Drug Ratings for ARIMIDEXAverage Rating: 2.6 (1173 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ARIMIDEX | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
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| 2 | Breast Cancer Stage 1 No lymph | Jt pain, memory loss, jittery, anxious, mood swings, tachycardia, EMG abnormalities, abdominal pain | Like others my doctor would discount my symptoms and tell me to continue on the drug. My episode of fainting recently which led doctors to discover a heart rhythm abnormality caused me to do some more research on side effects of Arimidex...prove it's the drug , disprove it, I don't want to not be here and find out it was the drug, will continue with my Vitalzym XE supplements and exercise to return to my normal life again. | F | 58 | 3.5 years 1 mg 1X D | 5/20/2013 | 1 | Small Stage 1 Breast Cancer | These things have helped me: 250 mg. of Resveratrol twice a day; for memory and clear thinking. Boswellia and Devil's claw 2-3 times a day. Natural anti-inflammatories. They help tremendously. Also, I am starting Stinging Nettle. I work out a lot; but what helps the most is walking in a pool, or a water aerobics class, or swimming, of course. It loosens your joints and just makes you feel better. I want to also give you a diet strategy that works for me--I am 5' 5 3/4" and weight 129. I am not naturally thin. But, I am a successful dieter. The trick is to eat earlier. That's it! It doesn't matter what you eat in the morning and up to about 3:30 in the afternoon. So you have your main meal at about 2:30-3:30. You eat a good meal and you can even have dessert. No diet foods. At about 8:30 or 9 you might start to feel a tinge of hunger. So, you eat something really light, but enough to hold you until the next morning, when you can eat whatever you want. If you still feel a bit hungry at 10 or 11, then have a tiny no-carb snack, like a piece of cheese and celery. If you do this, you are guaranteed a 1 lb weight loss daily. The problem is that this is when most people lose their self restraint. With this method, you just tell yourself that you'll go easy at night and have whatever you want for breakfast. This works! I just want to give hope to you girls who have gained weight and are feeling hopeless. This is how I do it. Good luck, my friends | F | 65 | 6 months 1 mg 1X D | 5/16/2013 | 2 | BC,stage 3 Bilateral Mastectomy | Hot flashes, vertigo & dizziness, severe bone, joint & muscle pain, blurred vision, thinning of hair, cramping in arch of feet, brain fog, memory & concentration issue, insomnia, locking joints in thumbs (trigger finger) thyroid has ceased to function (hypothyroidism) | Started out well with only minor side effect 3 months in. At 13 months in I can barely move. At the current time I cannot say if the side effects of this drug are worth the risk of recurrence as it has become a quality vs quantity issue. I am not sure if I will manage to stay on this drug another 4 years but for now I'm still trying. | F | 59 | 13 months 1 mg 1X D | 5/15/2013 | 1 | B/C prevention re-occurance | I weighed 130 after a dbl mastectomy, stage 3, triple positive. Had chemo (ACT, herceptin), then had surgery which gave me clear borders and no spread to 13 removed lymph nodes. I was clean. And then last July I was put on 1 mg of Arimidex. After 2 weeks I cut the pills in half and only took 1/2 mg. I could barely walk after two weeks on the full dose. I didn't not tell oncologist. She would have switched me to another AI which she told me in advance "they're all the same, just different brands". I reached the point two weeks ago where I couldn't walk up or down stairs. If I sat, I couldn't stand up. My muscles were locked and I could no longer exercise. The symptoms got progressively worse as I kept trying to exercise more, yoga, stretching, lots of minerals, organic foods, no sugar. No diet change or any amount of exercise could improve my symptoms. And then 3 days I started crying and couldn't stop. I wanted to die. I could barely walk. If I got o | I feel that estrogen receptive breast cancer might have more to do with environmental estrogen which attaches to receptor sites than the body's own natural estrogen. Arimidex does not prevent environmental estrogen from attaching to receptor sites. All this drug does is cause problems for older women....How can anyone heal or survive for the next 20 or more years at the age of 70 if they can't walk? Just want to die. I have yet to tell my oncologist I'm done with this drug. I know she will try and push another brand. Not taking it. Oh, and my Blood pressure kept rising. I was getting broken blood vessels in my legs....was told my heart muscle was "stiff". One way or another the drug companies will kill us all even though we might have survived breast cancer. I know this sounds insane....but I'd rather spend another year bald and on chemo than to continue with this drug. It's poison and the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. Having breast cancer was nothing compared to this drug! | F | 70 | 10 months 1/2 mg 1X D | 5/5/2013 | 1 | Dbl Mastectomy - Chemo | Joint Pain From Toes To Neck - Sprained Ankle - 2nd Wk I'm on Cane & Boot - Blurred Vision - Viral Infection (Oral & Vaginal) Digestive Issues, Weight Gain, Insomnia, Emotional Upheaval - All Within 1st Week - Floated Thru Chemo Comparatively Against Arimidex - Researched & Met W/Onc & Physician Today - Gonna Take My Chances - Last Pill Today - Husband Housebound Impossible Situation If We Both End Up Immobilized - Im A Retired RN/Tumor Registrar - Statistics Are Just