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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karendb | @karendb | Feb 1, 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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On another note, I guess I'd rather go through all this than have the cancer come back so hang in there. One day at a time right.

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karendb | @karendb | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @kwanless "I was lucky that I just needed radiation. Not fun but I got thru it. Hopefully..." + (show)
@kwanless

I was lucky that I just needed radiation. Not fun but I got thru it. Hopefully it goes well for you.

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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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2 replies
kwanless | @kwanless | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "kwanless - I am so sorry you are going through all of that. I'm finishing up..." + (show)
@trixie1313

kwanless - I am so sorry you are going through all of that. I'm finishing up my radiation and have to make a decision on HRT meds. It's just enough getting over of having cancer, then having chemo, surgery, and radiation. Yuck!

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I was lucky that I just needed radiation. Not fun but I got thru it. Hopefully it goes well for you.

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | 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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kwanless - I am so sorry you are going through all of that. I'm finishing up my radiation and have to make a decision on HRT meds. It's just enough getting over of having cancer, then having chemo, surgery, and radiation. Yuck!

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1 reply
kwanless | @kwanless | Feb 1, 2019

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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2 replies
Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @mollymiller "And exercise? I can't force myself. I have gained a LOT of weight, it's cold, my..." + (show)
@mollymiller

And exercise? I can't force myself. I have gained a LOT of weight, it's cold, my whole body aches, et. etc! All bad excuses. On the occasions that I am Forced to walk a distance or climb a lot of stairs I get short of breath. I AM LAZY!!! I have been trying to force myself to do at least 15 minutes walking the dog...That's it! And "Exercise is Medicine"! I know it! Woe is me ~ One day at a time, i suppose. THanks for the input.:)

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Hi, Mollie. I'm browsing conversations while waiting for dinner to cook. I am not part of this particular conversation, but when I read your words about exercise, I know of 2 discussions that I want to share with you. I invite you to take a look. You might find some encouragement or inspiration to get started. I know that your participation will be welcomed, because in spite of our medical differences, we have an equal interest in taking care of our selves and supporting each other.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lighten-your-limbs-with-friends/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/staying-motivated-for-the-long-haul/
Sending good thoughts for success.

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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @mollymiller "And exercise? I can't force myself. I have gained a LOT of weight, it's cold, my..." + (show)
@mollymiller

And exercise? I can't force myself. I have gained a LOT of weight, it's cold, my whole body aches, et. etc! All bad excuses. On the occasions that I am Forced to walk a distance or climb a lot of stairs I get short of breath. I AM LAZY!!! I have been trying to force myself to do at least 15 minutes walking the dog...That's it! And "Exercise is Medicine"! I know it! Woe is me ~ One day at a time, i suppose. THanks for the input.:)

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Don’t beat yourself up so! You are likely not lazy-another side effect of Anastrozole is depression and anxiety. Add that to the mental effects of having cancer, and depression pretty easily sets in.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Feb 1, 2019
In reply to @jeannie53 "@lisman1408 Started October 1, 1028. Felt fine for the first couple of months and then was..." + (show)
@jeannie53

@lisman1408 Started October 1, 1028. Felt fine for the first couple of months and then was hit with severe body aches. It passed after a couple of weeks and now I've been fine. I do think that sometimes the bottom of my feet hurt. If I continue to feel like I am now all will be good. Doctors have told me I must exercise and I need to get going on that. Also to take supplements because it can effect your bones. I do notice if I keep moving I feel better.

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My Doctor told me to take 1000 units of calcium a day and 2,000 units of D3 Oil (small capsules) a day for my bones. Hang in there & Good Luck!

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