1. < Breast Cancer

Anastazole for breast cancer and memory loss?

Posted by rosy54 @rosy54, Mar 3, 2023

Recently, my doctor stopped my Anastrozole after 5 yrs on it for breast cancer.
Since then, my memory is poor and having hard time remembering. I fear I’m developing dementia (68 yrs old) My lack of memory seems worse after stopping Anastrozole. Anyone else have similar problem?

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reneejean | @reneejean | Jun 11, 2023
In reply to @dyevooshka "My situation is much like yours ( type and treatment) and I have been taking Anastrozole..." + (show)
@dyevooshka

My situation is much like yours ( type and treatment) and I have been taking Anastrozole for nearly a month with no issues. At 64, I have been used to dressing in layers and have always been physically active and am happy to be back to normal exercise routines after finishing radiation May 8.

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Hi Dyevooshka, thank you for your reply. I think it is important for us to let others know that we are all different and while some have negative reactions to the treatment not all of us do. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and side effects from medication can often be managed. It is a frightening diagnosis but most of us will pull through with the help of loving family and friends and a positive attitude.

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1 reply
msgee | @msgee | Jun 13, 2023
In reply to @rosa1935 "Thank u for replying. I have decided today, 7/6/23, to stop taking Anastrozole fir a month..." + (show)
@rosa1935

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

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I took Anastrozole for approximately 6 months after having BC and having an mastectomy on the right breast, I was switched to Exemestane because of the side effects. I don't have as much joint pain but have pain in my left breast after having reduction surgery. I also have pain and numbness in my right underarm where lymph nodes were removed. Have pressure and swelling in the left beast (and in the right breast that has an implant) in the evening hours. Would like to know if anyone has any of these side effects.

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rosa1935 | @rosa1935 | Jun 21, 2023
In reply to @dlmdinia "I went on Anastrozole in October of 2020. By November of 2021 my knee pain was..." + (show)
@dlmdinia

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.

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I started collagen 2 weeks ago tge same time I stopped Anastrozole. But my back pain in no better🤷‍♀️

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rosy54 | @rosy54 | Jul 16, 2023
In reply to @lisman1408 "I had horrible memory loss when I was taking Anastrozole. I couldn’t take any of the..." + (show)
@lisman1408

I had horrible memory loss when I was taking Anastrozole. I couldn’t take any of the medications that lower estrogen. The quality of my life was so poor while taking these drugs that I quit all of them. My husband made fun of me so much for my memory loss that I just quit taking them.

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I’ve been off Anastrozole for at least 3 yrs My memory issues is not improving It’s become noticeable among family that I can’t remember anything. I can’t comprehend what was said or if I mentioned something and then few minutes later I have to ask if I just repeated myself..I’m 69 and feel dementia is upon me and scares me. Please I need thoughts?

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2 replies
lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 16, 2023
In reply to @rosy54 "I’ve been off Anastrozole for at least 3 yrs My memory issues is not improving It’s..." + (show)
@rosy54

I’ve been off Anastrozole for at least 3 yrs My memory issues is not improving It’s become noticeable among family that I can’t remember anything. I can’t comprehend what was said or if I mentioned something and then few minutes later I have to ask if I just repeated myself..I’m 69 and feel dementia is upon me and scares me. Please I need thoughts?

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My memory issues improved after I switched to Exemestane from Anastrozole, I still think lowering estrogen to prevent recurrence of breast cancer continues to be an issue for some women. I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) two years ago. Just as many of us have memory problems when going through menopause; with breast cancer meds. we must lower estrogen even farther to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. Have a good heart to heart discussion with your doctors. I have completed my 5 years on breast cancer meds., and my memory I believe is better than when I was taking cancer meds. And yet, I still do have some memory problems. I will be 70 years old at the end of August this year. My memory loss is very concerning, and very annoying, but there isn’t much I can do about it… I’ve learned to just suck it up, do the best I can, and be grateful that I’m still breast cancer free.

