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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.

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | May 17, 2019
In reply to @batm "I was only on Arimidex for about a month, the side effects were too much; also..." + (show)
@batm

I was only on Arimidex for about a month, the side effects were too much; also experienced an increased heart rate. My resting heart rate should be 60-70, its been floating between 83 and 103. Have no history of heart issues, no family history either. Echo was fine, EKG fine, bp fine, bloodwork fine. Seems coincidental that I’m feeling in now. Anyone else have any heart issues during or after Arimidex?? I’m not willing to try any other AI’s until this is resolved, cardiologist agrees.

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It is a known side effect

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Apr 30, 2019

I will be very interested in how you do on Aromosin. I have been on it for 2 weeks and the joint pain is awlful.

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gwinter | @gwinter | Apr 30, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "@cancersucks How long were you on the AI? I am so struggling with this joint and..." + (show)
@francine6829

@cancersucks How long were you on the AI? I am so struggling with this joint and bone pain. I don't think I can continue.

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Here is my update...went to second oncologist for second opinion. He answered every one of our questions in a neutral tone and normal words. He explained the importance of taking the AI, but, and this is very important to me, he congratulated me trying arimidex twice and now willing to try aromasin. Next greatness: I asked if I could take it every other day and he said that would be great but why don't I do it every third day instead and try for a month then go to every other day for a month as long as the side effects are bearable. Let him know how it's going and if it gets tough just quit.
He is not a doctor who will add on to meds...
Ok, I am in love!
What a difference! So all I want to say is be your own informed advocate!
This site is wonderful!
Moving on, cancer free now

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Apr 30, 2019

@cancersucks How long were you on the AI? I am so struggling with this joint and bone pain. I don't think I can continue.

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Apr 30, 2019
In reply to @samy "Hello. New member of the club, here. Stage 1 invasive lobular on the left, LCIS right...." + (show)
@samy

Hello. New member of the club, here. Stage 1 invasive lobular on the left, LCIS right. Lumpectomy surgery couple weeks ago on both. The surgeon says radiation for a month and Arimidex for 5 years. I'm 68 and wondering if I should just do the radiation and screw the hormone stuff. Former smoker with mild COPD/emphysema well controlled, currently on BP and cholesterol meds that are doing fine. The internet research of Arimidex is the reason I'm here. … and frankly, you've all terrified me. Quality of life on any AI sounds like an absolute nightmare.

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And it is preventative. Maybe . I have a 12 percent chance of reoccurrence . I have ilc also . I decided to take my chances and stay on top of my exams and tests

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Apr 30, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "What did your oncologist say about you going off of them?" + (show)
@francine6829

What did your oncologist say about you going off of them?

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Well he is not happy wanted me to try another . I am looking for a new one .

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Apr 30, 2019
In reply to @batm "Correct, no new meds until this is resolved. I had lumpectomy last summer followed by radiation...." + (show)
@batm

Correct, no new meds until this is resolved. I had lumpectomy last summer followed by radiation. Given all the side effects I had with Arimidex and now the increased heart rate I’m not certain I’m willing to try aromasin which is what the oncologist has recommended I try next.

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I am in the same boat with quality of life . I decided quality of life more important . This medicine has destroyed my joints .

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Apr 29, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "@trixie1313 - did you read my response. I said I stopped taking injections and now do..." + (show)
@francine6829

@trixie1313 - did you read my response. I said I stopped taking injections and now do yoga instead.

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@francine6829 Yes, I did read that - I was only inputting my own history. Sorry if I offended you, but some folks are talking about doing the injections and should be aware of what can happen. I'm happy for you with our yoga. Everyone needs to find what fits them in their exercise.

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sandyjr | @sandyjr | Apr 29, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "I'm wondering how to tell if the pain in my hip, leg, and knees is caused..." + (show)
@sparklegram

I'm wondering how to tell if the pain in my hip, leg, and knees is caused by my stenosis (L-3 and L-4) or by the Arimidex I've been taking for 15 months. The knee pain is much better after a 3 week episode, but now my hip is hurting. I know Arimidex can cause bone and joint pain, but my spine doctor thinks it's the stenosis and has ordered an epidural.

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I have been taking anastrozole for almost a year. I was doing radiation when I started and had hot flashes which I have never had before. I think it may have been the combo of the two. I have aches and pains, but I’m 69, so it could just be old age...lol. I do have very mild aching in my knees sometimes.I have always walked for exercise, so have kept it up and I think it really helps. My knees seem to be achy when I do not get out for a walk. I think exercise is the key to minimizing discomfort from the AIs. The first time I had BC, I took tamoxifen and my bones really ached. That was 11 years ago. I decided that as long as I knew what was causing it, I would just deal with it. Also, I figured it was a sign that the medicine was working. I never had stenosis, so cannot go there. If you can, try to get in some exercise and see if that helps.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Apr 29, 2019

@trixie1313 - did you read my response. I said I stopped taking injections and now do yoga instead.

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