Femara

[DFW]

Hi. 45 years old.  Aggressive 5 cm. tumor.  5 rounds adriamycin/cytoxim..well-tolerated.  Mastectomy.  Hormone receptors: positive.  4 cycles "Terrible" taxol (lingering foot neuropathy).  7 weeks radiation, last 2 of which were "boost".  Nerve pain in arm following "boost".  Spread in 5 out of 10 lymph nodes. Having numerous troubles with hormone blockers.  2 months Tamoxifen = round-the-clock hot flashes; no sleep; brain "fog".  Stopped.  Took week off (heavenly!)  Started Arimidex.  After 2 months = bone pain.  Stopped.  Just started Femara a week ago.  Hot flashes worsening again & depression setting in (like Tamoxifen!)

Any advise, help?!  Thanks to everyone who's taking the time to read my posting and to answer me.

[bertha49]

A related discussion, side effects of Femara was started.

[DFW]

Thanks so much for your response.  I'm post-menopausal as a result of chemotherapy; prior to chemo I was in peri-menopause...so, from all discussions with doctors and research conducted I understand I'm now in menopause, albeit a chemo-induced one.  I know a lot of people are getting relief from antidepressants but I'm reluctant because, let's face it, they're medications, too, and come with their own side-effects.  I'm having quite a bit of pain in one of my fingers which seems to be from these darned hormone blockers; I don't remember this pain prior to Tamoxifen, Arimidex, or Femara.  Are you familiar with Celebrex, Vioxx, or other arthritis meds.?  Or neurontin?   I'm 45 years old.  Tamoxifen was intolerable for me.  Arimidex gave me back pain, in addition to the finger.  I stopped and didn't take any hormone blocker for a couple of weeks before going to dr. and being put on Femara.  Didn't have as much pain.  Now finger pain in getting worse (and, that's my "good" hand; I have already have nerve damage in my other arm from the radiation boost.)  How are others out there dealing with these ongoing side effects?  ***@****

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear DFW:  Both Arimidex and Femara are indicated for post-menopausal women - only.  Tamoxifen is indicated for women who are/were premenopausal at diagnosis.  Sometimes, over time, the body develops better tolerance of the drug.  Also, some antidepressants can help with some of the nerve pain and help with the depression.  There are also medications that can help with hot flashes.  You should discuss this with your breast specialist to see if there is a better combination of medications that will provide you benefit.