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1 reply
rosy54 | @rosy54 | Jul 16, 2023
In reply to @lisman1408 "My memory issues improved after I switched to Exemestane from Anastrozole, I still think lowering estrogen..." + (show)
@lisman1408

My memory issues improved after I switched to Exemestane from Anastrozole, I still think lowering estrogen to prevent recurrence of breast cancer continues to be an issue for some women. I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) two years ago. Just as many of us have memory problems when going through menopause; with breast cancer meds. we must lower estrogen even farther to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. Have a good heart to heart discussion with your doctors. I have completed my 5 years on breast cancer meds., and my memory I believe is better than when I was taking cancer meds. And yet, I still do have some memory problems. I will be 70 years old at the end of August this year. My memory loss is very concerning, and very annoying, but there isn’t much I can do about it… I’ve learned to just suck it up, do the best I can, and be grateful that I’m still breast cancer free.

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Your story sounds much like mine as far as memory loss goes. I never gave it much thought till now ( many yrs later off meds) I mostly have memory issues with names and with my past. It scares me at (69 yrs old) getting dementia. I get confused easily on directions and names. I’m more aware of it now so makes me more scared of what’s next in my life😢

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Gini Pariseau | @ginip | Jul 17, 2023
In reply to @rosy54 "I’ve been off Anastrozole for at least 3 yrs My memory issues is not improving It’s..." + (show)
@rosy54

I’ve been off Anastrozole for at least 3 yrs My memory issues is not improving It’s become noticeable among family that I can’t remember anything. I can’t comprehend what was said or if I mentioned something and then few minutes later I have to ask if I just repeated myself..I’m 69 and feel dementia is upon me and scares me. Please I need thoughts?

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Would you share how long you were taking Anastrozole?

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3 replies
lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 17, 2023
In reply to @ginip "Would you share how long you were taking Anastrozole?" + (show)
@ginip

Would you share how long you were taking Anastrozole?

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After about 6 months of taking Anastrozole, I couldn’t stand the memory loss any more. My husband and son made fun of me so much for my forgetfulness. My doctor switched me to Tomoxifin. I broke out in some pretty nasty hives just a few days after starting Tomoxifin. It seems I was allergic to something in it. My doctor then switched me to Exemestane and I stayed on that for about 4 years. About 6 months ago, my doctor said I could stop taking it since there was no sign of cancer returning. My memory still isn’t what I had before breast cancer. But I function just fine in my life, except for my husband often treating me like me like I have no idea what going on. He makes ‘lists’ for me so I won’t forget things. Sometimes, it’s nice to have his care, but often it’s very condescending…

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2 replies
rosy54 | @rosy54 | Jul 17, 2023
In reply to @ginip "Would you share how long you were taking Anastrozole?" + (show)
@ginip

Would you share how long you were taking Anastrozole?

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5 yrs on Anastrozole I think that’s limit on it 3 yrs usually the amount of time

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1 reply
nanna1948 | @nanna1948 | Jul 22, 2023
In reply to @lisman1408 "After about 6 months of taking Anastrozole, I couldn’t stand the memory loss any more. My..." + (show)
@lisman1408

After about 6 months of taking Anastrozole, I couldn’t stand the memory loss any more. My husband and son made fun of me so much for my forgetfulness. My doctor switched me to Tomoxifin. I broke out in some pretty nasty hives just a few days after starting Tomoxifin. It seems I was allergic to something in it. My doctor then switched me to Exemestane and I stayed on that for about 4 years. About 6 months ago, my doctor said I could stop taking it since there was no sign of cancer returning. My memory still isn’t what I had before breast cancer. But I function just fine in my life, except for my husband often treating me like me like I have no idea what going on. He makes ‘lists’ for me so I won’t forget things. Sometimes, it’s nice to have his care, but often it’s very condescending…

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Tell your husband from me let him try what you have gone through and what you have done with treatment to stay alive how dare him not kiss the ground you walk on

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