Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

This is how my oncologist explained it. I had a lumpectomy and 21 radiation treatments. She said surgery reduces the chances of it returning by 80%; radiation reduces the remaining 20% change by 50%, so now it's a 10% chance. The AI drug reduces that remaining 10% by another 50%. So now we're at a 95% chance it will not return. I hope I explained it correctly - but each treatment - reduces the chance. I hope to take it for a full 5 yrs at least. Only you can decide what risk to take. And I agree discuss this with your doctor. Not everyone has the side effects listed. And some are very livable - dry eyes & losing some hair. It's worth my life to me,. ALSO - if it returns, it will not necessarily be Breast cancer - it will come back in your Brain, Bones, Liver or Lungs. Keep that in Mind. If your doctor didn't tell you that - shame on them. Also keep in mind 85% of BC is now cured.

I have my anastrozole meds prescribed today and don't wish to take them, but am going to try them. In addition to my invasive breast cancer, I have an additional one "neuroendocrine" cancer for which my oncologist was quite adamantly telling me I need this and that we can play around with the different ones. Just had my PET scan and it shows no mets elsewhere, but I also need a brain MRI to be sure no mets there. So thank you for all the input ladies regarding exercise and importance of AIs combating cancer recurrence.

@kathyomaha55 - timing is everything! I’ve been wrestling with the decision to stop the AI. After reading your explanation I began thinking of my teenage son who fought bone cancer so bravely for 4 years and my twin sister who passed from brain cancer. Your info certainly helped make my decision to stay on the AI. Once again Thank you❤️

@kathyomaha55 - great explanation, clear & concise and necessary. Thanks a million.

This is how my oncologist explained it. I had a lumpectomy and 21 radiation treatments. She said surgery reduces the chances of it returning by 80%; radiation reduces the remaining 20% change by 50%, so now it's a 10% chance. The AI drug reduces that remaining 10% by another 50%. So now we're at a 95% chance it will not return. I hope I explained it correctly - but each treatment - reduces the chance. I hope to take it for a full 5 yrs at least. Only you can decide what risk to take. And I agree discuss this with your doctor. Not everyone has the side effects listed. And some are very livable - dry eyes & losing some hair. It's worth my life to me,. ALSO - if it returns, it will not necessarily be Breast cancer - it will come back in your Brain, Bones, Liver or Lungs. Keep that in Mind. If your doctor didn't tell you that - shame on them. Also keep in mind 85% of BC is now cured.

@farmgirl1556 all well here! Thank you! All pathology reports negative. Just 4 weeks out and doing well...just slow and steady.
Make the decision with what they find! Good luck!
I am choosing to possibly take a lower dose of different AI med because of horrendous side effects and 4 young grandsons.
Don't want to be a couch potato. Meds will not define me.

Would be great if that was true. 9% is nothing!

@farmgirl1556 all well here! Thank you! All pathology reports negative. Just 4 weeks out and doing well...just slow and steady.
Make the decision with what they find! Good luck!
I am choosing to possibly take a lower dose of different AI med because of horrendous side effects and 4 young grandsons.
Don't want to be a couch potato. Meds will not define me.

Thanks !! I understand that !! I’m also estrogen and progesterone pos. Since I was having uterine issues I was considering a hysterectomy but since finishing my tamoxifen it has improved . I pray all goes well for you ✝️😊