Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@tenayalake86 I recently read an article about how surgeons should not say "we got it all." There is always the possibility of functional cancer cells that escaped. There really is no way to know unfortunately.

I just posted below and saw your question. I have been on anastrozole for 6 months following a lumpectomy. I still have a debate going on about whether to stop or try to continue. I have not yet had hair loss...[hope I didn't just jinx myself], but there are other side effects that I'm experiencing. Weight gain, fatigue, heightened anxiety, digestive disturbances, plus longer term worries about cognitive issues, memory problems and bone mass loss. Every day I have the debate about whether to stop or continue. Good luck with your decision.

I have been taking anastrozole for 6 months following a Grade One ductal carcinoma removal via lumpectomy last May. They said they got all of the cancer cells. I did not have radiation or chemo, but I really dislike the side effects of anastrozole and am considering going off it. I have an appt. next month with the onco. I will also ask about substitutions. I have a heightened level of anxiety, digestive disturbances and weight gain in spite of a moderate diet and walking. I took a three week vacation from the med [with the approval of my onco] before xmas because I was so stressed. I did not feel normal until two weeks later. I feel caught between a rock and a hard place re: continuing to take it or giving it up. According to my doc, I have a 6-7% chance of a recurrence without completing the course of med, and a 3% chance if I finish the whole 5 yr. course. Has anyone else faced this kind of decision. I am 74 and I dislike the thought of enduring these side effects for 4.5 more years. Would welcome any thoughts on the matter.

I also had my surgery in August and started Anastrozole in September. Didn’t think of when my 5 years will be arriving. 💪🏼❤️

I’m glad I’m not alone. After my 5 years is up in 2024 and if my cancer returns, I will find another oncologist.
Don’t make me out to be an idiot. I had to find out for myself because he wouldn’t listen.
I hope you are doing well and I wish you a happy and healthy life.

Windyshores, great! Thanks for this suggestion. You would think that after 5 years they would automatically give that test along with an option for a MRI or CT scan to check for cancer.

My hair and my facial skin are both very dry. My hair is almost beyond control, wild and wanting to stand out in the back and straight on top. Before Anastrozole my hair was naturally curly and easy to manage.

@jayne1959 Thank you for sharing. My experience w/ Anastrozole is similar. I stopped taking after having taken it for 2 1/2 years When I stopped taking due to couldn’t hardly get in and out of the car, due to hip and joints pain and overall foggy & depressed feeling. My oncologist also told me “it doesn’t have anything to do with medication “. One oncologist said they ‘take it for granted ‘ that’s it was working. He is no longer my oncologist.
It took about 6-8 months for me to feel like my self again. I have been off Anastrozole for 10 months now snd feel wonderful. I’m getting checked with alternating mammograms & MRIs every 6 months. We must be proactive in our health and do what is right for us & finding a doctor that works with us as a team. Blessings & I’m happy you are doing better.

I took Arimidex for 12 years. Yes, 12 years! It caused osteoporosis, and eventually I had three exercise-related fractures. It also caused me to feel "creaky," like I was the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz. HOWEVER....I'm now 13+ years out from my diagnosis and I will say, in hindsight, it gave me peace of mind that I was doing all I could to prevent a recurrence. That's not nothing.

@perplexed see if you can have a Breast Cancer Index test. It is now included in the guidelines for docs. It is done at 5 years and tells you risk of recurrence in years 6-10 and also a yes or no answer on whether there is benefit to extended hormonal therapy.