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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jc1926 | @jc1926 | Nov 27, 2022

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

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 2021. I had a lumpectomy in Dec. 2021, followed by 20 radiation treatments. I began Anastrozole in March and have been taking it for 8 months. The expectation is to continue on Anastrozole for 5 years.

Since I started Anastrozole I have been experiencing depression and anxiety and bouts of crying.

When I reached out to my medical oncologist for help, she yelled at me, saying these were NOT side effects from the medicine. I felt much worse after speaking to her.

I am still taking Anastrozole because I fear my cancer returning. At least from these posts I feel better knowing I’m not the only one having these side effects. My doctor made me feel like I was going crazy.

lisakinpa | @lisakinpa | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @jc1926 "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 2021. I had a lumpectomy in Dec. 2021,..." + (show)

Please know that you’re not crazy. We’ve all been there done that.

You’ve come through a very traumatic experience and will need time to decompress.

Perhaps talking to a counselor about your feelings or another breast cancer survivor or support group may help.

It’s difficult to determine if Anastrozole is to blame but your oncologist should never make you feel uncomfortable for asking questions that are concerning to you. ♥️🙏

anjalima | @anjalima | Nov 28, 2022

Wow! So many years between diagnoses; I’m so sorry to hear that. Was this a different primary tumor ir a recurrence? 24 years ago there was no ONCOTYPE but maybe this time it was available to you.

I too am tolerating Anastrozole and I’m so glad I am…hoping it prevents a recurrence as I had 2 positive nodes ( and 5neg nodes upstream).

Hope you have seen the LAST of BC!

jc1926 | @jc1926 | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @lisakinpa "Please know that you’re not crazy. We’ve all been there done that. You’ve come through a..." + (show)

Thank you for your kindness. I will take your advice. It was very traumatic to reach out for some help from my doctor, when instead she became angry with me at suggesting the Anastrozole had such side effects. She seemed to have taken it very personally, as if I was criticizing her. Her reaction was disturbing.

lisakinpa | @lisakinpa | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @jc1926 "Thank you for your kindness. I will take your advice. It was very traumatic to reach..." + (show)

Something about the concerns around AIs that seem to tick off a lot of doctors. 🤷🏻‍♀️

They sometimes seem to become so defensive about them but I will say, they are an important part of our treatment plan. ♥️

jc1926 | @jc1926 | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @lisakinpa "Something about the concerns around AIs that seem to tick off a lot of doctors. 🤷🏻‍♀️..." + (show)

That is absolutely true, which is why I am continuing with this medicine.

marker | @marker | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @jc1926 "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 2021. I had a lumpectomy in Dec. 2021,..." + (show)

I cannot believe your oncologist that. I would probably consider changing to another oncologist. I too take anastrozole, and yes depression and anxiety are some of the side effects. Hang in there.

jc1926 | @jc1926 | Nov 28, 2022

In reply to @marker "I cannot believe your oncologist that. I would probably consider changing to another oncologist. I too..." + (show)

Thank you so much for your support and understanding. That is exactly what I am considering…finding a new oncologist.

mglinkhart | @mglinkhart | Nov 29, 2022

Years ago when my Oncologist wanted to put me on anAI I asked him what the side effects were. He went nuts and got very angry and said to me, I can’t believe after doing 8 rounds of chemo you would even care what the side effects are, just take the damn pills!!! I asked him if he had ever taken them, of course he said no, and I told him I care about what they are because I have cancer. He was a complete jerk. With my current diagnosis of MBC my oncologist is on board with any questions and will do what ever I need to get to live as long as I can. She is honest with me because I told her that is my expectation of her. I take the same drug as you and my sadness is profound. Not just every now and then but every day sometimes all day. Side effects are real and they are different for all of us going through this. These forums are the only way to find out the truth and share with those of us who actually take these drugs. Unfortunately it is what we need to survive. I’m sorry that any of us have to go through any of this but it’s a fact, we do. So sharing our thoughts and praying for each other is a great gift we can give one another. Maria

jc1926 | @jc1926 | Nov 29, 2022

In reply to @mglinkhart "Years ago when my Oncologist wanted to put me on anAI I asked him what the..." + (show)

Maria, thank you for your kind response. I’m so grateful for your support. This forum has helped me tremendously. Some doctors can be cruel. My cousin, who is a breast cancer survivor, was so happy, as her recent mammo was benign. She thanked her doctor for curing her and he said he did not cure her and that there was no cure for cancer. Her happiness quickly turned to depression. And she withdrew. While, it’s true there is no cure for cancer, that doctor should have never said this. Some doctors don’t realize the impact their words have on us.