Another tablets question

Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.

Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen. So
from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's told me
of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone density, so he
wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could affect my arthritis,
which I have quite badly.

Is there anything else I should know about?

I'm still a very happy bunny tonight
Splodge

On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:23:25 +0100, "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com>
wrote:
>Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
>weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>
>Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen. So
>from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's told me
>of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone density, so he
>wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could affect my arthritis,
>which I have quite badly.

I didn't know about the bone density, but as I'm a Very Large Woman, I
imagine most of my bones are pretty big anyway.

I'm afraid it *does* affect my Arthritis, but only in my hands. My
knees are no worse than they were.
>
>Is there anything else I should know about?

I've been taking it for a year now with no problems apart from the
arthritis in the thumbs getting worse, and even then, it doesn't affect
me every day.
>
>I'm still a very happy bunny tonight

Hurrah!
>
--
"It's easier to get forgiveness than permission."
Rear Admiral "Amazing" Grace Hopper

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
> Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
> weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>
> Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
> So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
> told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will

Isn't that MIGHT?

> affect my bone density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan.
> Secondly it could

And that too?

> affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.
>
> Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> I'm still a very happy bunny tonight

Good.

There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-) Might as
well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)

Mary

<x{yz}enophil44@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fsms93t0kdabpu4ged5ujmjk14cefais15@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:23:25 +0100, "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com>
> wrote:
>>Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
>>weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>>
>>Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
>>So
>>from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's told
>>me
>>of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone density, so
>>he
>>wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could affect my
>>arthritis,
>>which I have quite badly.
>
> I didn't know about the bone density, but as I'm a Very Large Woman, I
> imagine most of my bones are pretty big anyway.
>
> I'm afraid it *does* affect my Arthritis, but only in my hands. My
> knees are no worse than they were.
>>
>>Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> I've been taking it for a year now with no problems apart from the
> arthritis in the thumbs getting worse, and even then, it doesn't affect
> me every day.
>>
>>I'm still a very happy bunny tonight
>
> Hurrah!

Xenophil, how do you know the drug is affecting your arthritis? Arthritis
comes and goes whatever you do :-(

Mary

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
> Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
> weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.

Good news - congrats!

> Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
> So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
> told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone
> density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could
> affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.

Are you sure it was the type of cancer that made the difference? It's
getting pretty common to use Arimidex (or one of its cousins) instead of
Tam, if one is post-menopausal.

I haven't noticed that Arimidex has worsened my arthritis, but mine was
quite minor in the first place.

Keep in mind, as Mary said, that the side effects are "might" items, not
"will" items. And that the usual things you'd do to protect bone
density -- exercise (whatever's feasible with your athritis), calcium, drugs
if necesssary -- will help minimize the effect on bone, or treat it.

> Is there anything else I should know about?

Might have some hot flashes, even if you were already menopausal. Might
not, too <grin>.

Thanks for sharing the good news!

Ann T.
Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:469e6423$0$31110$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>
> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
>> Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
>> weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>>
>> Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
>> So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
>> told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will
>
> Isn't that MIGHT?

Yes, of course.

>
>> affect my bone density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan.
>> Secondly it could
>
> And that too?
>
>> affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.
>>
>> Is there anything else I should know about?
>>
>> I'm still a very happy bunny tonight
>
> Good.
>
> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-) Might
> as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>
Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.
Splodge

<x{yz}enophil44@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fsms93t0kdabpu4ged5ujmjk14cefais15@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:23:25 +0100, "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com>
> wrote:
>>Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
>>weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>>
>>Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
>>So
>>from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's told
>>me
>>of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone density, so
>>he
>>wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could affect my
>>arthritis,
>>which I have quite badly.
>
> I didn't know about the bone density, but as I'm a Very Large Woman, I
> imagine most of my bones are pretty big anyway.
>
> I'm afraid it *does* affect my Arthritis, but only in my hands. My
> knees are no worse than they were.
>>
>>Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> I've been taking it for a year now with no problems apart from the
> arthritis in the thumbs getting worse, and even then, it doesn't affect
> me every day.
>>
>>I'm still a very happy bunny tonight
>
> Hurrah!
>>
That's very encouraging Grace, so ta lots.
Splodge

"A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:f7lsqj$3m3$1@news.msu.edu...
> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
>> Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
>> weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>
> Good news - congrats!
>
>> Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
>> So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
>> told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone
>> density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could
>> affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.
>
> Are you sure it was the type of cancer that made the difference? It's
> getting pretty common to use Arimidex (or one of its cousins) instead of
> Tam, if one is post-menopausal.

I'm just quoting his exact words, and my friend wrote them down too. I've
been on HRT for about 12 - 14 years until I got told to stop them in May, so
I'm now taking sage tablets for the hot flushes. They seem to work too, but
it's early days yet.

> I haven't noticed that Arimidex has worsened my arthritis, but mine was
> quite minor in the first place.
>
> Keep in mind, as Mary said, that the side effects are "might" items, not
> "will" items. And that the usual things you'd do to protect bone
> density -- exercise (whatever's feasible with your athritis), calcium,
> drugs if necesssary -- will help minimize the effect on bone, or treat it.

Yes, I will be positive.

>
>> Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> Might have some hot flashes, even if you were already menopausal. Might
> not, too <grin>.
>
> Thanks for sharing the good news!
>
Thanks Ann
Splodge

On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:17:40 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
<mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:

>Xenophil, how do you know the drug is affecting your arthritis? Arthritis
>comes and goes whatever you do :-(

Because it immediately got worse. Previously I'd only ever had pain in
my hands and wrists very occasionally, but not long after starting
Arimidex, I started having pain in my thumbs and wrists on a regular
basis.

My lovely lady doctor said that it probably *is* the Arimidex, but
recommends me to continue with it. She increased my prescription of
Naproxen, which helps.
--
"It's easier to get forgiveness than permission."
Rear Admiral "Amazing" Grace Hopper

That's wonderful news!

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
> Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
> weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>
> Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
> So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
> told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone
> density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could
> affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.
>
> Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> I'm still a very happy bunny tonight
> Splodge
>

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5g7c94F3abke0U1@mid.individual.net...

>>
>> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-) Might
>> as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>>
> Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.

Good. If you do I'll be round to duff you up :-)

Mary
>

<x{yz}enophil44@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:9v0t93559pde5i6qurc4cbjvo93oe1suf1@4ax.com...
> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:17:40 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
> <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>Xenophil, how do you know the drug is affecting your arthritis? Arthritis
>>comes and goes whatever you do :-(
>
> Because it immediately got worse. Previously I'd only ever had pain in
> my hands and wrists very occasionally, but not long after starting
> Arimidex, I started having pain in my thumbs and wrists on a regular
> basis.

It might have been coincidence. Arthritis seems to be like that - in my
experience. Mine comes and goes (mostly comes) so dramatically that all
sorts of things could be blamed for it :-(
>
My thumb joint pain went a couple of years ago but recently returned with a
vengeance. Since I began a course of acupuncture and the summer began to
rain and I stopped eating chocolate and ... :-)

Mary

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:469f4ac7$0$30776$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>
> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:5g7c94F3abke0U1@mid.individual.net...
>
>>>
>>> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-)
>>> Might as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>>>
>> Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.
>
> Good. If you do I'll be round to duff you up :-)
>

