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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (2031)Comment receiving replies
Started on Anastrazole after lumpectomy & radiation. After a week, began to weigh side effects vs benefits and quality of life for an 83 year old with existing osteoporosis, sciatica, Bone pain, depression.....is it worth it? I was well and had a positive outlook on life, don't want to lose that.
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@irishmary Hi Mary,
I am not a doctor but I will tell you about my decision not to take anastrozole. Oncologists are in our lives because we have breast cancer. They will advise you and prescribe medications.After my double mastectomy I needed no chemo or radiation. My cancer was Paget's disease. Occurs only in one breast I had the other taken off so I wouldn't have to worry down the line
My doctor told me that I would be on this drug (anastrozole) for 5 years. Side effects hot flashes night sweats. I began my own research and asked this Mayo forum how they were doing on it. Truthfully I was looking for good outcomes. The results went from bad to worse. The side effects for some were horrendous and irreversible. Most women were taking meds to counteract side effects only to be taking more meds with a new set of side effects.
I spoke to my oncologist and gave her my reasons why I won't be taking anastrole. She didn't argue with me or read me the riot act. I told her I am 72 years old and I want a good 5 years. Not made up of pain and other ailments. I will have all my regular check ups and be a compliant patient. It just boiled down to quality of life. Your 83 Mary and it sounds like you have a lot of life left in you there. Make the decision that's right for you. Every woman should. Be well and best of luck.