Postmenopausal and taking Arimidex.

Aromatase inhibitors
Everybody reacts differently to medicines, so don't get too worked up about how someone else reacted to a medicine. Aromatase inhibitors work even better than tamoxifen, the gold standard for hormone-controlled cancer for years. They tend to cause hot flashes, sweating, and possibly joint inflamation. They also tend to reduce bone density. Over the last three years that I've been on this kind of drug, I've noticed all those symptoms, though how many were caused by surgical menapause (brief ovarian cancer scare that turned out to be false, thank goodness)and how many were caused by the aromatase inhibitor is not clear. I cope by staying positive. Hot flashes keep my feet warm in the winter and make running to the bathroom in the winter more comfortable. A glass of ice water and a wet washcloth makes the summer bearable. I just started the Fosamax for my bones after three years on exemestane (cousin of arimidex). For your information, some folks avoid the bone problems altogether by starting on Fosamax when they go on these drugs. My doctor waited. I exercise daily and try not to overdo stuff, especially carrying heavy shoulder bags or yoga toe stretches on my out-of-shape toe joints. I'm sure the exercise helps me weather a lot (as long as I don't overdo stuff and cause an injury!). Getting my vitamin D level tested and straightened out seemed to help a lot too. You may not have any of these problems at all. But if you do, write here for possible fixes. The folks here have lots of expertise that they will be glad to share.

Arimidex
I've only been on Arimidex for 4 months - so far, so good. No weight gain, no joint pain or stiffness, no hot flashes, no nothing. I just had a bone density test and I'm fine - not even osteopenic (pre-osteo). I take calcium and vitamin D. Oh - I'm 66 years old. I asked my oncologist about the onset of side effects. She told me that everyone is different and that she has some patients who had menopausal side effects within the first few weeks of taking the drug. So, go figure. I'm feeling fortunate. Just one 1mg pill each morning and that's it. I walk approximately 2 miles a day weather permitting and try to stay active. Hang in there. Don't be fearful. In the event that you did develop any side effects, your doctor should guide you as to what to do. Good luck. Marilynn

hello kitty said:

Arimidex
Hi Dorothy I'm 43 and I've been taking this medicine for the last 9 months and I experienced joint pain for about 2 months and now my cholesterol is up but other than that all is well, so I really think that it's different for every person but don't worry because we are survivors!

Vit D
I had joint pain in my toe joints. The podiatrist said I had an over-use injury (those nasty toe stretches in yoga on Friday's!) and gave me orthodics and toe splints that I had to wear for a year and a half. He said that was normal for that particular problem, but my feet still hurt from time to time. I know I mentioned it in the earlier post, but don't forget to get your vitamin D level checked if you have joint pain. Even folks with regular arthritis are now doing this. My sugical oncological nurse practioner recommended that I get tested. Cancer patients tend to be low though it is not clear if it is a cause of cancer or an effect of it. Low levels are associated with joint inflamation and pain. I was taking Calcium with vit. D, a multi with D, and three or four glasses of milk daily with D added, but I still turned up low when tested. When they added prescription vitamin D to the mix it was like extra strength Ibruprofen without the nose bleeds! It helped a lot. Once levels were "normal" again, I went on the over-the-counter stuff. Be careful and see your doctor for testing. There are side effects to over-dosing, so see your doctor before you go to supplements.

arimidex
I am taking Arimidex, but have only been on it for about 7 months. I sometimes have hot flashes, but not as severe as menopause ones. I had osteopenia before breast cancer, so we are watching my bone density levels. I am tired though. My best time is in the a.m., after noon, I don't seem to have much energy. Sometimes I don't seem to concentrate very well. I have had trouble sleeping, but that was true before cancer. Radiation was very emotionally difficult for me, and I have had a lot of stress reliving those traumatic treatments. I turned 60 the month I finished my radiation treatments.

I am trying to walk regularly with Walk Away The Pounds DVDs. I was doing 5 miles before cancer, but am starting with 1 mile a day...and I can do the fast 1 mile.

I am glad to see others comments about the Arimidex. I am new to this site, so thank each of you for your info.