OK, but wait until my wound is healed first lol
Splodge

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:469f4a92$0$22489$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>
> <x{yz}enophil44@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:9v0t93559pde5i6qurc4cbjvo93oe1suf1@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:17:40 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
>> <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>>Xenophil, how do you know the drug is affecting your arthritis? Arthritis
>>>comes and goes whatever you do :-(
>>
>> Because it immediately got worse. Previously I'd only ever had pain in
>> my hands and wrists very occasionally, but not long after starting
>> Arimidex, I started having pain in my thumbs and wrists on a regular
>> basis.
>
> It might have been coincidence. Arthritis seems to be like that - in my
> experience. Mine comes and goes (mostly comes) so dramatically that all
> sorts of things could be blamed for it :-(
>>
> My thumb joint pain went a couple of years ago but recently returned with
> a vengeance. Since I began a course of acupuncture and the summer began to
> rain and I stopped eating chocolate and ... :-)
>
That sounds familiar. When I stick to a whole food diet, I feel much better.
But that means no coffee, no tea, no alcohol, no bread, cakes and no
chocolate - and that's worse lol
Splodge

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:469f4a92$0$22489$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>
>
> ....Arthritis seems to be like that - in my
> experience. Mine comes and goes (mostly comes) so dramatically that all
> sorts of things could be blamed for it :-(
> >
> My thumb joint pain went a couple of years ago but recently returned with
a
> vengeance. Since I began a course of acupuncture and the summer began to
> rain and I stopped eating chocolate and ... :-)
-----------------
I have gotten great relief from using an elastic support when my thumb
(actually my "CMC joint," right above the wrist) flares up. It immobilizes
the thumb. You can even sleep with it on.

I did not buy it online, but here is a picture of the one I use:
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp83098_33...l___medium.htm

Eva

"A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:f7lsqj$3m3$1@news.msu.edu...
> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
> > Just had the all clear today by my surgeon after I had a mastectomy two
> > weeks ago. No radiotherapy and no chemo.
>
> Good news - congrats!
>
> > Because of the type of cancer I had, apparently I cannot take Tamoxifen.
> > So from tomorrow I'm on Arimidex (Anastrozole) on a 28 day trial. He's
> > told me of two possible side effects. Firstly, it will affect my bone
> > density, so he wants me to have a bone density scan. Secondly it could
> > affect my arthritis, which I have quite badly.
>
> Are you sure it was the type of cancer that made the difference? It's
> getting pretty common to use Arimidex (or one of its cousins) instead of
> Tam, if one is post-menopausal.
>
> I haven't noticed that Arimidex has worsened my arthritis, but mine was
> quite minor in the first place.
>
> Keep in mind, as Mary said, that the side effects are "might" items, not
> "will" items. And that the usual things you'd do to protect bone
> density -- exercise (whatever's feasible with your athritis), calcium,
drugs
> if necesssary -- will help minimize the effect on bone, or treat it.
>
> > Is there anything else I should know about?
>
> Might have some hot flashes, even if you were already menopausal. Might
> not, too <grin>.
--------------------
And, by way of encouragement, let me mention that I have been taking
Arimidex for 2 years now. At first, I got a lot of hot flashes. They were
certainly unpleasant, but tolerable. But recently I noticed that they've
gotten much less frequent. My point is that any side effects you do
experience may not necessarily persist for the entire five years.

Now, about the bone density thing. At first I was prescribed Actonel
(similar to Fosamax) to prevent my developing osteoporosis. But I didn't
like taking it, so I stopped. Instead I began walking a lot more than I had
before. (I was already taking calcium.) When I had my bone density test it
hadn't gotten any worse. So, so far so good.

All the best, Eva

"Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:IQVni.6331$4J4.6108@trndny05...
>
> "A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:f7lsqj$3m3$1@news.msu.edu...
>> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>> news:5g744aF3c7rg4U1@mid.individual.net...
>
> And, by way of encouragement, let me mention that I have been taking
> Arimidex for 2 years now. At first, I got a lot of hot flashes. They
> were
> certainly unpleasant, but tolerable. But recently I noticed that they've
> gotten much less frequent. My point is that any side effects you do
> experience may not necessarily persist for the entire five years.
>
> Now, about the bone density thing. At first I was prescribed Actonel
> (similar to Fosamax) to prevent my developing osteoporosis. But I didn't
> like taking it, so I stopped. Instead I began walking a lot more than I
> had
> before. (I was already taking calcium.) When I had my bone density test
> it
> hadn't gotten any worse. So, so far so good.
>
That's good to know Eva, and thanks for posting. I had to stop taking HRT at
the end of May, and because of the hot flushes I started taking sage
tablets. That seems to have helped. I was taking HRT for about 12 years, so
osteoporosis was never something I needed to think about before now.

