemist then provided Zentiva, which over the last week has made my old bones a lot more manageable. So hoping that continues.

Thanks to Cesrabbit for starting this interesting topic.  Christine xxx

[Carolyn52]

My hubby takes a low dose for his heart problems every day ..he bleeds very easily and suffers a lot of heartburn.
Unless the clinical trials can prove to b a magic bullet for breast cancer , I would personally not add it to my medication.
Hugs xc

[Magical_Moon]

My hormone therapy is Anastrozole and it alone gives me awful side effects so I would not be interested in taking another drug that can cause other serious health complications.

I would not take a low dose of Aspirin daily based on the current research carried out to date and am very pleased that the BCC team have highlighted the need to proceed with caution.

Having researched a number of medical papers and articles on the benefits of Aspirin, the overall impression I have gained is that more emphasis is being made about Aspirin reducing the risks of CVD and colorectal cancer.  There is very limited conclusive evidence based on clinical trials for breast cancer. In fact, the Cardiff University study openly admits 'there is a desperate need for more detailed research' to verify their review findings.

Other articles highlight caveats before proceeding with a daily dose of Aspirin, such as needing to take it for at least 10 years to have any benefits and being between 50-69 years old. Plus, the dangers of internal bleeding and stomach ulcers caused by taking Aspirin for long periods.

The ATAC trial for hormone therapy was a very extensive clinical trial and proved the benefits of hormone therapy for reducing the recurrence of breast cancer. Until there is a comparable extensive clinical trial for Aspirin in relation to increasing breast cancer survival, I personally think it is not worth the risk of developing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.

As with all breast cancer treatments, everything is down to personal choice and personal circumstances.

Good luck with whatever medication you choose.

M x

[Bottyboo]

There is a trial into aspirin at Peterborough City Hospital but I can't go on it as I'm on naproxen for arthritis. It's a shame cos I would have liked to be part of the trial xx

[Lizzy_BCC]

Hi Cesrabbit, 

Thank you for starting this thread and I am sure more users will be along soon to share their views and offer their support. 

Breast Cancer Care has responded to this in the news through our clinical team. I have included the response below.

"This new analysis gives insight into how aspirin could be used as an additional tool in treating people with breast cancer. But we must proceed with caution.  For some, taking aspirin over a prolonged period of time can cause complications such as bleeding and stomach ulcers. So it’s important people speak to their doctor before making any decisions.

We look forward to seeing further research to determine whether aspirin can play a part in boosting breast cancer survival rates.”

If anyone would like to talk about this further, or have any questions or concerns, they can always call our helpline at 0808 800 6000. They can also Email Our Nurses and send in a question.

The opening hours to our helpline are below.

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Monday and Wednesday 5pm-7pm,
Saturday, 9am-1pm 

Best wishes, 

Lizzy 

[RoadRunner]

I tried taking it - I have a family history of bowel cancer as well as my own BC.  But it gives me nose bleeds so I gave up.  

[Cesrabbit]

I just wondered, especially since the Press have reported it today, whether anyone takes low dose aspirin in the hope of preventing a recurrence? I have decided to take it alongside Anastrozole. It appears, after various studies, that it could prove to be very beneficial.(I know for ladies with stomach complaints etc it is not recommended). Anyone else taking it? Cx