Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

YES!
Neither a mammo nor an ultrasound found TWO large tumors in one breast. I insisted on an MRI as I had a symptom. It likely saved my life. I now get an MRI and mammo/ultrasound annually… alternating every six months.

I have been taking Anastrozole (Arimidex) for 2.5 years for lobular carcinoma. No side effects. I take only Calcium and D-3 as supplements as well as pro-biotics for the GI system, all prescribed by my doctor. I do yoga each morning, walk up to three miles a day, and go to the gym for a slightly more intense workout twice a week. I am 75 years old.

I was called a squeaky wheel when I was a kid and shamed for it. As an adult I’ve learned that if I’m not a squeaky wheel I get screwed. So, please, do not apologize for being a squeaky wheel. Ever.

Have you tried different manufacturers or brand name? Or would you consider switching to letrozole?

I am post op 3months, had a bilateral mastectomy with stage 1 breast cancer, positive with brca gene. My oncologist recommended I take anastrozole every other day to see how I tolerate it for 3 months. It’s been a journey for sure. Seeing my oncologist in a week and the plan is going on it everyday. We will see, ugh 😩. I’m going to ask my oncologist for either a pet scan or ct scan, with the brca gene I’m very concerned on reoccurring cancer some where else. Be a squeaky wheel I suppose

Hi- I've been on Letrozole for 3 months (lumpectomy for 2 cm Lobular, followed by radiation in January) and really starting to have the joint pain you all have referenced. The areas I have some arthritis (wrist, and neck) are most painful and I try heat upon waking. Once I get moving pain improves a bit. Have any of you tried glucosamine chondroitin supplements? I'm honestly so overwhelmed in regards to supplements - I will also add tumeric. I take 2000 D3 along with vitamin K as have osteopenia and try to get calcium diet as I've read that calcium just isn't all the bioavailable. However I have read Algae Calcium may be better absorbed?? Thanks for sharing and does take a village.

My oncologist at Dana Farber never mentioned any supplements other than the D3 and calcium as have osteopenia at 57 yrs.

Could any of you weigh in follow up scans. My onco feels that any scans before one year post surgery are not helpful so I only have a diagnostic mamo scheduled in October ( a year post surgery). I have dense breasts but mammo last year did pick up lobular but I do fear it had been there a while as the radiation onco said it was hiding behind a fairly large benign lump (had aspirations on that in the past a few times).

Do I beg for an MRI? Anxiety creeping up!

To all those taking anastrozole blockers...
I was taking a cheap brand of Tumeric 500 mg twice a day. I bought Qunol extra strength Tumeric 1000mg. I take one in the morning and the cheap stuff at night. I feel like the Qunol extra strength works better on my bone pain. Also, walk as much as possible. I hope this information is helpful.

Stopped taking it in Dec. Started Tamoxifen and feel much better. Still have hot flashes but all the joint pain and arthritic pain is gone. Never. Again. Good luck

These Estrogen Blockers have lots of symptoms - not everyone will have them all. But basically, if you remember how you felt during your menopause, you may be going through similar symptoms again, because menopause is when most of your Estrogen goes out of your system. After that you have some Estrogen left in your body and the Estrogen Blocker is now blocking what's left. Or almost all. Hence, all the hot flashes etc. I would check with your doctor to see if one of the other two Estrogen Blockers would work better for you. Also, ask your doctor if you can take a two week break from the pills - some people did this to give their body a break! I think you might need a break to relax and raise your spirits. And remember, nothing lasts forever. Things will get better.

Keep us posted on how you are doing and how your cholesterol tests turn out.
If higher, let us know what your doctor’s plans for it.