and the joint pain is awful. I'm 52 years old and feels like I'm 80. Should I stop this medication? I'm afraid to. Three and 1/2 years cancer free. Thanks.
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Q: Most women talk about weight gain while taking Femera and other cancer drugs. I've lost about 15lbs
Answers (2)
10/25/09 2:06pm
Hi Roshana, this is such a difficult question. I was on Femara for three months . Could not cope so switched to Aromasin, could not cope on that either. Like you the joint pain. I am now taking Tamoxifen not as good but better than nothing said my Onc.May I ask how long you have been taking Femara my onc. tells me I have not given the drug enough time and that my body will get used to it. I did not gain any weight with either drug, although I have to say on Tamoxifen I do feel bloated but weigh the same.I know these drugs can either make you lose your apetite or gain it. Everyone is different.Congratulations on being cancer free for more than 3 years...It is still early days for me. Obviously you must try and make this decision with your Onc. these decisions should not be taken by oneself. I am 54...
10/25/09 2:40pm
Thanks Roshana, that was helpful. I have the hot flashes with Tamoxifen but I would rather that than the joint pain. It was getting to the point where I could not walk. It has been 20 days now since I stopped Aromasin and the joint pain is slowly lifting. However, it is still bad during the night. I have refused all pain medication as I find it makes me sleepy. Will you post back after seeing your Doctor and tell me what he has advised. All information no matter how small helps.. I have taken tamoxifen before with little or no side effects. Thanks once again and take care.
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By Roshana— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 10/25/09
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Ironside, Thanks for the advice. I began taking tamoxifen, had joint, leg pain but not as bad. The hot flashes were awful - about 12 to 18 per day. Then my onc changed my meds to Femara. The pain is unreal -EVERYDAY. I was very active, still try to be but it's unbearable. Have an appointment with my family doctor tomorrow and I will ask for presciption pain meds. I don't want to go through BC again and so afraid to stop taking the meds. I asked my onc will the pain go away after I stop taking the meds, he assured me it will go away. Took myself of this medication for approx. two weeks. Still had pain, but less. The most amazing advice I got was from my pharm., she said that these drugs affect people differently, so what I go through, you might not. Good luck and be blessed.