That ..."Numbers" We're Each An Entity Truly Distinct Individuals - Research Ask & Look For What's Good For You Not What's ""Given" As What's Right - Stay Strong & Surround Yourself With The Power From Within | F | 65 | 2 weeks 1XDay | 5/3/2013 | 1 | Bc, stage 2, ductal, estrogen posit | Felt fine after the chemo and radiation and was getting my strength and energy back. Started with letrozole (Femara) one month after the radiation was over and experienced excruciating pain under the right rib cage (liver) to the point where they did an MRI. Stopped this and was put on Arimidex. Oncologist said that some women tolerated the 'better'! Within two weeks the symptoms started. I had pain all throughout my spine,especially neck and lumbar area. knee pain, shoulder pains, developed trigger fingers on both hands, lost the grip in left hand, pain in finger joints, pain in ankles, painful right TMJ, total brain fog, no energy, itchy scalp and skin, skin looks like a dried prune, tingling and buzzing sensations from the tailbone down the legs.Eyes are dry, itchy and vision has gotten worse. Still need sleeping pills to get a decent nights rest. Felt like I was turning into a cripple overnight! | Stopped the arimidex after 2 months. It's been almost two months now without it, but the joint problems continued to get worse and the trigger fingers are now painful when they lock up. Don't know how long it will take or if the damage done by this pill will actually resolve in time. Now I'm using alternative medicine to get my body back on track towards helping to resolve the damage done. Taking natural aromatse inhibitors, habanero pepper and garlic sandwiches once a day, and other supplements. As a side note, I had myself tested with kinisiology muscle testing before I even put the drug in my body and I had no strength at all in my arm, this was a clear indication that this drug was NOT what my body wanted or needed, but I took it out of 'fear'. Now that fear is gone, I now chose to live a quality life rather than be ravished by the total breakdown of my body due to this pill! So glad to have found this site to be able to share. | F | 64 | 2 months 1 mg 1X D | 4/23/2013 | 1 | BC, invasive dcis, stage 2 | No sex drive painful intercourse, bottoms of feet hurt could hardly walk, brain foggy, blurry vision, hair loss, fragile no energy, developing osteopenia, liver enzymes up, depression. | Why do Doctors not test estrogen levels to see where they are at? After researching low estrogen levels and damage it was doing to my body I decided to quit taking medication. Research low estrogen and damage it does to your brain and heart plus other damage it is doing. Oncologist told me, Arimidex isn't a chemo pill that I didn't need chemo only radiation for my treatment. My Gyn informed me if I am taking Arimidex I am taking Chemo for 5 years. (Look up Chemo Pills and Arimidex is listed.) My quality of life was gone taking this medication and after being off of it for 6 weeks now I am starting to feel better. My husband said he can tell a difference in my personality and I am more like my old self again. I will risk cancer again rather than the side effects of this medicine. I can't even imagine what my health would be like if I continued to take this medication for 5 years. With all of the money being given for Breast Cancer and Research there has to be something better on the market. | F | 58 | 15 months 1 MG 1X D | 4/17/2013 | 4 | Stage 2 Breast Cancer | Severe depression, trouble sleeping, "twitching" in sleep, fuzzy brain, joint pain in hip, ankles, lower back and shoulder | Asked doctor to put me on anti-depressant (Effexor); reduced pains by 50% but hasn't helped depression or sleep issues. Going to double dosage of anti-depressant. i'm 55 but I intend to do whatever it takes to get through this. | F | 55 | 120 days 1X D | 4/16/2013 | 1 | BC, invasive dcis, stage 1, Er/pr+ | Severe depression, fatigue, memory loss, general brain function, blood pressure increased | Doesn't make sense to me (my body made that clear) that you take away all the many important and positive functions of estrogen for a very small decrease in the chance of recurrence. Why does everyone get the same dose? Why don't they measure estrogen levels before starting the med? What is happening to the brains of women 20' years after depriving their brains of estrogen for 5 years. I'm grateful my lymph nodes were clear. Ill take my chances now without this brutal drug. | F | 58 | 27 days 1 mg 1X D | 4/14/2013 | 2 | B/C, IDC Dx, Stage 1, ER+ | Fatigue, hip and lower back pain, knee pain, cannot walk a mile w/o misery, thinning hair, joint pain throughout my extremities although not as bad as the back and hip pain. Also, memory trouble, but then again I did have chemo so it could be chemo-brain. | Pains seem to get worse when it becomes humid outside or maybe with the change of the barometric pressure? Was certain a couple weeks ago that I had fibromyalgia, too. Could have been a flu virus.Nonetheless, I am determined to find something to help with the pain and continue to take it and remain active. | F | 52 | 90 days 1 mg 1X D | 4/8/2013 | 1 | Weighing taking it, deciding not to | Idiot oncologist recommended, forget it after reading these accounts! | Ladies, this is made from POTASSIUM CYANIDE. I'd like to thank everyone who blogged here, it made me decide to look further and forego this. It doesn't 'cure' anything, it just lowers your chances of recurrence very slightly. My idiot (now fired) oncologist told me that my request for a bilateral mastectomy after diagnosis of