Anastrazole and anxiety

I am taking anastrozole it’s been year and 6 months. Not sure how long I will taking it my hematology doc says 7 some say 5 years. Which is it ? And who determines on how long. My side and finally gotten better. I feel somewhat of myself. I have fatigue at night because I’m thinking due to the fact I take it at dinner time. I have both high positive breast cancer her2 negative invasive with 1 lymph node positive. Kinda worries about that but I am hopeful it didn’t spread anywhere else. So my question is. Is there anyone that has the same and how long we were taking anastrozole? And who determines that.
Hugs to all

About 8 months into anastozole, I went to talk therapy which I had done once before. She and my Primary decided that Wellbutrin (in generic form) would help me. I think it has, but this is not my point.

My sister currently has colon cancer and in the course of speaking with her oncologist the suggestion of counseling really put my sister off to the point of rudeness. Her oncologist gave her own personal example and told her she also was not the type to embrace therapy or counseling. But she went to 1 session and learned about strategies and implemented them her own way. She started playing the violin which I found interesting.
My sister still hasn’t done anything and I don’t know if she is coming to grips with this diagnosis, but I signed up for caregiver counseling just to get ideas for communicating better with her. She will follow her own path. I accept that.

If your hospital or doctor has a recommendation for someone to talk with, I think going to 1 session specifically with the goal of learning strategies (and you have to figure out your goals and be specific—don’t get yourself in a situation where you don’t control your own narrative) would be beneficial. It’s sad because when my sister does bring up concerns, I can only respond that I can’t answer to that and she should bring it up during her telemed visits.
I would rather try something and decide it’s not for me rather than lose out on benefits that might actually work.

Remember, there are lots of participants in this forum who try anastozole and quit so there is something to be said for sticking it out. We just have to try and see what works as individuals.

I just stopped taking Anastrozole ( after 5 yrs) not needed after 5 yrs
The only symptoms I had was tiredness and brain fog ( so I was told)
This brings up the question Is brain fog really real or a symptom of chemotherapy?. My memory is has gotten bad to point is it really from Anastrozole, or at age 68 early dementia???
Guess it’s a question to ask under different category

If you are numb maybe you should have your B2 tested. I have taken it for about 8 or 9 months and it has helped with my arms and legs going numb. That’s B2 not B12. Hope you can find something to help you.

You are definitely not alone. We all feel this way at some point in our Anastrozole journey.

I’m four years into taking Anastrozole and am dealing with limbs that are achy and numb while I’m either sleeping or in an inclined position.

My oncologist prescribed 100mg of Gabapentin at night which has helped. ♥️

Thank you so much! It helps to know I’m not alone!

I am 1 year into anastrozole for my breast cancer. My side effects are about the same. Headaches joint and muscle pain. Do I cry sometimes when sitting by myself. I try to keep myself busy and think of other things.
I take my pill at dinner around 6 or so no caffeine after 2 and been drinking sleepy time tea at night to help me sleep around 7:30 or 8:00. That seems to help me. By the way I do get up 4:30 a m for work.

I was on Anastrozole for 5 years for my breast cancer. I truly had no side effects from it . I was prescribed Effexor for anxiety which I still take 7 yrs later. I’m afraid to get off of it for reasons of side effects ( dizziness and lightheaded) and what to expect about my anxiety

I think we cry easily, have brain fog, etc, because the AI’s and Tamoxifen put us into a menopausal state. Perimenopause and menopause were horrible for me and yet here I am. I do use cbd to help me sleep and that has made a difference. Everything seems better when we are getting good sleep. Hopefully, over time the side effects will get better. ❤️

I took Aromasin (Exemestane) for about 5 months after a DCIS diagnosis. My mood was definitely impacted. I could cry very easily and my anxiety worsened. As someone who already deals with anxiety I found this to be very difficult. I just over all did not feel well. As my risk of recurrence is very low ( I had surgery and radiation) I decided to stop the medication. I try to exercise daily, try to eat better and leave it at that. My situation is not everyone's situation of course, but this decision is the best for me. I agree that adding a med to tolerate a med seems strange, but if it works then that plan is best for individual patients.