Anastrozole fatigue - what helps?

Hi. I began taking anastrazole a month or so ago, and one of the things I noticed was the "wall of tired" I ran into in the 2-3p timeframe. My doc tells me it's a major side effect, but it's the best in its class. I'm still new to the idea that I was diagnosed with breast cancer...I mean, that happens to other people, right? Diagnosed in January, lumpectomy in February, followed by 20 days of radiation, 16 whole breast, 4 boosted sessions. I've been enormously blessed with my journey thus far. The mental gymnastics is what I struggle with at times. What I haven't come across yet is do any of you have a partner or significant other who thinks if you just "pushed through" those spells of being tired, you'd feel better? I've not ever been one to sit around; I wasn't raised to be lazy. I've had a healthy adulthood. So this is my first significant impact to my health, and I should just "push through??" And to top it off, I was diagnosed with pneumonia this week. Where the hell did that come from? Appreciate the listen!

To be honest, with all you've been through, "just push through" does not seem like the best advice. Your body is probably still recovering from all its been through, and, while I have not taken Anastrazole, it does seem like tiredness may be a significant side effect for some. If I were you, and my schedule permitted it, I would just plan on an hour-long nap after lunch. Hopefully you would feel more energized when you wake up (not everyone does, but it usually does the trick for me if I am feeling tired). Obviously, eat a healthy diet, exercise, etc., but give yourself a break! I have read that some people take Anastrazole (or other drugs that make you feel sleepy) before going to bed. If you haven't tried that, it might be worth it.

I had Anastrozole for 12 months. My onco took me off it because of finger stiffness to the point that I couldn't hold an object especially at night. Now I am on Exemestane, for 4 months now. The stiffness is going away but not completely. Exemestane doesn't seem to cause more ache and pain like Anastrozole. Give it a try. You'll probably be fine with Exemestane. Hugs.

Thank you. Is it causing you a lot of weight gain? I guess because it's a steroid that is one side effect.
I am doing much better three weeks off Anastrozole. Left leg still not trust worthy, hopefully it will be soon.

I haven't gained weight since exemestane but that's probably because I've been watching my diet after gaining 7lbs within 2 months of anastrozole. It's hard to loose weight on AI! I'm glad you're doing better. Maybe leg strengthening exercise would help you recover faster? Wish you all the best. Hugs.

I was on Anastrozole for 2 years and it did untold damage to my back and joints. Doesn’t mean same will happen to your. I started Exemestane a year ago and even though the damage is done now, exemestane is easier on my body. My oncologist wouldn’t cha ge my prescription, male oncologist,so I got rid of him and had a different oncologist give me a new prescription!! He had no understanding…

Talked to my doctor about this very effect. We decided taking it at night might dull the exhaustion, plus I’m walking three miles a day to boost my energy level and my mood. He reminded me that the severe headache I had for the first six weeks is gone. So, I hope you’re able to find a solution.

I bought a little ‘bicycle’ that fits on ground in front of my chair and I cycle 30-40 mins every day. It has helped strength legs. Got it on Amazon and Cody in UK was under £33. Money well spent, for me anyway x

Thank you, I had to go off of anastrozole due to same with my fingers. I can’t play golf anymore my baby fingers don’t work still have bodyaches and for one month. I have oncologist On Thursday options🙏🏻