First time arimidex user

[mlw4]

I was diagnosed with pre cancerous breast cells 6 years ago. Was on tamoxifen for 5 years. On the 4th year I had cancer of uterus due to tamoxifen. In Sept 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Had 6 weeks radiation and just started 1 mg arimidex Feb. 23. I take the drug in the morning, but the past 2 nights I haven't slept very much at all. Hoping this will pass. Curious about what others taking this medication are experiencing.....thank you for letting me join your group. I hope to learn a lot from all of you.

[Hollykins]

I'm sorry to hear about your uterine cancer & breast cancer. I was diagnosed Oct 2018 & had a mastectomy in December. I'm choosing to take Arimidex even though I am perimenopausal. I will soon be getting Zoladex injections monthly to put my ovaries to sleep. My mom had uterine cancer at 51. I am 54 & don't want to risk that side effect with Tamoxifin. I will start Arimidex about 2 months later

I think I might be in for a double whammy regarding menopausal symptoms w the 2 meds. Arimidex doesn't list insomnia as a side effect while the other 2 A. I.s do. I am anticipating night sweats so I've bought 2 sets of moisture-wicking sheets (1 has modal). Bought 2 Donna Karen modal nighties, a body pillow w cooling memory foam & a mattress protector w "cooling technology!"

I've had lots of fun w bouts of insomnia over the years. I have take 1 -3 mg of melatonin in the middle of the night. Magnesium & zinc seem to help. Aromatherapy - especially Cedarwood w a bit of carrier oil - on the bottom of my feet. Lavender or Jasmine on a kleenex by my pillow. My husband is into youtube semi-hypnotic audios by a Michael somebody. I like Lena & Lorna but it doesn't always work for me. Try searching "Hypnosis Sleep" & you'll find them.

Wishing you sweet dreams!

Hollykins

[car30]

I was on Arimidex for 3 years and quit in November 2018 due to the side affects. I was in such joint pain and sleeplessness that I decided I would rather have quality of life rather than quantity. It got to the point where I couldn't get up in my bed or walk any distance without horrid pain. I feel so much better now and am starting to lead a normal life. Good luck with your medication as it is different for every person.

[ValerieVictorious]

I took Arimidex for five years. Had some initial muscular aches and pains. Took drug from 2005-2010 and was declared cancer free in 2010. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction. Then in 2018 I got cancer again in the other breast. This is not considered a recurrence because it didn’t occur in the same breast. Doctor just put me on a different drug called Exemestane after I had another mastectomy. Opted this time for a prosthesis due to my age and other concerns.

[macor]

In Feb 2017 had a lumpectomy for Stage 3 breast cancer involving lymph nodes. Had 8 rounds of chemo and 33 radiation. Started Arimidex actually before the radiation but stopped after about a month because of the aches and pains ...generally feeling worse than when I was on chemo. Started on Exemestane and have been on it since...about 18 months....much better although still have issues with neuropathy and joint pains but much more tolerable. I take it at noontime because falling asleep at night was a problem if I took it later in the day. Good Luck!!