1. < Breast Cancer

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.

cfacarol | @cfacarol | Oct 31, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "If you're online right now, please hop over to see this live presentation by Dr. Dawn..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

If you're online right now, please hop over to see this live presentation by Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a diagnostic breast specialist, on achieving optimal well-being through diet, exercise, and stress management, followed by a Q&A session for which Dr. Mussallem will be joined by these specialists:

– Kristin Lothman, MSW, LCSW, Mind-Body Counselor
– Dr. Raul Rosario Concepcion, Physical Medicine and Cancer Prehabilitation
– Debra Silverman, MS, RDN, LD/N, Integrative Cancer Nutritionist

Click this link to watch live or to see the archive any time: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-breast-cancer-survivorship-care-planning/

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The presentation was excellent. Evidence based information about how diet, exercise, and other strategies like meditation yoga can help with side effects of cancer treatment and lower the chances of recurrence.

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @kathyomaha55 "I will start on Exemestane tomorrow - let me know how long it takes for the..." + (show)
@kathyomaha55

I will start on Exemestane tomorrow - let me know how long it takes for the joint pain to ease. I'll be counting the days too! I want to take for the full 5 years too - but side effects really affect my quality of life. Hoping this new drug works better for me.

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Fingers crossed, Kathy! Keep us posted.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "bressie, i was on Arimidex for almost 2 years. I quit a week ago because I..." + (show)
@sparklegram

bressie, i was on Arimidex for almost 2 years. I quit a week ago because I simply can't take the side effects. My doctor has prescribed Exemestane. I'm hoping I can tolerate it better than the other. Like you, I'm in my 70's (I just turned 75) and quality of life is important! I will continue taking the meds for the 5 years. i don't want a recurrence, so...fingers crossed!

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I will start on Exemestane tomorrow - let me know how long it takes for the joint pain to ease. I'll be counting the days too! I want to take for the full 5 years too - but side effects really affect my quality of life. Hoping this new drug works better for me.

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @kathyomaha55 "Next year in August. I'm 64 now. The ACA was the only insurance I could get..." + (show)
@kathyomaha55

Next year in August. I'm 64 now. The ACA was the only insurance I could get - Medica in Nebraska. Glad it exists though otherwise none at all. It said the retail price of the drug was: 687.99 I hope when I get to January, I do not have to pay that amount.

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@kathyomaha55 That is just crazy - I wonder what your state's attorney general or state insurance commissioner think of that...sure seems like price gouging.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "Kathy, that's horrible! It shouldn't be this way. Does anyone know of a way to avoid..." + (show)
@sparklegram

Kathy, that's horrible! It shouldn't be this way. Does anyone know of a way to avoid these kinds of prices? (besides joining Kaiser!) Kathy, do you have Medicare?

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Next year in August. I'm 64 now. The ACA was the only insurance I could get - Medica in Nebraska. Glad it exists though otherwise none at all. It said the retail price of the drug was: 687.99 I hope when I get to January, I do not have to pay that amount.

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1 reply
sparklegram | @sparklegram | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @kathyomaha55 "Exemestane was $101.00 for 30 days (after I had met my deductible) for me." + (show)
@kathyomaha55

Exemestane was $101.00 for 30 days (after I had met my deductible) for me.

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Kathy, that's horrible! It shouldn't be this way. Does anyone know of a way to avoid these kinds of prices? (besides joining Kaiser!) Kathy, do you have Medicare?

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1 reply
kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @sparklegram "Bressie, I'm happy to stay in touch. I started the exemestane on Monday October 28th, 2019..." + (show)
@sparklegram

Bressie, I'm happy to stay in touch. I started the exemestane on Monday October 28th, 2019 so it's too soon to tell about side effects. With my Kaiser insurance I always pay $5.00 per RX of any pills. Yes! It helps to chat with other "old gals"!

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Exemestane was $101.00 for 30 days (after I had met my deductible) for me.

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1 reply
kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "I was talking recently with two women friends who have also gone through breast cancer. They..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

I was talking recently with two women friends who have also gone through breast cancer. They have both decided to not take the recommended AI. They told me there was a recent study about using AI that showed a 30% chance of recurrence. I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but would love to read any current studies. Does anyone have a link?

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I was told - that whatever my chance for recurrence was - the AI inhibitor cuts that in Half. Otherwise I would not be doing this. If it returns, metastasized Breast cancer is essentially incurable. It only has a 22% 5 year survival rate. 🙁

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "@kathyomaha55 My daughter-in-law has seen the improvement since my switching to exemestane as with the other..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@kathyomaha55 My daughter-in-law has seen the improvement since my switching to exemestane as with the other two AIs, the heel pain made it difficult to get up from a seated position to stand and walk as well as hand, leg, and elbow pain. Sure do hope it goes better for you as it has with me.

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I had hands & shoulders & toes! The shoulders & toes are so much better - I was on anastrozole for 11 months. I sure hope switching helps. Watching the Mayo clinic Video right now. They mention exercise - which I do. And acupuncture for joint pain - interesting!!

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Oct 30, 2019
In reply to @gwinter "@trixie are you taking anything for your hot flashes? Anybody ideas??" + (show)
@gwinter

@trixie are you taking anything for your hot flashes?
Anybody ideas??

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Listening to Q & A and if go to 9 min 30 sec point in this video, she talks about side effects hormone therapy and discusses hot flashes.
https://www.facebook.com/MayoClinic/videos/410105226608669/

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