Sadness: Due to Anastrozole or Just Dealing With Breast Cancer?

Posted by sheilaray @sheilaray, Feb 18, 2022

I was a 24 year breast cancer survivor in September 2021 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer again. I had a bilateral mastectomy in October 2021 and did not need chemo or radiation this time around. I started anastrozole at the end of November 2021. So far, my side effects have been minimal. My only "complaint" is more sadness. I will cry quite easily at things I never used to cry over. Sad movie? tears... Cool down after a workout? tears... Can't figure out a work issue? tears... Anyway, does anyone know how I can tell if I'm just more emotional because of another cancer diagnosis or due to low estrogen from the anstrozole? Thank you.

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brinacarmen | @brinacarmen | Mar 3, 2022

Anastrozole. It destroyed me. Sad all the time. Chemo was a picnic compared to that pill

onehipchick58 | @onehipchick58 | Mar 3, 2022

In reply to @brinacarmen "Anastrozole. It destroyed me. Sad all the time. Chemo was a picnic compared to that pill" + (show)

TRUTH!!!!

keepmoving2 | @keepmoving2 | Mar 3, 2022

@sheilaray Hi & Kudos - you took the best self healing step by reaching out and acknowledging that something isn’t right. Above are lots of great suggestions. Importantly, recognize that every ‘body’ is different. So be kind to yourself that you might have a slightly different experience from
others. I too had a bilateral mastectomy & went on the Anastrozole for 18 mos. In my case when confronted by so many things I couldn’t control, I started yoga. There are many positions that you can modify as your strength comes back. And different types of yoga like Yin that long hold stretching. I also took up swimming - which is my least favorite activity!!!!! And gosh did I walk! Exercise activities allowed me to get back 100% mobility and just made me and my head feel better. I also changed my diet - just ate better, cleaner. Started doing various vitamins. I tried to control things that I could. Hang in there and know that you have a bunch of gals who have your back on this shared journey.

lholiway | @lholiway | Mar 3, 2022

I have only been on it 4 months but I definitely feel the sadness, aches in my joints, and foggy brain. Just don't feel like me! I am going to give it a little longer but just wasn't expecting this at all.

lcr2017 | @lcr2017 | Mar 4, 2022

I just want to update my post because that one referred to what I did in the first year, but don’t want this to be too long. So sorry. I finished 4.8 yrs of my 5 yrs on this pill and stopped it 3 weeks ago. (My doctors all along the journey kept telling me how proud they were that I was sticking it out and in my head I had convinced myself that it was the least I could do since I didn’t have radiation or chemo. I had never told anyone about the pain and especially exhaustion. Recently, I asked to come off it and only 1 of my 4 doctors could see that mathematically 3 more months wouldn’t make much of a difference and that’s what I wanted to hear! (It’s more about recurrence being on me and malpractice.) In May of last year, everything blew up. My moods were sad or rage and every part of my body hurt more intensively than the regular AI pain. Every doctor said we have ALL been through a lot because of Covid…( but I never complain, even the double mastectomy and reconstruction seemed like a cake walk, as well as PT for lymphatic cording.) However, there are other factors that could be impacting my pain. So we took care of my mood swings with antidepressants first. I am now on Cymbalta which is the only approved antidepressant for AI pain and fibromyalgia. It could also be the Prolia pain. I have not moved off the couch since November. I only do what I have to do but the pain did not go away. It settled. I can’t wear shoes that have backs, only clog types. I have not touched my sewing. On the upside…I had my first Guinness in almost 5 years! (I really did follow all the rules…and no one really knows why I suddenly had bilateral breast cancer even with regular screenings and after genetic testing. 1 doctor said it was because I was 3 months late on my last mammo, lol!) I am trying to keep doing stretch yoga, and hoping to start quilting and editing soon. I don’t know how long it takes to start feeling better and I am 5 years older, so I don’t know what’s normal. BUT, it’s all real for every one of you! Don’t let anyone discredit your choices. I may go back to talk therapy and appreciate the link for the seminar.

lakegirl99 | @lakegirl99 | Aug 15, 2022

I was surfing Amazon looking for comfort a few months ago. I found a book I wish my oncologist had given me in the very beginning. The Big Ordeal (understanding and managing the psychological turmoil of cancer) by Cynthia Hayes. It is easy to read and explains what is going on with our minds and hearts as we deal with the physical challenges. Its not limited to breast cancer. You might want to try it on for size and get a copy for those who care about you, too.

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Aug 15, 2022

In reply to @lakegirl99 "I was surfing Amazon looking for comfort a few months ago. I found a book I..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing this, I am going to see if I can find it locally first, if not then I will order it. I have a Barnes and noble so fingers crossed. I wonder if I can get a bulk discount, I could pass them around to my friends and family.
Is this specific to breast cancer or does it address all cancers?

lakegirl99 | @lakegirl99 | Aug 15, 2022

It addresses all cancers--that is to say that while there are examples from many different cancers our psychological reactions are somewhat "generic". It deals with what's going on in our minds from diagnosis, to treatment decisions, to treatment, to followup and concern about recurrence. I hope it helps you. It did help me.