I was on tamoxifen for seven months but found the side effects difficult. Tamoxifen caused severe leg cramping, menopausal symptoms (I am post-menopausal), abdominal discomfort, and depression. I began to fear endometrial thickening and leg thrombosis. My oncologist switched me to Arimidex/anastrazole, which I have been taking since March with very slight SE's. With anastrazole (Accord brand) I get some occasional slight nighttime foot cramping. Both hormone blockers seem to cause hot flashes and increase insomnia. I experience no muscular aches and pains from the anastrazole. I take the pill in the morning with breakfast, followed by a walk, and that followed three days a week by weight training and yoga practice at the gym. I am hoping a good plant-based diet, exercise, and normal BMI, in addition to this little pill, keep me healthy and breast cancer recurrence free. No guarantees with any of these pills.

Provoked in early menopause, I had to have a uterine ablation. I run hot anyways but I also had severe hot flashes. I’m not a good sleeper but sleep seem to be harder. I ended up with a blood clot but I also have factor five. On the positive side I had check up last week and I am 14 years clear of cancer.

I have fatigue, hair thinning and loss, and...ahem...bowel problems. of different sorts.