Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I've been taking Anastrozole for almost four years, and for the most part have not had problems. We're all different and react to drugs differently, but I have not had any of the joint pain that some people have. My hair might be a little thinner than it was, and it's possible that the drug contributed to a little weight gain - or maybe it's just because I'm not as active as I was before cancer treatment.

I have been following this thread for awhile now and am beginning to have real anxiety about taking anastrozole. Is it really as awful as most have said? I am starting 25 radiation treatments on Jan 22 and am to start Ana after that. My dr. said he didn't want to give me toxifen because it was harder on you. Am I beginning to worry unnecessarily? I know everyone is different but I'm really starting to feel panicky.

Thank You!!! I very much appreciate your response! I’m so frustrated with it. My husband thinks I’m going crazy. I also pretend to understand sometimes.

Molly, I had my two year mammogram on Dec 21. They took two hours and came back asking me to get a biopsy after the first of the year. Needless to say the word "recurring" scared me to death. I had my biopsy on the 8th, then 4 more days of stressful waiting! Thankfully, it was benign!! Keep the faith even when you are going to dark places.

I hate to say it but I am glad I am not the only one with the memory issues 😊. It is so frustrating at home and at work. I actually pretend that I remember what my co-workers or family are talking about when they say “do you remember when ...”

I'm only a some time user on this very good website....I am coming up on my 2 year mammogram. I completed lumpectomy surgery for a stage 2 breast cancer in January 2017. I completed 37 radiation treatments and then began Arimidex in MAy 2017. It hasn't been all that pleasant, but breast cancer isn't either. I would trade hot flashes and body pains for the assurance that my cancer is under control......Not much more I can add at this point. Until that next mammogram shows up negative, I will not rest easy.

@lisman1408

@guntherbear You are one of the few here who have mentioned memory loss. I have been on anastrozole for 3 months and have noticed memory loss and ‘brain fog’ also. It’s very frustrating but I’d also rather have that than cancer.

My side effects have been ‘brain fog’, forgetfulness, and memory loss. Has anyone else experienced this? My issues started a few weeks after I started on anastrozole.

I was on anastrozole for 2 months and had to go off due to many of the side effects . One month off and I still have problems with shoulder , wrist swelling and severe enough pain to keep me awake . My dr is not going to put me on a different one . I do know a lady on it for a year at my church and she seems fine . It wouldn’t hurt to try it . Don’t assume you will be affected till you are