Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@francine6829 After chemo, radiation and it's burns are a piece of cake - I had to have 30 treatments.

Ugh. Notice that women are not complaining about radiation treatment. They got that one figured out. It was a non event for me after a lumpectomy

My oncotype was 18. I did 21 sessions of radiation after a lumpectomy. Stage 1 with clear margins. Anastrozole dried every part of my body. My face looks 20 years older and no vaginal moisture at all in addition to aches and pains in joints.

Maybe you have an zero estrogen level too! I have never heard the oncotype test connected to radiation only chemo. My oncotype was 12 and I did 4 weeks of radiation

@francine6829 I ended up arguing with my oncologist over hormone tests! I wanted to do them a few times before the hysterectomy / oophrectomy he suggested due to the type of BC I had. Then take a hormone test after surgery. He said no also due to it being different so often. My oncotype was 19 so that is why the 20 radiation treatments.
Anyone who has zero estrogen level in my mind needs to NOT take AIs!!

@francine6829 I am supposed to start aromasin but waiting until after shingle shot and a few more weeks...just had robotic hysterectomy due to type and grade of breast cancer

I applaud you! I’ve been on it for 7 weeks and am ready to quit. Did your oncologist try to put you on another pill?

I managed to do it for 2 years. Tired of feeling like an 80 year old at 60.

How long were you on anastrozole?

When men get prostrate cancer, they check harmone levels. i don't think its meaningless to check. I have zero estrogen now. That is a number in which to judge the effectiveness of the medication. They need studies that demonstrate these pills are worth the side effects. - similar to the oncotype test where they can now test whether or not you would benefit from chemo, and thank goodness that test came back negative for me. One has to weigh their quality of life - this is not about hot flashes