IIA invasive ductal and also LCIS in the lumpectomy specimen was 'overkill' and called it 'like having a splinter in your toe and amputating your foot'. I told him that I didn't have a splinter, I had diagnosed cancer, and that I was using my feet but my boobs at 59 were trying to kill me and weren't exactly in use anymore, either! What a jackass, beware if you live in Roseburg, Oregon. I'd put in his name if I thought it wouldn't get me in trouble. He smugly told me that I'd never find a surgeon to do a bilateral on me (with apparently large amounts of LCIS on one side, I presume also on the other); I talk to the surgeon next week who did my lumpectomy, I trust him and we'll see what he says. But no way I'm taking any drug that reduces your estrogen levels down to zilch; this is insane. Your body, your bones, your joints and your brains need a little bit of estrogen. The data on this says it doesn't change survival rates. If I was younger or had young children, I might be willing to throw everything at it, but at this point, I can't die young anymore. My cancer is also mucinous which may well be less aggressive and slower growing. I'd rather | F | 59 | 0 days 1 1X D | 4/8/2013 | 2 | breast cancer reoccurence | Joint pain from neck to shoulders, thighs and shins, nausea and vomiting and headaches | Feel like I have a constant Flu - no quality of life -this drug should be pulled ! | F | 56 | 7 days 1mg 1X D | 4/7/2013 | 3 | Breast Cancer Stage1,Her2+,PR+,ER+ | Joint pain, trouble sleeping, bone pain, foggy brain, slight nausea, weakness and blurred vision. | considering how bad chemo and radiation was, I am pretty sure I can deal with this for 5 years if it will in fact keep the cancer from coming back. Not a great feeling but there is light at the end of the tunnel. At 45 years old I have a lot of living to do and am not going to let the SE of this drug stop me!! | F | 45 | 6 weeks 1MG 1X D | 3/6/2013 | 1 | post breast cancer | jaw pain became so severe I couldn't chew. then it hit my right leg, couldn't put any weight on it and limped for about 3 months. Oncologist recommended an mri and that said I had bursitis which never happened before. Liver functions became elevated and oncologist took me off it. Then tried another aromatose inhibitor with same effects. Then tried Tamoxifen and took myself off that. | Quality of life counts! I read that only about 20% experience side effects and apparently I'm in that group. I eat real food, go to a personal trainer to keep my muscles and bones in shape, and smile and laugh with my wonderful husband as much as we can. | F | 67 | 15 months 1 mg 1X D | 3/3/2013 | 2 | Breast cancer | painful, ankles, painful hands, itchy scalp and hair loss, leg cramps, lichen sclerosus, general stiffness | I am 72 years old but have always been active. I enjoy walking and gardening, or did until recently. I was dignosed with breast cancer in August 1999. Grade 3 Invasive Ductal cancer. I had a mastectomy and was prescribed Tamoxifen. This caused problems with my uterus and I had a hysteroscopy and biopsy in January 2003. I was taken off tamoxifen and put on arimidex until September 2004. Some time after I experienced painful ankles but did not associate it with my treatment. Then I experienced pain and stiffness in my hands. Every morning I had to spend a log time stretching my fingers before they worked properly. My doctor suggested that when I was gardening I was using my trowel incorrectly. I started using Glucosamine and Devils Claw. After several months the stiffness passed. I have been off Arimidex for 8 years and would not have associated taking it with the problems I am having but on reading other ratings on this website I am now convinced that Arimidex has caused them. I had terrible itching and was treated for Lichen Sclerosus in June 2010. I have to wash with a special lotion in sensitive areas. More recently I have had pains in my left upper arm, right side of my neck and right hip. These problems are very similar to the lady's who rated the drug on 24 May 2012. I feel like a very old woman and I have difficulty getting in and out of cars. I have discussed this with my Doctor but she does not think my problems are due to taking Arimidex. . I have tri | F | 72 | 2 years 1X D | 2/20/2013 | 1 | Breast Cancer Stage 2 | joint & muscle pain. Vaginal pain. the feeling that I had a UTI although I didn't. Severe back pain. Always feeling lousy. | Totally stopped Iscador and every other pharmaceutical suggested by oncologist. I completed treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery)for stage 2 breast cancer 5 years ago.I've been taking supplements prescribed by my Functional Medicine Dr(such as Broccoli seed extract) and I also have been injecting Iscador for the past 5 years and continue to do so but at a decrease frequency Iscador was prescribed by my homeopathic/anthroposophical dr. Iscador has been used in Europe for more than 80 years as a cancer treatment.. no side effects from anything I've been taking. You can find info at Weleda.com Iscador is a mistletoe derivative. I heard it mentioned on the radio 5 years ago butnever again. I believe it was squashed by the oharmaceutical companies. I am not alone in my belief that a cure for cancer will not be found in this country because the business of cancer treatment is too profitable. You have to be your own advocate Check out what Dr. Christiane Northrup has to say about mammograms For the most part Arimidex can destroy your quality of life. There are other alternatives. Check them out Good luck! | M | 70 | 2 months 1X D | 2/20/2013 | 5 | Grade 1, stage IIa,ER+PR+HER2-,4cm | night sweats and hot flashes not as bad or frequent as menopause. headaches, no bone pain yet, they keep asking me if I have any. slight weight gain, totally no libido. | I have totally changed the way I eat. Only whole foods, no processed foods, only whole grains, fruits veggies nuts and seeds. switched to e-cigs(weight gain attributed to this) Had a second MRI in Jan. my tumor has shrunk to 2cm. I have refused chemo because of my results from the Oncotype DX Assay tests. My number came in at 12 which means chemo would be unlikely to help shrink my tumor. I will keep taking this pill until my tumor is gone, and I will not have surgery. My surgeon says that new studies have found that it will be more effective to take this med for 10 yrs intstead of 5. I will continue taking it. | F | 54 | 6 months 1mg 1X D | 2/19/2013 | 3 | B/C Stage 2 ER positive | At the beginning, some joint pain, mainly knee and hip. Little brain fogginess, but not too bad. After a few months, most of the pain subsided and energy and stamina thru the roof. :-) | I attribute my health and wellness, and high energy levels to my nutrition program. Almost all of my pain have subsided. I have a lot more mental clarity, energy and focus now. If anyone here is interested in overcoming and combating much of what you are going thru both mentally and physically, please send me an email. I would love to share some information on what has been an absolute blessing and miracle for me going thru this ! Hugs and blessings to all | F | 52 | 4 months 1X D | 2/18/2013 | 4 | Grade 3, Stage 1a,ER+,PR-,Her2- | I had arthritis prior to L mastectomy, but knees, wrists, ankles and sometimes hips ache. Knees are the worst. Hair a little thinner but not breaking or coming out. Some depression; very emotional, cry easily. | I elected not to have chemo based on my pathological results and other tests. Research indicated that for my particular case, chemo + arimidex was no more effective than just arimidex alone for 5 years. Three lymph nodes were removed and were negative at mastectomy and no signs of cancer spread since L breast removed in 8/11. Really can't say if my arthritis is just worse or if arimidex is contributing a little. Hope I am cancer-free at 5 years. | F | 67 | 15 months 1 mg 1X D | 2/5/2013 | 5 | Stage 3C Her2+ Breast Cancer | Dec. 2012 I started with pain in my feet and then in my hands. | I feel very strongly that arimidex has helped to keep me in remission. I had mild side effects in the beginning, but nothing I couldn't handle.I have been on arimidex for 6 years 7 months. I am going for acupuncture and it's helping. Thankful for this drug and blessed I am still here!!! My oncologist would take me off in a heartbeat if it was necessary. | F | 61 | 6 years 1 mg 1X D | 1/31/2013 | 1 | Stage 3C Breast Cancer | I took Arimidex for 5 years (there was no 5 under length of time, so I selected 6). I stopped in July of 2012. I have suffered from joint pain the entire time. My oncologist assured me the pain would go away when I stopped the medication. It has not. I feel like I'm 80! | F | 56 | 6 years | 1/24/2013 | 1 | STAGE 1 GRADE 3 NO NODE ESTROGEN PO | HORRIBLE HIP PAIN, STOMACH PAIN, NAUSEA, STIFF MUSCLES SOMETIMES COULD NOT WALK WELL BECAUSE OF PAIN.hEADACHES NIGHT SWEATS, HOT FLASHES JUST FELT VERY BAD | WOULD NOT START TAKING AGAIN, THIS FEELS LIKE A POISON TO MY BODY | F | 58 | 8 weeks 1MG 1X D | 1/21/2013 | 1 | breast cancer | Hair texture change finer softer but thinner looking. 10 days ago started having numbness and pins and needles in left hand, seems this is a side effect...though Cancer Care says both symptons are unusual and not seen often. Strange as my friend also has breast cancer has same symptoms and also body aching., and reading other peoples comments it is not so uncommon. | I have written here before I have had breast cancer twice same breast., now a few months ago have found out I have Bladder Cancer seems early stage, Firstly they thought Kidney stone no pain just lots of blood in urine. clears up then comes again. Ugh!! ..Will know more after operation this Thursday. Makes you think what am I taking these pills for. I feel we all have these cancer cells wandering around in our body...but no one seems to know what triggers them to start activating inside us. I was persuaded to go back on Arimidex by my friend who's attitude is I hate taking them but what alse have we. Well now with this new lot of cancer I really wonder if it's worth while. Somewhere there is an answer , but I really think something better and probably quite simple could stop these cancer cells activating and attacking our body. | 1mg 1X D | 1/12/2013 | 2 | Stage 1 BC | I had 3 years on Tamoxifen and was changed to Arimidex in May 2012. Fine for a month or two, then lots of joint pain. Severe carpel tunnel, painful finger joints, hip ankles and sometimes knees. I am very down- and sleep poorly.I am struggling to keep up with life- have had my children home for the holiday season and I'm just not the same Mum anymore. I stopped taking the drug on Nov 8th 2012 and went back on Tamoxifen. Joint pains and general misery not much better- although I have had some relief from carpal tunnel with wrist braces. I am keen to find out if this will go away, how long it takes and natural supplements which may help bone pain. | F | 54 | 6 months | 1/10/2013 | 1 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer | I have pain under my feet, it feels like its on fire, My legs hurt so badly, that I am unable to stand. I ache in my neck and