I decided that since I have a little break before my anastrozole arrives, I needed to learn a little more about it. Imagine my surprise when I found it listed under Chemotherapy drugs on several websites. It goes by Hormonal Therapy and Adjuvant Therapy but there it was, large as life, as a "type" of Chemotherapy drug. At least it isn't done intravenously but it will be an adventure that is for sure.
When I was getting ready for radiation, I went through all the good comments as well as the negative ones, wanting to know what the worst possible scenerio was so I wouldn't be scared or surprised if it happened. Well, lucky for me, I didn't end up with bad burns and blisters and was very grateful.
This time, the one I am most concerned about is in regards to the possibly crippling effects dealing with my knee, to top of my left foot and the lower lumbar region of my back. All these areas have been injured, they have some calcification and arthritis in various stages and can be a target for this medication. It can tend to affect the bones, cause pains in the joints (as well as the spine), and wreak a little havoc here. I have had my bone density test already as the starting point and many of you know, my knee has hung in there for a long time but is definitely showing signs of needing replacement. Just want to hold myself together a little bit longer! LOL
My doctors drug of choice for me is called Anastrozole and is often marketed under the company name, Arimidex. Luckily, as you read earlier, a generic variety came to be in July so my very expensive medication is a reasonable $10.00 a month now, thank goodness, and will come in the mail. This little chemotherapy drug wannabe is my new friend daily for the next five years.
Most say, "You are so lucky. Just a pill to take, that is great!" And I am hoping that will be all there is to it. But remember, I seek out all that I can find before starting each part of this craziness and there's more to this little drug than meets the eye. Cancer is NOT easy...not in its medications, its emotional effects, and it just stays with you. Once you know it's been there, it can come visit at any time. I admire even more the people who have been living with theirs for years!
IF I am lucky, there will be very few, if any, side effects and only those close to me will know I am letting that drug wander around inside my body and try to choke out the estrogen anywhere it can be made or found.
IF the side effects become too much, too uncomfortable, there are alternatives. I have talked with those closest to me and shared before I decide anything, we'll discuss it, I'll get their opinion, then possibly try one of the other aromatase inhibitors and see if that is better. BUT either medication makes it too painful to walk, keeps me from driving or interferes with my quality of life, that's it! I'm on my own here and there are more things to consider. So, we are all taking it a month at a time. No side effects, or manageable ones...no problem and I'll swallow that little pill happily each day.
Following this post, I will put in the information on Anastrozole so you can see why I am thinking ahead just in case. Yes, I know my doctor recommended it because she has confidence in the drug for women my age and early stage breast cancer and believes that the side effects and risks outweigh what could happen going without it. But I am also that rarer form of breast cancer and the one that seems to do things unexpectedly sometimes, so we'll just keep watching, stay positive, and do whatever it takes to keep the cancer cells from growing and finding a new home someplace else in my body. And with all the encouragement and positive vibes I am receiving from everyone, hopefully this will be manageable too.
Hi Donalee, Just read through your most recent blog entries...So sorry you have been hurting so much! You are in our prayers every morning. You are loved!
ReplyDeleteChristal (& Burt too!)