Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I can't say the fear in the back of my mind goes away - but I try to fill my time with other activities, that distracts me from dwelling on it. I'm retired now - but have lots of hobbies/activities. I'm choosing to stay positive and knowing 85% of all BC is "CURED" these days helps. Thank goodness for all the new and improved treatments. I also have a friend who is a 21 year survivor. Some days it does not even cross my mind. Worry is a thankless activity. It took me decades to learn this - as my mom was a dedicated worrier. I guess I saw the toll it took on her and I have decided not to go down that path. I know that's sounds easier than it is. Stay strong.

@elizm I only take migraine medicine when needed. This happened about 2 months ago and my radiologist oncologist told me I was a medical mystery. I guess it's time to follow up with the doctor that prescribed the medicine. I have had a persistent soreness on my left side and thought it may be related to the radiation on my left breast. Every little ache and pain freaks me out.

@jeannie53 re rib pain
I went through that at first with anastrozole. It turned out to be because I was taking a diuretic (in my case, spironolactone) which was exacerbating the anastrozole effect on circulating estrogen. There are other diuretics which can do that, too. My GP changed my diuretic to a different type and it all went away. (No, my oncologist did not understand anastrozole's interaction with other meds.... He diagnosed my condition as costochondriatis, and instructed me to take Aleve (an NSAID) twice a day. Aleve gave me a horrendous hemorrhage in my eye and did little for the pain in my ribs....) My lesson here was that other meds can interact with anastrozole and it can be a struggle figuring it all out.

Has anyone had pain in ribs. I started Anastrozole October 1, 2018. Joint pain has been rough also bottom of feet. My latest concern is lower left side rib pain not sure if it's the ribs or soft tissue. It almost feels as if something is swollen. For the first time I didn't take my pill last night because of the pain.

Lisman, I lost my right breast to cancer almost two years ago. I go for my annual mammogram on the left breast in a few weeks and I'm nervous, of course, but I won't let any of this get me down. I'm 81 years old and the surgery, chemo, and radiation are all behind me, but I'll be on this med for several years, I guess. I look on all of it as an abysmal inconvenience but not necessarily a life-changer--except that I value the time I have left even more now.

I beg you not to give in to fear. If it doesn't eat you up, it will, at the very least, slow you down. Don't let fear win. Sending hugs.

If you keep busy, exercise, talk about your fears to others, it fades a bit. Every doctor appt brings you back and you just need to feel blessed that you're there to see another day. I'm on year three and had a recurrence scare on two year check, it does fade, my grandkids help with that!! I'm 61 and want to see them graduate and start families. Try to stay away from dark places on the internet.

I was diagnosed last April, and for me, I think the fear will be with me for the rest of my life. I past my 65 birthday while I was in treatment and my mortality really hit me that I’m not young and I’m not able to bounce back as quickly anymore. I feel like my mortality is staring at me and I’m just waiting for the next ‘punch’.

Thank you for the info. Every little bit of info helps. I can't say I'm still not afraid but I guess I've been living in this horrible veil of fear for about 9 months now since I found out I had bc. Does that ever ease off or go away?

Talk to your oncologist about this - I did. She said the surgery reduces like 80% that it will return.. Then the radiation like about 50% of that. So now we are down to (50% of 40 = 20%). Then the anastrozole takes another 50% - so now we are down to a 10% chance of re-occurrence. I hope I didn't over simplify it - but the point is each additional treatment decreases the chances it will return. And if it comes back - it will not likely be Breast cancer, but something much worse. Someone told me I was strong, which I never considered myself to be. In this fight we must all be strong. When side effects happen - we need to try to deal with them & be positive. Trusting your oncologist is very key. Feeling free to discuss these problems with them is important.

I know what you mean. I'm afraid too. Afraid of everything these days but as another lady said I'll take the meds rather than ever have cancer again. I'm trying to be as positive as I can but I know exactly what you are feeling. Hang in there. You'll get thru this. We both will.