Should I take Arimidex after stage 0 breast cancer at 74?

I meet with my oncologist next week. I just turned 74. Stage 0, lumpectomy and 5 radiation sessions last year. All good so far, but for me the meds are, lets just say I have issues. Started on Anastrozole changed to Letrozole. Some are ok on the drugs. Even friends. I think it is individual.

This is such an important decision and it's completely understandable to have questions about starting anastrozole at your stage of life. Many people in similar situations weigh the potential benefits against possible side effects, especially when dealing with stage 0 hormone-positive breast cancer. The decision is very personal and depends on many individual factors that only your medical team can fully evaluate. Connecting with others who have faced this same choice can provide valuable perspective and emotional support as you work through your decision with your doctors.

I'm in a very similar situation and have been wrestling with the same question about whether to start anastrozole - you're definitely not alone in feeling uncertain about this decision! It's so helpful to know others are weighing these same concerns about benefits versus side effects at our stage of life.

Dianne. I will keep you all posted!

Thanks for all your comments. 🩷

I also am taking anastrozole for one year now. My dry skin is now under control. I use baby oil or coconut oil at the end of my shower. I switched from one calcium/d3 supplement to Citracal slow release 1200 plus d3. I find it is working really well. I had invasive lobular stage 1A Her2 Negative

I am 69. Stage 1B, IDC, ER/PR+HER2-. Lumpectomy, 6 lymph nodes removed(1 with Mets) in mid-Sept 2025. Total hysterectomy (uterus/tubes/ovaries/cervix/2 pelvic lymph nodes removed) in late Sept 2025 due to endometrial cancer found during PET scan for breast cancer. No after treatments needed for endometrial cancer, just surveillance. Oncotype recurrence score of 0(zero). 20 whole breast radiation treatments Nov-Dec 2025. I started Letrozole 4 months ago. Side effects are manageable. It’s your journey, only you can decide on the path.

Just stopping in to say that I just turned 50 and have been on Anastrozole for a few years - I will admit that there were some rough patches in the beginning but I’ve also changed some other things like “diet and exercise” (eye roll, I know, except for me it works - who knows for others) and have never felt better. The medicine continues but does not bother me so if you end up giving it a try, know that there’s a lady out there taking it with no “known” side effects - maybe you will be the same? :)

Hi Daria ,I am 71 and also have an invasive lobular breast cancer ,stage 2 w one lymph node positive.I am 2 years out now from my lympectomy and radiation treatments and have been on anastrozole w Kisqali and I tried Letrozole and exemestine. All had similar side effects .The arthalgia joint pain is still the main side effect including fatique .I recently changed back to anastrozole and the side effects are lessoning as time goes by .I recently reduced my dose of kisqali from 400 to 200 and i think that was causing more of my side effects .Recently my oncologist suggested the goal of staying on Kisqali through 2 years.She said the most important drug for me is the anastrozole indefinitely so I am following her lead and accepting with grace and gratitude .Best wishes to you as you continue on your journey and give it chance.

Follow up. My oncologist thinks it’s the statin I am taking that is causing my joint and pain issues. I decided to take a break from both the statin and letrozole until June. He is aware of my decision. (I have a convention the beginning of June that I am responsible for.) So 5 days without drugs and I notice there is less pain. Before I was feeling crippled! Couldn’t bend normally and stairs were a challenge. BTW I do go to exercise class 3x a week to keep my joints moving. My GP left my medical group so I will have to meet with someone new re the statin. Ugh. Bottom line is that I will give this a month then go back on Letrozole alone to see if the pain comes back. The dr. dismissed my insomnia. Not the answer of answers but I will post updates.

Sarah. I hear you. How easy it is to dismiss the pain we live with on these drugs! This is a journey.

There are new drugs called SERDS for “endocrine”therapy, but I don’t know if FDA approved yet.