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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bressie | @bressie | Oct 29, 2019

In reply to @francine6829 "Why don’t you try Tamoxifen - less side effects" + (show)

I dont fit into the catsgory. I was just diagnosed in july had a lumpectomy to remove the cancer smaller than a cheerio abd only my estrogen receptor was 1. No radiation or chem needed and all lymph nodes and edges were clean.

bressie | @bressie | Oct 29, 2019

In reply to @sparklegram "bressie, i was on Arimidex for almost 2 years. I quit a week ago because I..." + (show)

I would like to stay in touch with you to see how you do. Does insurance cover it. I have united health care and medicare. Ill keep you in my prayers. Keep me posted wish you the very best us old gals need to stick together

gwinter | @gwinter | Oct 29, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "@sparklegram I've been on the exemestane for about a month now. Still having some bone pain,..." + (show)

@trixie are you taking anything for your hot flashes?
Anybody ideas??

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Oct 30, 2019

In reply to @gwinter "@trixie are you taking anything for your hot flashes? Anybody ideas??" + (show)

@gwinter I underwent surgical menopause at age 44 (removal of uterus and ovaries). It was brutal. At that time they gave us estrogen pills twice daily which helped immensely but then the Women's Health Study came out and that was stopped. I think back then my Gynecologist gave me some sort of psych pill for a short time, but I don't remember the name. I do take my aromatase inhibitors at night and will awaken with sweats, but daytime hot flashes are minimal then. They tend to start about an hour after I take my pill. I stay away from alcohol as that tends to start them off more. I've also upped my exercise doing water time and a lot of walking. I think staying active helps a lot. With the fire here in northern California, I have both of my kids' families and animals living with us so am doing a LOT of cooking and baking and having huge hot flashes...I have one of those little fans that hand around your neck and it helps immensely!

gwinter | @gwinter | Oct 30, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "@gwinter I underwent surgical menopause at age 44 (removal of uterus and ovaries). It was brutal...." + (show)

@trixie I am taking nothing as far as AI, but had a hysterectomy February this year. Oh boy do I have days and nights! Tried all the special jammies, too! Getting very very old!
Stay safe and keep on baking!! Hugs!

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Oct 30, 2019

In reply to @gwinter "@trixie I am taking nothing as far as AI, but had a hysterectomy February this year...." + (show)

@gwinter Good thing your ovaries weren't removed....you'd be in a worse pickle! These things do help: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/o2-cool-reg-deluxe-necklace-fan/3293693?keyword=neck-fans

gwinter | @gwinter | Oct 30, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "@gwinter Good thing your ovaries weren't removed....you'd be in a worse pickle! These things do help:..." + (show)

@tricks yep had a total hysterectomy and oophrectomy(sp)...I think that's the hot flash problem!!
Due to cells in tumor next place cancer would have gone was ovary (I had one removed when I was 19)

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 30, 2019

If you're online right now, please hop over to see this live presentation by Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a diagnostic breast specialist, on achieving optimal well-being through diet, exercise, and stress management, followed by a Q&A session for which Dr. Mussallem will be joined by these specialists:

– Kristin Lothman, MSW, LCSW, Mind-Body Counselor
– Dr. Raul Rosario Concepcion, Physical Medicine and Cancer Prehabilitation
– Debra Silverman, MS, RDN, LD/N, Integrative Cancer Nutritionist

Click this link to watch live or to see the archive any time: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-breast-cancer-survivorship-care-planning/

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019

In reply to @gwinter "@tricks yep had a total hysterectomy and oophrectomy(sp)...I think that's the hot flash problem!! Due to..." + (show)

I thought my hot flashes got worse with the anastrozole. But they are better now than the first 4 months. Dead of winter & I was only sleeping with 1 sheet on me! Doctor is switching me to Exemestane - but that's to see if the hand pain will ease. I sure hope it's better.