Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I have been off my anastrozole for a month. Side affects are lessening but it has taken awhile. K

@francine6829
I asked my oncologist about why blood levels of estrogen were not tested, and he said that the results were meaningless because it can change several times a day. As to recurrence... AIs are not guarantees... but they have proven to be extremely helpful in preventing recurrence because they block estrogen, and certain cancer cells need estrogen in order to grow. Exercise, losing weight, eating a healthy diet, giving up alcohol, etc. also are helpful in avoiding recurrence. HER2 status can increase recurrence. There are dozens of factors which contribute to risk. Unfortunately, this is not a zero sum game... it's more complex than anyone currently understands. One's oncologist can only give his/her best informed opinion of an individual's case.

I have seen that chart before. I don't think its very accurate. I am glad the oncologist is letting me off the pill for 2 weeks. I need the break.

@francine6829 I found a chart on breastcancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/comp_chart I have had headaches on anastrozole (Arimidex) but they are starting to subside a bit now as well as nausea. I do take the pill just before going to sleep so maybe that's helpful? But I haven't taken it in the morning so I don't know.

I have been on Letrozole for 7 weeks with wicked joint pain. My blood work taken yesterdays shows my estradiol levels at 0. Have any of you had your estradiol blood levels checked? AND as a result of those levels, has your oncologist changed/reduced your dosage of letrozole or any other AIs?

@javajude Those were good words of advice and what I needed to hear. I just finally started walking again and our physical therapy department has a strength training class for woman who have had breast cancer treatment. I'm signed up starting next week. Trying to lose weight, but that's a slow process!

@francine6829 I take it in capsule form up to 3 times a day when the pain is the worst, otherwise once a day after a meal. Drink lots of water with it. Start off with 1 capsule and work your way up.

@sparklegram I hope you visit goes well. I, too, have severe stenosis in my lower spine and cervical spine as well as spina bifida of my coccyx and a few other yucky spine problems. Hoping that does not get any worse, but don't have high hopes as I already have osteoporosis of my spine and osteopenia of my hip and forearm. I'm supposed to have Zometa infusion, but cannot until my dental work is done and dentist clears me. He says because the Zometa (biphosph.) if started too soon, then the gum/roots will never heal. If it isn't one thing, it's another! I do take my Anastozole (Arimidex) just before going to sleep.

My oncologist has told me that the newest drug Letrozole has the fewest side effects. I want to know why the oncologists are not monitoring estrogen levels. I had to ask my gyno to take my blood. So, now my estrogen is zero. What is the number that is safe for estrogen and to not have a cancer reoccurence?

@cindylb
What was the total time that you were on the meds and how long has it been since you have stopped all of them. What you are doing is what I am considering because my quality of life is not what it should be. I'm also sensitive to drugs and only take migraine medicine when needed. I have never had to take any medication every day and this is a bitter pill to swallow--pun intended.