Has anyone dealt with the decision to stop Anastrozole due to joint pa

Hi! In response to take or not to take AIs. I wish more emphasis was placed on individuals experiencing side effects from any of them.
I decided not to take Anasozole. My cancer was unique, Paget's disease. It's one breast concerning nipple and areola. DCIS, clear nodes. No spread. I had other breast removed prophylactic.
I read everything I could about these drugs. It was not until I joined the Mayo Clinic discussion when I learned of so many women experiencing debilitating side effects. Many were irreversible.
My decision at 72 was to not have the next 5 years filled with side effects.
Of course this is an individual decision. If my oncologist told me they would no longer treat me because of my apprehension taking this drug I would seriously question whose interests they have at heart.
We need to be treated both physically and mentally and with compassionate listening. Cancer is a life changing experience and we're all trying to live with IT as best we can.

I was on anastrozole for 18 months then switched to letrozole. I have less pain in my feet, knee, and hip joints on letrozole but its still present. I exercise three days a week at a local wellness center and try to walk on other days. I have eliminated most processed foods from my diet, eat very little sugar, and drink minimal alcohol on special occasions. I have almost 3 more years to go on these AIs. I am going to be 70 this year. I am not sure I will make it until age 72. I am just taking one day at a time.
Hang in there everyone! Prayers for all who are taking these AIs.

I had really bad pain in my hips, wrists, etc…

I started taking gabapentin 300 mg capsule, Commonly known as: NEURONTIN

It made a world of difference!!

I just walked 60 miles in the Susan G Komen 3 day and I feel great!!!

I am also still taking my Kadcyla treatments.

I'm 2 years into this first 5 year cycle and the past 1.5 was torture! I felt 90 years old in my body, though I'm only in my fifties. The constant pain was unbearable!
I lived in Chicago, IL at the time of my diagnosis, surgery, radiation treatment, etc. and have since moved to Phoenix, AZ this decision to switch to a warmer climate was based on the fact that I did not want to live in pain everyday and the cold Chicago Winters gave me the courage to take the leap! Another major change was to continue my Oncology care at the Mayo Clinic and incorporate Integrative Medicine into my treatment plan. What helped tremendously with the joint aches and pain side effects of the AI is my daily regiment of supplements (instead of medications which produces more side effects), Specifically Fish Oil, and weekly acupuncture. I can't express enough how beneficial acupuncture has been! Lastly, besides living as stress free as possible (which can greatly effect your joints as well), I made dietary changes, eating foods that fuel my body, support my systems, and protect & build my body from a cellular level to reduce inflammation. These are the things which has helped with the side effects of joint ache & pain as well as insomnia and horrific night sweats. I hope this info helps and you find relief. Stay strong, live well!

Your situation is almost identical to mine. Thank you for sharing!

Wow, that’s great! I will check with my doctor about that, thanks for sharing!

Very helpful, thank you!

I was on Anastrazole for 5 years. After that my dr did a test that suggested I stay on for another 5 years. The odds I had a 24% chance of recurrence if I got off. 10% if I stayed on for 5 more years. I chose to quit because my knee pain and trigger fingers were so bad that I decided to take the risk for 14%. I have been off of it for 17 months and so far everything is fine. It is a hard decision but I do pray a lot as well

I had the same side effects in addition to a rash on many areas of my body so I switched to Extrematase. I haven’t had any side effects and am going to stick with it for my additional 3 1/2 years.
You are doing everything right. Continued success with your lifestyle changes and health.

Hi, I tried all the aromatase inhibitors, but the joint pain was crippling, so I stopped within a year. And, 2.5 years later, I still have knee pain. However, my mamo score was ultra low, which made my decision easy.