First app. w/new onco..Good and not so good

SIROD said:

Arimidex
Hi Joyce,

I remember your post on Megace titled "Megace or Tamoxifen?" back in July. New Flower and I both responded to your post.

http://csn.cancer.org/node/243270

The oncologist who prescribed Megace according to your post was responding to the hot flashes in hopes that this drug would banished them. It is a very old drug and used mostly to help those with stage IV gain weight these days. I was surprised that it was prescribe as first line of treatment. As for hot flashes, I have used most of the hormonal drugs and have had hot flashes now for 17+ years. I learn to adjust to them. I always think it's a pity that they never work when your cold and need a little bit of a hot surge:)

You have had good advise by the other ladies, no need for me to say the same thing.

You mentioned Arimidex which is very different than Tamoxifen. All these hormonal drugs have serious side effects and each woman reacts to them in their own unique way. Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor does often have bone and joint pain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and etc.

I did have endometrium thickening on Tamoxifen (used 4 years) and ended it up with a D&C that solved my problem. By that time I was no longer using Tamoxifen (recurrence). I used Arimidex for many, many years before my next recurrence. I did not have any problems with endometrium thickening. It was a new drug at the time I began to use Arimidex and there was no suggestion that estrogen deprived bones would lead to fractures. I had 3 vertebrae fractures from a minor fall. I began using bisphosphonates which led to my developing uveitis. Not everyone has this problem.

My thinking is that if these drugs keep me on planet earth a little longer then they are worth the inconveniences of the side effects.

Wishing you the best with your decision,

Doris