I am now completing my first year on Anastrozole. I am frequently prone to side effects with even some over the counter “ medical” products. I was terrified to take it because with a 99% ER + I knew this was something I needed to block if some tumor DNA got away!

Well, at 72, I did get a slight uptick in joint discomfort which I can ease with by yoga and walking. I thought my hair was thinning but it stopped and is fuller now ( thinking now it was a disruption of hair growth cycle due to anesthesia). My DEXA at one year has held steady ( and good) which was of possible concern.

If you are estrogen positive it may be worth a try to see if the AI treatment ( there are 3) will be OK for you. It’s a daily oral treatment with a half life of about 50 hours. If side effects are not tolerable it’s an easy fix! Many, including myself, don’t find it to be a problem. I was pleasantly surprised.

I did opt out of radiation as I fit the breast cancer profile for the ongoing TAILOR RT clinical trail. One arm of trial is AI only, other arm is AI plus standard radiation.

It’s an interesting study. Trying to figure out the need for radiation in certain profiles.

Blessings on the path 🌸