Radiotherapy symptoms and conditions

Hi, I was diagnosed Sept 06 with a small breast tumor following a routine mammogram I had a Lumpectomy and 4 lymph nodes removed in Oct 06 In January 07 I started 15 sessions of radiotherapy and then was started on ARIMIDEX which i have taken religiously each day for a year even though I have felt WEAK ,slight ACHES in my knees, TIRED, and WEARY, SINUS infections, BOWEL PROBLEMS, METALLIC TASTE all of which eventually in December got me down so much my GP signed me off work with depression and I am now taking fluoxetine to lift my mood I am convinced the Arimidex affected me and has played a big part in the way I was feeling for the last year I told my breast care nurse about this she advised me to stop taking it for 1 month I have not taken it for 4 days and feel a different person already having more energy and feeling like I can cope with life and full time work again Has anyone else experienced the same side effects as me? from Rose SNY

It is nearly 2 years since having a bilateral mastectomy with affected axillary lymph nodes removed on both sides. This was followed by AC and CMF chemo and radiotherapy, all completed a year ago.
I was put on Tamoxifen but after a while I had side effects such as aching of muscles and joints. I was then put on Arimidex, but by April, I could no longer function through loss of sleep caused by the aches etc. I came off it for 3 months to go on overseas.
I resumed taking Arimidex and now after 3 months, I began to take them every other day to see if the symptoms would lessen. They didn't in any way, and now I have decided not to take anymore until I see the specialist in January for my check up.

I am unable to take anything stronger than paracetamol and then in moderation as it brings on IBS which is not any fun either!
Barb
4daisy@tpg.com.au