Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I will be going for my 5 year evaluation (since surgery and beginning treatment) and I understand that when we have our discussions here, it’s anecdotal information with helpful links. But it’s also been very helpful in that I am starting to prepare my questions for my evaluation and I am not quite confident about what my oncologist will advise and we are assuming that my exams and MRI will all be clear.

What did strike me in our discussions here, was all the info about the OncotypeDX. It prompted me to look at my score because for me, emphasis was placed on one score that determined that I would not benefit from chemo at my early stage. However, I looked at my other score/percentage for recurrence and it was much higher than others here who had my same number and talked about it here. (For example, if someone also had an 8, their recurrence was 3-4%.)
So some of my questions, if they aren’t addressed already by the oncologist, will have to do with that number, my tumor grade, and the bilateral cancer.
I appreciate that we can share, hopefully make us think, ask questions, and advocate, but not necessarily panic.
Will keep you posted! 🤞🏻

Here's what I have learned in just the past week (personal experience). I am 100% in favor of pursuing anything that will keep cancer at bay. Having said that, I have been on anastrozole since October 2021 (after 2 yrs) Tamoxifen. I am 72. I am supposed to be on this for 8 years. Can't imagine it at this point, only because of the way I'm feeling. Having said THAT, I am determined to change my entire way of living to make this work. I was so good with lifestyle habits when diagnosed in 2019, and all through chemo and radiation (I actually felt better then than I do now). So what changed? After chemo, I thought I could "treat myself" and eat what I wanted...didn't exercise as much and got a super high pressure job the exact same time I started the AI. Last week I ended up in the hospital by rescue (an absolute first for me) because my electrolytes tanked and my BP skyrocketed. Prior to that, my blood results were stellar. I suspect that my bad habits caught up with me (true, I have never smoked and I don't drink -- but there are other ways to have bad habits). Stress, yes (and it might be exacerbated by the AI) is a killer: cancer survivor or not. I am convinced that if these AIs are going to work for anyone, they need to be an A+ student in self care. There are no short cuts. And, you really need to pay attention -- every day. Anyone care to comment about a similar experience?

I have been on Anestrozole since February 2020. Had a problem at first with joints and now doing fine. However, my osteopenia went to osteoporosis. I had my first Prolia shot in January and I am on Osteo-K for bones.

I found the complete playlist of all 12 videos from the 2021-2022 EMBRACE Metastatic Breast Cancer Virtual Forum
Click the 1/12 in the upper right corner of the video window to select from the video list.

There were a lot of them. I watched two. One was about different medications for MBC. This looks like a good one! I am going to watch it so thanks 🙂

Is this the video you are referring to @windyshores ?

There are many factors that contribute to the treatment protocol that is selected for YOU.
- Research and the latest evidence-based information available
- Your specific tumor type
- Your current medical status and ability to manage the side effects of some treatments
- Your medicial history and co-conditions, i.e., diabetes, autoimmune disease, bone health, etc.
- Your medication allergies
- Your previous cancer history
- Your family history and genetic history
- Your preferences, i.e., which side effects impact your quality of life negatively and which ones you may be able to tolerate.
- The goal of treatment: cure, control, comfort
- Insurance coverage and financial considerations
- etc.

This is why treatment may not be the same as another woman with the same cancer type. It depends.

You may also find this article from Mayo Clinic helpful in understanding the valuable contributions patients make in their treatment decisions:

- Cancer treatment decisions: 5 steps to help you decide https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047350

Thanks so much for your recommendation! I will definitely try it - I feel like I've already tried absolutely everything else.

Thanks - those YouTube videos from EMBRACE are helpful and I appreciate that you mentioned them.

Adana

I watched a great presentation on meds for MBC on EMBRACE. It is on YouTube. In the meantime we can look forward to Colleen's answer 🙂