My mom stopped her Arimidex

Gottahavefaith
Gottahavefaith Member Posts: 24
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi to all. My mom has Stage 4 mets to bone, liver. She had the cancer 25 years ago in 1987 As I posted earlier. Just diagnosed with recurrence A few months ago That is now her 2 positive as well as ER positive. Its been very hard. Shes had a terrible time with side effects that we are in the process of trying to sort through ( which drug causing what). She decided no more Arimidex as she was convinced it was causing the severe episodes of pain. Now off  a week she claims to feel better but still with some pain in her legs but not as bad as before! She continues on her Faslodex and Herceptin which was just started last month. Her CEA has come down to the normal range in two months but Im scared her quitting the Arimidex may stop her response though she is on the Faslodex and Herceptin. Can anybody tell me if they just could not tolerate Arimidex and quit it? Did you disease progress or stay stable if on other hormonal therapy?

I really think the severe pain she gets is more due to the Zometa Than the hormonal therapy. The onco is seperating her next zometa from her Faslodex just to see if the Arimidex is the culprit. Shes better off it and moves easier but still needing narcs for pain that is less severe but still there. Shes been told where her pain is is not due to a bone met As scans show no met in area where she has the severe pain.

Her onco is more responsive than previous thank gosh. It was touch and go these past few weeks deciding whether to stay with that MD or not. She feels that the onco is working with her and not dismissing that shes experiencing side effects. 

Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #2
    She is still treated with two very effective drugs

    Please hope for the best as she has been treated with two drugs and Zometa.Faslodex suppose to block estrogen especially if sh is on 500 mg dose. 

    I could not tolerate a generic Arimidex.

    Best to you and your Mom

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #3
    As New Flower stated

    As New Flower stated Herceptin and Faslodex are both excellent drugs.  

    When I started Arimidex, Faslodex was not given as it just came out.  I was on the hormone drug that was correct for that time.  I did all the hormonal drug therapies alone, Tamoxifen, Arimidex, Faslodex 250 mg, Femara, a break from Femara, rebooted Femara didn't work so I went on Faslodex 500 mg and now on Taxol as hormonal drug therapies no longer work.  I began Tamoxifen in 1995.

    I am glad that your mother likes her oncologist, that is very important.

    Good luck to her,

     

    Doris

     

  • gagee
    gagee Member Posts: 332
    #4
    no arimedex for me...

    I was on it 3 years ago this month. Way to many side effects I told the doctor no more. My feet,ankles, wrists and most joints were in terrible pain. I now take 2 meds for arthratis which I believe was brought on my the drug. I had a very small cancer and it was removed (lumpectomy and 33 rads) and 8 lymnodes removed.  Clear thank God.  Mammo has been clear so I am happy. I know my cancer was not as severe as yours but heard from many people that the arimedex caused them more pain. I pray it was the right choice for me. Talk  with your doctors ... more than one, nurses and any one else. Get as much info as you can. I will keep you in my prayers. 

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