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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21 7:48am | Replies (1935)Comment receiving replies
to @gwinter and @cindylb -- My path report for BC was Stage 1, ER positive, HER2+++; ovaries were removed about 10 years ago.
Not to complicate your lives, but here are a few notes from my experience. European oncologists test hormones all the time. It is not standard for American oncologists. I asked mine why that was and was told that each test only gives a reading for that point in time, and that the amount of circulating hormones changes frequently. I suppose that makes sense... I'd still like to be tested and he's not going to it.
Another note: check each of your meds and supplements as to their interaction with hormones. In my case, I was taking a diuretic called spironolactone; it decreases circulating estrogens and androgens. As soon as I started on the anastrozole (I have chosen to take only half a dose/day), I incurred very sore cysts in my breasts and on my ribs. When I switched diuretics, the soreness and cysts disappeared. The oncologist was clueless. Thankfully, I have a GP who works with me. I also take 1,200-2,000 IU of mycillized D3 each day for bone health and learned that it, too, decreases circulating estrogens. There are a number of factors affecting our hormones (and quality of life), and we each must root those out and make them part of the conversation with our oncologists. HUGS!
Replies to "to @gwinter and @cindylb -- My path report for BC was Stage 1, ER positive, HER2+++;..."
Elizm, thank you for your post! I have been rereading everbodys posts and not sure if I am finding answers or coming up with more questions.
I was diagnosed with stage 1A borderline stage 0 breast cancer. Marginal tissue clear and only 2 lymph nodes out and they also were clear. 20 radiation treatments and was to start arimidex...did once terrible side effects....did again a month later worse side effects plus blood pressure went up! Trying to decide whether to try again. Hysterectomy coming in February...this is so hard to have question everything or email or call doctor. He seems to not believe me. I asked to have hormone level tests and he said absolutely no. Then I read in my paperwork I have only3% of recurrence....this is really a quandary
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Very true on the hormone tests only showing that moment in time on your hormones but my levels have stayed consistent with the past 6 tests. I am post menopausal (by quite a few years now) and I think once you've reached that 'milestone' the levels stay pretty consistent. If you can't get an oncologist to test your hormones, perhaps your GP would be willing or an OB/GYN. No harm in watching those numbers to get a baseline. I think hormones are so overlooked over a woman's lifetime and such a big contributor to so many diseases and conditions. Hugs to all....