Recovery time after Anastrozole/aromatase inhibitors

Encouraged to find out by the end of this November, whether the new drug (instead of Arimidex) called Giredestrant will be FDA approved for early stage BC. It is not supposed to have the harsh side effects, and in the trials, not as many women stopped taking it early; the way so many of us did with Arimidex. Such an improvement would be welcome. I was 73, only took Arimidex for 2 months before it knocked me for a loop. The oncologist said to stop taking it. My recurrence rate went from 3% to 5%, so not a big difference. I was to the point where I couldn’t even withstand a trip to the grocery store without being down and out for hours afterward. Aces and pains and no stamina. Hair shedding was terrible. Interesting that some women have almost zero side effects and they are so fortunate. I am still using topical foam Minoxidil daily to get my hair back in shape.

@marygrannie yes I think this is a research area that begs exploration - are there specific genetic triggers that cause some people to be so severely affected?

I took Anastrazole for 14 mths - I started noticing a difference with brain fog, nausea, flushes almost straight away - about two or three days - aches and pains about two weeks. I feel fabulous - my old self again.

@forrestbeach26 so pleased for you - hoping I can eventually post something similar.

Giredestrant has been favorably presented at both the San Antonio Breast Cancer 2025 symposium and the recent ASCO conference in May 2026. Beyond the question of FDA approval, the question of cost remains.

I think many of us taking aromatase inhibitors are very interested in this drug which seems to work as well or better than AIs and possibly with fewer side effects. I asked my oncology PA about this drug at my last visit in early June, and oddly enough, she said little about it. That surprised me because I'm chomping at the bit to learn more about it. If it were possible to enroll in a clinical trial of this drug, I would have wanted to participate. Too late now.
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/giredestrant-reduces-recurrence-risk-better-than-tamoxfen-and-aromatase-inhibitors
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.16_suppl.502
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2026.44.17_suppl.LBA1006
Roche, the manufacturer of Giredestrant, indicated December 2026 for possible FDA approval:
https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2026-02-20

@forrestbeach26 Thank you for sharing! I've been on it for 8 months with trigger fingers , weakness in hand, fatigue, insomnia and lately depression. I decided to quit for awhile 5 days ago because I was depressed and already feel better. The depression has lifted, my sleep is starting to balance out and I enjoy my aerobics class more. I don't know if I'll quit for a month or two or for good, but just that I feel more like my old self again is just the best!

@brightlight66
Thank you for sharing. 💗 I really believe we all have to follow our own path and do what feels right for us.

A little update from me—it has now been six weeks since I stopped taking Anastrozole, and honestly, I haven't felt this well or enjoyed life this much since my diagnosis 18 months ago. That makes the thought of going back on it incredibly difficult, and at this stage I'm thinking I probably won't.

One of the biggest changes has been my mindset. Looking back six weeks ago, I was just trying to get through each day, constantly searching for ways to cope with the side effects. I can see now that I had fallen into a "breast cancer victim" mindset. I was feeling depressed, feeling sorry for myself, and every day revolved around managing the medication and its effects. My thoughts were always about cancer.

Now I feel like I've shifted into a "breast cancer survivor" mindset. I'm focused on making each day a good one, staying active, finding joy again, and filling my life with things I love.

These are just my personal thoughts, and I have discussed them with my doctor. For me, I've come to feel that the side effects of the medication may pose a greater overall health risk than stopping it. The inactivity, increased risk of osteoporosis, depression, poor diet because shopping and cooking became such a chore, brain fog, reduced socialising, and the possibility of ending up on multiple medications for the next five years scare me more than the cancer returning.

Everyone has to weigh up the risks differently, but for me, I'd rather focus on living as healthily as I can—staying active, eating well, checking my breasts regularly, and continuing with my annual mammograms and ultrasounds.

I've also bought a sewing machine and joined a quilting group, which has been wonderful. Interestingly, in our small group of 18 women, five have had breast cancer and all have been survivors for more than 10 years. Two of them tried aromatase inhibitors but couldn't stay on them for even a year because of the side effects.

Of course, this is just my journey, not advice for anyone else. We all have different cancers, different risk factors, and different experiences. Whatever decision each of us makes, I think it's important that it feels right for us after talking it through with our medical team. ❤️