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Exemestane side effects

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Oct 19 12:24pm | Replies (21)

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Profile picture for briarrose @briarrose

Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you are now experiencing.
But remember, ALL of the AI's have many, many side effects.
I am on anastrozole 1 mg. daily since June 2025. I have an annoying headache just about every day. And I am monitoring my blood pressure as it has increased (the systolic) despite 2 increased in my blood pressure medication. It's not at a danger zone right now...but it's consistently higher than it was before taking this drug.
My bone density at age 68 was normal. Now at age 70 and 3 months on this medication I have osteopenia in my left hip. Normal aging? Maybe. No one knows. But I will be monitored more frequently now. Plus I have ischemic heart disease and the combination of this health issue but the AI is not good at all. I can have a heart attack or stroke.
What to do? With invasive cancer (like me) I feel one needs to take their best shot to prevent a reoccurrence.
Of course, not all women feel this way. Some women are living in the moment and want quality of life.
But like everyone else, I don't want the cancer to return...and it most certainly can. I am between a rock and a hard place. But this was my decision. Weigh the pros and cons. And "maybe" your symptoms will resolve after a bit more time(??). All the best to you!

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Replies to "Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you..."

Thank you, briarrose,
I already tried Letrozole for 2 months and the side effects were worse, so that's why Exemestane. Only on week 3 and struggling. I so appreciate your support and trying to continue to see if the current side effects will subside.
I surely don't want invasive lobular cancer again and like you, a bit of difficult decision. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I literally signed up for a clinical trial and pray I get picked but it's to see if Zepbound can be used to prevent reoccurrence. Makes sense since post menopause your estrogen is coming from fat cells . As a single woman I cannot afford to take any more time off , have bad side effects where I can't work etc.

Thank you briarrose and brightlight66 for sharing the details. I am finding it very hard to swallow this little white pill that make me feel tired, sad along with the other side effects you both mention. I continue on 1/2 dose in the evening. I have been talking in my sleep which is kind of scary. I haven't dont that since I was a kid. I am 65 years old.