After taking Arimidex for 6 yrs, I suffered quite severe joint pain. I stopped taking it on a trial basis for about 14 weeks and found my joints did improve. My GP referred me to an onologist for a second opinion and he put me on Femara, which I have been taking for four weeks. In that time, I have endured side effects such as sweating, day and night, but of more concern to me, has been difficulty breathing, swelling of feet and ankles, bloated abdomen, etc. I am now beginning to think Arimidex might have been better for me - if the joint pain could be controlled. I see the oncologist again tomorrow. I had also been taking Actonel-Combi D for bones, but the oncologist mentioned that also causes something else (will check this with him tomorrow). He has suggested annual infusions of Aclasta. I am wondering what side-effects others have endured with Femara and also whether anyone has had the infusions for improving joints.
Look forward to hearing other viewpoints.
Comments
Aromatase inhibitors
Hi Judi Ann - I have recently changed from Tamoxifen to Femara and found that the hot flushes have returned for regular visits. (Just when I thought they were subsiding!) No suggestion as yet about infusions of Aclasta, but that may come down the track. I think it's great that you are going to talk with your Oncologist tomorrow and let him know what's going on for you. Each time I see the Oncologist I have a list of questions written down. Good luck with your appointment and ongoing treatment. Cheers, Kym
Aromatase Inhibitors
Hello Kym. Thanks very much for your response. Saw the oncologist today and after hearing about the Femara side effects I've been having, he's decided to try me on Aromasin, which I understand is similar to Arimidex and Femara. I'll give it a go anyway. Sitting here with hot flushes now - can't say I like this, when I thought I'd finished with all of the menopausal symptoms! In two weeks time I go back and will have the infusion for my bones instead of the Actonel-Combi D which I take now, as that's supposed to cause something else too! The infusion takes about 40 minutes and is Zometa, though the brochure the onc gave me was Aclasta. I believe it's a once a year infusion, then I have to take Vit D tablets as well. I've now been given pages of things to fill out as it's classed as a day procedure! Side effects mentioned in the information are flu-like symptoms, raised temperature, sweats or chills, though they say these problems should resolve after a day or so and can be treated with paracetamol etc. A more serious side effect could be osteonecrosis of the jaw of all things and can show up as a non-healing wound! Oh dear. Decided to see my GP later this week just to talk to her about it all. I also had to have a blood test today, though not sure what for! Do let me know how you progress with Femara, hot flushes, etc. Good luck to you too and thanks for your wishes. Judi
Zometa/Aromasin
I noticed when reading older blogs about Zometa that one person was having the infusions monthly. It is my understanding that the infusions for me are yearly. Can anyone tell me if you're still on Zometa infusions and how often you have the infusions, plus any side-effects. I'm due to start my first 'annual' (I think) infusion in two weeks time. Meantime, the oncologist has changed me from Femara which I'd taken for 4wks with side-effects, to Aromasin, which I've had for 2 days. Look forward to hearing.
femara
the doctors at hospital and my GP, have told me to return to taking Femara, after having 6 weeksw off. During that time The head aches and hot flushes lessened, but the joint pain in my thumbs, RH wrist and RH knee continued. I am now to see an orthapedic doc. It may be osteo arthritus. The girl who does my Lymphatic massage, still thinks it was Femara caused the trouble, but now it's done the damage. I now take heavy pain killers and an anti-inflamitory, which does give me some relief. Who and what are we supposed to believe. I'm sure I don't know. Good luck to aqll you ladies and thanks for your info. Merry Christmas, Cherry.
Merry Christmas
Hellio Cherry.
I am now back on Arimidex after trying Femara and Aromasin - neither of which were suitable.I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.
I hope you will have a nice Christmas and a healthier New Year - that goes for everyone.
FEMARA
I'm still on Femara after two years. I still have joint pain in wrists, thumbs and knees mainly. My Calcium level in blood is low, so I take a Caltrate +D. Hot, sweaty flushes are still with me, and headaches. The Docs say Femara is best for me, so I put up with the pains and try to get on with it. I don't work any more, except what I have to do at home (I live alone). I also try to keep up some exercise, walking my dogs and swimming, but my weight keeps piling on. All the best to you. Sorry I don't keep in touch often. I spend more time Skyping with my new Grand-daughter in Wellington, NZ. Take care. Bye for now, Cherry.
Femara
Hi Cherry. I guess if the Drs say Femara is best for you, you have to be guided by what they say. It beats the alternative. I take Arimidex and for my bones, Actonel Combi D - get pain in my hip if I walk too far. I still do a little bit of work and live alone. The exercise you're doing sounds great - keep up the good work. You mentioned Wellington, NZ. I went to school there! Good luck. Judi