Hi there

ninjamom
ninjamom Member Posts: 142
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have been out of the loop for a while and didn't recognize any names. To all the new people, I was diagnosed March 08, had a lumpectomy in April, chemo May - July and radiation Aug - Sept.....I'm still in recovery from the ugly side effects of chemo but I'm still here to tell my story and that's good enough for me. Since my last posting I have another granddaughter (1 month) and my grandson is finally getting hair!!!! Will be updating picture soon (with all the grandchildren)

I started taking Arimidex in October and I'm experiencing body aches, arthritis like pain in my hands, legs and sometimes hips. Has anyone taking arimidex experienced the same?
«1

Comments

  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    Hi ninjamom
    I think I remember seeing your name in posts. Congrats on the new addition to the family, and isn't it nice for anyone to be getting hair??
    I have been on Arimidex for 17 months, and since I never read the side effects until I had taken the drug for a year, I thought the bone aches were still from the Taxol. Hips and shoulders especially, I figured it was because they are the biggest bones. After a year on the Taxol I did read the side effects and I have a couple, but everything is very tolerable. I also have the hot flashes, but I thought that was because the chemo slammed me into menopause before I was ready, so it is probably a bit of both. Not too bad otherwise.
    Keep in touch

    =^..^=
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    hip pain
    I had trouble with hip pain after being on Aromasin about 8 months. My doctor had me take Glucosamine chondroitin. It helped.
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    Hi again, Ninjamom
    I remember that you were in the hospital for a few weeks with chemo-related issues. Good to hear from you again, and congrats on the new addition to you family! I am not on hormonals so I can't speak to that, but I wanted to chime in and wish you a speedy recovery from ALL side effects.

    Mimi
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    Hi, ninjamom!
    I joined in April of THIS year, so it's nice to "meet" you. Congratulations for the new granddaughter!

    My own treatment was similar to yours: lumpectomy, chemo, radiation. My chemo included chemically induced menopause, was 45 when diagnosed. Then, 2 years of Tamoxifen. No noticeable side effects, at all, from the Tamoxifen. Now, 3+ years and still counting on Arimidex.

    Hot flashes began during chemo, haven't stopped nor lessened. Arimidex brought all over achiness, which is constant. When I exert myself physically, I ache even more. Yes, hands and feet in particular. Some days worse than others. I take Aleve, which helps. However, I don't take it as much as I'd really like to! Low energy level, little stamina. I was hoping to get off the Arimidex in March, after 3 years. But, my recurrence rate is high - and it's my only option at this point in time. So, my prescription was extended as part of a national clinical trial.

    I wanted to get off the drug so I could maybe figure out how i really, truly feel; i.e., which side effects may be permanent from chemo, and which ones might subside once off the Arimidex. Oh, well. However, the side effects aren't overly debilitating. I can still "do" - just not as much as I'd certainly like, nor as often. I have to pace myself, always.

    I strongly suggest you keep an open and honest dialogue going with your own doctor regarding your experiences with Arimidex. If your side effects become unbearable - and I hope they won't - you may be eligible for some other medication.

    Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    Congrats
    Hi Ninjamom, it is great to hear from you! I just bet you are soooo enjoying the new addition. My daughter is due it 5 weeks, our first grand-daughter a sister for the two grandson's.

    Sorry I cannot give you any insight into Arimidex as I have not taken it. I wish you well and hope your aches and pains soon will ease up.

    new baby girl Pictures, Images and Photos

    RE
  • lemont
    lemont Member Posts: 10
    RE said:

    Congrats
    Hi Ninjamom, it is great to hear from you! I just bet you are soooo enjoying the new addition. My daughter is due it 5 weeks, our first grand-daughter a sister for the two grandson's.

    Sorry I cannot give you any insight into Arimidex as I have not taken it. I wish you well and hope your aches and pains soon will ease up.

    new baby girl Pictures, Images and Photos

    RE

    I started Arimidex in
    I started Arimidex in January. I get severe pain my left hip but only at night and not every day - sometimes it stays away for up to a week. My onc thinks it's more likely due to arthritis, but the timing sure is suspicious. I'm getting hot flashes too, but my onc said to let her know if I want medication for that. I'm determined to stay on an AI because the latest studies show that it's my best hope for no recurrence. I hope you'll be able to get your side effects better controlled.
  • ninjamom
    ninjamom Member Posts: 142
    Thanks
    Thank you all for your responses, it's great to be back and yes I'm enjoying the new addition as well as the other grandkids. The oldest one is becoming my helper, she writes the numbers down (when I test my sugar) and she makes sure that I lay down during the day, she'll ask if we can watch a movie in my room.

    The pain I'm feeling is not to bad, I have become so intune with my body that any new ache I get I try to figure out what it is. Let me tell you.....any change in condition or new aches I panic and think I have to go back to the hospital (from Nov to Jan. it was my second home and I don't want to go back if not necessary), so...I'm learning to relax and learn more about all the side effects before I panic.

    I will continue to go for my walks, do my yoga (yes, I stated sit down yoga)and hopefully when my body gets strong again (bedriden from Nov to Feb)the pain will be less.
  • ninjamom
    ninjamom Member Posts: 142

    Hi, ninjamom!
    I joined in April of THIS year, so it's nice to "meet" you. Congratulations for the new granddaughter!

