Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I must agree. I am 68 and made the no-chemo choice. I completed radiation and am struggling with Arimidex, as I have arthritis which is worsening. I'm doing the best I can to live happily day to day. Quality of our time spent here on earth is so important.

I have been taking Tamoxifen Farmos 20mg for many months after my breast operation (meant for 5 years) no hair fall and feeling great - my Professor oncologist in Switzerland says this is the least toxic medicine on the market which reducies estrogen and this medicine has been doing the job for years with great success! Ask your doctor maybe in the USA the name is different. All the best Celia

Welcome to connect, @brianphilip. Thanks so much for sharing your insight. The US brand name for tamoxifen is Nolvadex or
Soltamox, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tamoxifen-oral-route/description/drg-20066208

This inaugural issue of Forefront, a Mayo Clinic publication, has some very interesting details about Tamoxifen, and highlights latest findings and ongoing research: http://mayocl.in/2Iu3Xse

I'm tagging @cindylb @kat9606 and @robynmar who've shared their experiences with tamoxifen, and they may have some more information, as well.

@brianphilip, we'd really like to get to know you; could you share a few more details? When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? Have you tried other treatment that also helped or perhaps didn't work?

I’m on my 3rd AI - Letrozole, and I am have ngbthe least amount of joint pain over the other two. I am, however, having serious challenges with the tendons in my hands: trigger finger on one hand and now a thumb on the other. Overall, I’m determined to hang in there and I’m wearing splints, hand braces and doing hand exercises throughout the day. As they say, pick your poison.

What is the mg. dose of Anastrozole that you were prescribed to take. ? I was given 1 mg. and wonder if that is the usual prescribed dose when first starting this drug. Seems like a very low dose ?

Hi, Elvandi ~ I believe that Anastrozole comes in only 1mg strength. The pill is tiny but I am counting on it being powerful. Depression has been my problem, but that started many years ago. I'm not sure whether the Anastrozole has worsened it or the cancer diagnosis had something to do with it. I am taking 2 antidepressants. However with hot flashes often make me feel as though I am sick with a fever and the intermittent fatigue, I continue to feel somewhat depressed. Maybe some Spring weather will be helpful ~

I believe it seems to be the standard dose.

NO HAIR LOSS, at least for me. I had 2 surgeries, 36 radiation treatments and now Arimidex for close to one year. It has taken me a while to get used to the side effects of Arimidex, but I do think that they may be easing up a bit. I see my oncologist tomorrow for a routine visit and am scared to death that she will find a lump in my breast, even thought I just had a 6 month clear mammogram. AT age 68, I would have thought I would be able to be stronger in this diagnosis/treatment journey.

I was diagnosed at 68 as well. I'm two 1/2 years out and doing well. Anastrozole is doing a number on my knees and legs, but I plug on! I exercise 4-5 times a week ( water and weight class). I think that really keeps me going.

Good to hear news from a fellow 68-70 year old! I really LOVED my water aerobics, but just haven't felt strong enough to commit to it. I HAVE to begin to exercise instead of sitting around on the couch ~ Maybe when warm weather arrives...But it certainly good to read your post!