1. < Breast Cancer

Side Effects of Anastrozole - bone loss

Posted by cerwin @cerwin, Oct 2, 2021

I’ve been on Anastrozole 1mg for 6 months after right mastectomy for IDC. Has anyone had problems with thumb or finger joints? I researched “popping finger” and data say you need to wear a thumb brace for a month. I’m seeing my orthopedist next week.

My right thumb is the most painful. Left thumb pain and popping started about a week later, making me think the problem is systemic. Mayo doctors said to stop the endocrine therapy for 2 weeks to see if painful hand joints improve.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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sequoia | @sequoia | Oct 17, 2021
In reply to @whr "I think it is important to take into consideration that everyone is in a different place..." + (show)
@whr

I think it is important to take into consideration that everyone is in a different place with their treatment and personal situation. I also feel like some people don't believe that side effects from medications are real. In my personal situation it was explained to me that I metabolize medications very slowly so they stay in my body longer and hence I react differently than most. There is nothing I can do about that but I can make decisions for my care based on that fact. I have discussed with my oncologist my desires for treatment and she is respectful. When the medication severely alters my quality of life, and if the outcome is not a cure but to keep me alive for a period of months it isn't an option for me if I am sick the entire time. I try to take each day as it comes, after being off Anastrozole now for six months, I feel better than I have in the last year. My blood pressure is back to normal, joint pain is gone, I'm sleeping better, trigger fingers are no longer an issue, and I don't have the fatigue. For me it was the right decision and I will deal with what happens as it comes.

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@whr your comment “ When the medication severely alters my quality of life, and if the outcome is not a cure but to keep me alive for a period of months it isn't an option for me if I am sick the entire time. I try to take each day as it comes, after being off Anastrozole now for six months, ”. That is exactly how I feel. Quality of life is important to me. I look at the 2 years I took Anastrozole hopefully lowered my risk. 2 yrs is better than none. You answered my other question- how long will it take to get my life back. I walk 2 miles each day, but in the evening, my feet hurt so much I can hardly walk. Not always though. It feels like plantar fasciitis I switch out my shoes each day hoping it helps. The good news is that after I’m up moving around in the morning, the soreness kinda goes away & the time it is taking to get them to feel better is shortening- so that’s an improvement. WHR, thank you for your inspiration. It helps me a lot. I’ve never experienced this type of aches and pains. Ive always been an active person. I’ve had mid back and lower back spasms & pain, but this achy old age can’t move feeling is terrible. I WILL 💪🏼 Get through this!!!

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Oct 18, 2021

Since this podcast mostly relates to systemic treatments,I think it has some great questions and some great answers as well as more work on our behalf.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/systemic-therapies-for-breast-cancer/
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wpglea | @wpglea | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @whr "It sounds like an exact description of what I encountered though it occurred later in the..." + (show)
@whr

It sounds like an exact description of what I encountered though it occurred later in the treatment. It was in my right thumb and left pinkie, I would wake during the night and have to manually "open" them. I also have carpal tunnel which is aggravated when I sleep. I have been off the med for six months now and it has taken that long to get rid of the severe joint pain and what they call "trigger" finger. I am left with osteoporosis, and other issues but sleep so much better, I am 76 and know it is a risk to discontinue it but I was a mess. The days are brighter now.

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I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

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4 replies
whr | @whr | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @whr "It sounds like an exact description of what I encountered though it occurred later in the..." + (show)
@whr

It sounds like an exact description of what I encountered though it occurred later in the treatment. It was in my right thumb and left pinkie, I would wake during the night and have to manually "open" them. I also have carpal tunnel which is aggravated when I sleep. I have been off the med for six months now and it has taken that long to get rid of the severe joint pain and what they call "trigger" finger. I am left with osteoporosis, and other issues but sleep so much better, I am 76 and know it is a risk to discontinue it but I was a mess. The days are brighter now.

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My trigger finger has resolved itself, I wear a brace on my wrist at night. It will be four years in December since surgery, so far so good.

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1 reply
whr | @whr | Jul 5, 2023

It takes longer than that to see improvement. Good luck.

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whr | @whr | Jul 5, 2023
In reply to @wpglea "I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed..." + (show)
@wpglea

I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

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What a nightmare! I am so sorry for your experiences. I am 78 now, it will be four years in December since surgery, so far so good. Do your research, ask lots of questions and do what you feel is best for you. One size fits all treatments aren't always the best, everyone is different.

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lisakinpa | @lisakinpa | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @wpglea "I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed..." + (show)
@wpglea

I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

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I am so very sorry to hear of this. Perhaps having the mastectomy (and possibly staying flat) would be an appropriate course of treatment and then discuss with your oncologist along with your primary care physician, the best treatment plan when/if you should decide to continue with an aromatase inhibitor. At 77, you still have a lot of life to live. ♥️

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windyshores | @windyshores | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @wpglea "I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed..." + (show)
@wpglea

I am 77 years of age,. Prior to having a lumpectomy and several lymph nodes removed a year ago June, I took myself off anastrozole because of daily migraines with auras, extreme bone ache, and a life whereby I was confined to a chair. Nine months later, doctor told me the lumps were just scar tissue. Three weeks ago I had biopsies and received another cancer diagnosis. Surgeon demands a mastectomy and 5 years of anastrozole. I must make a decision by next week. Currently I am enjoying life, which includes walking my dogs 4-5 miles a day. I should have taken the user name "Confused".

Jump to this post

@wpglea I had mastectomies and went "flat." I switched from generic anastrazole to brand name letrozole (Femara) and tolerated it quite well. That's just me. But it is an option to try different AI's and different manufacturers.

For bones they will offer Reclast during treatment. I have recently been offered a test dose of 20%, 1 mg vs the full 5mg. If I tolerate that, I can do a half dose, which is supposed to be just as effective. Good luck!

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1 reply
wpglea | @wpglea | Jul 6, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "@wpglea I had mastectomies and went "flat." I switched from generic anastrazole to brand name letrozole..." + (show)
@windyshores

@wpglea I had mastectomies and went "flat." I switched from generic anastrazole to brand name letrozole (Femara) and tolerated it quite well. That's just me. But it is an option to try different AI's and different manufacturers.

For bones they will offer Reclast during treatment. I have recently been offered a test dose of 20%, 1 mg vs the full 5mg. If I tolerate that, I can do a half dose, which is supposed to be just as effective. Good luck!

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Thank you so much. I have not been introduced to either, and will certainly ask oncologist.

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sessioja | @sessioja | Jul 6, 2023

cancer is never your fault

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