Questions about Hormone Blockers: Side Effects?

@kathysway, It's wonderful to hear that your radiation treatments are going well. Everyone has different experiences with the various hormone blockers. On this site if you go to "Groups" and then to "Breast Cancer", you'll find many discussions about those various experiences, including my side effects from Anastozole. There are discussions about Letrozole, Tamoxifen and Anastrozole. Keep in mind that not everyone has negative side effects from these drugs. People who post here do. Best of luck to you, and just know that these discussion groups a very comforting and helpful.

I'm new to treatment, only having begun in June. I'm taking Letrozole. I haven't noticed any side effects yet. I have mets to my bones so they also have me receiving Xgeva shots every 3 months. I'm 57 and have had the usual aches and pains of joints that come with age but so far so good. We're all here to help as much as we can.

Kathysway, congratulations on your half way mark! I’m hoping you can continue with little side effects. My experience was similar to yours at my half way point, but as the radiation treatments finished up, the more tired and run down I got. By the end, I was still ‘ok’ but needed sleep really badly. For me as things progressed the emotional side of cancer became more of a challenge. I was in radiation treatment just a year ago. I was 64 when diagnosed, and as I progressed through treatment, the emotional side of having a deadly disease really got to me. It sort of hit me in the face that I’m not young, healthy, and carefree any more. I craved solitude and simplicity. I didn’t have much emotional support, most people see how ‘well’ you are doing physically, and they don’t even think about what you are feeling emotionally. I tried to be my normal cheerful self, but craved solitude to grieve the health I had taken for granted, and likely will never have that health again. Few people understand the emotional toll this dreadful disease takes, or the emotional side of any serious illness. I’m so grateful for this group and the opportunity to connect with others! Thank you to all of you!!!

@kathysway, I changed the title of your discussion to be specific to your question. @sparklegram is right. There are several discussions currently in the Breast Cancer group focused on hormone blockers (aromatase inhibitors, called AIs and selective estrogen receptor modulators, called SERMs).
There are 3 AIs
- Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole)
- Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane)
- Femara (chemical name: letrozole)

There are three SERMs:
- tamoxifen in pill form (also called tamoxifen citrate; brand name: Nolvadex) and in liquid form (brand name: Soltamox)
- Evista (chemical name: raloxifene)
- Fareston (chemical name: toremifene)

Here is a list of related discussions in the Breast Cancer group:
- Anastrozole...has anyone had an increase in glucose or cholesterol https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anastrozole-has-anyone-had-an-increase-in-glucose-or-cholesterol/
- Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-completed-all-treatments-for-breast-cancer-but-now-i-am-supposed/
- Completed 5 years of anastrozole. Withdrawal symptoms? Side effects? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-anastrozole-after-5-years-withdrawal-symptoms/
- Can anyone speak to the pros/cons of arimidex vs. tamoxifen? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/
- Cognitive impairment, forgetfulness with hormone blockers https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cognitive-impairment-forgetfulness-with-hormone-blockers/
- Timing of HRT, anastrozole - taking day or night? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/timing-of-hrt-anastrozole-taking-day-or-night/
- Letrozole https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/letrozole/
- Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Exemestane and side affects https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exemestane-and-side-affects/
- Aromatase Inhihibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arimidex/
- What problems have you had with Tamoxifen?
- Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tamoxifen-10mg-vs-20mg/

Kathy, this is a crazy list of discussions. I provide them only as an inventory of the support you have here on Connect. As Sparklegram says, not everyone gets side effects. Women who don't have side effects tend not to write on the forum as they don't need support. I hope that you are one of them. As you get ready to move to a new treatment after radiation, what questions do you have? What questions would you like to prepare for your oncologist?

thank you for your reply I haven't cried or really expressed anything since being diagnosed I've just been doing everything that the Dr.treatment plan but yes I understand wanting to be alone I have my husband here and my adult children but I still feel alone I refuse to let this get to me I've had a very hard life growing up and after it has never been easy for me but I have a very strong faith and I do think that life is test after test and this to shall past and whatever the end results are that's what is meant to be I understand people dont think the same way I do and thats fine but I will continue to do as I've always done and do good for others as I can and enjoy my life with love ones as much as I can if I can leave memories and put smiles on faces then thats alll I can do i'll never give up and I get that a lot about how great I look and I must be doing great I think it makes them feel better to say things like that and I understand no one really knows what to say what gets me is when they say call if you need anything im the person thats there when they need things so I dont ask and wont over all Im still very grateful for the 61 years that I have lived so far and pray to see many more and I will pray for anyone an everyone as I do and Thank all of you for being here for me.

thank you your all Blessing to me

@kathysway Kathy, I also have the same feelings and what I have found is that going to a cancer support group - if any in your area - it is really helpful as even with family and friends' support, being with others going through the same thing makes a difference. In my group yesterday, we were talking about just this same subject. All the best to you.

thank you for your reply ive tried to find one but havent yet im meettng with a social worker at the dr office in hopes of finding one

@kathysway Maybe check with the American Cancer Society. My medical facility has a breast cancer support group as well as a cancer group. I tried the breast cancer one, but found the regular cancer group fit my needs best. Another medical facility in our area also has support groups as well.

I am so sorry you have Mets to the bones!! How was that diagnosed? I have a fear of that happening to me! I will pray you are feeling better !!!