Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@buckokey

Depending on the type of cancer you have, a mastectomy may not solve your ultimate
concerns. I have/had HER 2 Positive cancer generated and promoted by estrogen.
I have been on Anastrozole for six years. My numbers are good (according to my
oncologist). However, I am now facing the possibility of eye surgery as a possible side
effect of hormonal therapy. My mother, however, had one of the effects and she
never had cancer nor was she ever on hrt. So, My eye condition might be an inheritable
condition. It's all of the uncertainty that is so disturbing to me at this point in time.
J. Hendrixson

@jhendrixson
Oh I do agree with you! I’m awaiting a scan due to intermittent pain on my right side that will feel almost like pleurisy—and then go away for a few days and start again. I’m also awaiting a heart monitor because doctor said he hears palpitations. I have eye appointment (routine) this month so will see how that goes. Having “C” makes me question every little pain—and I hate it. Knowing I’ve had the lump in breast for over two years—but only told it was ILC about a year ago; then encouraged to try shrinking the lump (which is now two lumps) for 9 months and have lumpectomy—to now thinking “just remove entire breast”—it’s all so overwhelming. Is the cancer spreading since it took so long for diagnosis? Is the pain just a little “something” I needn’t worry about? Are all these other symptoms a result of taking these AI’s or are they something I would have had any way at “my age” (79)? I feel like this has dragged on too long and I’m exhausted from all the changes and decisions ahead. Trying to remain positive; waiting on tests, outcomes, and surgery is difficult but trusting in my faith along with medical team’s advice and guidance.

@buckokey
I had a routine mammogram that showed a lump. Within the month I was seeing a
Breast Cancer surgeon at St. Thomas Breast Cancer center. I had chemo, a lumpectomy,
radiation. I was prescribed Anastrozole at some point. I had a round of chemo after
the lumpectomy since pre-surgical chemo had not totally eradicated HER 2 positive
cancer cells. I have been on Anastrozole for six years. My numbers are good according
to my oncologist.
Your treatment probably depends on the kind of breast cancer you have or had.
My was generated by estrogen. Estrogen is also, apparently, found throughout the
body. So estrogen suppression is important for me.
I will say keeping a positive attitude has helped. I kept on lecturing through the
chemo, radiation, and two days after surgery. I am a bit fearful about the status of
my eyes, but that may the result of an inheritable condition or it may be estrogen
suppression. I do not know if there is a definite answer to that. And, it probably
does not matter ultimately.
I am so sorry that you are having these problems with health. I was surprised by
diversity of causes for breast cancer. Prior to my own experience, I just naively
assumed there is only one cause. As much as possible you need a doctor or team
to assess causal factors and determine a way forward after that. At least in my
amateurish way, I think that makes sense. I am just passing along bits and pieces
based on my experience. Professionals may have a greater set of knowledge to
help.

J Hendrixson

I feel in my case I got poor advice from my PCP in the beginning. Knowing first of all, that I had BC 22 years ago (ductal vs ILC now)…
I’ve had routine mammograms the past many years so when I discovered a rather large lump (felt egg size to me), I went for mammo, asked about ultrasound which they did a few weeks later. Was told “nothing to worry about”. Hindsight tells me right then I should have been sent for biopsy due to my history). It wasn’t until I developed pneumonia and had a scan that discovered endometriosis, with a visit with an OB-GYN who immediately sent me for an ultrasound (this was 15 months after originally given the not-to-worry advice). Immediately told it was ILC (estrogen fed) and all the scans, biopsies, etc began. No reputable oncology surgeons in my small town so it’s a 90 minute drive to my surgeon. It wasn’t until meeting her that the AI treatment was recommended last June followed by lumpectomy in 6-9 mos. Now, 8 months later with surgery planned for mid-March (allowing full 9 months of AI to reduce lumps as much as possible before surgery) now told if pathology report deems necessary for second surgery,
“ In my case it would probably mean mastectomy “. That has thrown me in a total different mindset. And then all these other issues (?side affects?) are discovered in past couple months makes me rethink my decision of just having mastectomy. The waiting in between all this is grueling. And to think about taking anastrozole another 5-10 years and constantly worrying about next side effects… I have to now wear a heart monitor following checkup by PCP last week, taking scan due to unknown pain in my side, BP going higher, and cholesterol! How or will I ever know if these are all due to the anastrozole or “aging”?? Sorry I know this is TMI… Just wondering if others have had similar experiences. Thanks for listening ! Guess I’m just a little more than angry and disappointed.