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Zolodex and Arimidex or Exemestane..

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Mom1208
Mom1208

I have been trying post breast cancer medicines. Tomoxafin was awful so I waited to Zolodex and Arimidex. For two weeks I was fine and then completely stressed and down for the last two weeks. I tried it for 2-3 months. I switched to Zolodex and Exemestane this month and the exact same thing had happened. I am wondering if the problem is with the Zolodex. I take the Exemestane daily so I have control of the dosage. Since Zolodex is injected, I am wondering if the release of the drug is off and that is why I have 2 good weeks and 2 very bad weeks.

Has anyone else experienced the same problems?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • lynda20916
    lynda20916 Mom1208

    Posted

    I was offered arimidex by my surgeon/oncologist after surgery for endometrial cancer last year.  I didn't have to do anything, really, as I was staged at 1A.  I took the arimidex for three weeks.  I was very careful, and took partial doses for a few days, until I was at full dosage.  It was hell.  My joints became sore and immobile. My whole body ached. I could barely shuffle 25 feet to the mail box.  I was unable to sleep, full of adrenaline.  I stopped after 3 weeks (I had started taking it in August).  It took until the end of December for the side effects to dissipate!

    I had done lots of research before starting it.  The drug didn't bother some women.  Others had terrible side effects, worse than mine. a few quit the drug, saying that they'd take the risk of getting cancer again, but in the interim, they'd prefer to have some quality of life.   

  • Teddygrowler
    Teddygrowler Mom1208

    Posted

    I was given tamoxifen, started in November 2015. Mine was dcis stage 0 cancer, had mastectomy, no chemo. Found this drug awful. Have been on it, off it, on it, then off again, hot flushes, night sweats, bad back, aching legs and feet, mood swings, tearful, no quality of life. Decided not to take it anymore, taking my chances. Would rather have quality of life. Check with your oncologist. Everyone's choice is individual and shouldn't sway you either way.

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