Radiation and Arimidex

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,
Janelle

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,
I am not on Arimidex, but, wanted to wish you good luck with radiation.


Hugs, Leeza

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, Susan