Oh my, how I wish someone had a solid answer to countering joint pain! I started on Anastrozole also. My worst side effect was brain fog, and forgetfulness so bad I thought I was sliding into dementia. My doctor switched me to Tomoxifin but it wasn’t much better. This past summer my doctor gave me a break from meds all together to see if those side effect went away. I was sooooo much better and felt like my old self again! In September, my doctor asked me to try Exemestane, so I started on that and have been taking it for 5 months now. It’s far from being free of side effects, but for me, it seems I tolerate it better than the others. I saw my doctor for my mammogram and an exam in mid-December, and there wasn’t any sign of cancer returning. I’m trilled with that! So regardless of some joint pain and a bit of confusion/forgetfulness, I’m very grateful to just put up with side effects that are annoying and mildly uncomfortable. Until there is a cure, AI’s are the best treatment available to us... I can put up with the Exemestane, do the best I can, and enjoy what life has to offer by putting breast cancer behind me as much as I can. But I also must admit, knowing there is the possibility of recurrence is always on my mind