Connect
← Return to Pain at night while taking Anastrazole
Discussion
Pain at night while taking Anastrazole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 21 8:24pm | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
I have been taking Anastrozole only 5 weeks. I developed an awful pain in my right elbow joint to the point I have to hold my coffee cup with 2 hands...& that's just 5 weeks!
And, yes, I believe my occasional intense feelings of anxiety are drug related, this is something new also.
I am already on a SNRI for panic disorder for years. My struggles with anxiety is only increasing more taking this drug. I am in a crummy loop...all the possible side effects does not help.
Since it seems movement helps with joint pains, I would suggest starting a daily or every other day walking program. Good luck to all who are taking this drug...hoping it will work and a re-occurrence will not develop.
My question: How does one know a re-occurrence has occurred? I had a bilateral mastectomy and I was informed b/c it was "early stage" (but in both breast, 1 positive lymph node) the medical facility guidelines do not call for tumor markers blood work.
Replies to "I have been taking Anastrozole only 5 weeks. I developed an awful pain in my right..."
Connect
Hi! @briarrose:
I am so sorry for what you have been through:(
I, too, need to take anastrozole to prevent any recurrence of BC ; however, it is my understanding that all the "side effects" of this medicine really are our bodies' reactions to the insufficient production of hormones. Due to the fact that my BC tumor was more than 95% ER+, I feel it is my duty to my loved ones to take the AI drug and mitigate any side effects that come along with it.
Thanks for posting the great question:"How does one know a re-occurrence has occurred?" I am sorry that your medical facility guidelines do not call for tumor markers blood work; frankly, these are simple blood tests and not expensive at all. But have your care team established regular follow-up visits with you to make sure that recurrence should not happen after your surgery or to catch it as soon as possible? Perhaps I've been lucky, for my oncological surgeon still sees me every 6 months to do a physical exam on me and order imaging tests (alternatively with mammogram + ultrasound, and bilateral breast MRI) after my initial surgery back in 2023. My PCP also does a physical check on me at my annual physical exam, and they (both are kind hearted ladies) stress the importance of a regular self exam. So I am dutifully taking my medicine, doing my exercises and chugging along on this journey with faith, hope, gratitude, peace and love.
Wishing you all a better journey ahead, my comrade!