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← Return to Anastrozole experience: Any tips for managing side effects?
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Anastrozole experience: Any tips for managing side effects?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 13 hours ago | Replies (99)Comment receiving replies
I was fine on Anastrozole for first ten weeks or so ,just the odd hot flush. At about ten weeks so much back pain and bladder effects I could hardly walk. I’m a person to whom a five mile walk is just ‘ a little stroll ‘ usually. Advised by oncologist to take a break from it after four and a half months. Also given nuclear med scan as symptoms were so severe. Have recommenced three and half months ago currently not so much bone pain but really bad myalgia avian really impacting mobility. Also bad swings of mood and weepiness which it’s impossible to batten down. Hoping with perseverance that things will improve.Does Antone else have similar experiences and did this get better?
Replies to "I was fine on Anastrozole for first ten weeks or so ,just the odd hot flush...."
I had pain in my feet, knees, hips and occasionally my back. My mood swings were horrible and I was really mean to those I love most. The brain fog had me hoping I wasn't getting dementia and the insomnia was pretty bad. My Dr and I came to the conclusion that the meds were recommended, but because my ILC was small and slow growing and I had DMX it was OK to stop the meds. I hope we made the right decision. My ILC was 100% fed by estrogen and progesterone
Anastrozole did not agree with me at all. I took about a month break from it and about but to myself. Then I started Exemestane- for me, fewer side effects but I also started yoga, pranayama and acupuncture. I am 62 and I’m good with my “new” normal. I just had my annual mammogram and sonogram and they were clear .
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Hi! @reflector75 :
Yes, my body developed "reactions" to taking Anastrozole, because apparently my old body still needs hormones to function adequately. However, I decided to continue taking Anastrozole because my cancerous cells were ER95%+, PR+, and Her2-, and taking any AIs is the avenue for me to keep those hormone-fueled cancerous cells from popping up anywhere in my body:(. Fortunately for me, my excellent & kind-hearted PCP referred me to the "Cancer patients' rehab program" for me to strengthen my weakened back, muscles, bones, aching joints, etc., via persistent PT/OT sessions and gradually I function almost normally now. This is not an ideal process, but this is the journey we are in, that we simply need to strive forward.
Best wishes to you all for a healthier, happier year of 2025 with hope, love, and peace!