    My own treatment was similar to yours: lumpectomy, chemo, radiation. My chemo included chemically induced menopause, was 45 when diagnosed. Then, 2 years of Tamoxifen. No noticeable side effects, at all, from the Tamoxifen. Now, 3+ years and still counting on Arimidex.

    Hot flashes began during chemo, haven't stopped nor lessened. Arimidex brought all over achiness, which is constant. When I exert myself physically, I ache even more. Yes, hands and feet in particular. Some days worse than others. I take Aleve, which helps. However, I don't take it as much as I'd really like to! Low energy level, little stamina. I was hoping to get off the Arimidex in March, after 3 years. But, my recurrence rate is high - and it's my only option at this point in time. So, my prescription was extended as part of a national clinical trial.

    I wanted to get off the drug so I could maybe figure out how i really, truly feel; i.e., which side effects may be permanent from chemo, and which ones might subside once off the Arimidex. Oh, well. However, the side effects aren't overly debilitating. I can still "do" - just not as much as I'd certainly like, nor as often. I have to pace myself, always.

    I strongly suggest you keep an open and honest dialogue going with your own doctor regarding your experiences with Arimidex. If your side effects become unbearable - and I hope they won't - you may be eligible for some other medication.

    Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan

    Susan, thank you, the only
    Susan, thank you, the only thing I'm not experiencing is hot flashes otherwise everything you mentioned is right on the botton. I think part of my problem is that I used to be very active and it's been hard to get used to not doing everything I used to do, having to pace myself and having to have someone else do things for me because I can't do them anymore.

    Thanks again.
    Patty
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    cats_toy said:

    Hi ninjamom
    I think I remember seeing your name in posts. Congrats on the new addition to the family, and isn't it nice for anyone to be getting hair??
    I have been on Arimidex for 17 months, and since I never read the side effects until I had taken the drug for a year, I thought the bone aches were still from the Taxol. Hips and shoulders especially, I figured it was because they are the biggest bones. After a year on the Taxol I did read the side effects and I have a couple, but everything is very tolerable. I also have the hot flashes, but I thought that was because the chemo slammed me into menopause before I was ready, so it is probably a bit of both. Not too bad otherwise.
    Keep in touch

    =^..^=

    Love your kitty! I'll have
    Love your kitty! I'll have to borrow that one. Eil
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    Eil4186 said:

    Love your kitty! I'll have
    Love your kitty! I'll have to borrow that one. Eil

    my Kitty
    Eil, you can borrow her, but I will need her back. So take good care of her and feed her and pet her and love her
    he he
    =^..^=
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    Welcome back Ninja, it's
    Welcome back Ninja, it's good to hear from you again. And congratulations on that new granddaughter. What a joy!! My new granddaughter is just a few weeks old.

    I had a terrible time with Arimidex. I became very arthritic. My hands and arms were so weak I couldn't open a water bottle. Took about 2 mos after going off it to get back to normal. I changed to aromasin and so far so good. I didn't take glucosamine (as Marcia suggested) at that time but will do so if I run into problems with aromasin.

    jan
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    ninjamom said:

    Susan, thank you, the only
    Susan, thank you, the only thing I'm not experiencing is hot flashes otherwise everything you mentioned is right on the botton. I think part of my problem is that I used to be very active and it's been hard to get used to not doing everything I used to do, having to pace myself and having to have someone else do things for me because I can't do them anymore.

    Thanks again.
    Patty

    ninjamom...
    I completely understand your frustration and disappointment. Believe me, I do. I sincerely hope you'll make whatever adjustments you need to, without too much struggle. And - importantly - learn to accept new habits, and different ways of doing things. I don't mean to be cryptic, but... When I complain about these symptoms to my med onc, which I certainly do each time I see him, he'll often respond: "Well, it's better than the alternative." Which is his unique way of providing a gentle reminder.

    Best wishes to you, Patty.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • djteach
    djteach Member Posts: 273
    Hi Ninjamom,
    I'm new here

    Hi Ninjamom,
    I'm new here too, since April. I was diagnosed in Aug. of 2005 with stage IV b/c with mets to my vertebra and my lung.

    Congratulations on your new grandbaby. I love babies and miss having them around, so I can't wait to see the pics.

    I'm sorry your having trouble with your meds. What has your dr. said? I've heard that others have had success with the glucosemine/condroitin. I hope you find relief, pain is never any fun.

    Love and Gentle Hugs,
    Donna
  • ninjamom
    ninjamom Member Posts: 142
    djteach said:

    Hi Ninjamom,
    I'm new here

    Hi Ninjamom,
    I'm new here too, since April. I was diagnosed in Aug. of 2005 with stage IV b/c with mets to my vertebra and my lung.

    Congratulations on your new grandbaby. I love babies and miss having them around, so I can't wait to see the pics.

    I'm sorry your having trouble with your meds. What has your dr. said? I've heard that others have had success with the glucosemine/condroitin. I hope you find relief, pain is never any fun.

