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← Return to Anastazole for breast cancer and memory loss?
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Anastazole for breast cancer and memory loss?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 15, 2023 | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
I TOTALLY understand what you are experiencing. I have gone back and forth like a drunken ant and finally made what I call my Sophie’s Choice decision. Anastrozole did not offer me a quality of life that I could move forward with and experience. Prescribers challenged my thinking - I had a hiatus for 2 weeks and I am currently on a 3 month hiatus. Some side effects have ebbed considerably and others such as joint and specifically knees seems more challenging. If I had researched this drug in more detail I believe I would never have taken it. But no one other than the person taking it and experiencing these side effects can possibly realize where we are at this moment - not even myself to begin with. I have now researched how long I should have to deal with side effects once I have stopped taking Anastrozole. It seems that joint and muscle issues can take months. I just worry that while Anastrozole might block estrogen/hormones re Breast Cancer, it’s deprivation of hormones/estrogen in other areas that are deprived of estrogen/hormones aka arthritis in knees, back etc might invite issues. .
I have always been diligent my entire adult life in getting mammos. I of course will continue that diligence. I have an appointment today with a physical therapy group. I have a follow up manmo in September. I will continue to follow all new and exciting efforts to help me keep moving on in the OVERALL both mental and physical way possible. We are women who deserve to carry on through our earned definition of what quality of life means to us. Ever onward!!
Replies to "I TOTALLY understand what you are experiencing. I have gone back and forth like a drunken..."
I went on Anastrozole in October of 2020. By November of 2021 my knee pain was crippling. Literally. In December I made two changes at the same time so I can't be sure which worked. I switched to Letrozole, and I started taking collagen supplements. The improvement happened quickly. I'm 68 so I do have mild arthritis, but to date I mostly experience occasional stiffness if immobile too long. Otherwise I feel my knees are back to where they were pre-Cancer treatment. As you are on a hiatus, adding collagen would provide a clear answer.
@ginip like you I took Anastrozole for 2 1/2 years and stopped due to affects on my Quality of Life. It is a hard and very personal decision. I did not have any fear mixed on w/ my decision. I have read comments ’if I could I’d stay on it forever’ Fear is utmost in that statement. Ppl are all different and effects are different. I applaud ppl that stay on the med for the protocol recommended time. It just didn’t work out for my body. Like you o could hardly walk or get in and out of the car. It took about 4-6 months, can’t remember exactly for my hip to get pain free and my body and mind to get back to my normal. I’m alternating between Mammograms & MRIs every 6 months, so screening & good Oncologist & surgeon checkups are being taken care of. Diet is very important and I’m working that. Diet improvements (choices) could improve done …but I’m human. 😀
I would like to hear more success stories of ppl taking Estrogen blockers as it seques the information and scares ppl. Let’s hear some positive stories. ❤️
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Thank u for replying. I have decided today, 7/6/23, to stop taking Anastrozole fir a month to see how my body reacts. I’ve been on it for 18 months and side effects are getting worse not better. I have done a lot of research and exemestane could b the answer. I’m 71 and I’ve no real quality of life with Anastrozole so it will b interesting to see how I will feel. X