Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I am a 14 year breast cancer survivor. My Oncologist had me on arimidex (or generic) 13 years. He retired and my new oncologist discontinued use of this drug last year. She said protocol was 10 years. I am fine and never really had any side effects from this drug. I have had a bone density test every two years to make sure all is well. I consider myself fortunate I never had any of the side effects being described.

I am a 14 year breast cancer survivor. My Oncologist had me on arimidex (or generic) 13 years. He retired and my new oncologist discontinued use of this drug last year. She said protocol was 10 years. I am fine and never really had any side effects from this drug. I have had a bone density test every two years to make sure all is well. I consider myself fortunate I never had any of the side effects being described.

Best wishes, fellow Arimidex friend! I find that the Arimidex symptoms vary. Some days are pretty pain-free. I'll stay with it for the whole regimen with the hopes of no reoccurrence and wish the same for you!

@mollymiller

Hi Karen. Protocol from what I know is 5 or perhaps 10 years on Arimidex or other AIs. 2 years in. Able to live with diff affects. Had my bone density test on Monday. We will see.

Glad you are doing well.

My second time around. Tamoxifen the first time. Put me on menopause within months at the age of 48.

I’m good.

I am a 14 year breast cancer survivor. My Oncologist had me on arimidex (or generic) 13 years. He retired and my new oncologist discontinued use of this drug last year. She said protocol was 10 years. I am fine and never really had any side effects from this drug. I have had a bone density test every two years to make sure all is well. I consider myself fortunate I never had any of the side effects being described.

Yes, of course! For background, I had a hysterectomy at age 45 and my Dr. put me on Premarin to avoid hot flashes, etc. I felt wonderful and took this for 15 years. I had regular mammograms each December and at age 60, my cancer was discovered. I had estrogen positive intraductal cancer stage 2 that had broken through the wall in one year. I had a lumpectomy, chemo therapy, and radiation. It was a rough time but I had huge support from family and friends. Arimidex was prescribed as I said, and took that for 13 years. I think all survivors think about their journey every day and I am so thankful I had the best doctors and treatment. I really had no side effects from the arimidex and am so thankful I am a very healthy 75 year old. I try to share my journey, if asked, if this will help another person.

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!