Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@francine6829
Knowing how my body over-reacts to most meds, and after reading a lot about anastrozole, I told my oncologist that I was willing to take half-a-dose for seven years instead of five years. As it is, I have plenty of arthralgia (including carpal tunnel) and bone pain attributed to it (which likely is why so many of us give up on AIs in the first three years), despite exercising regularly. But please note... this was my decision. My oncologist does not support it.

I admire that you 1)did not drop it completely and 2)found a compromise. I am hearing more and more about post menopausal
women going on tomax even tho its meant for pre-menopausal women bc tomax has less side effects. If this is true for anyone on this page, I would like to hear your response.

@francine6829
The thing I didn't like about tamoxifen is that it presents an increased risk for uterine cancer... not something which I want to worry about.

I just read the risk is 1.6 in 1000 for endometrial cancer. Did your hair thin or get bone pain on tomax?

@elizm @francine6829 Both of you I applaud you! I have reactions to pretty much everything as far as meds go! Could not take tamoxifen due to blood clot from birth control pills. So, I have followed the oncologists orders: just had robotic hysterectomy / oophrectomy.
I tried armidex 2 different timex. I was scolded by the oncologist because I did not give it enough time but I had suicidal thought, 36 hour hot flash, and could barely get out of bed due to the aches and pains. Yes, I have osteoporosis but Damn it I was stage 1A and lymph nodes clear, marginal tissue clear. I will try aromasin soon and start at every other day.
I am trying but we all have to decide what quality of life we want!
Every appt. my oncologist changes percentage of recurrence. I am sick of it!
Again I did lumpectomy, 20 sessions of radiation, had a hysterectomy and trying the Damn AI . I am going for a second opinion and I know my body and its reactions. I am 64 and have 4 grandsons and love the outdoors I am not going to be a couch grandma.
Remember you know how you feel!

@gwinter
You're so right... we're all doing the best we can (which requires taking in lots of opinions, reading lots of clinical trials and analyses, and, in the end, being our own advocate).

Was Femara a choice?

@francine6829 no it was never brought up

I am perplexed why my oncologist put me on fermera first - 6 weeks ago, but the majority of the women on this site are on something different

@francine6829
I interviewed a number of oncologists. One preferred Femara, the other two preferred Arimidex (anastrozole)... all noted that, if there were issues, patients could try an alternative or two.