Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

My oncologist blames any issue that I might have, which have all been minor, on Verzenio and not so much Anastrozole. So who knows??????? I'm just thankful no side effects to speak of. Well, poo poo, you and I need to "force feed" ourselves. Lol. Actually, sometimes I do. I scour the computer for good food, mainly protein. I keep the Boost 530 calorie drinks on hand and drink as I need to. The drawback, they have some sugar. They taste really yummy. I like Vanilla. Also, I keep Premier Protein on hand to up my protein levels (21 grams and 1 gram sugar) and my protein is great on lab tests. I think my weight issue is because I no longer eat sweet foods, e.g., ice cream, pastries, etc. because cancer loves sugar, so my intake of sugar products is almost nil. Therefore, my weight loss. But I feel wonderful. Treadmill, walk at least 6,000 steps a day, rubber bands for stretching, etc. I think we're ok. Keep eating healthy and you should do OK. Blessings always.

Hi! @reflector75 :

I am so glad to know that you are currently participating in the UK's new research study "Roseta", and am grateful that you are sharing this encouraging news to inspire us:) Thank you!

Please keep us posted whatever you've learnt from the findings of this project.

Thanks!

@anniez1943 :

Wow! Anniez:

Thanks for sharing such an inspiring experience with us! Are you sure you are 83 instead of being 38??!! I am so happy to hear that you feel wonderful, keeping up with the treadmill, walking at least 6,000 steps a day, rubber bands for stretching, etc., at the lovely age of 83, you made us proud!

Wishing you all a better journey ahead with hope, peace, love and health to enjoy your loved ones!

@lifetraveler Hi - I will do . I do not think there will be anything published for about 2 years however.

I stopped my Arimidex this week due to bad tooth pain because I suspected there might be a protective effect of estrogen for pain. And with the pain subsiding a bit now (will need a root canal!), I took the time to do a quick search and found indeed that ''estrogen plays a significant role in modulating pain perception, often providing a protective effect against pain in women.'' This is something that I don't think is ever mentioned in discussions of the effects of suppressing estrogen, but it should be acknowledged it seems to me!

We all have to make the AI decision if we have estrogen positive cancer. In my case I had terrible side effects, so I decided against taking them. Consequently, I got a different breast cancer in my other breast 4 years later, so I had to go through another lumpectomy and 4 more weeks of radiation. The decision to not take the AI's could be a deadly one for some. I think if I had not been an elderly woman I may have made a different decision regarding taking the AI's.

It has been almost 2 years since my second breast cancer and I am still here, but I continue to be concerned.

My next MRI is in December. We will see how that goes.

@tullynut

I've done my research as well. I'm glad anastrozole is working for you. Because of the IRREVERSIBLE side effects I'll not be taking it . I want to live the next 5 years of life not taking pills to counteract what damage anastrozole has done.
My oncologist had a very open and honest conversation about this drug. We came to an agreement that it's my decision and she supports that.
My particular type of cancer is unique. Paget's disease.
I did have a bilateral mastectomy, although Paget's affects only one breast. No chemo or radiation.
As you said everyone's experience is different.

@briarrose
I really don't have a secret. Just made up my mind that Anastrozole was necessary to, hopefully, keep me from breast cancer for a third time. And I trust my oncologist completely. We are "working" on me together. I talk, she listens and then WE decide. I know that cancer is a horrible disease that I have no control over so I make myself think positive about most things, including what I can do in the present and if something would happen to me down the road, I know that I did my very very best. That's how Ive left it and my faith gets me thru any negative thoughts. I'm a super happy girl anyway, and happiness overpowers sadness. Plus, it's much healthier! I do lots of energy so I keep busy. Remember, if Anastrozole doesn't work for you, there are other AIs to try. My hair never got thin or fell out. I consider myself happy and so blessed. At my age, I want to have fun and live a great rest of my life and this cancer is just a rut in the road. You gals take charge of yourself and your bodies. I love you all!! Hugs

@katrina123
Like you I had estrogen positive cancer this summer and had a lumpectomy. I refused the radiation since my surgeon said all the margins were clear. Oncologist recommended it. I hope I won't be sorry later, but I didn't feel the need to go through it. To me it just seemed like they do it as a just in case they didn't get all the cancer. I was put on Anastrozole 1mg, but after 3 weeks I have decided to stop because of the side effects. I am a little worried doing that after reading that some of you had recurrence 4 years later. I don't drink, don't smoke and eat pretty healthy. Hoping that will keep me from getting it, but I may be totally wrong. I am willing to take that chance just so I can feel myself again and enjoy each day.