Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Thank you all of you. I do know you understand these horrible thoughts and feelings. I will be more positive in my mind and will keep you posted.

Thank you, Trixie.

I'm directing this to everyone - When I was first diagnosed, a relative who had recently also been diagnosed, gave me a book of letters, "Dear Friend, Letters of Encouragement Humor and Love for Women With Breast Cancer" put together by Gina L. Mulligan. Would you believe that a year and a half later, I am still only three-quarters of the way through? So very many poignant and selfless letters that help me when I am really down. I pick up this little book and feel so much love and encouragement. Since being diagnosed, I have obtained and given out this little book to friends/relatives recently diagnosed.

I don’t respond too often but am here daily for reassurance. I totally live by this. I am extremely grateful for every single day I wake up, for the unrelenting support of my family and friends and for what I read from each and everyone one of you. I’ve learned to slow down and take one day at a time. Thank you everybody. It helps me more than you will ever know because I get really scared at times.

Karen, I agree with Trixie! You’ve got this!! I was also pretty scared when I had my first mammogram after treatment. It’s pretty much normal to be anxious, scared, and concerned. But for me, I’d rather know if there is another cancer so it can be treated as soon as possible. I don’t want this DAMN disease sneaking up on me when it’s too late to do anything about it! Everything turned out fine for me at my last mammo, Odds are that it will turn out just fine for you too. I’m quite sure though, that I’ll be just as scared and anxious when it’s my time for a mammogram again... Always remember that you have all of us rooting for you! You are not alone in this journey, all of us totally understand your fear. And a mammogram is the best way we have, so far, to detect breast cancer in an early stage. Keep up posted! We’re rooting for you!

@karendb Karen, Don't be anxious or scared. Get all the facts. If you start thinking the "what ifs," you'll lose focus and you need to stay focused to handle this. What I have learned throughout this ordeal is to lean on family and be grateful each day upon waking. Take one day at a time. You've got this...we're all here for you.

Hi kathyomaha55. I haven’t been here for awhile but if you don’t mind me asking did your friend have bc before this or was this her first time? I have my first mammogram this month after going thru a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and am starting to feel very anxious and scared.

@kathyomaha55, I'm really sorry to hear about your friend. Please let her know that we send her our love.

Wow if it's chemically identical - is it not still estrogen? I would be afraid of using it. But that's me. I Just had a friend diagnosed with metastasized BC. Which is essentially incurable. She is terminal now as it's in many organs. 🙁

There is BRHT (bio identical replacement hormone therapy) that is made from plants versus synthetic hormones (pharmaceuticals). In Suzanne Somers book AGELESS she explains this along with a list of doctors, professionals who have done studies/work with women in this phase of our lives. It starts out with requesting a blood or saliva test which gives information on your specific hormone levels and what suggestions as to how to replace the loss of estrogen and progesterone. I am searching this area for myself in post menopause and looking for a doctor that can work with me on this.