Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@mossa my cancer was 95% estrogen positive and 85% progesterone positive but the Breast Cancer Index still told me there was no benefit to extending treatment past 5 years. I had to get the paperwork for the test myself but most doctors will do it if they see it in the NCCN guidelines. The Oncotype showed risk reduced 50% but BCI was the only thing I could rely on at the 5 year point.

I started it in October at age 52. Stage 1A IDC hormone positive. No chemo. 15 days of radiation.

The biggest side effect for me is joint pain when I’ve been seated for a long time or waking up in the morning.

It dissipates with movement. My sister started taking it too. Prescribed preventatively by her dr bc her risk of developing bc is high.

The best advice is taking it at night. It can make you tired. It’s worth trying it for me because of the reduction in recurrence that it brings.

Best to all!

I have taken anastrozole for 15 months. The first 6 months brought sleepless nights, joint pain and general feeling of fatigue. Those side effects have mostly resolved. I have a little hair loss but I am the only one who has noticed. I will be on it for 10 years as my metastatic breast cancer is 100% estrogen and 90% progesterone dependent. I consider myself to be independent,educated and determined. My oncologist has advised 10 years of anastrozole and I am following her direction. I am 66,still on honeymoon with third husband and plan on being around to bug great grandchildren if my 12 and 10 year old grandchildren choose to have children. But these are my choices. You must be able to make your own choices based on your lifestyle and personal circumstances

Have you done the Breast Cancer Index yet? After five years on an aromatase inhibitor, the Index is supposed to determine if taking an AI for more years will actually increase your survival rate.

I was told 7 years was as good as 10. I really wanted to do 7.

Then I read on breastcancer.org about the Breast Cancer Index, which gives risk as well as a yes or no answer about whether continued aromatase inhibitor treatment is of benefit. Mine came out high risk, but no benefit, so I stopped at 5 years.

My oncologist had not heard of it and put it into her practice. It is now part of NCCN guidelines. At the time I had to get the paperwork for the test, talk to the lab about specimens, and present the paperwork for signature to my doctor, then send it to the company. It should be easier now. If your doctor is not on board, get a second opinion. Show them the NCCN guidelines!

I have taken anastrozole for 5years now. Major intestinal problems, it makes my life really difficult. I have stopped it for 3 weeks, i now have almost no problems with stomach. My question is, do i really need to take it for 10 years, as my oncologist recommends? Or is it an impossible question?...

I delete same way at first and I was 70 doctor said it is the safest way to prevent cancer coming back. I had some hair loss not terrible. Only side effects I had was diahrea I was prone to that sensitive stomach. Otherwise five years later. Win win. Give it a try a real try try not to talk you into side effects. Good drug I read it is the drug of choice follow your oncologist advise don’t read the web

Since my cancer was grade 0 non invasive I will not change my mind. If I had a higher grade I might have. Heart attacks, blood clots and osteoporosis run in my family. The Dr. Told me I would have to have a bone density test done before she put me on the drug. I guess we all have to make our own choices. I'm glad it worked out for you.

I took it. I was tired for 5 years. Result: excellent prognosis. Clear for 8.5 years. I'm 73 now and have all my parts.

@cfetoday there is quite a difference between 14% and 8%. Respectfully, are you sure you don't want to try anastrazole or another aromatase inhibitor? Many of us had minor side effects. I found that if I walked more than 30 minutes, any joint pain eased.

Many of us have found that the manufacturer makes a difference. I tried anastrazole generic, then letrozole generic thinking the problem was anastrazole, but it was the fillers. I ended up doing brand name letrozole (Femara) and toward the end did find a generic that was fine.

I was 63-68 during treatment. I am 9 years out from a grade 3 invasive mixed cancer.