It's different for everyone. I was on Arimidex for about 9 months before my joint pains got so bad my doctor switched me to Femara. After no improvement, 2 weeks later I was put on Aromasin. I've been on Aromasin for 2 1/2 years and I don't suffer from the joint pain other than the regular arthritis. Insomnia, dryness and irritability are my main side effects. But I've always had problems with insomnia.

So you never know if and when you're going to have side effects until you do.

My side effects on femera were gradual and really did not get too bad for the first 6 months or so. Oncologist has put me on high doses of vitamin D once a week. Only taken 2 doses so far, but am seeing a difference.

So, try no to worry too much. There are plenty of options for them to try if you have problems with one.

I've been on tamoxifen for about 3 weeks. Only side effects I've had is hot flashes and bone and muscle pain in my legs. Been taking aleve or motrin when the pain and stiffness get to bad. I notice it more when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of my car. If this is all I have to endure to prevent the cancer from coming back I can handle it. Hope you don't have any bad side effects. Keep a positive attitude and talk with your doctors if you have anything to bad.

@A MyBCTeam Member. I take 1200mg of calcium, a 600 in the morning and a 600 in the evening. We can't absorb more than that all at one. I do 250 mg of magnesium in the morning and 250 about dinner time.

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A MyBCTea...

That is what vitamin D is for. That is way higher than most Drs tell you to do. I take 2000 IU a day, which is14,000 IU a week. I may up it and see what happens. It takes calcium as well. The D helps the body absorb the calcium. I also take magnesium because it helps with bone health and many other things, as well.