I have been on Arimidex for 2 months now after having taken Tamoxifen for 5 years. I still get the hot sweats which I have got used to but my main concern is that I now suffer from extreme mood swings, depression, total despair at times and often spend hours crying over matters I could previously deal with. I have no libido and this has affected my relationship with my husband. I feel I have gone through enough, as I'm sure most of you have, after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, completing 6 months of chemotherapy and 5 years of Tamoxifen with its own side effects. Has anyone chosen to stop taking this drug, despite what the expert tell us are its advantages (ie to kill off any hormones and/or cancer cells that can cause the cancer to recur) ? Please advise me as I am feeling pretty down and confused.
I started taking Arimidex in November,2007. After a breast cancer daignosis in February, I completed 6 rounds of chemo and 33 of radiation. I never felt certain that I should take Arimidex. I had wonderful doctors and great confidence in their advice. However, my symptoms developed almost immediately. They included muscle and joint pain, severe vaginal dryness and loss of libido, headache, and hot flashes. But the biggest problem that I experienced is the overwhelming depression and mood swings that make me feel like I am having a nervous breakdown. They seem to come out of nowhere. I can get up feeling great in the morning and before lunch I feel like the house burned down, my husband left with a 20 yr old, the children squandered my fortune and the dog died. It is horrible. I made the decision to stop taking the drug. This is a well thought out and researched decision. I am seeing a nutritionist since diet has much to do with the development of disease. I have also committed to a walking regimen. Nothing complicated or extreme. For me, this better supports the quality of life that I want to live. Each person must choose the best way for them.