Breast Cancer/arimidex

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Expert: - 9/13/2005


Question
In Dec 2004 had lumpectomy for 2.5cm tumor, clear margins, negative all lymph nodes, radiation therapy. Surgeon has me on Arimidex since May and I am worried about the side effects. I have pain and stiffness in knees,ankles, weight gain, and fluid retention.
Also had a negative pet scan after surgery. What will Arimidex do for me to prevent a recurrence, and are side effects worth it, I worry about bone loss, etc.  Thank you. Jill, Stuart, Fl.

Answer
You are the only one who can decide if you think the side effects are worth it. But since you ask, if I happened to be in your situation I would definitely accept the side effects since the risks of a relapse are so much reduced. Bone loss can be reduced with other drugs. Many other side effects can be countered by other means. Good luck!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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