Now I am totally confused. My doctor has told me I have a stress fracture in my right leg, most probably caused through taking the Arimidex tablets. She prescribed Protos to try and build up the bones. I only had a month's prescription as I was going to be seeing the onc.
I had my onc's appointment on Wednesday and she didn't seem at all concerned with my leg but did say I had better start on Acclaster (?) to aid bone development. She would see me again in 4 months as I was due for my 2nd year mammo then 2 months later she would start the Acclaster injections. And I could stop taking the Protos as it wasn't any good anyway. Yesterday I saw my doctor and she said she didn't like the Acclaster because of the side effects and I was to keep taking the protos. So what to do?
I think I might forgo the jab and stick with the Protos as I am fed up with side effects. My leg has been really good and I had 2 days of completely pain free walking around. One day back at work and I am a cripple tonight! I couldn't even bend my knee so I could undo my shoelace. And I have another day tomorrow!
Give me childbirth, any day!
Comments
Sounds bad you poor thing!
I hate it when docs disagree!
Go with what makes you feel the best,
they are supposed to know! I am sticking with the Protos and what my doctor says. At leat she seems to care.
Thanks for the birthday wishes.XX
See you when I get back,
Hi Lyn, aren't these drugs awful? I feel I should be very happy and grateful that I have this option to take an extra drug to help prevent recurrence, when not everyone is fortunate enough to have these receptors on their cancers. I know I am lucky, but the daily side effects are a constant reminder of breast cancer. These drugs also weaken or bones and with that we are at risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The drugs to counter balance this risk come with their own set of side effects too. I was already osteopoenic before I started femara, which is like arimidex, so I'm sure it is only a matter of time before I too will be on something like Protos or Aclasta. Not sure which one I would do yet, but at least with Aclasta, it is just an infusion once a year, as opposed to the Protos which is daily. Others are weekly
with all the restrictions that come with that, ( like fasting,
sitting up and not eating for an hour after taking it etc).
The aclasta can cause flu like symptoms for a day or
too after, which can be painful, but I'm told that these usually ease off after the first time. Good luck. Love Chris xx
not for me
Chris,
Although Arimidex lessens the chances of reoccurrance, once has to look at one' s individual statistics. My onc respected my opinion not to take it - yes, I said No to it - because with my grade of cancer and size of it, etc, and the fact that I did 6 wks of radiation, the reduction in risk if I took Arimidex was only 1-2% overall. Not much for all the trouble, eh? So I decided not to exacerbate my existing aches and pains and flushes! If I took it, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I was on antidepressants and bone builders to counteract it.
So far, so good, 18 months since the cancer and feeling great,
Lynda x
Hi Lynda
I just read how you decided against the Arimidex. I say good on you for making that tough decision. It would be very interesting to find out how many women decided against it and where they are with their journey at this stage??
I haven't reached that decision marker in my journey yet as I have only started my chemo but I came across your post and thought I would comment on it as it is something we have all had/will have to consider.
I wish you every ounce of luck I can gather and I am glad you are feeling great and happy.
Mich xo LOL
Hi Lyn
I have been taking Protos since Dec 09 and have had no side effects. My 2010 scan actually showed bone improvement so I no longer had osteoporosis!
In Oct 2011 I had a mastectomy, have just finished chemo and will start 7 weeks radiotherapy in April. The onc has ordered another bone density scan as she is deciding whether to put me on tamoxifen, Arimidox or Femara. Throughout my treatments she has advised me to continue with Protos.
I hope your joint pains have settled down since you postsed...I can only say my Protos experience has been good! ( I am more worried about the side effects of the hormne drugs!) Any advice on those?
xDoofusa
Hi Doofusa, It is because of the hormone drugs that I am on the Protos. I think it is working as I don't have any where near the amount of pain I had before. I am going to keep taking the powder at least until I see thye onc in June.
Everybody seems to react differently to the hormone drugs. I don't like taking the Arimidex, but as ot5hers have said, it is another weapon to fight the cancer returning. I am nearly half way through the course as well so that is a plus. My mood swings take a lot of controlling. I can be fine and then someone will as a stupid question and it takes all of my self control not to answer with a sarcastic comment. headaches have eased off and I have never been a great sleeper anyway so I can manage those.
Giid luck with the drugs. You may fly through them with no problems at all
Lynne