Connect
← Return to Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Discussion
Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 21 hours ago | Replies (2054)Comment receiving replies
@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.
Replies to "@jhendrixson Oh I do agree with you! I’m awaiting a scan due to intermittent pain on..."
Connect
@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