Radiation and Arimidex
Thanks very much
PS This is my first post.
Comments
-
Welcome, Hellomykitty. You
Welcome, Hellomykitty. You have come to the right place for support and answers to your questions. I also had a lumpectomy in July '09 and then completed chemo and rad treatments. I started Arimidex about 2-1/2 months ago and can honestly say that I have not noticed much in the way of side effects from it (knock on wood). Even though you do not have an appointment with your onc until later this month, that doesn't mean you can't call his/her office with questions. We pay them handsomely and answering questions is part of their service. Good luck.0 -
Welcome Aboard, Hello My Kitty
This is the place to be for questions and answers.
There are a lot of side affects but that does not mean that you will experience them. I started Arimidex on March 18 - so far so good - no side affects. I am hoping that my preventative tactics will stop or greatly minimize any side affects. Time will tell.
Bone loss (osteoporosis) is a main consideration for me. As a preventative, I take D3 supplements, calcium supplements, plus tons of other vitamins to hopefully diminish or prevent this side affect. In addition, I walk 5 days a week, 1 hour per day - again as a preventative to bone loss and to increase bone density. (Prior to taking Arimidex, have great bone density...and I want to keep it that way!)
Weight gain could be another side affect. So....I am on weight watchers, slowing losing weight, but more importantly eating a highly nutrious diet. Again, hope this acts as a preventative side affect.
Hot flashes. I am experiencing some hot flashes (69 years old - took estrogen replacement from 40 to 63 years, then 66 to 68 years old) - mainly a few during my sleeping hours. Because they are mild, I don't think of them as a side affect.
I am extremely interested in anyone's side affect to this drug. If there are any women on this cancer site who have taken this drug for 4 to 5 years, I would greatly like to hear the affects or non-affects of this drug on your body.
You have the right to say, "Yes, I will take Arimidex,? Or.., "No more! I want to stop taking Arimidex."
My doctors wanted me to do radiation first. Then after radiation, begin that 5-year chemo drug, in my case, Arimidex.
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle0 -
welcome hellomykitty
I have been on Arimidex for two plus years now. Never had much in the way of side effects the first 18 months, then when I stopped for two weeks, the SE's hit me hard. They are all tolerable, hot flashes, bone/joint pain being the main ones. I will take them as opposed to stopping a pill that helps reduce the recurrence percentage. Most do not start the Arimidex until after they have completed radiation, mainly because of bone loss. You usually get a bone density scan before they prescribe it to you. You might want to ask your onc just to be sure.
Hope all goes well for you
Cat0 -
I am not on Arimidex, but,MyTurnNow said:Welcome, Hellomykitty. You
Welcome, Hellomykitty. You have come to the right place for support and answers to your questions. I also had a lumpectomy in July '09 and then completed chemo and rad treatments. I started Arimidex about 2-1/2 months ago and can honestly say that I have not noticed much in the way of side effects from it (knock on wood). Even though you do not have an appointment with your onc until later this month, that doesn't mean you can't call his/her office with questions. We pay them handsomely and answering questions is part of their service. Good luck.
I am not on Arimidex, but, wanted to wish you good luck with radiation.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Welcome
I am not on Arimidex, but I wanted to chime in to say that there is no reason you should have to wait until April 21 to ask about when you should start taking your prescription. It's an important question and you need an answer now. Please call your oncologist's office and ask to speak to your oncologist. That is what they're there for. Good luck and welcome to the site!
Mimi0 -
Warm welcome, hellomykitty
After reading your post - my first thought was like Mimi's: simply call your med onc. No reason to wait for an in-person visit to ask your questions and discuss your concerns. However, to the best of my knowledge - usually, BC-related oral meds are not begun until all active/invasive treatment ends. However, each patient is unique.
As with any and all medications - including OTCs - most risks/side effects are possible, not guaranteed. No one can accurately predict how your own body might/will respond until you actually begin to take the Arimidex.
I've just started my 5th year of Arimidex - took Tamoxifen for two years prior to. Most likely - my oral meds regimen wil last ten years vs. the more standard five.
We're all here to support and encourage each other. Again, welcome.
Kind regards, Susan0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.2K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 440 Bladder Cancer
- 306 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.4K Breast Cancer
- 391 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 12.9K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 666 Leukemia
- 789 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 235 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 53 Pancreatic Cancer
- 486 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.3K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 532 Sarcoma
- 717 Skin Cancer
- 647 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards