Hello everyone,
I haven't posted before but find this a wonderful site. I had invasice duct carcinoma diagnosed in August this year, but fortunately had a lumpectomy and the cancer hadn't spread to my lymph nodes, so I have been very lucky.
I have two weeks before I finish radiotherapy, and as my cancer is estrogen positive, I am to begin a five year course of Arimidex. I realise this is something I must do but it appears there are a lot of side effects, the main one that concerns me is weight gain as I have made a very conscious effort to lose 18kgs over the last four months and have about another 15 kgs to go.
This may seem strange to some people that I should be so concerned about this side effect, but I have found that my "diet" has been the only thing I have had any control over since my diagnosis, and to me, the side effect of perhaps putting on weight is of great concern to me.
I realise that I should be very grateful that my pathology was excellent and believe me I am, but this side effect is a worry to me, and I realise it may not even happen, but I am just seeking some advice and hope someone can help me.
I am a newby, but don't really feel I have anyone to talk to that might understand.
Comments
Arimidex
Hi Pennybryn,
Congratulations on your weight loss, it certainly gets harder to do this as we get older.
I was on Arimidex (Anastrozole) and was given an information sheet before I started on it. It is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor which reduces the amount of oestrogen made by the body. Usually used in post-menapausal women.
As it is not a steroid you should not have any problems with weight gain. I have just re-read all the likely side effects ranging from serious side effects such as major allergy, to uncomfortable side effects such as loss of appetite to very rare side effects such as 'trigger finger', and nowhere does it mention weight gain.
The main side effect from all Aromatase Inhibitors (AI's) is bone density loss. You will need ongoing monitoring for this. Watch your calcium intake and try to keep your Vitamin D intake high. Both of these readings can be obtained through a blood test.
I know I actually lost weight on Arimidex, for the short time I was on it. I lost all interest in food and it could get to be mid afternoon before I realised I had not had breakfast!
Ask your prescribing doctor or GP to print you out an information sheet on Arimidex.
With love
Joy K
Arimidex
Thank you so much for getting back to me Joy K, you have certainly covered all bases in your reply and for that I am very grateful. I had my bone density and blood tests done last week. My blood tests were all fine but I did need to commence vitamin D. I get the bone density results when I go back to my oncologist next week. From your advice it doesn't sound like weight gain would be a problem on Arimidex, so maybe I am just panicking over nothing, or been reading the wrong information. The loss of appetite wouldn't be a bad thing as I'd do anything to get out of breakfast. LOL.
May I ask what "trigger finger" is, and if it isn't too rude of me or a personal question, may I ask why you were only on Arimidex for a "short time"?. If I am overstepping the boundaries here I apologise and I don't expect you to answer.
Again, thank you so much for your assistance.
Best wishes, Pennybryn
welcome
Hi Pennybryn, and welcome.
I also was diagnosed with invasive ductal and had a Lumpectomy in August and radiation commenced this week. Mine is also hormone receptive but i have been taking tomoxifen tablets (5 Years) and zoladex injections(3 years). On the Internet there is loads of wrong advise and information so maybe it was one of those sites that you read regarding weight gain.
Maybe ask your Doctor or breast clinic if they can refer you to a dietitian at the hospital, as they may be able to help you if you do start to gain weight. Maybe i might do the same as i have found my medication makes me so lethargic i just eat and sleep and are gaining weight . I think because i'm awake all night with horrible hot flushes and joint pain this is taking all my energy . .
Good luck with everything and let us know how you get on.
Cheers Joxx
Thanks Jo,
Sometimes I think I analyse & read too much, and you're right there is a lot of anti Arimidex on the internet. It is interesting that you were also diagnosed with invasive ductal and had a lumpectomy in August. I have just completed week four of radiation, two more to go but who's counting? LOL Next week I see the oncologist and will begin Arimidex. Hopefully I won't get side effects, but hey, I'd never forgive myself if I didn't take it. I might have to begin a strict exercise regime if the weight does start to increase. Anyway, we shall see.
I am sorry to hear that your medication is having such an effect on your lifestyle, maybe there is someone you can talk to also. Your radiotherapy may also have an effect on your tiredness at some stage, although I haven't suffered with it. I haven't been a very nice person to live with throughout all of this. I have been very irritable and my head is very vague, (more so than normal). I don't have kids at home any more, but I'm sure my husband wished we did have, then he wouldn't be the only one on the receiving end of my moods.
I wish you well with everything and I hope we can talk again soon.
Dale
Arimidex (2)
Hi again Pennybryn
No-one oversteps the mark in these forums. It is a place for venting, sharing and supporting. Those of us who have had experience with something being discussed will jump in and try to share our experience. I agree with Jo about there being wrong and completely misleading sites on the internet, stick to the sites recommended by cancer organisations. On these sites if we discuss something that is a bit 'sus' a moderator will jump in and provide the latest research in the area, or someone else will point out the lack of trials in this area etc and thus the complete lack of evidence for a particular line of treatment discussed openly on non controlled sites.
For instance the info given re weight gain may have completely overlooked the fact that the author had just completed 6 months chemo where she had to take Dexamethasone to control the chemo symptoms. This is a steroid and has the side effect of weight gain that continues for a time after stopping it.
Trigger finger is where a finger or thumb catches in a bent position. Apparently very annoying, but treatable.
I was taken off Arimidex because my cancer progressed while I was on it in the form of skin metastases spreading as a rash across my chest wall. I built up a resistence to the drug and it stopped working for me, a common occurence for those of us with Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC). How lucky was I to have a progression that was obvious and could be treated immediately by extra radiation! Your treatment team will have decided, in consultation with you, the necessary treatment that is right for you.
To quote the information sheet "Arimidex, by blocking oestrogen, may slow or stop the growth of cancer." My aim as a Stage 4 (cancer that has spread from the original site to my bones) was to slow it, yours will be to stop it. Go for it, it is a valuable drug in the arsenal.
With love
Joy K
Armidex
Hello Pennybryn
I have just read your post here.
It could have been me writing as your words reflect my mood.
I had invasive ductal cancer, with no node involvement and have just two days to go before finishing radiotherapy. I have just been given my script for Armidex and feel really down worrying about the weight gain having researched on the web about all the side effects.
I would love to here how you are feeling now we are into July 2012.
Up to now I have been very positive and just getting on with the journey whilst feeling very fortunate and I am sure this mood will pass soon.
Like you said, we are very lucky compared to some.
Warm regards
Angela
Hormonal Therapy
Hi Ladies
I am new to this site. Was diagnosed last month, had a lumpectomy - one of nodes showed micro metastases rest 4 were clear. I am going to start radiation and zoladex and tamoxifen in next few weeks. I am worried about the side effects like weight gain, no sex drive . I know I shouldnt be complaining and most of the times I am good (cheerful and positive) I am confused and feeling a bit down about side effects of Tamoxifen. I am trying to get as much information possible.
Arimidex
I was Dx in March with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma & 5 of 19 lymph nodes positive. My breast cancer is also Oestrogen +. Had a mastectomy, chemo & finished rads, now 2 weeks into arimidex. My biggest concerns are oesteoporosis & hot flushes. Will get results of bone density & Vit D on 4th Dec. But so far have had only a few mild hot flushes, much easier than when I had them during natural menopause. So I'm hoping that it does not get any worse. And there are no SEs listed about weight gain. I'm feeling pretty positive about this as a preventative treatment.