shoulders. My vision is so blurry and sometimes my eyes hurt. I have gone thru swelling in my face and tongue and horrible acne since I have been taking this pill. I have gained 30lbs after loosing 80lbs months prior to my surgery. My breast still hurt where the incision was made, even through its been over a year, not sure if this pill has anything to with it. I must say that I am no longer taking this pill anymore. My doctor told me to stop taking this pill, just like the first cancer pill tamoxifen. I hate that I can not eat and I am limited to what I can eat. The joint pain and sleepless nights are the worst. Oh, and my mind has changed, I forget what I wanted to say. Its horrible to be in this position. | My children hate the person that I have become because, I am unable to be attentive to them. My thoughts regarding this drug are1. Stop taking it.2. Check with your doctor to see if its worth taking the pill vs taking the pill. 3. If your life has changed, well BC is not fun, but enjoy your life and what is left of it. I will be seeing my doctor soon and will discuss if there are other drugs (which I am not willing to take) but will listen and update you to any information I might received. This pill changed my life for the worst, and all I am hoping for, that the cancer will not return. I am prayerful, that everyone of you who have suffered from taking this drug, remember you made it through the BC and your life is not over. Enjoy | F | 54 | 5 months 1 1X D | 1/10/2013 | 1 | breast cancer stage IV | headaches, aches and pains, insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, cognitive deficits | cannabutter at night helps with sleep and means I have some quality of life - without it, I would not have any quality of life and would no doubt be in a psychiatric facility or worse | F | 54 | 2 years 1X D | 1/4/2013 | 3 | BC Stage 1 | General joint pain, specially neck, low back and left hand ( feel super old in morning and evening). Poor memory, insomnia, sexual desire (next to none) and blurry vision | I am taking an Omega3 trial as recommended by my oncologist. I must be taking the placebo because the symptoms seem to be getting worse by the week. My oncologist says he can change it to another medication if I want, Aromasin. | F | 52 | 6 months 1 1X D | 1/1/2013 | 1 | BCstage1 | At first emotional roller coaster, then agitation..Now I hurt all over, my shoulders, my hands go numb, they burn until they get over the numbness. weight gain after losing 150 lbs which is bad , I have 40 more to go. My mind is the worse, I can't remember from one minute to the next, then I get so panicky over just trying to find keys to car. I'm 56 I never experienced anything like this drug. I've took myself off for awhile and felt like myself...It's so hard to decide to take or not to. My hair has thinned. It's like the side effects get worse as the days go by. Now I know why my oncologist kept asking if I was still working. All she'd say was these drugs are bad!!!!! She was very truthful held nothing back. Although she believes it works.. | Cancer changes your life so much, unless you've experienced it you have no idea. I didn't. The feeling that no one understands the side effects how bad they are. I understand now , Wondering how much to tell your employer when you can't move or remember like you use to . I'm on new job and not able to keep things in my head because of the fog, what to do? that's all I keep asking .... Good luck to all on this drug I pray you have no side effects.. | F | 56 | 1 years 1 1X D | 12/30/2012 | 2 | Trouble sleeping, having to move to a different position because of pain, sore from hips down my legs when I sit or lay down and never had a problem before taking drug, my GP thinks I have arthritis but it came on so quickly, also sad and depressed so much, and she also thinks that's related to having cancer but I coped very well and was happy to get through it, have hot flashes back and my memory seems to be detioriating.My life just seems to have got so much worse. he also thinks that is from having cancer but I was fine after my radiation | Seriously thinking of going off it after my 1 year is up and I speak to my oncologist. I want to live my life as a happy and energetic person, I don't want to be a depressing wife, mother and nanna. | F | 62 | 10 months 1mg 1X D | 12/23/2012 | 1 | Stage I BC. Not in nodes. | I feel weak and tired and was fine thru chemo and radiation. Now six months after starting Arimidex,my liver is trashed. Am scheduled for CT scan on the 24. Great Christmas gift. Not. I am sorry about all the problems women are having on this drug.. I am 2 days off of drug. Not feeling any better. Waiting and hoping after it is out of my system, I will feel better. Good luck Lady's . | F | 45 | 6 months | 12/22/2012 | 5 | breast cancer | Small amount of wrist ache, my fatigue is dir to chemotherapy according to my oncologist. have been on med 5yrs and happy to be so. can't stop it any other way . | 69 | 4 years | 12/11/2012 | 2 | DCIS,stage 1,lumpectomy, chemo,radi | Aching, especially difficult getting up after sitting/getting out of a car, feel 100 years old, painful joints, hot flashes increased, NO sex drive, significant short term memory loss, upper back and shoulder soreness. | I am willing to put up with these awful side effects if it means no more BC but it is very rough. I have 3 years to go and that sounds like an eternity. Not many men would put up with this. Cannot believe there are no better options for us. My brother is an oncologist and says this is the best there is for