1. < Breast Cancer

Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Mar 6, 2019
In reply to @farmgirl1556 "I did not want to continue taking The anastrozole so my onc. ordered a breast index..." + (show)
@farmgirl1556

I did not want to continue taking The anastrozole so my onc. ordered a breast index test which I’m waiting on. That will determine the benefit of taking it...I hate that anastrozole affects your bones 😔

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Thank for info, I was not aware of test.

For others who want more information:
https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/breast-cancer-index-test
Laurie

REPLY
farmgirl1556 | @farmgirl1556 | Mar 6, 2019
In reply to @kwanless "My doctor told me it gives a 9% more chance cancer won’t recur. That’s not much..." + (show)
@kwanless

My doctor told me it gives a 9% more chance cancer won’t recur. That’s not much and I hate the side affects. I stopped taking it. Taking awhile for side affects to leave. I feel so much better and like myself now!

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I did not want to continue taking The anastrozole so my onc. ordered a breast index test which I’m waiting on. That will determine the benefit of taking it...I hate that anastrozole affects your bones 😔

REPLY
1 reply
farmgirl1556 | @farmgirl1556 | Mar 6, 2019
In reply to @gwinter "@farmgirl1556 I had my stage 1 ER +, PR + HERS- tumor sent off to be..." + (show)
@gwinter

@farmgirl1556 I had my stage 1 ER +, PR + HERS- tumor sent off to be oncotyped due to the amount of breast cancer on my maternal side (all 5 of my great aunts in their 80's). It came back no Braca 1 or 2 but RAD15C which leads to cancer recurring possibly in ovary (I only have 1) so I opted to have robotic hysterectomy and oophrectomy. Plus, I am 64....

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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 ✝️😊

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1 reply
elizm | @elizm | Mar 6, 2019
In reply to @karendb "Hi. I don't know what I've been reading, but everything I've read says AI reduces the..." + (show)
@karendb

Hi. I don't know what I've been reading, but everything I've read says AI reduces the risk of reoccurrence of breast cancer. Am I wrong? I've just started taking anastrozole.

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@karendb
Yes, AIs are effective at reducing recurrence while you are taking one.

REPLY
gwinter | @gwinter | Mar 6, 2019
In reply to @farmgirl1556 "Just curious who suggested a hysterectomy ? I have always wondered about that due to uterine..." + (show)
@farmgirl1556

Just curious who suggested a hysterectomy ? I have always wondered about that due to uterine cancer and tamoxifen 😔

Jump to this post

@farmgirl1556 I had my stage 1 ER +, PR + HERS- tumor sent off to be oncotyped due to the amount of breast cancer on my maternal side (all 5 of my great aunts in their 80's). It came back no Braca 1 or 2 but RAD15C which leads to cancer recurring possibly in ovary (I only have 1) so I opted to have robotic hysterectomy and oophrectomy. Plus, I am 64....

REPLY
1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 5, 2019
In reply to @elizm "@appaloosagal So sorry to hear that you continue to struggle with radiation dermatitis. It is a..." + (show)
@elizm

@appaloosagal
So sorry to hear that you continue to struggle with radiation dermatitis. It is a common side effect and can even return much later (called radiation recall)... ugh. Firstly, keep that area free of cologne, anti-bacterial soap, soap in general (ask your pharmacy to order Aquanil Cleanser or Lotion, or CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash), and use clothes detergents which are free of scents and other additives (look for or order Tide Free & Pure or All Free Clear.) Also, keep the area moisturized with something which has no chemical additives.

As for the anastrozole... I agree, it's a bummer. I opted to take just half a dose and I still experience aching joints and bones (and I don't have osteoarthritis!). It worries my oncologist (the half-dose), but I remind him that recurrence also increases after taking an AI... it really is a no-win situation in my view. We each have to pick our way through the therapeutic brambles. I wish you the best outcome and, at least, calmer skin.

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The radiation dermatitis can be helped with calendula cream and aloe gel (scent free).

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appaloosagal | @appaloosagal | Mar 5, 2019
In reply to @kayk "@appaloosagal I found that it is apparently the blue dye in "pm" products like Tylenol PM..." + (show)
@kayk

@appaloosagal I found that it is apparently the blue dye in "pm" products like Tylenol PM that make me jittery and wide-awake. The pm part is just Benedryl. Try taking regular Tylenol and Benedryl instead. Hope it helps!

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Kayk thank you for that suggestion. I didn't know that about the dye.

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azlane | @azlane | Mar 5, 2019

Always talk with your doctor. I think the more data you collect, the more questions you can get answered. I'm with you, the side effects are worth staying alive longer.

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kwanless | @kwanless | Mar 5, 2019
In reply to @karendb "Wow, that's not very encouraging considering the side effects. I read on line it reduces the..." + (show)
@karendb

Wow, that's not very encouraging considering the side effects. I read on line it reduces the reoccurrence risk in post menapausal women by 56%.

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

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1 reply
karendb | @karendb | Mar 5, 2019
In reply to @kwanless "My doctor told me it gives a 9% more chance cancer won’t recur. That’s not much..." + (show)
@kwanless

My doctor told me it gives a 9% more chance cancer won’t recur. That’s not much and I hate the side affects. I stopped taking it. Taking awhile for side affects to leave. I feel so much better and like myself now!

Jump to this post

Wow, that's not very encouraging considering the side effects. I read on line it reduces the reoccurrence risk in post menapausal women by 56%.

REPLY
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