Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away she would. (this was a general opinion of others) My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she put her 2 cents in) This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy one. *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just started practiceing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 Hi - all I can tell you about is my experience with Arimidex. I am also post-menopausal (because of chemo and then a hysterectomy) and my oncol recommended Arimidex instead of Tamoxifin to me, I did take it for 4 months and had to stop because of the bone pain - it was pretty bad - I am only 49 and felt like 99 every day - not fun. I have since switched to Tamoxifin which has been around much longer, and has fewer side effects relating to bone loss. So far, so good. There are side effects with all drugs, so my decision to try the A.I. (Arimidex) was weighed against what the drug would offer me (lessening to a degree my chances of a recurrance). Studies show that the Arimidex is more successful in doing this than the Tamoxifin so I tried it - didn't work for me, as I said, but it could work for you. There are others in this group who have tried it - and I'm sure they'll share their stories as well. For me, as long as I know I've done everything I can (tolerate) to lessen my chances of getting a recurrance, I'm good. It's such an individual decision and even though many may have opinions on it, you should listen to everyone and then decide for yourself - it's your health and future and only you can decide how to proceed with it. This disease leaves us with a lot of important decisions to make, it's not cut and dry like other treatments - we make choices - and each one has to be an individual one. Good luck with your decisions. Ellen > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she > put her 2 cents in) > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy > one. > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > started practiceing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 You need to talk to your onc and ask for info on all the pros and cons. Or the American Cancer Society might have info if not try breastcancer.org I will keep you in my prayers. The final decision is up to you. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Arimedex I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away she would. (this was a general opinion of others) My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she put her 2 cents in) This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy one. *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just started practiceing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.5/706 - Release Date: 2/28/2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 I take it from your e-mail name that you might be a person with lots of spunk and you do things your way? Me, too. I was on Arimidex since January 10 until February 11. Just one day over a month. I had such bone pain all over that I just could not tolerate the pain. I could not sleep at night and was up at least 3 to 4x a night to try and find a comfortable position. For me, and I only speak for me, the pain is not worth taking the medication for when the onc told me there was a 78% chance without Arimidex that my cancer would not return and with Arimidex, that chance of cancer not returning increased to only 9.2% more. After only a week of being off Arimidex, my pain, on a 1-5 scale (5 being the most pain and 1 being the lowest) went from a 5+ to a 1. The oncologist felt that this was definitely the medication side effects and will be putting on something else. I am not a person who does something just because the doctor said so. After all, what the doctor does is called a " Practice " , isn't it? Doesn't mean he/she are not able to make mistakes. I respect them for their training and skills. However, drug reps advised doctors on medication and sell them, in one form or another, to prescribe medications. If I want to know something about prescriptions I talk to my pharmacist. She knows more than the doctor does. If she doesn't, she tells me to consult my doctor. I think it is also wise to check with the pharmacist about interactions with other things like medications, pain killers, sinus meds, etc. I think it is a personal choice and how much side effects a person wants to tolerate. My inability to walk very far and the searing pain in my body all over was enough for me. Hope that you do what your guts says is best for you. They don't call that woman's intuition for nothing. Take care and I will be thinking of you. Jan K alivnkickin08751 alivnkickin08751@...> wrote: I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away she would. (this was a general opinion of others) My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she put her 2 cents in) This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy one. *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just started practiceing. Jan Koelsch --------------------------------- Check out the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 I take the Arimidex because I was told that it would stop the production of estrogen – which had fed my cancer. In the first 2 months I had hot flashes, but don’t anymore. I also had some joint pain, which is pretty much gone. The only concern I have is about bone density loss – but it’s worth it to me since there are medications that can help with that. I have heard of women having their ovaries removed instead of taking Arimidex or Femara – which again eliminates all estrogen production (so I’ve been told)…so I guess the goal is to prevent cancer from coming back by preventing any way for it to be fed – and even a little bit of estrogen can be dangerous. Arimedex I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away she would. (this was a general opinion of others) My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she put her 2 cents in) This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy one. *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just started practiceing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 If you are comfortable with your decision, by all means stick with it, regardless of what anyone says. It you know in your gut this is what you should be doing than do it. That is not following like a sheep. I tried it, it adversly affected my quality of life and so I went with my gut and stopped taking it. We are all different. Ruth > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she > put