now. Blessings to everyone out there. This column makes me feel better as I know I am not alone in this battle to live. | F | 61 | 2 years 1 mg 1X D | 12/10/2012 | 1 | stage 2 breast cancer | greatly diminished quality of life.bone and muscle pain. always felt like I had UTI. Weakness. big problems that lasted months after I stopped taking it | Taking Arimidex for 2 months, my quality of life took a nose dive. It will be 5 years in january since I started treatment for stage 2 breast cancer. Finished treatments the following August. After surgery chemo and radiation, I went to a doctor of Functional Medicine who had first been recommended by an oncology nurse.The doctor is a biochemist, internist and then an oncologist for 13 years. She is now a doctor of Functional Medicine. Which uses scientific methods to determine root causes and treat with natural supplements and vitamins. Stopped taking arimidex prescribed by oncologist Functional Doctor prescribed broccoli seed extract and other supplements to prevent recurrence without the debilitating side effects of pharmeceuticals.. Thoroughly researched, She gets the highest quality for her patients at cost. Also been using Iscador that I get through Weleda.(Prescribed by homeopathic doctor ). you can check it out online. Its an injection that used in Europe the past 80 years to prevent cancer. I also used aromatherapy for the problems caused by chemo and radiation. eat mostly organic foods, yoga etc. My philosophy has been, It is what it is. Do the best I can and NOT TO WORRY. For me the term "cancer survivor" puts too much attention on a negative experience. Having had cancer is just another one of my life's experiences. I do not let it define me. . I wish you all wellness | F | 60 | 60 days 1X D | 12/5/2012 | 1 | breast cancer, stage 3 | In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, I have developed crippling pain in both hands, general bone pain, insomnia and a series of brain/ mental issues: headaches, brain fog, memory problems, inability to focus and am losing my sense of balance. I just stopped taking it. | This drug is vile. From what I can see it does not substantially improve upon the survival rate when compared to tamoxifen. I think it needs to be reevaluated by the FDA | F | 71 | 10 months 1 mg 1X D | 12/1/2012 | 1 | cancer of one breast | my mom took this in hospital n after.she came home in three days she began hot flashs now is cognitive not in good shape sleep is irratic n her mind fogy n confussed n her mental state is poor we dont give her this or anything | F | 75 | 3 days | 11/25/2012 | 3 | Stage 1 Breast Cancer | So far, nothing noticeable---maybe it has to be in my system longer? I check this site periodically, so I will check again in a week or so. | F | 63 | 17 days 1 mg 1X D | 11/17/2012 | 2 | bc stage 1 radiation | severe pain in back of hands , foggy brain, trouble remembering; weight gain | F | 54 | 1 years 30mg | 11/9/2012 | 5 | Metastase breast cancer | Joint pain, hypocalcemia | F | 49 | 4 years 1mg | 11/3/2012 | 2 | Stage 2 lumpectomy nodes clear | Hot flashes worse than with menopause, foggy thinking, trouble getting thoughts out, extreme weakness in legs at times, energy level gone. Started riding recumbent bike 10 miles a day within a week of my surgery. Now all I seem to be able to do is stare at it. I don't want to be miserable for something that "MIGHT" prevent cancer from coming back. If the side effects are already this bad after only a month I can't imagine what it would be like in a year. After reading all of these comments from others I think I'll be saying NO to Arimidex. | F | 57 | 1 months 1MG | 9/29/2012 | 1 | BC Stage 1 Lumpectomy, Radiation | Started with hot flashes (never had them during menopause) so severe they caused painful boils to occur in armpits first, then groin/crotch area, under breasts which was controlled by treating topically. Eventually got painful boils inside nose, ears etc, which couldn't be treated. Started getting weak in joints, especially pain in knees, thighs, and general fatigue, didn't realize this was connected to Anastozle/Arimidex until I read other comments on this site and cried for myself and others who felt like a 90+ woman. Always active before, doing Zumba 2-3 x a week to walking with a cane in 1 year. Did research online and found out drug was not a cure, it was just a drug that MIGHT keep breast cancer away, but meanwhile not having estrogen could be and was worse for quality of life. Mother and grandmother had b/c so I thought I had to keep taking it so I could live longer, but this wasn't living. Stopped taking it 7 months ago and most symptoms have stopped. Can think better--not | Stopping Anastozle/Arimidex was VERY difficult. Suffered with pain and symptoms longer than I should have--at least a year and a half, didn't believe there was an alternative, oncologist told me it was my decision. Decided to take chance, wanted my life back. I try to eat healthy (always did, but more plant based diet/organic as possible now--less chemicals--minimize processed food--try to eat more raw food.) Everyone should watch documentary "Forks over Knives" to learn how bad meat and diary products are for us. Haven't decided yet if I will get annual mammograms, not sure if more radiation is good. Mother died of heart problems at 89 after having a mastectomy at 55 and kidney removed for kidney cancer at 75. I hope to live to dance, do Zumba and watch my grandson (he's 5 mo. old) get married. Drugs can do a lot, but I don't think they are always the best for us. Nature has the best pharmacy, and positive