Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Sorry to hear you're down but I can relate. I'm 2.5 years in and I still worry they will find it again and that it may be worse or......I have an active imagination. I think it's common and normal to worry about cancer. It can seem so random. I had so much trouble with the Arimidex and Letrozole that I had to stop them all early on. I think the biggest side effect I had was the feeling that a big, gray veil had been draped over me. I felt very depressed (not to mention the joint pain and other more serious side effects I experienced). The whole experience is very exhausting, radiation makes you tired......it's a tough journey. My husband is going through his own cancer journey right now and it's even harder for me. I try to take care of myself and I try to think one day at a time if I can. I read a saying the other day that I'm hoping to incorporate into my daily life....."Instead of waiting for the storm to clear, learn to dance in the rain". Find those little things in each day that give you joy and continue to hope for a better tomorrow. Keep reaching out. The people in these support groups and the moderators have saved me many times over the past years.

Thank you, JC ~ I know that the things you have mentioned are all amazingly helpful, particularly the fact that you are active, physically and socially. I am boxed into a corner right now...About 16 months after initial diagnosis I am suffering depression that puts an end to my desire to do anything physically and socially ~ I have been taking Arimidex for 10 months and feel the effects more now than I did in the beginning. I appreciate your words of support!

Mollymiller: I'm 71, 18 months out from initial diagnosis. I do low-impact aerobics, yoga, walking, and some light weights. It does help, but certainly doesn't eliminate all the pain. I go to our local Fitness Center for classes, and then we "seniors" go to coffee afterwards. Good luck to you!

Depression is difficult, but you need to get around people to feel happy. Fatigue is your body fighting the cancer, you need to keep strong and positive to fight harder. Join support groups in your area, or online support groups, being with people is the most important support you can give yourself. Also, take protein drinks daily. Spring and sunshine do help. Best wishes to you, and know you can survive this !.

I hope you give it a try. I think you will rediscover the healing affects of water! Go girl!

Good to hear news from a fellow 68-70 year old! I really LOVED my water aerobics, but just haven't felt strong enough to commit to it. I HAVE to begin to exercise instead of sitting around on the couch ~ Maybe when warm weather arrives...But it certainly good to read your post!

I was diagnosed at 68 as well. I'm two 1/2 years out and doing well. Anastrozole is doing a number on my knees and legs, but I plug on! I exercise 4-5 times a week ( water and weight class). I think that really keeps me going.

NO HAIR LOSS, at least for me. I had 2 surgeries, 36 radiation treatments and now Arimidex for close to one year. It has taken me a while to get used to the side effects of Arimidex, but I do think that they may be easing up a bit. I see my oncologist tomorrow for a routine visit and am scared to death that she will find a lump in my breast, even thought I just had a 6 month clear mammogram. AT age 68, I would have thought I would be able to be stronger in this diagnosis/treatment journey.

I believe it seems to be the standard dose.

Hi, Elvandi ~ I believe that Anastrozole comes in only 1mg strength. The pill is tiny but I am counting on it being powerful. Depression has been my problem, but that started many years ago. I'm not sure whether the Anastrozole has worsened it or the cancer diagnosis had something to do with it. I am taking 2 antidepressants. However with hot flashes often make me feel as though I am sick with a fever and the intermittent fatigue, I continue to feel somewhat depressed. Maybe some Spring weather will be helpful ~