Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Google this, I found this: Exemestane is an oral steroidal aromatase inhibitor that is used in ER-positive breast cancer in addition to surgery and/or radiation in post-menopausal women. ... Type II aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole and letrozole, by contrast, are not steroids and work by interfering with the aromatase's heme. There's a lot of info out there on this.

@francine6829
Long-term use of anything steroidal presents its own issues. Best to confer with your doctor on this. For me and at my age, the increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and high blood pressure, for example, would be unwanted.

francine6829 - Whether the doctors recommend staying on the AI's does depend on the Stage and Grade of your cancer, the treatment you received and your side effects. In my case, Stage 1 cancer, my recurrence risk (according to statistic, which are only one consideration and the genomic testing of my cancer) I am 'low risk'. The AI's would essentially reduce my risk of recurrence by 40-50% but my risk was already low at 6%, so it helped me with my decision. Serious side effects or going from 6% to about 3% risk was not worth it for me. That's not many people's situation I realize. If your risk is higher then of course, if you can get through the AI use, then reducing that risk is paramount.
I opted for a bi lateral mastectomy which put me in a situation to have some options on follow up treatment. But my cancer was lobular and had presented in both breasts over time, so .............opting for the mastectomy was also an easier decision.
There are so many factors to consider in treatment. My doctors would have preferred I stay on AI's as well. Their job is to eradicate cancer and their benchmark for success with their patients is treating and keeping cancer at bay.
Hugs to you. I hope you can keep on the full course of AI treatment and give cancer a good kick in the pants!

Yes, I have read everything on line about exemestane. It doesn't go into enough detail about the steroid

my doctor was the one who recommended Aromasin over Femura. I have not found any studies that discussed the steroid effect of aromasin so I don't know if there is enough steroid to make a difference.

I had a very small amount of Estrogen. After speaking with Intergrative Medicine Oncologist, I found out the food we eat is full of hormones. The doctors aren't just concerned with the hormones we make but also those we get from our food! My Doctor has asked me to go organic, hormone free dairy and grass fed meats.

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.

I have not been on Arimidex, but my understanding is that the side effects of AI are pretty much the same. Went on Letrozole for 6 weeks, and had too much joint pain to continue. Am now on Aromosin and am feeling pain but not as much as Letrozole. My advice is to give it a try. You can always stop. I found radiation to be a non event. Other than some redness, I breezed through it.

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.

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.