Walking is one thing I've increased as well, as far as my OA allows. I wear
a pedometer every day and try to do as much as I can. No-one has recommended
I take calcium tablets - yet, but I'll wait and see what the bone density
scan reveals and what they suggest.

Splodge

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5g9fnvF3ens6gU1@mid.individual.net...
>
> "Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:469f4ac7$0$30776$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>>
>> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>> news:5g7c94F3abke0U1@mid.individual.net...
>>
>>>>
>>>> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-)
>>>> Might as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>>>>
>>> Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.
>>
>> Good. If you do I'll be round to duff you up :-)
>>
>
> OK, but wait until my wound is healed first lol

Only if you stay happy!

Mary
>

"Eva" <EvaDStructionNOT@NOTverizon.net> wrote in message
news:IQVni.6331$4J4.6108@trndny05...
>

....

> --------------------
> And, by way of encouragement, let me mention that I have been taking
> Arimidex for 2 years now. At first, I got a lot of hot flashes. They
> were
> certainly unpleasant, but tolerable. But recently I noticed that they've
> gotten much less frequent. My point is that any side effects you do
> experience may not necessarily persist for the entire five years.

I had 'natural' hot flushes for a few years - it was 'my age' :-)

After bc surgery I was on a reseach programme so took either tamoxifen OR
arimidex OR both for five years.

I had no hot flushes during that time - nor since.

There really are no constants ...

Mary

"Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:46a07db8$0$31110$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>
> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
> news:5g9fnvF3ens6gU1@mid.individual.net...
>>
>> "Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
>> news:469f4ac7$0$30776$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>>>
>>> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>>> news:5g7c94F3abke0U1@mid.individual.net...
>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-)
>>>>> Might as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>>>>>
>>>> Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.
>>>
>>> Good. If you do I'll be round to duff you up :-)
>>>
>>
>> OK, but wait until my wound is healed first lol
>
> Only if you stay happy!
>
Will do Mary.
I've just got the bone density scan appointment for next Thursday. Quick or
what?!
Splodge

"Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:5gbil3F3esabsU1@mid.individual.net...
> "Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:46a07db8$0$31110$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>>
>> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>> news:5g9fnvF3ens6gU1@mid.individual.net...
>>>
>>> "Mary Fisher" <mary.fisher@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
>>> news:469f4ac7$0$30776$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet. net...
>>>>
>>>> "Splodge" <sport.last@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:5g7c94F3abke0U1@mid.individual.net...
>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> There's no point in worrying about something which MIGHT happen :-)
>>>>>> Might as well rejoice every time you buy a lottery ticket :-)
>>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks Mary. I'm staying positive and won't worry about it for now.
>>>>
>>>> Good. If you do I'll be round to duff you up :-)
>>>>
>>>
>>> OK, but wait until my wound is healed first lol
>>
>> Only if you stay happy!
>>
> Will do Mary.
> I've just got the bone density scan appointment for next Thursday. Quick
> or what?!

I've no idea - I haven't had one.

How Things Have Changed :-)

I'll be thinking of. Shan't forget because I have a mammogram on Wednesday
:-(

That's bad enough - but at 8 am????? I'm usually still in bed at 8.30 am!
Luckily we're only 10 minutes from the hospital by scooter and I shan't have
to keep awake because I'll be on the pillion :-)

Mary