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Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Apr 27 1:15pm | Replies (1931)
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@chiara58

I have taken anastrozole for 5years now. Major intestinal problems, it makes my life really difficult. I have stopped it for 3 weeks, i now have almost no problems with stomach. My question is, do i really need to take it for 10 years, as my oncologist recommends? Or is it an impossible question?...

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Replies to "I have taken anastrozole for 5years now. Major intestinal problems, it makes my life really difficult...."
windyshores | @windyshores | Dec 31, 2023

I was told 7 years was as good as 10. I really wanted to do 7.

Then I read on breastcancer.org about the Breast Cancer Index, which gives risk as well as a yes or no answer about whether continued aromatase inhibitor treatment is of benefit. Mine came out high risk, but no benefit, so I stopped at 5 years.

My oncologist had not heard of it and put it into her practice. It is now part of NCCN guidelines. At the time I had to get the paperwork for the test, talk to the lab about specimens, and present the paperwork for signature to my doctor, then send it to the company. It should be easier now. If your doctor is not on board, get a second opinion. Show them the NCCN guidelines!

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nora305 | @nora305 | Dec 31, 2023

Have you done the Breast Cancer Index yet? After five years on an aromatase inhibitor, the Index is supposed to determine if taking an AI for more years will actually increase your survival rate.

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