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Has anyone stopped anatrozole because of carpal tunnel symptoms??
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jun 12 5:27pm | Replies (36)Comment receiving replies
I have been on Anastrozole for 4 1/2 years. I have not had carpel tunnel but the arthritis in my hands have increased considerably. I am 85 years old and considering stopping the pill now rather than waiting for 5 years.
Any comments to help me make that decision?
Thanks
Replies to "I have been on Anastrozole for 4 1/2 years. I have not had carpel tunnel but..."
I'm new to all of this. My oncologist suggested that I take ANASTROZOLE. I also have arthritis in my shoulders and back. The wintertime I'm in the most pain. I'm 80 years old and wondering if this medication gives me the quality of life I want. My oncologist said it was my choice. We are in control of our own bodies. I'm sure I will probably not take this pill. You have to decide if the next 6 months is work it to you. Good Days are ahead of you.
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@lucyanne5005 There’s this whole continuum to consider when making this type of decision. I don’t know about you, but the uncertainty really bothers me.
It looks like I will be having to make a decision soon, too. Still waiting on more testing, but I’ve been on Tamoxifen for almost 3 years and it looks like it may be pushing me towards diabetes. I’m weighing cancer risks vs diabetes.
Maybe what I’m considering would be factors that you’d want to look at (although we’re on different meds with different side effects).
My first concern is the risk of cancer recurrence. I have a pretty good idea what the research says it is, but I’ll be contacting my survivorship provider to give me some guidance because I want a professional opinion. You’d want to revisit what your risk is now. Our risk levels are all so different!
I’m also considering quality of life. You’d want to consider whether worsening arthritis is a problem to your future independence. When fine motor tasks, and hand strength is reduced, everyday self care and activities can be difficult.
Consider also how the med is impacting other organs. I’m looking at negative effects on cognition, hypothalamus, cortisol but balancing that with better heart outcomes, bones, and genitourinary function. You might consider the higher inflammation impact to your body, as evidenced by the worsening arthritis, and whether there is a connection between your arthritis and heart function and the AI.
I MAY have taken enough tamoxifen to reduce my risk for another 7 years, just as your 4 1/2 yrs of the AI may have improved your risk significantly. But I’d suggest discussing risks, side effects, and impact of other organs with your doctor.