Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 22, 2019

I also have done yoga for many years, long before I got breast cancer. It really does help, both with the joint aches, as well as the mental and emotional side of this dreadful illness! Yoga is harder for me to do now with the joint problems from cancer meds and often I’m not able to fully do the poses as I used to be able to. But still I get a lot of emotional peace with yoga and meditation.

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 22, 2019

All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life changing

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jul 22, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)

@francine6829 Unfortunately, I have a family history of blood clots and so Tamoxifen will be a last choice if I fail the aromatase inhibitors. In addition, the second tumor I have is a more aggressive type of cancer for which AIs would handle best. I'm very happy that you are doing well with the Tamoxifen and wish you all the best.

lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 22, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)

I have been on Anastrozole which caused severe memory/cognitive issues, along with the aches and pains. Then my doctor put me on Tomoxifin, that was better but some brain fog continued. It seems I can choose between the possibility of cancer returning, or not being able to think clearly.

elizm | @elizm | Jul 22, 2019

In reply to @cancersucks "We are all different so our reactions are not the same . After 3 1/2 months..." + (show)

@cancersucks
I personally don't think AIs are being prescribed from a monetary gain standpoint. Rather, I believe it is because the risk of recurrence climbs over time. AIs keep the risk low during the first five years. This is a good subject to discuss with your oncologist.

jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | Jul 22, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)

@francine6829 Hi Francine, How long have you been on Tomoxifen and what dosage. Thanks

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Aug 11, 2019

I've taken anastrozole for 9 months - but my hands hurt SO much!! Oncologist is stopping my drugs for 2 weeks. I think she will be switching me to Exemestane. Said the joints won't hurt as much. Anyone have any experience with Exemestane?

francine6829 | @francine6829 | Aug 11, 2019

Took Femura then exemestane- both Same joint pain. Am on Tomoxifen now- no pain

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 11, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "Took Femura then exemestane- both Same joint pain. Am on Tomoxifen now- no pain" + (show)

@francine6829 Hi Francine - I'm hoping I do ok on the exemestane..I get 3 weeks off from the Femara and how nice it is. My left knee is hurting less and my hands hurt less. Ankles still a problem but not as bad. If exemestane doesn't work, it's on to Tamoxifen, but doctor is hesitant as my mother had clots in lungs twice in her lifetime so would need to be followed closely. Sounds like many people on Tamoxifen do well.