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I started on Anastrazole and had to stop when diarrhea and trigger thumbs hit me. I took a break and was put on Exemestane. Have been on it now 15 months. I have joint aches and stiffness, mainly in hands, feet and ankles. Stretching does help. Warm water helps the hands. I am almost 86, had a mastectomy and chemo in 2024. My risk number was 34, which is considered high so when I am tempted to stop the drug, I remember that score. I continue to be active and involved. Fatigue hits me in the afternoon. Age or drug, or both?? I have a friend who takes this drug and has no side affects at all. Isn't it odd that everyone reacts so differently? Give this drug a try and let us know how it goes. Best Wishes as you go forward.
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@ksue3
I am starting Exemestane, today! I need to know are you taking this with herceptin too? My oncologist suggested this too. but, first they want to rule out. heart disease. They want to rule out high blood pressure but, very willing to put me on high pressure medicine. My blood pressure was good until chemo. Trying to convince anyone to listen to me is like talking through a straw. 74, exercise at gym twice a week, and walk everyday with dogs 1-3 miles. Still got cancer however, I have to build up to 1-3 miles and strength before I can say that I might need it. Fatigue is the main side effect of chemo for me. And muscle fatigue, I sat around for 4 months to to extremely cold weather and fatigue while on chemo. Just started to have a life again, but went to a party this weekend. I stood around for just 2 hours and sat for some of those 2 hours and had to rest for an entire day! So, doing PT oncology and massage therapy , eat fish,turkey chicken, lots of vegetables, fruit to get back on track. I don't like steak or hambrger!
@ksue3 you say a risk score of 34 makes you continue the meds. Where does this come from. I have looked up risk scores online but If you answer that you have been diagnosed, they tell you they can’t give you a number. I’m 73, did lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. My doctor does tumor markers and while I understand there is a lot of discussion about their accuracy , it still adds to the picture. Mine have never returned to normal and twice now have bounced back to before treatment levels. So like you, whenever I have thoughts of stopping these meds, it makes me wonder if there’s something there that makes this test go up that will wreak havoc if I stop controlling it with the medications. Have currently been off exemestane for 10 days, already feel a little better. If it continues, I won’t go back on this drug as there isn’t quality of life there, but he will want me on letrozole which may take me back to where I was on Anastrazole. If there is another test/score etc that may help clarify the need for these meds, I would want to see that number.
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@ksue3 I can relate to all of the side effects, I have been on exemestane for 3 years and it is a challenge. I did help some of the fatigue by taking it at night instead of the morning.