Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Lisman, I lost my right breast to cancer almost two years ago. I go for my annual mammogram on the left breast in a few weeks and I'm nervous, of course, but I won't let any of this get me down. I'm 81 years old and the surgery, chemo, and radiation are all behind me, but I'll be on this med for several years, I guess. I look on all of it as an abysmal inconvenience but not necessarily a life-changer--except that I value the time I have left even more now.

I beg you not to give in to fear. If it doesn't eat you up, it will, at the very least, slow you down. Don't let fear win. Sending hugs.

Has anyone had pain in ribs. I started Anastrozole October 1, 2018. Joint pain has been rough also bottom of feet. My latest concern is lower left side rib pain not sure if it's the ribs or soft tissue. It almost feels as if something is swollen. For the first time I didn't take my pill last night because of the pain.

@jeannie53 re rib pain
I went through that at first with anastrozole. It turned out to be because I was taking a diuretic (in my case, spironolactone) which was exacerbating the anastrozole effect on circulating estrogen. There are other diuretics which can do that, too. My GP changed my diuretic to a different type and it all went away. (No, my oncologist did not understand anastrozole's interaction with other meds.... He diagnosed my condition as costochondriatis, and instructed me to take Aleve (an NSAID) twice a day. Aleve gave me a horrendous hemorrhage in my eye and did little for the pain in my ribs....) My lesson here was that other meds can interact with anastrozole and it can be a struggle figuring it all out.

@elizm I only take migraine medicine when needed. This happened about 2 months ago and my radiologist oncologist told me I was a medical mystery. I guess it's time to follow up with the doctor that prescribed the medicine. I have had a persistent soreness on my left side and thought it may be related to the radiation on my left breast. Every little ache and pain freaks me out.

I can't say the fear in the back of my mind goes away - but I try to fill my time with other activities, that distracts me from dwelling on it. I'm retired now - but have lots of hobbies/activities. I'm choosing to stay positive and knowing 85% of all BC is "CURED" these days helps. Thank goodness for all the new and improved treatments. I also have a friend who is a 21 year survivor. Some days it does not even cross my mind. Worry is a thankless activity. It took me decades to learn this - as my mom was a dedicated worrier. I guess I saw the toll it took on her and I have decided not to go down that path. I know that's sounds easier than it is. Stay strong.

I take arimidex and have body aches but just try to ignore them. I have had a really complex broken wrist where even specialists could not fix properly and after 2 weeks was sent to a large metro area to completely redo the surgery to fix it. 3 surgeries were necessary. I do now have osteoporosis and likely from the cancer medication. Who knows when I'll get off it I've been on it for over 10 years but better that than cancer.

I have bone and joint pain but I'm 81 years old and don't know if it's worse because of the Arimidex. I also take Boniva and for at least a week afterward I have bone pain. I don't really notice any other after effects, though I had crying jags from out of nowhere the first few days after I started taking it. That's what brought me to this group! They're gone now.

All,
I have been struggling with pain from the anastrazole as well. Fortunately, I was able to see a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor last week; he specializes in pain related to cancer meds, etc. He had lots of good suggestions. One was a medication change. A second one was a series of exercises and a referral for physical therapy. Another was to take LOTS more vitamin D -- which makes sense since during the winter we have almost no sun in Michigan. I can't believe how much better I feel after just a week with his input. If you have a doc like that as an option, it might be worth pursuing. Best wishes to all -- this continues to be quite a roller coaster. Sometimes it's as if they forgot to put the safety bars on the cars.

Great advice!!! Guess I’ll start it!!! Was on tamoxifen for 4 years😝

Try Vitamin D3 Oil - it helped me a LOT. At least 2,000 units a day. The Oil is absorbed better.