What are your experiences with mild side effects from estrogen blockers after me...

I know that’s what I we’ll be getting? Same question

I really haven’t noticed any side effects- taking Anastrozole. Started in April

What are you on for hormone therapy? And how long have you been on it? I have osteopenia and hypothyroidism, I'm afraid to start the estrogen blockers. I only have 6 of the 21 radiation treatments left. My surgeon was very sure she got the cancer doing the lumpectomy, there were no cancer cells in the nearby lymph nodes... Is it really necessary to take the blockers and screw up my body with pills? I was told my tumor was a grade 3 and cancer was a stage 1.

I am stage 1b with grade 2 cancer. I am 61 so post menopause. I tried anestrazole and exemestane and after several days felt horrible physically and mentally......I am starting 5 mg of tamoxifen tomorrow. It's a very low dose but my oncologist is ok with it since I had bad experiences with the others.

Thank you Nancy for your response. I hope that works for you. I'm an active person living on a farm. I have to maintain my mobility and strength. My bone scan identified the osteopenia I can:t risk developing osteoporosis or disable pain in joints and bones from the hormone blockers. I really need to know that they are really necessary...

I’m on letrozole and am gaining weight, I eat healthy; hot flashes but now have something for them and the burning and itching in the vaginal area was intense, finally have that under control!!

Hi Karen, I am in year 2.5 and developed osteopenia on Letrozole. I started Reclast infusion for the osteopenia. The risk of recurrence without an aromatase inhibitor is too risky for me so will continue to complete 5 years if I can......each person has to make their own decision. Gather information and best to you.

Helen - curious , for the vaginal issues have you been treated by dermatologist or oncologist.

I tried 5 mg of tamoxifen after not having any luck with the aromatase inhibitors and now have a headache from the tamoxifen. Considering stopping the meds but I'm stressed.

I have been on Letrozole for 2 1/2 months and recently had body rashes and eczema on my hands. I never had any skin/allergic issues in my life.  I also have hot flashes and my skin overall seems a lot drier.  I had a very tiny cancer stage 1 with lymph node biopsy clear. I had a lumpectomy and 16 rounds of radiation. When l took a blood test for the rashes,  it showed I was having a strong allergic reaction in my body- hence the body rash.  they gave me a pack of methyl prednisone to counter the allergic reaction.  I’m following the science, which says that since my cancer was estrogen positive - theoretically it could show up in the other breast, so the letrozole will help with any recurrence. I have very mixed feelings about taking the letrozole and I’m going to the oncologist next week to discuss my rashes and I am concerned about future changes by blocking estrogen in my body. I am also going to an allergist and immunologist. 

I am on week 4 of Tamoxifen. No issues yer

I’ve been on tamoxifen for over 3 yrs. The only change I have noticed is more gas and bloating.

Ii am stage 4 with bone mets. I am on faslodex and zometa for 2 months. I am post menopause. I have hot flashes, vaginal and peri area burning. I am a bit more scatterbrained than before. I have had left groin pain, which started before treatment and sciatica on the other side since getting the injections. I tire much more easily. .y tumor was almost 100% hormone sensitive so really no choice. I'm a retired RN a d believe me, this is better than chemo. All my love to you!

Mary F I was treated by a uro-gynocologist that my surgical oncologist sent me to.

I’ve been taking Anastrozole for about 3 1/2 months after Taxol treatment. I haven’t been aware of any side effects at this point. I had no real issues when I went through menopause, so that might be a factor.

I am on my 8th year on Anastrazole. I don’t feel any side effects now although I am sure my bones are weaker. St the beginning I had lost of soreness and joint pains Exercise was the best treatment. I also developed hemorrhagic cystitis a couple of times. Lots of water and D-mannose capsules helped after the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Alina I’m on my 8th year also:) the first 3-4 years it sucked .. lots of bone pain .. cramping in feet and hands etc.. but these last 4 years not so much anymore :)

I've been on Anastrozole for 1 year now and it's not been an easy journey. I'm tired all of the time, my muscles ache and I'm stiff. I should exercise more, however I'm not intetested in more exercise due to how I'm feeling. Any suggestions are appreciated.

There has to be a better way to get and stay cancer free! I'm studying nutrition...

Has anyone tried taking letrozole every other day? If so, was there any noticeable changes? Cancer reoccurrence? Side effects? I’m trying hard to stay positive but I’m not wanting to gain a bunch of weight over the next few be years! It’s ridiculous and I eat healthy!

Karen...maybe I should consider my nutrition as well. However, processed meats gone, pork gone, beef 1-2 x weekly, carbs and dairy limited. I've added more fruits/veggies and fish. I'm not sure what else to do.

I just started reading a book by Casey Means, it's called "Good Energy". It's about controlling your health with good natural nutrition. It's fascinating and it gives a path for improving your overall health.

Using nutrition as a treatment is what I am trying as well. Also,I'm going to try exemestane again at a lower dose every other day and see if I can withstand the side effects. I tried every day a month ago and 4 days in felt awful so I stopped.

Ladies...thank you so much. I'm going to pick up the book and research exemestane. I never heard of it. I exercised 30-45 mins 4 days this week. I pushed myself, and admittedly, I had more energy. Small steps.

After 6 weeks on tamoxifen I developed a DVT and am now on Eliquis. Letrozole, aromasin and Arimidex all caused dizziness and amnesia. What next?