Medication During Breast Cancer

[JeanieB]

I was diagnosed in 1995 with IC. I am currently in treatment for breast cancer. I will be able to choose between Tamoxifen (a SERM) and Arimidex (an aromatase inhibitor). Has anyone with IC had experience with either of these drugs? One of my considerations about which to take will be which will have least impact on my bladder.

[amaranthe]

Hello and :welcome: to the ICN! I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with Breast Cancer as well as IC. That's alot for one person to handle. I can't help you with the answer to your question, since I have never had cancer or taken either med. I think it was definately a good idea to post your question, but I noticed that you posted yesterday and no one has responded yet. So, I am not sure if anyone can help here or not. But, if you dont get an answer here (or even if you do), I still think you should check with your Uro, Oncologist, and Pharmacist. I would probobly ask all 3 of them. As for your Pharmacist, you can ask if there are any fillers or dyes in either of them. Some fillers are dyes are problematic for some IC patients.

If you dont find out any info as to whether or not either of them have been problematic for IC patients, then you may just have to go on which is the most effective for your problem vs. which have the greatest potential for side effects.

I wish I could help you. I really, truly do. But, I will definately say a prayer for you. I pray that all goes well for you and you are soon in complete remisson from both.

[ICNDonna]

I'm glad you found the IC Network. We may not be familiar with the medications you asked about, but we are definitely here to support you. I think your oncologist may be your best resource about which medication will be most effective against the cancer --- and that would seem to be the most important thing.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Mothergoose]

sorry you are having to deal with this as well.

MG

[IHAVETOGO]

I was diagnosed in 1995 with IC. I am currently in treatment for breast cancer. I will be able to choose between Tamoxifen (a SERM) and Arimidex (an aromatase inhibitor). Has anyone with IC had experience with either of these drugs? One of my considerations about which to take will be which will have least impact on my bladder.
I am having issues. I'm on Tamoxifen for five years as I am considered high risk (atypical lobular hyperplasia). I started Tamoxifen on 12/31/2010.

Lately, I'm up at least twice during the night to urinate. The Tamoxifen also causes insomnia.

It's 3 am and I am WIDE awake. Important to note: so far, no IC issues :)

Good luck. Message me if you'd like.

angela

[bob04951]

Sorry you are going through all of these health problems. No cancer here but it appears many others have so many multiple issues. Not fun and very worrisome. Yes your oncologist is your best resource and also do online research on the meds and ask questions. Sure you will get other responses from those who know more about this. You need to get rid of the big "C" and more and more are survivors. You sound strong and stay positive, you can beat this. Always ask lots of questions and watch your diet while you are undergoing treatment, maybe speak with a nutritionist where you are having therapy. Take care, let everyone know how you make out, please. Jill, wife of Bob

[Linda May]

I wish I new how to help you, I am so sorry that you are going through ic and cancer. I have been wondering is ic as bad as cancer? I heard that it was.
I believe you are the first one I heard of that had cancer and ic. I wish you the best of health, and I hope my question is not upsetting to you. I am just trying to understand as much as i can about ic.:pray::pray: