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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21 7:48am | Replies (1935)Comment receiving replies
Hello. New member of the club, here. Stage 1 lobular on the left, LCIS right. Lumpectomy surgery couple weeks ago. The surgeon says radiation for a month and Arimidex for 5 years. I’m 68 and wondering if I should just do the radiation and screw the hormone stuff. Former smoker with mild COPD, currently on BP and cholesterol meds that are doing fine. The internet research of Arimidex is the reason I’m here. … and … frankly, you’ve all terrified me. Quality of life on this drug sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Replies to "Hello. New member of the club, here. Stage 1 lobular on the left, LCIS right. Lumpectomy..."
68 is young! I have been on tamoxifin for two years, everything is manageable. Skin and eyes are drier, no hair loss and sometimes joint pain. Rather have those problems and fight for longer life witn my family, just my thoughts. I'm 61.
samy - Once you're settled in with your other treatments, give the Arimidex a try. You could be the person who has few if any side effects and yet you'll get the upside of lowering your recurrence. You don't know until you try. I wasn't able to use any of them BUT I'm allergic to many things (antibiotics is a big one) and I can't take ibuprofen anymore either (bleeding)......so I'm just not a 'pill girl'. I take no prescription meds at all and my doctors look terrified when they have to give me one, ha ha! Give them a try because you can always quit or change meds if you're having problems.
FYI - I was Stage 1 lobular on my right and LCIS on my left----we're like twins (only opposite?).
Hugs
I had to think of it another way. It was this or risk recurrence! Exercise, Restorative Yoga and mindfulness help. A friend has encouraged me to take Claritin. Hopefully that will help.
Welcome to Connect.
I think the decision to take an AI for 3-5 years is one of the harder decisions of dealing with Breast Cancer. I took Arimidex for 6 months prior to surgery as part of research study. As a result, I know the Arimidex did what it was suppose to do based on test results during diagnosis and then again after 3 months of Arimidex. With that being said, it came with side effects, for me it was depression.
I stopped taking after surgery, then did chemo and radiation. I have had multiple discussion with oncologist about AIs and have agreed to try Letrozole for a month and then will meet with oncologist again.
I am willing to try it, but if side effects are to severe, I will re-evaluate.
Everyone has different reactions to meds. And you hear more from those who have negative side effects then those with no problems. My sister had breast cancer and had no problems with AI.
Good luck
Laurie
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75% of patients have no side effects or they are mild enough that they take it for 5 yrs. 25% stop within the first 2 years from the side effects. I do know it can raise your blood pressure. Talk to your oncologist about your concerns. I'm going for the 5 years. Mainly it dries out your everything: hair, skin, eyes. I've have mild hair loss, and the joint pain (in my hands too!) so far it's all manageable. Radiation was okay for me too - just like a sunburn & some fatigue. Hang in there.