Breast Cancer Community

Hello Bobbigale and welcome to this wonderful website of many women who are passionate and compassionate.
I am 68 had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and am not taking an aromatase inhibitor which aromasin is.
I am taking Fareston which is the post menpausal form of tamoxifen. Been on it for a year and ave had no side effects to speak of - no joint or muscle pain or hot flashes.
I am retired and do volunteer work to keep busy. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren as well as 2 cocker spaniels.
I hope women on aromasin will reply so you can discuss the problems you are having with the side effects.
Judy

Hello there!
Welcome! Sorry you have to come here but you have chosen a perfect place to visit! You will love tehse women and a few men that almost live on ths board. :>} We are here to be helpful and supportive.

I have been taking Arimidex for 2 years now. Yes I have had side effects but nothing so bad that I would choose to stop taking it. I have hot flashed from time to time, at first they were often, they have lessened now............I have had joint, bone and muscle pain, which I still have. I have a fatique problem which it to has worsened due to the fact that I have other health issues that cause this as well. So, I got a double whammy on most of these side effects.I have vaginal dryness, dry skin and my scalp itches most of the time.I have gained weight and can't seem to get it off. I am not very energetic. I too take meds for depression and anxiety and they help.
I am 61. Two years ago I had a lumpectomy but had to return for 2 more surgeries to get to clear margins so I lost about 1/3 of that breast. I had 30 radiation treatments but no chemo due to my recurrance %. Starting out I had a 17% chance of recurrance but the Arimidex takes it down to 8% chance of recurrance. So, I take the pill and I tolerate what ever side effects that come along. Life is precious.
I am optimistic that when I complete my Arimidex therapy I will be more energetic and will get the weight off and have less fatique.
I try to smile often, love alot and stay as happy as I can. I do all that I can do to enjoy each day and be thankful.
I do get moody from this pill I am sure, but I tolerate that because I feel I know where it is coming from and that this too will pass.
If you have a specific question, please ask. We are not shy here. I had to learn that myself.
Take care, visit often.
Blessings...........
Pat~sadblossom

Welcome to this wonderful site!
I have been taking Arimidex for about 2 years now. I started with Tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years, and then when I was 3 years without a period docs changed me to Arimidex. I was diagnosed just before my 51st birthday. I thought I would be done with the Arimidex this year, (5 year total meds) but my oncologist says new studies show that aroma based inhibitors are more effect to stay on for a total of 5 years. (This will make 7 years total for me on meds)
I had a 3 cm tumor, chemo first (8 rounds) to reduce the tumor, then a lumpectomy followed by 36 radiation treatments. I started pills about a week after radiation.
I do have bone aches and pains randomly. I can go for days and be fine, then boom, my legs ache no matter what I do. I also get hot flashes, mostly at night, occasional headaches.
I feel that the side effects are worth the chances of not getting a recurrence. Its manageable.
I say try not to think about it, exercise, stay hydrated, eat the best balanced diet you can, and LIVE YOUR LIFE!
best to you and please come back often!
~Jenna