1. < Breast Cancer

Side Effects of Anastrozole - bone loss

Posted by cerwin @cerwin, Oct 2, 2021

I’ve been on Anastrozole 1mg for 6 months after right mastectomy for IDC. Has anyone had problems with thumb or finger joints? I researched “popping finger” and data say you need to wear a thumb brace for a month. I’m seeing my orthopedist next week.

My right thumb is the most painful. Left thumb pain and popping started about a week later, making me think the problem is systemic. Mayo doctors said to stop the endocrine therapy for 2 weeks to see if painful hand joints improve.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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cashemire | @cashemire | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @wpglea "I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed..." + (show)
@wpglea

I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

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I am 71 and mine returned sfter 2yrs same location. I hadnt taken AI but now after mastectomy have been taking Arimidex every other day w no noticeable effects

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wpglea | @wpglea | Jul 6, 2023

If I am reading your post correctly, you had cancer, surgery, and 2 years later you had a mastectomy. Are you sorry you had the full mastectomy?

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sequoia | @sequoia | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @whr "My trigger finger has resolved itself, I wear a brace on my wrist at night. It..." + (show)
@whr

My trigger finger has resolved itself, I wear a brace on my wrist at night. It will be four years in December since surgery, so far so good.

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It will be 4 yrs since my surgery, in August.

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irenegoody52 | @irenegoody52 | 3 days ago
In reply to @cerwin "Thank you for your response. I’m considering whether it’s worth it to stay on endocrine therapy...." + (show)
@cerwin

Thank you for your response. I’m considering whether it’s worth it to stay on endocrine therapy. Quality of life is very important to me - I’m 64 and my husband and I are retired and want to travel and enjoy life.

I applaud your courage to make the decision to live free of bad side effects! Praying for your good health and happiness!

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I am 72 and have decided quality over quantity for me. The radiation oncologist said I have 2% reoccurring rate with the treatment I already had so I'm rolling the dice and not taking estrogen blockers.

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irenegoody52 | @irenegoody52 | 3 days ago
In reply to @wpglea "I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed..." + (show)
@wpglea

I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

Jump to this post

I know how you feel. Its a scrap shoot for sure.

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tonysmom | @tonysmom | 3 days ago

My onco. stressed , from the start , to take Vit. D. Bone loss goes with my age (77)and now Anastrozole just exacerbates it. Been taking 4000 mg. daily since July "24" and so far have no bone problems.

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celestebradham | @celestebradham | 2 days ago

I had to stop taking anastrozole , Exemestane has agreed with me better, but I have also done acupuncture ( which had REALLY helped)and yoga and pranayama . I did have none loss after 6months of taking Exemestane…☹️ and have gained 5 pounds.
My cancer was 1.9mm and too small for an onco score- but my DCIS was larger 4cm - which is why my oncologist wants me to take the AI drug.

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celestebradham | @celestebradham | 2 days ago

Forgot that blood pressure went up, and cholesterol levels …

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