What's your experience with anastrozole after breast cancer recurrence?

Hi, Nil, sorry that you had to go through it again. I've been taking anastrozole for about 8 months now. The main side effects have been hot flashes and joint pain (I've also experienced mood swings, fatigue, and back pain). My joint pain has thankfully subsided for the most part (I take a lot of supplements), but now I have stiff fingers when I wake up.

Hi Nina, Thank you so much for responding to me. That is what I'm afraid of. I just don't want all that pain again, it was horrible for me. I just started feeling better a little over a year and a half ago and the thought of being there again just terrifies me. A patient navigator told me that another patient takes tart cherry extract, 3000mg and other has helped her. Interestingly enough, I had it on my list to buy. Idk, I just don't know. That fatigue was also excruciating. If I get more mood swings, everyone will have to disappear from my life..smh!

Hi. I have been on anastrozole for a year now. Have had side effects but usually not more than 1 or 2 at a time. Two things i have learned: experiment with when you take the medication. Taking it before bed made my nausea disappear. The other thing is, the side effects mostly go away. You might get a new one or maybe it will come back but there is a lot of fluctuation. It recently made my pre existing knee and ankle pain worse. Another patient suggested taking Claritin for the joint pain and it has helped a lot!

I have been on Anastrozole for almost 6 months. I have sweating, mostly my face, glad I don't wear make-up . I have back pain and at times I get very emotional, I start to cry and don't know why. No hot flashes or joint pain so far. I'm 66.

I have been on Anastrozole for almost 3years now. Mostly hot flashes and joint pain. At first they were unbearable but I took a 3 week doctor directed break. Now they are very manageable. I’m 77 so I think some of my joint pain is normal old age arthritis

This sounds like an incredibly challenging journey, and it's completely understandable to feel hesitant about starting another treatment after everything you've been through. Many community members have shared their experiences with anastrozole, and while some report manageable side effects, others have found different approaches that work better for their situation - having an open conversation with your oncologist about your concerns and exploring all your options together might help you make the decision that feels right for you.

I have only been taking anastrozole for about a month, but so far, I have not had any side effects at all. Honestly, I try not to think about it, as it is easy to associate every joint pain with the medicine. However, I have had joint pain off and on for the last few years, so that doesn’t mean the medicine is an issue.Best of luck to you!