her 2 cents in) > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy > one. > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > started practiceing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm post > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and told > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why increase > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post menapausal) > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told me > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and her I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was terrible, it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put me on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did my yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy worse but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the tamox for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain meds should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is giving us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that is carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! that is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox does not destroy the bones!! hope this helps you!!! Steph > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " and > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so many > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before she > put her 2 cents in) > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this make > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very healthy > one. > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was forced > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > started practiceing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Gee, I believe what my Doctor tells me because he has so much more knowledge then me. He put me on Taxatore & Cytoxin. True I ended up in the hospital after my first Chemo treatment with Netropenia. He did not think I would need a Nelasta shot but oh did I ever and have been getting one after every treatment of Chemo.I am in the 6th % of people that have a reaction. I run a low grade fever for three days and am extreamly wiped out for a week but then it starts to let up and I get to feel better then the next one. If you do not have faith in your doctor or you feel more knowledgable then its time to change Doctors. You have enough on your plate without having no faith. I read all of the posts and I have learned a lot but I have also learned that they all do not apply to me but a lot do. I write down questions to ask the doctor at the next visit and he always makes time for me. Good luck doloresrose.scent-team.com Once you try Mia Bella candles there will be no other! CIAO! DEEBELLA --------------------------------- Never miss an email again! Yahoo! Toolbar alerts you the instant new Mail arrives. Check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > post > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > told > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > increase > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > menapausal) > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he told > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer away > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin told > me > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects and > her > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was terrible, > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put me > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did my > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy worse > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the tamox > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain meds > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is giving > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that is > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! that > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox does > not destroy the bones!! > > hope this helps you!!! > > Steph > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take control " > and > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > many > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research before > she > > put her 2 cents in) > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this > make > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > healthy > > one. > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > forced > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > > started practiceing. > > >hi all , i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo but that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could not live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 I refused to take Arimidex. I am node negative and have undergone mastectomy.No chemo. My Oncologist insisted me to take Arimidex for five years.My arguments are : 1. I got The Oncotype Dx Test done which showed a 4% risk of reccurrence within the next ten years with anti hormonal therapy. I assumed that it is 8% without medication as Arimidex cuts the risk by 50%. 2. Just to cut a 4% risk, I dont want to put myself on Arimidex for five years. Bone loss and so many other side effects are not tolerable for me. 3.After 5 years it is not the end. You will have to switch on to another drug. 4.No one knows the long term side effects of this drug. 5.I read on the internet that in some women the cells become resistant to these anti hormonal drugs. Nobody knows when do the cells show resistance, may be after one year two or three years or may be not. 6. Reccrrence is seen in women who have taken Arimidex.It is not a complete cure. My advice to my BC sisters 1.First check your reccurrence factor with your doctor. 2.Then check how much risk is cut down by Arimidex, Tamoxifen or any other antihormonal drug. 3. Weigh the benefits of drug with the side effects. 