My Meds Make Me Fat...

[BklynCatwoman]

Here's one about the joys of being on an aromatase inhibitor. For me, the side effects like weight gain, don't overpower the benefits, like reducing my chance of recurrence by almost 50%. But it's not a garden of roses. I'm on my 2nd AI, contemplating trying out my 3rd. On a quest to find the lesser of the evils, I guess. Here's the link to the piece, which appeared on Ravishly last year. ravishly.com/2015/03/04/my-...

[TNBC16]

Thanks for sharing this!

[BklynCatwoman in reply to TNBC16]

You're welcome!

[Misor]

I too tried aromatase inhibitors, and they did not work well with me. I tried all of them and had bad effects (leg cramps, elevated eye pressure, elevated endometrial polyps). n My oncologist took my off AI and told me that 2 1/2 years would be sufficient to be beneficial.

[BklynCatwoman in reply to Misor]

I like that we have a choice. It's important for us to weigh the benefits with quality of life. I am also getting leg cramps on my 2nd AI but I've been taking magnesium (and trying to drink more water) to help alleviate them. Also have joint pain which varies from day to day. We'll see when/if I reach my tipping point with the AIs. I have a few more to try.

[Helpme115]

Try taking the meds at night.

[BklynCatwoman]

Thanks for this suggestion. Someone mentioned it at the AI meeting I facilitate. I've started taking them at night and the symptoms (joint aches) are a little better.

[gmasurvivor]

I gained weight too but never associated the weight gain with the Meds. Something my doctor did not tell me to expect. I was on all three aromatase inhibitors. I switched each time the side effects became too difficult. I attended a support group at SHARE and that helped me get through five years. I am glad I did it.

[BklynCatwoman in reply to gmasurvivor]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am on my 2nd AI with a few side effects (which fluctuate) but nowhere near as bad as the first. Joint pain is a big thing with me which goes from being almost nothing to being pretty bad. Glad you passed the 5 year mark. Yes, weight gain is one of those nice extras with AIs. My oncologist says it's impossible to lose weight when you're on them, even with diet. And being a BC survivor and all I went through, I'm not into starving myself to lose a few pounds. I guess it's just one of the things you weather through to get the benefits.