Arimidex

[Teresa 51]

Originally Posted by Linda49er

Hi Cj and Teresa

I've read your posts and its funny how I have similar issues. Not funny but you know what I mean. Right now I'm nervous about posting because I'm afraid of saying something I shouldnt. So please let me know if i do I'm a nurse and it is HARD not to share my nursing experience, but again they are my personal experiences.

I was diagnosed with BC May 30th 2006 following my mammogram. I found the lump as I've had severe fibrocystic disease all my life and had had 3 biopsies in the past so used to doing breast checks.

June 15th I had a lumpectomy which did not show clear margins on path so had my mastectomy July 13th. After that I went thru chemo and radiation and this past Dec. 12th I started my arimidex.

I don't really know all the side-effects and which problems i've been having are related to the arimidex. I got the neuropathy from chemo and my onc said it will go away in six months. I'm also diabetic so I don't expect it to go away totally. It is much better now, only in fingers and toes versus hands and feet. Then I've had pain in my right hip radiating down to my right knee. I has been a 10 out of 10 pain left at its worse. I initially thought it was bone pain from my arimidex but my onc told me usually the bone pain from arimidex is only in the hands and feet. Does that sound right? The pain down my leg is just on the outside part of my leg, not inner leg. I do have mega back problems from 38 yrs of nursing so they are thinking the pain is from my back problems like a pinched nerve? I do have an "old compression fracture" at about L2, and 3 bulging discs and lord knows what else.

I have done 2 weeks of physical therapy ordered by my rheumie and it has really helped. I am now able to lift my leg more than 2 inches off the ground without it hurting. The muscle and hip pain is better but not gone. Does this sound similar to your guy's pain????

There's also a possibility that I have a fracture right rib probably related to my radiation treatments. My radiation doc to me I would be at high risk for rib fractures following my radiation. Also I understand my risk for fractures is also increased if i'm on Arimidex. Were you guys told this? They said it may be fractured from coughing.

Cj...you said you have a lung nodule? Did they do any tests to diagnosis it? Did they give you any idea of what it could be? Six months to sit on it seems like a long time?? I have a lung nodule as well, smaller now, but I know what mine is is why I am asking. You are in NY right? Have you ever been to Arizona, California or New Mexico? Now I'm a bit nervous to ask much more on this issue in fear of breaking posting rules This is my first nite here and I don't want to be banned from something I say lol. Have you ever heard of Valley Fever?

Teresa, what profession are you in pushing boxes of IV fluid's? Work in a pharmacy or central supply? nurse?

I was tickled to find this place. I have a gf that has really been by my side through this but sometimes I feel bad talking about my cancer with her all the time so its nice to find someplace where you can talk about it.

Teresa? where are you from?

Thanks for sharing your stories

Linda

[Teresa 51]

I have had muscle and bone pings and pongs. I have to remember I am of arthritic age and the med I feel has accerlatered some problelm areas. I read a post from way back where some ladies did not have any problems with the med. I am just wondering if I have my other breast removed do I have to continue with the arimidex?
Thanks for responding!

[Linda49er]

Hi Teresa

Is the other breast being removed because you have cancer there? I would guess yes you'd have to finish your course of Arimidex even if the other breast doesn't have cancer. I plan to have my other one removed after my vacation this year.

Take care,
Linda

[cjammom]

Hey Hi!!
Linda, glad you have found us! I was dx in 2003, and NED ever since.
Let me see if I can answer some of your questions.. I definately have muscular problems..yes in my hip also..(but also just dx with fibro, which I question)alot of spasms in my calves, which I believe have added to a dx of plantar fasciitis..because the muscles have been tightening all over my legs.PT. is helping but the pain is not gone..but better. Yes, arimidex, according to the manufacturer can increase risk of osteo in patients who already have it..i think that is what has happened to my knees!
That was very interesting info on the lung nodule..I just looked it up on the internet..funny but I was in New Mexico and Arizona..just twice in my life, but it was during the summer season..thankx for mentioning that..I will bring that up to my dr. and ask for a test..they can do a sputum or blood test. I am also an ex-smoker which is a consideration..Both of my drs. poo-pooed my concern..they tell me many people have them...I dont know, I worried alot when it was first found, but havent really given it a second thought lately..but I will make sure that they investigate it further, its very tiny right now. Why are you having your other breast removed? Is it the fear of recurrance? I often think about that mysel******da think I should have done that at the same time..and not have to go through that whole thing again..but cant turn back time..just deal with what today has to offer.
It is wonderful to have other women to swap stories with..Its like a sisterhood, part of a group..one that we never wanted to join!! but because we have, we can offer alot of support and encouragement to others.
Teresa..Ditto..the arthritic pain..but I am 47, and dont believe I should be having it this bad..I have been active most of my life..I exercise and used to even run..Ive replaced that with long walks now..lol..yes, I believe that you have to finish your full course of treatment regardless of whether you have the breast or not. Breast cancer can even grow where there is no breast..on the chest wall..however I do not believe that it is very common.
cj.

[cjammom]

hey linda..how did you print in bold..just curious!! lol