How Long Should I Take Anastrozole After DCIS Treatment?

Yes! After 5 years your doctor can reassess and it can be extended. Check your test results next year when you are due. Good luck

Hi Patty. I was diagnosed/treated the same except I had 26 sessions (lumpectomy Nov 2023) of radiation. I started the anastrozole Mar 2024 and when I asked about the meds, they said they would reassess at the 5 year point.

Do yall have side effects from the med?

Yes. Joint pain that has become intolerable. The longer we stay on the meds, the more money is made.

I've had a lumpectomy and 16 radiation treatments. I also have osteoporosis. I'm 73 yrs old. My doc wants me to take anastrozole. I am thinking of not taking it and just living my life.

I do have joint problems but I also had them prior to even taking the medicine because I have some other issues. So I basically knew how to deal with it so to speak. My rheumatologist is great and I have exercises from when I was in physical therapy that help a lot.

I’m on Letrozole 2.5 mg. Intense joint pain along with bone deterioration. But they all do that to some degree.

Hi I'm 5 years in I have been taking verenio and letrozole for a year maybe more the joint pain is tough my hand n feet cramp my shoulders get pain up to my neck I cry in pain I just woke to bleeding I'm scared I've already had a reoccurrence 8 months after my double mesectomy in 2022 my skin cancer has also come back and I'm inoperable so this has me crying scared of what all this means going forward

Lord I pray for healing for us. Give us guidance and wisdom as we walk through the fire. Comfort us and protect us. It's in the name of Jesus i pray. Amen.

I am curious, my Dr ordered breast cancer index test. They test your tumor to see if you would benefit from additional years of taking anastrozole. Only problem is, most insurance do not cover the cost. I have excellent insurance. If I was on Medicare, test would be covered. 1000 dollars or 700 if I pay in full. Anyone had any experience with this test? Thanks Patty B

I have Medicare and Medicaid I haven't paid for anything

I have 3 mutations BARD 1, SVM, & VM not Significant with a deletion from s8-s11 I'm 5 years out my DNA gave me 9 anyone else have a germline

patty. I am coming to the five year mark for Anastrozole . My oncologist first suggested another five. After doing some research I asked if two more was ok? He was fine with that since a lot of patients are doing that. I sometimes feel that doctors in the us always feels more is better

I have joint pain and fatigue. As long as I do exercise it’s not too bad.

I was told I needed 10 years

Treatment duration questions are so important to discuss with your oncology team, as recommendations can vary based on individual factors and evolving research guidelines. Many patients find it helpful to prepare a list of questions about their specific treatment plan, including any recent updates to standard protocols, before their next appointment. The supportive community here often shares similar experiences navigating these decisions with their doctors.