Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

cindylb - did the oncologist suggest tamoxifen? I was taking aromasin every other day, but my oncologist said there are no studies to validate taking it every other day and put me on tamoxifen every day.

Hello - I was diagnosed with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (posted a follow-up on the other thread, but see it must have gotten lost in cyber land). I had a stereotactic biopsy and then a surgical biopsy. The pathology came back clear for DCIS. In fact, there were no ADH cells present either which meant those cells were removed during the stereotactic procedure and left me shaking my head over the stress and recovery from the surgery.

So now I am 59 and faced with taking Anastrozole to try and prevent cancer. Due to family history and the ADH, I fall into the high risk category with >30% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. I won’t take Tomoxifen because I have a family history of stroke. I’m left with Anastrozole as an option but I already have degenerative discs, arthritis, (controlled) hypertension and occasional abnormal liver enzymes. I DON’T WANT TO TAKE THIS DRUG. I’m supposed to start taking it tonight but then realized my oncologist never took a baseline blood for the liver enzymes so I will hold off until I speak w/ her (it’s in her clinical notes but a fairly big over sight if you ask me).I have a 30 day supply and try very hard to just look at this as a “trial”, but it is scary. I don’t have cancer but I have to fill my body with a drug that perhaps will prevent (only) an estrogen fed future cancer, but then maybe I’m taking this all for nothing because I could fall in the percentage of people who never develop cancer (my mother didn’t, but my sister, material aunt and cousin did).

I’m angry. My husband is scared that I won’t feel well. I’m scared that if I don’t take the medication I will regret it. I’m scared that if I do take the medication I will regret it. And though I asked a couple of times, my doctor won’t check my estrogen levels either. I am somewhat bothered by the fact that the FDA has approved the use of this drug to treat cancer, but has not done so for the use of a CPA (chemoprevention agent) for high risk women. I know that, with the support of clinical studies, doctors use drugs for off-label purposes, but it bothers me. Anyway, now I know I am rambling...I just feel that it is all a big crap shoot.

Best wishes to all of you that are dealing with so much...there are some days I feel so overwhelmed by it all it takes my breath away.

I have just started to take Anastrozole after having lumpectomy & radiation for stage 2 ER+ breast cancer with clear lymph nodes.
I also have thalassemia minor & gilberts syndrom.
I’m quite anxious about taking Anastrozole as I’m not sure this is safe for me considering my health situation.

I have been on Anastrazole/Arimidex for one year. I've had some joint pains but nothing unmanageable. I do notice my hair thinning likely due to less estrogen. I have recently been diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome due to a slightly elevated bilirubin, which is a condition in which the liver doesn't flush bilirubin out sufficiently resulting in yellowing of the whites of your eyes or yellowing skin. I have a question out to my doctor about next steps but would be interested in hearing if any others have had this particular issue arise while on Anastrazole. Best wishes to all of you!

@tamtam24 (((HUGS))). You are not alone. We are all here for you. I’m sorry you are going thru this. I took Anastrozole and had side effects. Took it for 2 1/2 years. Maybe ask your dr to prescribe a different AI or I’ve also hear others here say getting the name brand vs generic made a difference. Talk to your dr and try and get them to listen. Blessings & hugs.

I am crying as I write this because you capture perfectly how I feel on Anastrozole. I don't even recognize myself in the mirror - weight gain, thinning hair. Plus, I have raging insomnia that leaves me tired all the time. I find that oncologists, naturally, just care about the cancer returning and downplay the side effects. That then leaves one feeling so alone, like a failure if you experience side effects that they minimize.

Oh, you are not alone! Almost 2.5 years on this drug and anxiety & depression are significant side effects... you begin to feel like "why can't I just pull it together?" but it is very real. Not sleeping soundly doesn't help either. I try to meditate but I'm not that good at it. I also use an essential oil diffuser at home and find that some of the anti-anxiety blends help a little. Worth a try and diffusers are inexpensive. All the best to you.