arimidex vaginal dryness

[wendyann0313]

I had neoadjuvant act chemo for 5 months for IDC bilateral breast cancer followed by a bilateral mastectomy and a second surgery for an infection on my left side expander removed and then started radiation. Expander could not be put back in so 1 breast has expander and the other nothing. I will have reconstructive surgery April 2014. I started arimidex December 2013 I have experienced hot flashes which I'm used too. I take a organic bone support supplement. I've been in physical therapy since October 2013 which has helped me tremendously. Now after two months on Arimidex I am experiencing vaginal dryness that is quickly getting worse. I have spoke to my nurse and have just started an over the counter platinum silicone lubricant to try first. I've been told about the estrogen cream but we are trying this first. Does this side effect get worse? Will l be able to have a sexual relationship ever? My journey started fall of 2012 I have come so far but I'm still have side effects from chemo.  Any suggestion or help with this vaginal dryness?

[SueYoung55]

Hi, I had horrible dryness after my treatments and after taking tamoxifen. If you're on arimidex you don't want to use any estrogen cream (my opinion only and I'm not a doctor). You're going to laugh but we use organic olive oil and it works like charm! Just make sure if you're going to try it, get organic. A lil bit on him and a lil bit on you and go slowly at first and you'll be surpised how well it works. Oh, and in a pinch you can use it for cooking lol

[japdip]

I doubt that it would get worse .... side effects of medications differ widely from one person to another so you never know what side effect you will experience or to what degree. I would think that some solution would likely come from your Oncology Team as they deal with these problems on a daily basis. You state that you have just recently started using something and things don't work immediately so give it a fair chance before going onto another option. Congratulations on your journey so far; don't let a little problem like this get you down now. The journey is long and frustrating but well worth it in the end.. Regards ....