Anastrozole Brain Fog

Posted by lisman1408 @lisman1408, Jan 17, 2019

I started taking Anastrozole in October 2018 after radiation for stage 2 breast cancer. Has anyone had ‘brain fog’ or memory loss with this medication? If so, what have you done to relieve this annoying side effect?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for dorothyktumpos @dorothyktumpos

Yes still fight brain fog and chronic fatigue since 2015. I have tried supplements and acupuncture but nothing has seemed to make a difference.

Jump to this post

I feel there’s been no real progress for our memory problems . It seems anyone who’s been on Anastrozole have/had this issue.
Until I joined this site I never knew there were others with memory and cognitive issues. It’s comforting and reassures me I’m not alone.
Mayo Clinic site has been so informative and comforting. I’m not alone and hopefully able to help others with my experiences. 👍🙏

REPLY
Profile picture for reneed @reneed

I actually talked to oncology pa yesterday. I'll try it again but if cognitive issues go back to being worse I'll be put on something else. The brain mri was normal too, thankfully.

Jump to this post

👋 Hi. I previously reported (6 yrs on Anastrozole) I noticed my mind wasn’t the same. I felt my memory issues was due to that . I’m curious what med were you on for your memory issues and if it helped??? Ty

REPLY

My wife Mattie has memory fog. I have to ask her to clarify what she just said. If she doesn’t understand me she will ask me for clarification. There is nothing wrong with misunderstanding. Patience is of paramount importance where it comes to relationships, especially when the woman you love is suffering from the side effects of anestrasol. All the other challenges are difficult enough as it is without the brain fog. Being her support and her advocate is my passion. As for copping with and understanding what she is going through, I pray for her. God is my sounding board.

REPLY
Profile picture for mdr3 @mdr3

Just curious, on the exemestaine (which I haven't heard of) -- was the recurrence due to failure of the drug? Sometimes this site is difficult because we hear of these results without knowing the usual bi-line clinical histories of the patients writing in. On the Johns Hopkins originated breastcancer.org forum, you fill out a bi-line history that goes with your name. You do have the option not to do so, but most people do, because it enables readers to pay special attention to those who have similar bc types and treatment histories.

Jump to this post

I don't know about the Johns Hopkins site but I agree with you about the issue. That's why I recommend filling out the information in Profile & Settings. Things like the cancer type, how long since you've been diagnosed, the drugs you're on, etc. Very few people have this info though I understand people may not be comfortable to put it there.
When filled, you can just click on the user name of the people and see their details.

REPLY
Profile picture for mglinkhart @mglinkhart

This is my second go round with breast cancer. I took exemestaine the first time now I’m on Anastrozole and I’m losing my words again. Soo I told my family snd friends if I can’t remember a word I will say bucket instead and that way I don’t have to struggle trying to find the right word and they understand I can’t remember. It’s easier on all of us and I don’t get my feeling hurt.

Jump to this post

Just curious, on the exemestaine (which I haven't heard of) -- was the recurrence due to failure of the drug? Sometimes this site is difficult because we hear of these results without knowing the usual bi-line clinical histories of the patients writing in. On the Johns Hopkins originated breastcancer.org forum, you fill out a bi-line history that goes with your name. You do have the option not to do so, but most people do, because it enables readers to pay special attention to those who have similar bc types and treatment histories.

REPLY
Profile picture for Gini Pariseau @ginip

So sorry you are experiencing the memory issue. Age itself is a challenge with this but I think Anastrozole is also a factor. I am 79 and in my second year with taking it.

In respect to people reminding you that they already told you something. What the heck!!! I decided i had enough on my plate without that kind of crap. I saw a friend endure this kind of thoughtlessness when another friend tried to respond. I wanted to scream at them. I told her to ask whoever challenges her to just say - I wanted to make sure you remember what you said. People who do this are usually friends or family. You deal with these occurrences as best you can but there is no reason for a person to wear a ‘scarlet letter’! Don’t be a victim. You have obviously noticed this setback which is a very important consciousness. You can challenge yourself and stimulate you brain in many ways.

I would say you are a very savvy person. Don’t fall into the trap of doubting yourself. Don’t be a victim. There is so much about you that deserves recognition. Start giving a greater value to that rather those in your life who have a problem repeating
themselves. 😂

Jump to this post

❤️

REPLY
Profile picture for rosy54 @rosy54

I guess I never really talk about my cancer with friends n family unless you’ve gone through it I think you can’t connect on really suffered and the fear for how your life after is. I am so very happy I found this site I can be free with my feelings and truly feel the uncertainty and fear being diagnosed with the big C word

Jump to this post

We have all found each other. We have all found answers, comfort and understanding.

REPLY
Profile picture for Gini Pariseau @ginip

You are doing great! You are aware of the situation and are looking for a way to understand and remedy how you feel. Pat yourself on the back every chance you get. It is a good and useful act that you owe yourself!!❤️

Jump to this post

I guess I never really talk about my cancer with friends n family unless you’ve gone through it I think you can’t connect on really suffered and the fear for how your life after is. I am so very happy I found this site I can be free with my feelings and truly feel the uncertainty and fear being diagnosed with the big C word

REPLY
Profile picture for rosy54 @rosy54

Thank you ❤️you made me feel stronger and not feel hurt by comments Mostly it’s my family who gets upset but I feel their afraid for me and scared they’ll lose me, on the other hand it upsets me more that I do have a problem ! 😞

Jump to this post

You are doing great! You are aware of the situation and are looking for a way to understand and remedy how you feel. Pat yourself on the back every chance you get. It is a good and useful act that you owe yourself!!❤️

REPLY
Profile picture for Gini Pariseau @ginip

So sorry you are experiencing the memory issue. Age itself is a challenge with this but I think Anastrozole is also a factor. I am 79 and in my second year with taking it.

In respect to people reminding you that they already told you something. What the heck!!! I decided i had enough on my plate without that kind of crap. I saw a friend endure this kind of thoughtlessness when another friend tried to respond. I wanted to scream at them. I told her to ask whoever challenges her to just say - I wanted to make sure you remember what you said. People who do this are usually friends or family. You deal with these occurrences as best you can but there is no reason for a person to wear a ‘scarlet letter’! Don’t be a victim. You have obviously noticed this setback which is a very important consciousness. You can challenge yourself and stimulate you brain in many ways.

I would say you are a very savvy person. Don’t fall into the trap of doubting yourself. Don’t be a victim. There is so much about you that deserves recognition. Start giving a greater value to that rather those in your life who have a problem repeating
themselves. 😂

Jump to this post

Thank you ❤️you made me feel stronger and not feel hurt by comments Mostly it’s my family who gets upset but I feel their afraid for me and scared they’ll lose me, on the other hand it upsets me more that I do have a problem ! 😞

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.