Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Sep 9, 2020

I agree with kathyomaha55 @kathyomaha55, LiveStrong at Y is excellent program. But due to COVID, not sure of current status,

LiveStrong info:
https://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/program/livestrong-at-the-ymca
Laurie

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Sep 9, 2020

In reply to @dmgweiss "Thanks for sharing your experience. Are the Kaiser exercise classes online? I am interested!" + (show)

In my area (Omaha NE) they have a program called "Live Strong". A 12 week program for all cancer survivors, geared towards general fitness. It sure helped me and it was all free.

dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Sep 8, 2020

Perfect idea! Thanks!

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @dmgweiss "Thanks I will check with Kaiser!" + (show)

@dmgweiss
If your Kaiser doesn't have it, asked them to check with Santa Rosa, CA

dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @trixie1313 "@dmgweiss Not online - they are for Kaiser patients and taught in the Physical Therapy Department's..." + (show)

Thanks I will check with Kaiser!

chamisa | @chamisa | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @kathyomaha55 "I also eat dried prunes 3 or 4 a day! No matter how much water I..." + (show)

Yes! Dry EVERYWHERE. Within three months of starting anastrozole all my moisture was gone. And yes to the acne... I’m 66 and had to go to the dermatologist for acne for the first time in my life. I now apply prescription-strength Retin-A to my face to control it. The cream hasn’t completely gotten rid of the acne but with consistent use it keeps the things reasonably under control. The consensus is that it’s the loss of estrogen that is the culprit.

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @dmgweiss "Thanks for sharing your experience. Are the Kaiser exercise classes online? I am interested!" + (show)

@dmgweiss
Not online - they are for Kaiser patients and taught in the Physical Therapy Department's exercise room. Check with your facility/medical doctors to see if you have something similar. Kaiser became aware of this and incorporated into their own program - the physical therapists gear the exercises to each individual, for example, there were a couple I just could not do as they were taught so they modified them for me.

dmgweiss | @dmgweiss | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @trixie1313 "@feistylf I had horrific headaches with anastrozole and letrozole. Since going on exemestane, I have had..." + (show)

Thanks for sharing your experience. Are the Kaiser exercise classes online? I am interested!

kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Sep 8, 2020

In reply to @trixie1313 "@dianamiracle After all the side effects from anastrazole and letrozole, I went on exemestane and haven't..." + (show)

I also eat dried prunes 3 or 4 a day! No matter how much water I drink - all moisture is sucked out by the drug. I also have Acne!! Not sure if it's from the lack of estrogen. But it's annoying!