    Love and Gentle Hugs,
    Donna

    Thanks....I actually haven't
    Thanks....I actually haven't mentioned it to my doctor yet, I was convinced at first that it the aches and pains I was feeling was because I was bedridden from Nov. to Feb, my muscles got weak and as I started doing more exercises and more walking it was going to go away. My legs have actually gotten stronger and the pain is mostly when I sit for to long, my arms however still feel week so of course I added sit down yoga and see if that helped but I think I will try the glucosemine for a while (since the pain is not too bad) and then mention it to my doctor if it doesn't go away.
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    Hi Ninja!
    Sheesh Ninja! You didn't recognize any names? Not even mine???? I am crushed! LOL

    I just finished 5 years of Arimidex a few months ago, and yes, I did experience some body aches~but not enough to make me put my life on hold. I actually didn't know that it was affecting me, until I finished the Arimidex, and my body stopped hurting!! I recently completed a 5K and also am walking 8 miles 3X a week AND do Jazzercise 3X a week. And I hate admitting I will be 60 ( shudder!) in three months. I have decided that 60 is the news 30~ ESPECIALLY after BC!

    So, Ninja...I am so glad you are posting again; I have missed you! Even if you don't remember me! LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • outdoorgirl
    outdoorgirl Member Posts: 1,565
    chenheart said:

    Hi Ninja!
    Sheesh Ninja! You didn't recognize any names? Not even mine???? I am crushed! LOL

    I just finished 5 years of Arimidex a few months ago, and yes, I did experience some body aches~but not enough to make me put my life on hold. I actually didn't know that it was affecting me, until I finished the Arimidex, and my body stopped hurting!! I recently completed a 5K and also am walking 8 miles 3X a week AND do Jazzercise 3X a week. And I hate admitting I will be 60 ( shudder!) in three months. I have decided that 60 is the news 30~ ESPECIALLY after BC!

    So, Ninja...I am so glad you are posting again; I have missed you! Even if you don't remember me! LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    put us to shame!
    Wow Claudia,
    You put me to shame with all the exercising you do! All of a sudden my walks and every other day situps seem like nothing. Good for you!!
  • Jadie
    Jadie Member Posts: 723
    Welcome back Ninjamom
    It is good to hear from you again. I was wondering about you. It has been a while since you have posted. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better.

    Have you had your vitamin D levels checked? Low levels can also cause joint and bone pain.

    Congrats on the new little one. I just found out this morning that my daughter is expecting my second grandchild.

    Hugs Jadie
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159

    put us to shame!
    Wow Claudia,
    You put me to shame with all the exercising you do! All of a sudden my walks and every other day situps seem like nothing. Good for you!!

    No shame allowed! Keep on
    No shame allowed! Keep on walking and doing those sit-ups~ they are by no means nothing!
    If I tried to do a sit up, my spine would probably pop right out of my skin! :-)

    As long as we are moving, it's all good! Don't stop!

    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    chenheart said:

    Hi Ninja!
    Sheesh Ninja! You didn't recognize any names? Not even mine???? I am crushed! LOL

    I just finished 5 years of Arimidex a few months ago, and yes, I did experience some body aches~but not enough to make me put my life on hold. I actually didn't know that it was affecting me, until I finished the Arimidex, and my body stopped hurting!! I recently completed a 5K and also am walking 8 miles 3X a week AND do Jazzercise 3X a week. And I hate admitting I will be 60 ( shudder!) in three months. I have decided that 60 is the news 30~ ESPECIALLY after BC!

    So, Ninja...I am so glad you are posting again; I have missed you! Even if you don't remember me! LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    I'm with Outdoor Girl
    you do put us to shame Claudia, I figured my three days of walking around my neighborhood was doing good and I am only (ONLY???) 52!
    =^..^=
  • ninjamom
    ninjamom Member Posts: 142
    chenheart said:

    Hi Ninja!
    Sheesh Ninja! You didn't recognize any names? Not even mine???? I am crushed! LOL

    I just finished 5 years of Arimidex a few months ago, and yes, I did experience some body aches~but not enough to make me put my life on hold. I actually didn't know that it was affecting me, until I finished the Arimidex, and my body stopped hurting!! I recently completed a 5K and also am walking 8 miles 3X a week AND do Jazzercise 3X a week. And I hate admitting I will be 60 ( shudder!) in three months. I have decided that 60 is the news 30~ ESPECIALLY after BC!

    So, Ninja...I am so glad you are posting again; I have missed you! Even if you don't remember me! LOL

    Hugs,
    Claudia

    Are you kidding? I remember
    Are you kidding? I remember you, RE, Joyceloice and several others LOL but there's so many new people it's unreal must have been chemo brain.

    Because of some of my complications (heart failure being the worst) I just started exercising again, I'm up to 10 mins. on the treadmill and sit down yoga (I have yet to finish the full class as I tire easy). My cardiologyst wants me to exercise every day with moderation to help the heart gets stronger. Anyway...I was blaiming the aches and pains on the exercise, but I remembered reading a post (a long time ago) about aches and arimidex so now that I can actually sit and work on the computer for more than half hour, I'm posting again.

    I sure missed all of you.

    Patty