Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

Posted by nanato6 @nanato6, Oct 12, 2018

Nanaloves: I’m about to start arimidex and just feel that the contraindications , bone issues etc. are overwhelming. I’m 70 years old, dodged a bullet I feel with zero stage DCIS but the follow up is pretty much no different then if it was more aggressive. I’ve just done 33 treatments of radiation and now they advise arimidex as a preventative. I’m not sure with the beginnings of arthritis and lower back. sensitivity already that I should take it. Anyone not take it and not have a recurrence within the 5 years.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 19, 2019

lisman1408 - Have you had any other side effects from Tamoxifen other than the brain fog and possibly the hives?

lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | May 19, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "lisman1408 - Have you had any other side effects from Tamoxifen other than the brain fog..." + (show)

It’s hard to say... I do have some aches and pains in my joints and bones, but I’m not sure what’s causing it. I’m almost 66, and was diagnosed with arthritis about 8 years ago-long before my cancer. I’m not sure if the arthritis is just progressing, or if it’s the cancer meds. This joint pain does seem to be better on the Tomoxifin than Anastrozole, but not enough to draw the conclusion that it’s caused by either medication.

It’s the brain fog that’s the worst for me. I’ve gotten to where I don’t even want to leave my house or interact with others. I repeat myself in conversations and can’t think clearly. I’m very embarrassed by it, so I just keep quiet and stay to myself as much as possible. My oncologist has given me a break for 3 months from the Tomoxifin. My cancer was very slow growing so she felt a break for a few months wouldn’t cause any harm. I do feel better off estrogen reducing drugs, and I believe I can think much more clearly without it.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 19, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "mimi99 or anyone else on Tamoxifen - I am about to start Tamoxifen because the Ais..." + (show)

@francine6829, you may be interested in these 2 discussions about Tamoxifen:

- What problems have you had with Tamoxifen? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-problems-have-you-had-with-tamoxifen/
- Can anyone speak to the pros/cons of arimidex vs. tomoxifen? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/

francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 19, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "@francine6829, you may be interested in these 2 discussions about Tamoxifen: - What problems have you..." + (show)

Thank you!

sparklegram | @sparklegram | May 20, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "Thank you!" + (show)

Good morning everyone. Whenever someone posts their side effects of Arimidex (Anastrozole), I realize I'm not alone. I'm 74 and tend to think, "Well, this could be a result of my age", but it turns out that many people on Arimidex are experiencing the same side effects. I've been taking it for a year and a half now. I won't change to another drug because from the posts I've read here, they all seem to have similar or worse side effects. In a recent conversation with my Oncologist I told her I had read that Arimidex seems to have the best success at preventing a recurrence and she agreed. My question to all of you is has anyone who has also taken Arimidex for awhile had a recurrence of cancer?

francine6829 | @francine6829 | May 20, 2019

In reply to @sparklegram "Good morning everyone. Whenever someone posts their side effects of Arimidex (Anastrozole), I realize I'm not..." + (show)

The studies for estrogen inhibitors show all the drugs are effective in preventing reoccurrence. The patient should choose which has the least side effects

cindylb | @cindylb | May 20, 2019

In reply to @sparklegram "Good morning everyone. Whenever someone posts their side effects of Arimidex (Anastrozole), I realize I'm not..." + (show)

sparklegram - Recurrance on AI's......that's a very good question. I'd like to hear about that as well....anyone?

lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | May 20, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "The studies for estrogen inhibitors show all the drugs are effective in preventing reoccurrence. The patient..." + (show)

Francine6829, You are absolutely right! We each need to take a very active role in beating cancer for ourselves!

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jun 2, 2019

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @mollyjbrown, I appreciate your posting about your experience living with Arimidex (anastrozole). For some people,..." + (show)

I recently read that Arimidex can also compromise your immune system. I have asthma & have in the last 5 months had 2 cases of pneumonia. Do you think the AI - had contributed to this? I was not warned of this side effect. I've been on it since Nov. 2018.
Thanks.