My breast cancer is 1A, DCIS. I have been on arimdex and six months in experienced terrible joint pain and the seizing of my hands with thumb, tall finger and ring finger triggering. Only other side effect has been weight gain of 30 lbs. Anyone else experience this?
Hi I’m taking Astrazole the generic of Arimidix . Not terrible joint pain ( mild-moderate) no on weight gain, I actually lost … I used WW online .. to keep my relatively normal weight in check to minimize estrogen. It really works and never hungry. Some hand discomfort at 12 mos. ( now 15.5) .
I am able to handle and minimize joint discomfort with walking, yoga type stretching and hand massage. I consider myself lucky as I typically respond quite dramatically to any meds.
Your oncologist may suggest a couple of weeks “ vacay” from meds then restart or try one of the others. This sometimes eliminates or reduces side effects.
Is there a medical reason or statistics around that suggest 98-99% estrogen positive cancer would have greater side effects to AI's due to the high percentage? I'm also 98-99% ER+ and 97% Progesterone +.
I don’t have an answer on this. But I would be interested in knowing some stars on it. Also, at 72 I’m a bit used to less estrogen and I’ve often wondered if post menopausal women “ suffer” less.
Not everyone has such side effects. I’m on this for 15 mos. And I have mild ( sometimes moderate) joint discomfort which IS alleviated with walking and yoga style stretching, and hand exercises and massaging. An occasional Tylenol has been used too.
I’m 72 and I just biked 20 miles ( not unusual for me) walked about 5-6 miles daily while in Italy , I played an hour of tennis yesterday ( in 90 degrees) etc etc
In other words … it is sometimes uncomfortable but not life changing FOR ME. I am lucky that my body can mitigate . I usually react poorly to meds and I was terrified to start Anastrozole especially as I am 98 & 99% ER + ( two foci) My heart goes out to those who have major difficulties; some cannot tolerate the extreme side effects they may get. But many many can and some have no side effects.
My user friendly advice is to try it out if your oncologist feels it will benefit you. It’s a once a day med. if you can’t tolerate it you will know and you can find alternatives… or stop.
Maybe give it a try and see if your body is ok with it. My fears were unfounded.
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
How did you find the homeopathic breast specialist? My first DCIS was 26 yrs ago and the Tamoxiphen caused significant hair loss, memory and word retrieval/fluency issues and discontinued it after 2 1/2 yrs. I am on Anastrozole for this DCIS in contralateral breast and have some brain fog and moderate joint pain after 4 months... And very scared of continuing it. I have not been able to find a homeopathic breast cancer doctor and am willing to travel. Thank you for your post .
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
I am too. I had a hysterectomy when I was 38, hormone replacement until cancer hit me. I’m 62. I cannot find much on my scenario. Oncologist wants me on the blocker. Im debating it because, only my adrenal glands and fat are making hormones and I’m skinny. So how much estrogen do I really produce?
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Hi I’m taking Astrazole the generic of Arimidix . Not terrible joint pain ( mild-moderate) no on weight gain, I actually lost … I used WW online .. to keep my relatively normal weight in check to minimize estrogen. It really works and never hungry. Some hand discomfort at 12 mos. ( now 15.5) .
I am able to handle and minimize joint discomfort with walking, yoga type stretching and hand massage. I consider myself lucky as I typically respond quite dramatically to any meds.
Your oncologist may suggest a couple of weeks “ vacay” from meds then restart or try one of the others. This sometimes eliminates or reduces side effects.
Hoping you get some relief.
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4 ReactionsI don’t have an answer on this. But I would be interested in knowing some stars on it. Also, at 72 I’m a bit used to less estrogen and I’ve often wondered if post menopausal women “ suffer” less.
Are you on Anastrozole or Letrozole?
Anastrozole
I did not have weight gain on anastrozole, but I experienced migraines with auras at least 4 days each week, along with the joint pain. I will not take that drug ever again. I am E-positive, have had two breast cancer surgeries, and currently I have been diagnosed with cancerous tumors along the lymph node incision. At this point I am seeking alternative medicine help from a licensed M.D. who practices homeopathy exclusively for breast cancer patients. We will meet for the first time tomorrow (I have a long drive ahead of me.)
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4 Reactions@wpglea please come back and let us know what is said by Homeopathy Dr. Thank you for sharing. Blessings
wishing you all the best!!
How did you find the homeopathic breast specialist? My first DCIS was 26 yrs ago and the Tamoxiphen caused significant hair loss, memory and word retrieval/fluency issues and discontinued it after 2 1/2 yrs. I am on Anastrozole for this DCIS in contralateral breast and have some brain fog and moderate joint pain after 4 months... And very scared of continuing it. I have not been able to find a homeopathic breast cancer doctor and am willing to travel. Thank you for your post .
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1 ReactionWould love to hear about your experience AND where this doc is located.
I hope you had a good experience with her/him.
I am too. I had a hysterectomy when I was 38, hormone replacement until cancer hit me. I’m 62. I cannot find much on my scenario. Oncologist wants me on the blocker. Im debating it because, only my adrenal glands and fat are making hormones and I’m skinny. So how much estrogen do I really produce?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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