4.Everyone should do a lot of research on the internet I am not a doctor.I know that doctors have a wealth of medical knowledge.My Oncologist did not like my decision and my arguments. Am I wrong in my decision? Taurus. > > > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > > post > > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > > told > > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > > increase > > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > > menapausal) > > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he > told > > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer > away > > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin > told > > me > > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects > and > > her > > > > > > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was > terrible, > > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put me > > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did my > > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy > worse > > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the > tamox > > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain meds > > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is giving > > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that > is > > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! > that > > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox does > > not destroy the bones!! > > > > hope this helps you!!! > > > > Steph > > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take > control " > > and > > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > > many > > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research > before > > she > > > put her 2 cents in) > > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this > > make > > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > > healthy > > > one. > > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > > forced > > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > > > started practiceing. > > > > >hi all , > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo but > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could not > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Good heavens, don't feel guilty. Your quality of life it important. You need to be able to do all the things you enjoy! I stopped the aromatase inhibitors and feel good. I am taking melatonin and that is supposed to down regulate estrogen. Added bonus, I am sleeping better. My naturopath is working me up, gradually, to 20mg which is considerably more than the recommended dose. Ruth > > > > >hi all , > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo but > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could not > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 > > > > > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > > > post > > > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two > declined > > > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > > > told > > > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > > > increase > > > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > > > menapausal) > > > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he > > told > > > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer > > away > > > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin > > told > > > me > > > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects > > and > > > her > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was > > terrible, > > > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > > > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > > > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put > me > > > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did > my > > > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > > > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy > > worse > > > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the > > tamox > > > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain > meds > > > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > > > > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > > > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is > giving > > > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that > > is > > > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! > > that > > > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > > > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox > does > > > not destroy the bones!! > > > > > > hope this helps you!!! > > > > > > Steph > > > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the > side > > > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take > > control " > > > and > > > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > > > many > > > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research > > before > > > she > > > > put her 2 cents in) > > > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does > this > > > make > > > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > > > healthy > > > > one. > > > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > > > forced > > > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who > just > > > > started practiceing. > > > > > > >hi all , > > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo > but > > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could > not > > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Personally, I think it is an individual decision and you give some very good points to consider. I don't know that any of our decisions are right or wrong. Breast cancer and the after treatments are all not definitive. There does seem to be a standard of care that oncologist follow but most oncologist determine what is needed depending on diagnosis, size of tumor, age, etc. Don't doubt yourself. You have done the research and you made your decision based on what you felt was best for you. Far be it for me, since I am not a doctor, to tell you you made the wrong decision. I see it that you do what is best for you. I applaud that. " taurus.1234 " taurus.1234@...> wrote: I refused to take Arimidex. I am node negative and have undergone mastectomy.No chemo. My Oncologist insisted me to take Arimidex for five years.My arguments are : 1. I got The Oncotype Dx Test done which showed a 4% risk of reccurrence within the next ten years with anti hormonal therapy. I assumed that it is 8% without medication as Arimidex cuts the risk by 50%. 2. Just to cut a 4% risk, I dont want to put myself on Arimidex for five years. Bone loss and so many other side effects are not tolerable for me. 3.After 5 years it is not the end. You will have to switch on to another drug. 4.No one knows the long term side effects of this drug. 5.I read on the internet that in some women the cells become resistant to these anti hormonal drugs. Nobody knows when do the cells show resistance, may be after one year two or three years or may be not. 6. Reccrrence is seen in women who have taken Arimidex.It is not a complete cure. My advice to my BC sisters 1.First check your reccurrence factor with your doctor. 2.Then check how much risk is cut down by Arimidex, Tamoxifen or any other antihormonal drug. 3. Weigh the benefits of drug with the side effects. 