When do side effects of anastrozole begin?

Yes, I agree, we really need to be able to communicate with our doctors. Check back in whenever you feel like sharing what you decide to do.

I’ve been on it since April 22, 2024. Most side effects took about two weeks: extreme fatigue and naps during the day, every other day. The horrific headache lasted three months and started the second day. Now, December, 2, 2024, no headache and fatigue is manageable since I started going to the gym three times a week.

I've been on anastrozole since Oct 20th and have had no side effects. I'll be on it for up to 5 years. Depends how my check ups go.

I’ve been on Anastrozole for 10 years. I was taking chemo when I started taking it so I can’t honestly say which was causing what side effects. Any side effect I have had from it has really not affected me too much. I know different medications affect everyone differently but my experience has been good with it. Good luck to you!!

Keep reading the posts as I have found it helpful and comforting with lots of good info! I worried too when starting but nothing drastic is expected and if you think you have side effects, give your docctor a call. I am doing ok with it so far 14 months. Try the time of day convenient for you and you can change later. I now take it in the morning so the hot flashes arrive in the evening.

I was on Anastrozole from august 21 till July 23. The side effects gif me were horrendous. I’ve been in exemestane July 23 to and including now but
I
Only take the medication every two days. Anastrozole did untold damage to my back and it will never b ok. Anastrozole caused me to have emotional problems, my sight deteriorated, but mainly my quality of life is gone. Changing to exemestane hadn’t helped an awful lot but I’m better on this than I was on Anastrozole. I think you should jerp an open
Mind and maybe do a journal of how you feel
On that particular medication. Best of Irish ☘️ luck to you

My lumpectomy for Stage Zero Intermediate Grade DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) was March 15, 2024. I then had on April 11, 2024, a Spinal Laminectomy on my L4-L5 for severe spinal stenosis, which I had delayed until after the breast surgery. Two weeks after completing five radiation treatments, I started taking 1 mg. Anastrozole daily on June 7th. By the time I had my final appointment with my back surgeon, I was having a lot of pain in my lower back. I continued to think that my back pain was a result of my back surgery until November 21, 2024, after my 4th appointment and three cortisone injections in my SI back joint by the pain management doctor, with no help to alleviate the pain. The excrutiating pain had to be the side effect of Anasrezole, which I stopped taking on Nov. 22, 2024. Although I still have pain in my joints, it is not as severe as it had been. There is hope that most of the joint pain will now be behind me, and I look forward to better days ahead.

I was on Anastrazole for 6 months and then switched to letrazole for about five. Lots of side effects from both, nausea, hot flashes, eye sight deterioration, joint pain, pain in right side,incontenience and extreme fatigue. When the emotions and quality of life got worse I stopped . Checked in with my doctor. He has offered Tamoxofin after the first of the year. It has its own problems, uterine cancer , for one, that really worries me. I am just now starting to feel better.

Is the test you are talking about in the last sentence , The Oncotype test. I don't think that it is, but I do not think I heard of a specific A.I. test and I am interested to know what it is called.
Also my P.A. told me that Anastrozole would be effective on average for 6-12 mos. She did not explain when I asked what exactly occurs with my type of Metastatic Lobular Cancer to a vertabrae when it may "STOP" working. Obviously, it was understood that the tumor starts to grow and I presume spread to possibly other areas. She said the cancer can become resistant to
Anastrozole. Can someone tell me if this is the standard affect of the post menopause A.I.s?
Also, I haven't wanted to ask about what I heard a patient say in a Metastatic BC meeting where she has it in the bones and it's apparently spreading and she said her bones have holes.
I kind of have that disturbing visual in my head, but no interest in looking up such an image and mean to ask my Oncologist do I have that type of Bone Met that will do that and will that start when on average when & what happens , and where does it tend to happen, in the ribs?
I've been taking a half dose by choice starting fr the beg. 10 mos ago since I am petite & only 5' tall & was told the prescription is a one size fits all scrip. What other presentation of Anastrozole becoming resistant can anyone provide ?

The test I mentioned was Oncotype, although I am not sure it is relevant for your situation. If I understand correctly, you have metastatic lobular cancer in your bones?
The bone lesions from lobular breast cancer can be osteolytic (holes), osteoblastic (growth) or mixed. The best decisions you can make, are the most informed ones.
I pray that you can feel comfortable talking to your doctor about these lesions, and maybe discuss your treatment options.
Are you getting regular scans to monitor the lesions in your bones?