actions will hopefully produce positive results. Love to all who are suffering. Hopefully you can make the right decision for you. THANK YOU FOR THIS WEBSITE! It really helped to hear what others were experiencing and that I wasn't crazy or just getting old. It helped me to decide the life I wanted to have. | F | 64 | 22 months 1 mg 1X D | 9/24/2012 | 1 | Stage 2 BC 10 nodes 7-3+ | exhaustion, depression severe to crippling bone pain hair thinning can't sleep | There is an alternative........Please research White Button Mushrooms re Breast Cancer Treatment | F | 62 | 2 months 20 1X D | 9/24/2012 | 4 | breast cancer stage 2 | foggy brain, couldn"t remember anything, thinking one word but differentword would come out. blurry vision eyes lids would be puffy.. right side ache. dry mouth tongue felt swollen. Weight gain(40Lbs) arms,wight gain in upper arms and legs. Ache all over joints are stiff. feet are cold. | Been off for a year. Memory is not much better but my brain and mouth seem to be working togeether. Can't loose weight which is very frustrating. Joints still ache and now have cholestrol issues and bone density issues as well. Wish I knew of this site 6 years ago I would of consulted with my Onc. Didn't relate all this with arimjdex. | F | 55 | 5 years 1X D | 9/2/2012 | 3 | Breast cancer stage 3 | Joint pain hip and leg pain some waves of nausea | Hi ladies don't know how much good medication will do my next pt scan is September 10th but I would like to inform those of you with severe arm pain you might benefit by finding a lymphademic therapist she saved my ass I am however still taking pain pills because of arimidex let's keep going and get well | F | 77 | 2 months 1 mg 1X D | 9/1/2012 | 5 | stage2 Breast Cancer | Aches and pain. bones hurt thining of the hair. hot flashes head aces sometimes. arthtis in the wrist lower back. | this drug so far has kept the cancer away. and i have 6months to go. | F | 61 | 4.5 years 1X D | 8/30/2012 | 1 | Stage 1 Ductal Cell Carcinoma, DCIS | Joint and muscle pain and stiffness. Weight gain - not always hungry, but never felt full. Trouble sleeping. | I was on Tamoxifen for almost 2 years with no side effects. Had a total hysterectomy in Nov. 2011, and started Arimidex in Jan. 2012. I was on it until June when my Onc took me off to see if side effects stopped.I was off almost 4 weeks and felt a little better, so he put me on Aromasin. Joint/muscle pain and stiffness immediately got worse. Stopped that after a week and went back on Tamoxifen. It's been 3.5 weeks, and I am a little better, but far from where I was when I started Arimidex. It seems odd to me that I'm not feeling better since I wasn't on Arimidex for very long. I am interested in hearing how long it took others to feel normal again. | F | 54 | 4 months 1X D | 8/10/2012 | 4 | ductal breast cancer | Achiness, exteme fatigue, foggy head, sometimes depressed | Understand that the drug helps but it is awful to take. I sometimes cry I am so achy or sleepy. It has put a cramp in my style. | F | 65 | 2 years 1 mg 1X D | 8/8/2012 | 5 | stage 3 breast cancer 11/28 nodes | Stiff when sitting too long, High cholesterol, carpel tunnel,tire out easly.hot flashes | I really cannot complain too much, my side effects are really nt that bad, I just live with it and make the best of it. | F | 65 | 3 years 1 mg 1X D | 7/30/2012 | 1 | Breast Cancer | tiredness and hair coming out when combing or shampooing | Had breast cancer 23 years ago. Due to a mix up in lab they couldn't tell which sort of cancer I had, so other than radiation I took no pills for over 20 years...then my oncologist put me on Arimidex I took it for a few months then my hair started to come out, also felt tired so told oncologist and was taken off it Three years ago years Breast cancer came again in same breast...and I had another lumpectomy, not much of a breast left. Cannot have radiation as it is in same breast. ( no zapping of same breast allowed). Anyhow have been fine and not taking any medication....but the last time I saw my Oncologist she suggested I try Arimidex again......well having read all the side effects and your comments have decided not to take it.. I will just eat healthy and look up what herbs etc will control producing female hormones. Also if I get rid of the roll of fat around my stomach which I am sure is making my extra female hormones. ....I would be a happy woman... just thought I'd throw that in. ....age 75 but really new 55. I really think there will be a completely different kind of treatment for breast cancer eventually.....who wants broken bones...etc..and all the other possible side effects with this and similar medication. | F | 75 | 4 days 1mg 1X D | 7/17/2012 | 3 | breast cancer | pain all over liver problems for a while until my body got used to the drug bones are like glass ears ring cannot control my weight and I have NO brain cannot keep a thought in my mind I can think a word but my mouth will say another word cholesterol is wild there is now more wrong with me then before cancer. | F | 44 | 4 years 1X D | 7/15/2012 | 1 | Palpitations, plantar faciitis, carpal tunnel, excruciating joint pain in hands and hips, interrupted sleep patterns, debilitating hot flushes | All of these side effects disappeared within months of ceasing Arimidex.