4.Everyone should do a lot of research on the internet I am not a doctor.I know that doctors have a wealth of medical knowledge.My Oncologist did not like my decision and my arguments. Am I wrong in my decision? Taurus. > > > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > > post > > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two declined > > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > > told > > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > > increase > > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > > menapausal) > > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he > told > > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer > away > > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin > told > > me > > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects > and > > her > > > > > > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was > terrible, > > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put me > > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did my > > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy > worse > > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the > tamox > > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain meds > > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is giving > > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that > is > > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! > that > > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox does > > not destroy the bones!! > > > > hope this helps you!!! > > > > Steph > > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the side > > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take > control " > > and > > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > > many > > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research > before > > she > > > put her 2 cents in) > > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does this > > make > > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > > healthy > > > one. > > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > > forced > > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who just > > > started practiceing. > > > > >hi all , > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo but > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could not > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > Jan Koelsch --------------------------------- Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 There is no right or wrong. We are the ones who take the drugs, if we so choose and put up with the side effects. If the side effects are not acceptable, you must do what makes you comfortable and capable of leading the life you want. I applaud you for doing your research and coming to your own conclusion. you have to look at the cost benefit ratio. Ruth > " taurus.1234 " wrote: > > I refused to take Arimidex. I am node negative and have undergone > mastectomy.No chemo. My Oncologist insisted me to take Arimidex for > five years.My arguments are : > > 1. I got The Oncotype Dx Test done which showed a 4% risk of > reccurrence within the next ten years with anti hormonal therapy. I > assumed that it is 8% without medication as Arimidex cuts the risk by > 50%. > 2. Just to cut a 4% risk, I dont want to put myself on Arimidex for > five years. Bone loss and so many other side effects are not > tolerable for me. > 3.After 5 years it is not the end. You will have to switch on to > another drug. > 4.No one knows the long term side effects of this drug. > 5.I read on the internet that in some women the cells become > resistant to these anti hormonal drugs. Nobody knows when do the > cells show resistance, may be after one year two or three years or > may be not. > 6. Reccrrence is seen in women who have taken Arimidex.It is not a > complete cure. > > My advice to my BC sisters > 1.First check your reccurrence factor with your doctor. > 2.Then check how much risk is cut down by Arimidex, Tamoxifen or any > other antihormonal drug. > 3. Weigh the benefits of drug with the side effects. > 4.Everyone should do a lot of research on the internet > > I am not a doctor.I know that doctors have a wealth of medical > knowledge.My Oncologist did not like my decision and my arguments. > Am I wrong in my decision? > > Taurus. > > > > > > > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > > > post > > > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two > declined > > > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > > > told > > > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > > > increase > > > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > > > menapausal) > > > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he > > told > > > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer > > away > > > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin > > told > > > me > > > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects > > and > > > her > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was > > terrible, > > > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > > > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > > > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put > me > > > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did > my > > > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > > > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy > > worse > > > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the > > tamox > > > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain > meds > > > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > > > > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > > > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is > giving > > > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that > > is > > > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! > > that > > > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > > > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox > does > > > not destroy the bones!! > > > > > > hope this helps you!!! > > > > > > Steph > > > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the > side > > > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take > > control " > > > and > > > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > > > many > > > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research > > before > > > she > > > > put her 2 cents in) > > > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does > this > > > make > > > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > > > healthy > > > > one. > > > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > > > forced > > > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who > just > > > > started practiceing. > > > > > > >hi all , > > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo > but > > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could > not > > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > > > > > > > > > Jan Koelsch > > --------------------------------- > Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate > in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Hi All, I've been following this discussion as I was on Arimidex - developed the bone and joint pain, switched to Femara - worse, then to Aromousin - worse still, finally we went to Faslodex injections. I did those for about 6 months until my Onc and I got increasingly concerned about my joint and back pain. We stopped everything and he sent me to a Rheumatologist. Long story short, degenerated disks in my back impinging on sciatic nerve. The result of 9 months of trying to " keep going " in spite of the pain was that I developed scoliosis of the spine which then exacerbated the sciatica and joint and bone pain. I've had the first in the series of epidurals and 6 physical therapy sessions. I am on the mend. I can't tell you how good it feels to be able to stand erect, peel more than 1 carrot at a time, and walk to the mailbox. The point of all this is to say 1) How complicated our bodies are. Here my Onc and I were trying to treat my pain syndrome by dealing with the AIs. We both thought they were what was causing the problem. 2) Maybe they did contribute to the degree of pain, but they did not cause the degerated disks. 3) How amazing it is that we can have these discussions - the percentage of improvement, our risk concensus, etc. Just a few years ago the discussion would have been about survival, not quality of life. For some the discussion still is about survival, but for a lot more of us these days, it is about the quality of life issues. I rejoice. Maya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 I don't think you are wrong to not take Arimidex, but I don't think your oncologist is wrong for wanting you to take it either. Your oncologist has probably seen people who won't take Arimidex have a recurrence, and he doesn't want you to be one of them. My oncologist told me that when BC comes back, it usually comes back in the liver, lungs or bone, and that when it comes back, it can't be cured, just treated. How frustrating for a doctor to have to treat a recurrence that may not have happened if the patient took the drug he recommended. But it is your body, and you have to do what is best for you. If the side effects or long-term health effects are unacceptable to you, don't take Arimedex. You just have to be sure you can live with the recurrence risk, and not wish years down the line you'd taken the drug. My ONCA type DX score was 22, so I'm at moderate risk for recurrence. I've chosen not to have chemo. It may be the wrong decision statistically, but it's the right one for me. > > > > > > > > I understand what the drug does. What I don't understand is I'm > > > post > > > > menopausal and I've spoken to several women my age. Two > declined > > > > Arimedex because they didn't like the possible side effects and > > > told > > > > me that their hormone levels were decreased already and why > > > increase > > > > the effects on bones and so on. Some one else (also post > > > menapausal) > > > > told me she took it because her doctor told her too and if he > > told > > > > her to stand on her head and whistle Dixie to keep the cancer > > away > > > > she would. (this was a general opinion of others) > > > > My one daughter keeps harping on the side effects. My cousin > > told > > > me > > > > that her friend declined Arimedex because of the side effects > > and > > > her > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I am post menupausel also...I tried Aromasin first it was > > terrible, > > > it caused me to have terrible mood swings caused my neuropathy to > > > worsen disrupted sleep, constipation, Then I tried the > > > arimidex,,,,terrible, sever bone pain!!!!!!!!! So my oncon put > me > > > on tamoxifen even though I am post! He said to make sure I did > my > > > yearly gyno visits and if I started spotting even a little to let > > > him and my gyno Doc know! The tamoxifen has made my neurpathy > > worse > > > but I have got pain meds for it now. I have only been on the > > tamox > > > for 8 days,,,I assume if I get bone pain with it that my pain > meds > > > should take care of it also. I also take luenesta for sleep. > > > > > > But as to your question about hormones and are lack of...I ask my > > > oncologist the same thing, It is the adrenal gland that is > giving > > > us the estorgen in our systems, But he said it is the blood that > > is > > > carring the estorgen to the cells that the cancer clings to!!! > > that > > > is why we need to take something that inhibits it. Tamox works > > > differently than the aromasin and arimidex and femra,,,,Tamox > does > > > not destroy the bones!! > > > > > > hope this helps you!!! > > > > > > Steph > > > > in-law started Arimedex and stopped after a year due to the > side > > > > effects. She called me a " sheep " and that I should " take > > control " > > > and > > > > stop being " herded " into something that's going to cause me so > > > many > > > > problems.(she's very bossy but does always do her research > > before > > > she > > > > put her 2 cents in) > > > > This is what is confusing me: If post menopausal women have low > > > > levels of hormones why do we need an even lower level? Does > this > > > make > > > > me even more prone to bone problems and other problems like > > > > infection, high cholesterol ect. then I normally would be? > > > > I admit I'm an " old bat " but until I got cancer I was a very > > > healthy > > > > one. > > > > *I don't want to deal with another mistake like the one I was > > > forced > > > > to accept when my insurance refered me to an oncologist who > just > > > > started practiceing. > > > > > > >hi all , > > i had big probelms with the arimidex i saw my onc yesterday and he > > was really angry that i had stopped the awful drug, i tried tamo > but > > that made my heart race, hmm cannot get femera as i did not have > > chemo. boy now i feel guilty not taking the arimidex , but could > not > > live with it,. hugs to all sandy in oz > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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