ARIMIDEX

[zombie51]

I was diagnosed with cancer stage 0 when I was 47 now I am 51. I had one lumpectomy (with lymphnotes removed), following by mastectomy and ovaries removed. I took tamoxifen for 4 days. I was lying down not able to move or talk. I am on Arimidex 1 year. I do have much more side efects than you do, and one day I was so angry I did'nt take that pill. It lastet for three days. I felt better the next day but I got unbearable pain in my other breast, so I took it again and I am on it till now. My depression is realy bad , beacuse I had it before. I did refuse taking any antydepressant since they all cause BC. I was on antydeperessant for 10 years and as soon as I was diagnosed with cancer I quited it. Gaining waight makes depression worse but doctor said I have to stick to Arimidex. I am having control every three months and I have "funny" stuff going on with my other brest. I am taking water pill to offset side effect of retaing water. My tumor was extremely estrogen positive so I guess I have to take it.
I want to ask if anybody heard about "urine" therapy? It sound yaki but people say good thing about it.
Take care and please stay in touch. I am from Canada with no people to talk to.
English is not my first language, sorry for mistakes.

[Banjos]

Have any of you researched the supplement DIM (diindolylmethane)? It allegedly promotes estrogen metabolism toward a "safer" metabolite in regard to promoting breast and reproductive cancers. I know one person whose doctor approved her using DIM when she could not tolerate Tamofloxin. It can't hurt to Internet research the studies on this product. The active chemical is derived from crucerfious vegetables.

[Elizabeth N]

OMFG - This is describing me to a t. I have been spending time on the internet looking this up because everyone says that these side effects are not all from Arimidex.

However:

http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/***1028.htm

http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=1416 &rot=4&dowhat=accept_disclaimer

I took Tamoxifen for a year, and just counted the days until I was officially postmenopausal so that I could switch to Arimidex. Now I have all the same problems I had with Tamoxifen plus everything that comes with Arimidex. Don't let anyone tell you your symptoms are in your head. I know so many people who are having problems with this. I sweat so much (with any kind of activity) that it runs off my face in rivulets and leaves bug wet spots on my shirts. Bone and muscle pain? Forget it. I don't know where to turn. There must be something we can do......

[lizard50]

I have been on tamoxifen for over a year and I have been very lucky. I have not gained any weight and my periods have stopped and I am having some hot flashes. I have had friends who have had a really bad time with it, this is not in your head. I have to tell you that with a area of cancer that big I would try to find something. There is a new drug out there that I read about and I am sorry that I can not remember the name of it. It is suppose to have much less side effects. My feeling is that if the quality of your life is messed-up you need to try something eles. If your doctor says that it is in your head, ask him to try it for awhile. Also pick up the great book " the breast book" by Susan Love. it is great and easy to read and you will get so much great inforrmation. Lizard50

[macy888]

I underwent mastectomy last year. I was 50 yrs old then, and is still having my mentrual periods. My doctor prescribed arimidex, and had been telling her that i am not yet postmenopausal. She said it is ok, since i am in my perimenopausal stage. Anyway, i am now experiencing terrible back pains. I find standing, walking, and sitting for at least 10 minutes so uncomfortable. i really hurt all over. Is arimidex really causing all the pain? i do not feel depressed though, but i do have anxiety attacks. My weight on the other hand has not increased, and i am not bothered by hot flashes. I do suffer from lightheadedness most of the time though. My main concern is the pain, i just can't seem to enjoy my life. can anybody advise me what to do? should i just stop taking any medication? I was daignosed stage 1, er/pr positive, lymphnodes negative.