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← Return to Exemestane side effects
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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!
Replies to "Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you..."
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.
@briarrose I too am between a rock and hard place, especially at my actual age of 85. I have led a very active lifestyle in leadership roles and very involved in activities. Now, I am cutting back on things. Picking and choosing what is most important to me. I was told the AI would age me and it sure has. Fatigue, hand problems, mood changes etc. The cancer was pretty aggressive so I feel I need to continue as long as I can on the drug. Just the last month or so I noticed I am losing a lot of hair again including eyebrows. Oh, darn. Well, we keep on keeping on. Staying busy helps as long as I can overcome the fatigue.
Wishing the best for all of us on this journey.
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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.