Should I Start Taking Anastrozole?

What do you mean the damage? Have you did any trail work or thought about it? I want to try but I have other stuff going on as well

I was texting and the NO was a mistake in previous message. Im wondering if anyone is OK with taking Anastrozole. Mild side effects?

Hi Melody, I have been on anastrozole since 3/13/24. I have had mild side effects mostly hot flashes, sleep disturbance and recently some hair thinning. My MO has prescribed medication for the hot flashes and hair. He said the hot flashes medication should also help with my sleep issue. I will start both after my lumpectomy this Friday. I wouldn't put off trying the medication, you can always stop. Also, for me it is working. My tumor shrunk a whole cm since I started which will hopefully allow for a better outcome with my lumpectomy. Good luck and there is no wrong decision. Janet the Unicorn

I was on Anastrozole for about 6 months. The hot flashes were about 2xs a day. Sleeping really wasn’t an issue but my legs did cramp. The biggest thing that had me go off of them was the intensity of my mood swings. I couldn’t handle them. But always remember everyone reacts differently.

Peggy, You had leg cramps from the med? Janet

I have been on Anastrozole since 8/31/23. Side effects have been manageable. Oncologist suggested Rogaine for hair loss, CoQ10 for muscle cramps. Walking daily and deep breathing also has helped manage my irritability. Had my lumpectomy on May 10th. Anastrozole did not shrink my tumor but pathology came back with no residual cancer in the tumor or lymph nodes. Best wishes!

Yes Janet unfortunately I did my legs cramped and twitched it was crazy

I have been taking Anastrozole since February 2024. I experience dry mouth, constipation, and hot flashes. I pray that is all! Hang in there!

I was supposed to start it this week as well. I had my lumpectomy/reconstruction and reduction for ILC on March 1. Clean margins and no lymph nodes involved. As a second very small tumor was discovered during surgery, I did do 5 weeks of radiation (25 treatments). My mammoprint came back as ultra low risk. Both the oncologist and breast surgeon said they don’t see too many of those and further treatment was optional at my age of 79. The oncologist said he wasn’t sure how beneficial AI would be for me, but would treat me the same anyway, but only for two years. I also discussed with my primary and radiologist and all have said I am right on the fence for further treatment. They all have told me there is no clear cut decision in this case. I picked up the Rx for anastrozole, but haven’t taken any. Those who know me well and how I react to everything have urged me not to take it. All of the doctors did say if I were the ages of our daughters, they would definitely advise it. For now, I am not.

I have been on anastrazole for 5 years and have been advised to take it for another 3 years. No problems with it. If it means no future cancer, I will continue taking it.

Yes, there are side effects to taking Anastrozole but manageable with adjustments. (I say this with the caveat that they differ from woman to woman!) I started taking it in April, after 2 lumpectomies and a month of daily radiation for stage 1 invasive lobular carcinoma. Here are my side effects and how I managed each one: 1) insomnia: I began taking the pill at 6 pm, not before bed, and the insomnia eased up almost completely. 2) stiffness and joint pain: I go to Jazzercise every day (if possible), take Aleve every 12 hours and a tart cherry capsule in the morning. Still a bit stiff and some joint pain, but manageable especially if I am faithful to exercising. 3) very bad moods! I increased my antidepressant dose slightly, and also found that after I got the insomnia under control the moodiness subsided. I hope some or all of these work for you, as I also understand that these estrogen antagonists are our best protection against metastasis and recurrence. And I want us all to lead long and healthy lives!

Well home from lumpectomy. Sore, but ok. Lymph nodes clear, waiting on path report. Good news so far.

Hi Melody! I have been on Anastrzole 5 years and will likely be on it 5 more. I have mild side effects in my joints but I work out most days and that helps. There is no evidence of disease right now. I would encourage you to go on it if that is recommended

Sick as a dog on all of them, I tried! Night time leg cramps almost killed me!

According to my oncologist, to minimize symptoms and side effects it is important to eat nutritious foods and exercise daily. Everyone is different and will react to medications differently. However, it is worth a try because after all it effects one’s life and longevity.

anyone on the AI also take meds for type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and thyroid meds? My mom at almost 70 is supposed to take an AI after surgery but reading all the side effects and everything she’s on is it worth the risk? I feel like she will suffer more and quality of life will tank for 10% reoccurrence ? Insight?

Hi A K, I am 65, taking AI since 3/13/24. I have the same issues as your Mom except the thyroid. I haven't had any issues so far. Each patient is different so keep that in mind. Best to you and your Mom. Janet the Unicorn

Thank you Janet! Can I ask what kind of side effects if any u have encountered ?

Hi A K, I have had hot flashes, hair thinning, and sleep issues. Not sure if the sleep issues are from the meds or not, had problems before. My medical oncologist has prescribed me meds for the hot flashes and hair thinning. The hot flashes aren't bad, but he said the med may help with the sleep issues. I'm just starting it today. Janet

Thanks for the input!

Hi A K. I am almost 60. I am type 2 diabetic. Have been controlling my diabetes with diet since last Sept but took metformin until then. I had a quadruple bypass in May 2023 and am on Ezetimibe, Atorvastatin and Metoprolol. My oncotype score was 2. My quality of life has not tanked. I share all of my side effects with each of my doctors and we always seem to find solutions that work. Your mom is lucky to have you helping her navigate all of this!

Oh Carrie thanks for sharing! She’s been worried about it and in the meantime we had her lumpectomy two weeks ago one spot came back positive margin the other clear so back to surgery this Friday Reexcision and I hope she gets clear margins ..it’s DCIS stage zero.. so just nervous for her and trying to ease her concerns. If I called her surgeon and their office with all these questions they would think I’m too much so appreciate everybody’s input .. ❤️🙏

Hi Melody - 72 with Stage 3 breast cancer in about 6 lymph nodes on my left side. This is a third occurrence - after mastectomy, tamoxifen and 20 years which is super annoying. They wanted to do chemotherapy but felt I was too old - so elected to go on Anastrozole to shrink the stage 3 tumor down to stage 2. Have been on the medication since May and not too bad. Joint aches, vaginal dryness, small headaches, some insomnia, tiredness and a little grumpy - extra hair shedding. Trying to eat healthy and exercise every day. Probably in August will have another PET/CT - hopeful for shrinkage then they can operate and probably be back on Anastrozole after. If works will be worth the few minor side affects. Suggest you take may be surprised that side effects are a minor nuisance.

This decision about starting a new treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when weighing potential benefits against concerns about side effects. Many people in this community have faced similar decisions and found it helpful to have detailed conversations with their oncology team about their specific situation, timeline, and any concerns. Consider writing down your questions and worries to discuss during your next appointment - your medical team can provide personalized guidance based on your individual case and help address your specific concerns about this treatment option.