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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sandrajo | @sandrajo | Feb 2, 2019

Have been on arimedex For the past seven months. Except for feeling tired at midday, I have no complaints. Some thinning of hair But I have not noticed any other adverse effects.

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karendb | @karendb | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @huey "I’m taking my anastrozole and doing well. Walking every day" + (show)
@huey

I’m taking my anastrozole and doing well. Walking every day

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I'm so glad to hear someone doing well on this med. my oncologist has prescribed for me the same drug after my radiation treatments. I've been very scared about taking it from hearing some of the awful side effects people have had.

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huey | @huey | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @huey "I have 2 friends who stopped anastrozole because of side effects. Both are suffering with metastatic..." + (show)
@huey

I have 2 friends who stopped anastrozole because of side effects. Both are suffering with metastatic desease

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I’m taking my anastrozole and doing well. Walking every day

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1 reply
gwinter | @gwinter | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @kat9606 "I've been on Anastrozole (Arimidex) for 3 mos, the first pain was in my knees but..." + (show)
@kat9606

I've been on Anastrozole (Arimidex) for 3 mos, the first pain was in my knees but it wasn't significant or there all the time - I'd never had knee pain before. In the past 2 mos my hip and back pain (aching and stiffness) is pretty significant. Saw my oncology nutritionist a few days ago who added calcium, vit D and Glucosamine/Chrondroitin to my daily Alive Women 50+ Vitamin. She looked at all the dosage amounts, some I take in the AM others in PM. Will try this for a month and if symptoms don't subside might try a different AI. I also get a lot of calf cramps at night that can keep me from sleeping. I do Pilates 3x a week which helps on so many levels. I'm 53 so I wasn't used to aches and pains until diagnosis 14 mos ago. Diagnosed IDC, PR & ER +, HER2-, nothing in lymph nodes, stage 1. Did lumpectomy, radiation and full hysterectomy (minus the ovaries), no chemo luckily.

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I know this is from 2017, but just wondering how you r doing?
I am 64 and pr /er positive, HER2 -. HAVING hysterectomy next week.
I have tried arimidex twice and did not fare well.
See oncologist also this week for first yearly since surgery and diagnosis last April.
So as you see we r pretty close...I would really like to know how you r doing now!
Thank you!
Gaye

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huey | @huey | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @maureenkarras "I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I..." + (show)
@maureenkarras

I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. There are side effects and everyone reacts differently. For me it was joint pain and skin issues - I'm still struggling with both. The thing you have to weigh is the cancer. I'm assuming that you want to do everything possible to prevent reoccurance. I felt like I couldn't manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. I started, stopped, switched and tried again - repeatedly. I never completed the entire recommended 5 years. But, I wish I could have. For me the fear of reoccurance seems to still loom large. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. Wishing you the best and a future cancer free. Maureen

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I have 2 friends who stopped anastrozole because of side effects. Both are suffering with metastatic desease

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1 reply
Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Feb 2, 2019
In reply to @karendb "Hi there. I had a lumpectomy for bc, then 16 weeks of chemo, now am done..." + (show)
@karendb

Hi there. I had a lumpectomy for bc, then 16 weeks of chemo, now am done week 2 of 5 of radiation. Next are the meds for me too. It's been nothing but hell for me up to now. Now I'm dealing with such terrible weakness and neuropathy in hands and feet. I hear ya girl when you say you are so done. I truly feel your pain.

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Prayers and loving thoughts coming your way.

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kwanless | @kwanless | Feb 2, 2019

Thinking of you on your surgery! I agree about the quality of life! I have been so lethargic and depressed! Once I decided this was what I was going to do a sense of peace came over me! I had s 2 month old granddaughter and one due next week, I need my hands to hold these babies! Good luck with your surgery! Kathy

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gwinter | @gwinter | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @kwanless "I have been on Anastrozole for a year and a half. I can’t handle it anymore...." + (show)
@kwanless

I have been on Anastrozole for a year and a half. I can’t handle it anymore. I went from few wrinkles to a face full of wrinkles. I have such vaginal dryness sex is out of the question. My joints ache. My fingers won’t bend. All of this for an added 9% chance my cancer won’t come back. No! I’m done! Just trying to figure out how long it will be before the side affects go away! Kathy

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I am impressed you did that long!
My stats are 3-12 with the meds, but having hysterectomy next week which is to bring it down to 7%.
I tried same med twice for only 3 weeks each time! First time I quit when I started thinking about suicide...I appeased the oncologist and tried one more time for 3 weeks and gave up because like you I could not bend my fingers or even get out of bed!
I think we all have to also think of quality of life!
I am 64 have 4 young grandsons. I love to fish and kayak and play with the boys....I will not be bedridden.
Hugs to all of you!

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farmgirl1556 | @farmgirl1556 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @kwanless "I guess I would put up with the side affects better if the meds gave me..." + (show)
@kwanless

I guess I would put up with the side affects better if the meds gave me greater than a 9% chance with the meds. Seems like a lot of crap I’m taking for 9%. Hope you have less side affects.

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I agree with you!!!!

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kwanless | @kwanless | Feb 1, 2019

I guess I would put up with the side affects better if the meds gave me greater than a 9% chance with the meds. Seems like a lot of crap I’m taking for 9%. Hope you have less side affects.

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