(taken for two and a half years). Tamoxifin (two years and 9 months) caused trochanteric hip bursitis and painful arthritis in hands and feet. All of these side effects have gone over a period of three months. Hopefully the medication has done some worthwhile good but the last (nearly five years) have been a nightmare of pain and discomfort. | F | 68 | 2 years 1X D | 7/15/2012 | 1 | 2x her2 + | Plantar fascitus, frozen shoulder, weight gain, depression, look and feel older. Glad I found this site. I didn't even think all the pain I am having was from this little pill. I am so lazy and only take it once every 4-5 days when I remember. My whole body aches. I finally let my PA talk me into taking some kind of blocker. | F | 39 | 3 months 1 | 7/12/2012 | 1 | BC-Stage 1 | F | 76 | 1X D | 7/9/2012 History | 1 | Breast cancer er+pr-her2+ | Joints ache, very depressed( never use to be) weight gain. I took tamixifin for 1 yr before going on arimidex, felt so much better on the tamixifin | F | 40 | 1 weeks | 7/5/2012 | 1 | Breast Cancer | I was bed ridden for three years my oncologist did not want me to stop taking the drug. I was in severe pain. What happen that I had a an ulcer in the right groin. And the Arimidex, was not allowing the sore to heal. I was bleeding from the skin and the tissue. I could feel a wetness between the tissue and the skin. I went to the Oncoligist he again denied me the right to get off the Arimides. During the time I was taking the drug I, was getting off the car and my foot broke. I, developed two herinas from the fall. As a result of the herinas I got a pinched nerve talking about pain. I was in so much paid no pain pill would help. This drug is not fit for humans. I went off of the drug on my own. I don't if I have cancer. It has now been almost five years. I am in limbow I don't if I have cancer or not I would rather be dead then to take that awful medication again. I could write a book on the side effects. | I do believe arimadex definitely need more research. If would have kept taking the pill one more month I certain would have d0ed. I could not eat I could not drink water very bad taste in my mouth. I did not have pain in breasts but I had pain all over my body. I had a horrible oder. | M | 71 | 3 years 1mg 1X D | 6/29/2012 | 3 | BC s2 | Stiff knees, hard to get up sometimes, feel old. | This drug seems to have an accumlative effect. After six months I stopped for one week and felt much better.Went back on and the joint pain gradually returned. My plan is to take a break every six months and do the five years. I feel that the reduced risk of my cancer returning is worth the discomfort. | F | 57 | 1 years 1 mg 1X D | 6/25/2012 | 3 | b/c lft breast. mastec. | Joint pain, muscle pain, thinning hair, mem loss, dryness, feet pain | F | 69 | 3 years 1mg | 6/24/2012 | 5 | b.c | Bad pains in my bones, tiredness, depression. | Found taking calcium and Vit. D every day made a big difference to the pain. Took nearly a year after stopping Arimidex to feel normal- but hey, I'm still here enjoying life.Take heart, I was sure my life was over when they told me, now I realise it had just started. cancer (always with a small 'c') taught me what matters in life, it was a tough journey, but not one I regret. Good luck to those of you just starting your journey, be strong, it is not the length or your life, but how much you get out of it. Live, love and laugh. | F | 68 | 5 years 30 1X D | 6/23/2012 | 2 | Stage IV breast cancer | Pain in shoulders, hands, arms; legs feet are numb; difficulty sleeping; always eating even when not at all hungry; flu-like symptoms (nasal drip, throat feels raw). | After chemo./radiation, declined Tomoxifen back in '99; then in December 2010, Stage IV diagnosed when I began what I thought to be low back pain and arthritis; then began Anastrazole in 2011 for 3 mos. and was in remission but I thought pain side effects excessive and I asked to go on Tomoxifen; after 3 mos. Petscan showed cancer active again; so went back on Anastrazole (4/2011 to present); Since I am in my late 70's, thought ALL pain a combo of age, arthritis, Anastrazole, but my body hurts so much I'm convinced the MAJORITY of my discomfort is Anastrazole!! Do not have a high opinion of Oncologists - feel they are useless [the Radiologists do ALL the reporting from the scans), they just READ them and then just barely do a one-word report (i.e., "progressed", "I don't see anything" = meaning "you are in remission"). I'm thinking of stopping the medication to see if I can feel 'NORMAL' again! | F | 78 | 14 months 1 mg 1X D | 6/21/2012 | 5 | Breast Cancer Stage 2, Double | I had very mild side effects, very blessed for great onc's Dr. Some joint pain, Ulastis used during Chemo was much worse bone pain then Aremidex. Chemo saturation after 5 months caused numbness is both feet so bad I was falling almost constantly for months. Then numbness in both feet subsided except my toes 8 years later still get numbness if my feet when cold only(wear socks). I have been off Aremidex for over three years and Thank God Cancer FREE. So please be careful with just dropping medication it could be your life. | Every person is diifferent and my prayers and heart goes out to you patients may God Be With You. I hope you can blog eight years later on this site that you are CANCER FREE!! | F | 65 | 5 years 30 mg 1X D | 6/12/2012 | 1 | Stage 3 breast cancer | Started in knees. Unable to stand for any length of time. Hard to walk. Moved to feet and now elbows. Tail bone feels like I have been kicked. Gaine 40 pounds with exercise. Can't sleep for more than 3 hours stretches. Always thirsty. Always tired. Kids complained of memory loss. Forget sex-drive is gone and it is too much like work. Was always positive person but not sure if benefits of drug are worth the side effects. To young to feel this old. | F | 43 | 1 years 1 | 6/12/2012 |