Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

My oncologist and I had a detailed conversation about concerns with taking Anastrozole, 6 weeks before I started the drug. (I had to finish radiation treatments first). Fortunately for me I have already been taking Calcium and D3 for several years and have had 2 DEXA scans prior to be being diagnosed, so the baseline was there. (I have osteopenia). I also started taking Collagen 3 months prior to starting the drug to help strengthen my hair. I also have been taking a cholesterol drug for about 18 months prior to diagnosis (mine is high genetically); and one final note, I already have a low WBC and have had it for at least 15 years, so my oncologist told me that since I've been checked for abnormalities and leukemia in the past and all my tests were negative, that I am just one of those people for whom a low WBC is 'my normal'.
Having prefaced all these areas for which I had concerns, I had my first month blood review and all my bloodwork was normal. I also have had no side effects to speak of, and my hair stylists told me just this week that I have new hair growth in my part (Go Collagen!). Fingers crossed that all the supplements I already had built up in the my system beforehand, with the addition of Collagen only, have helped to prevent sore joints, hair thinning, a lower white count, high cholesterol - all things that concerned me initially. Of course I'm only one month in and I have 4 years and 11 months to go - lol - but so far, so good. I also hope that adding some weight bearing exercises to my routine will help to strengthen my bones even more.
That's my story so far - as always my thoughts and prayers for everyone on their respective journeys as well.

I know you've read the many comments but just to reiterate for anyone else new to anastrozole, I'd make sure to have a DEXA scan (to monitor any subsequent changes in bone density) and cardiac workup (to monitor cholesterol). That way you have recent baseline numbers to compare any changes. And the tips elsewhere to stave off osteoporosis on those threads are great. You can offset some of the side effects while deriving the benefits from the aromatase inhibitor. And ditto on the thoughts and prayers for all of us on this unchosen journey.

Yes. Tamoxifen caused lots of hair loss AFTER I stopped. Along with debilitating side effects I had to stop after 9 mos of emotional and physical hell

I am having my first check up on March 23 also. Started Femora 3 weeks ago..like you, I am trying to not dwell on side effects though I do have some.

Hi. I was diagnosed with MBC at the beginning of this year. BC metastasized to bones. It is hormone+/HER2-. I am currently on Verzenio and Anastrazole with monthly Zometa. It's been only 1.5 months on Anastrazole and I am not experiencing much side effects. Zometa, on the other hand, causes significant bone pain and flu like symptoms. Taking tylenol helped with the bone pain the last time though. I had a DEXA scan to establish baseline.

I don't want to sidetrack this thread but I'd appreciate pointers to conversations with positive stories of MBC patients.
Thanks.

Hi. Other than concerns about side effects, bloodwork is done to check your phosphorus levels (I forget why…). Anastozole also affects your bone density. It depletes it because you are blocking estrogen. My oncologist had me go 6 months on the anastozole before introducing a medication to help bone loss. He chose Prolia because it is also used for people with bone cancer, so while helping your bone density, it is also a medication that reduces chances for metastasis of the breast cancer to your bones. (Not that it’s actually going to happen. It’s just “why not pick the medication that works for both?”) Prolia has its own side effects, so starting afterwards helps separate how the 2 medications are making you feel. I have friends who didn’t take anything for bones, but theirs may have been in better shape to begin with! I was already headed towards osteoporosis! Every doctor has their own system for treatment.

Always scary stuff to read when your journey taking a hormone blocker is just beginning. I’m a newbie taking Anastrozole (10 days in), so at this point I’m trying not to anticipate too much so I don’t make myself crazy in the process. I have my first bloodwork & followup on March 23rd, so until then I’m trying not to let it get into my head too much.
Thoughts and prayers to all those on their journey as well. 🙏💕

I reacted to fillers in one brand of generic anastrazole and then ditto Femara. I took brand name Femara for 5 years at great expense. For my last month I tried a different generic and did fine so I could have saved all that money 🙂 In general I do well with any med made by TEVA but there are other brands that work for me too.

I am working through a decision on whether or not to take any aromatase inhibitors and leaning toward skipping them. I've posted about my decision tree variables on another forum here so will spare readers
my angst and decision tree variables. i have the genetic marker for heart disease and high cholesterol and cannot tolerate statins. My cardiologist is excellent so we address what we can otherwise control. Someone on this forum mentioned a study suggesting AIs and reduced function. Here's a mention of that study (see below). If anyone is concerned, one can take an Endopat test to establish a baseline. I took one as part of a panel of tests as endothelial function relates to stroke risk and other cardio issues. The Endopat is non-invasive, no blood work needed.

"Aromatase Inhibitors Linked to Reduced Endothelial Function
Nalley, Catlin
Oncology Times: February 10, 2017 - Volume 39 - Issue 3 "

I forget where and who posted this, but someone mentioned doing great on a brand-name AI and later doing poorly (more and worse side effects) on the genetic version. Then switched back to the brand name and the negative side effects disappeared. That might be a more common situation than we realize. Has anyone else had this happen? I don't know much about generics except that they are not all of the same quality and are ranked by tier. If anyone has more information we could consider, please advise as I know there are a lot of diligent researchers on these boards. For which I am deeply grateful as a researcher myself by nature.