Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@kathyomaha55 I was only on anastrozole for 3 weeks and in the. Morning my hands were so stiff there was no way I could bend them plus, I could barely get out of bed. It hurt so bad!
I had 20 radiation treatments and was stage 1.
I applaud your endurance! I cannot do it! But I am going to try aromasin (so) soon! Just had a hysterectomy that was also supposed to help my chances of recurrence....

I have had hair thinning with Anastozole too.

I tried the Tylenol PM. It made me so jittery I thought I was going nuts. I did have 30 radiation treatments and burned pretty bad. I tell you what, if I didn't have a farm and all the chores that go along with all the animals I probably wouldn't go outside on these cold days. But after I do I always feel better. Lol

I have had some small thinning of my hair - on the front to the headband. My hair dresser said it's not noticeable. I figure if I have to lose some hair , it's a price worth paying to not have the cancer return. Male baldness runs in my family (it always comes from your mom's side) - and my Dr. said this might contribute to this also, along with the anastrozole.

I also have insomnia - my oncologist recommended Tylenol PM. That helps with my joint pain too. My hands hurt SO much, this never happened before the Anastrozole (I've been on it for almost 5 months). I started exercise too - that has helped with the fatigue. I had no skin problems, I had 21 treatments, maybe you had more?

I have been on Anastrozole for a year now. I am thinking of taking a break. The side effects are killing me. I have already been on Tamoxifen and Letrazole. The Tamoxifen caused liver damage. The letrazole side effects were so bad I could hardly walk. Now, with the Anastrozole the insomnia is terrible. Not to mention fatigue and headaches. I also have bad indigestion all the time. Has anyone else had hives or rashes on their radiated skin? I have had hives, bumps and itching just on the radiated breast side. For a year now.

I totally agree. I see my oncologist at the end of the month so will talk to her as well. But I doubt I will do meds anytime soon. Kathy

I lasted a month on arimidex, I had all the side effects. Insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, bone/joint pain, nausea/vomiting, mood swings, irritability, loss of focus. Just miserable. My oncologist had told me I’d feel much, much worse on this med and he was right. I’ll see him tomorrow for recommendations. But for quality of life issues I can’t continue on this med.

I also am having fatigue. Sleeping 12 hrs a night and needing a nap too. They told me the fatigue from radiation can take up to a year to resolve. My radiation was over in October (21 treatments) - so not sure if I can blame the AI for that. I have my first 3 months check up with the oncologist on 2/.8. I will be sure to ask her about this. Hot flashes have been a constant since surgery in July. I only started taking anastrozole in November.

I had many side effects, some mild but the worst was the mood swings and moodiness/depression. It was like being 16 again with PMS. I also experienced fatigue, sleeping 12 hours a night with a 2 hour midday nap, hot flashes, stomach upset, muscle ache etc. Being off it I know is temporary but I’m dreading going back on it