Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Your hair will come back once treatment is done they say

This is just slightly off topic but I had to share...........I had Stage 1 Lobular BC, no lymph node involvement and low risk of recurrence BUT I wanted to try the AI's and tried them all. I couldn't tolerate any of them due to the usual side effects and some relatively serious. I had my hormone levels checked by my oncologist multiple times and my levels of Estrogen were low (ER positive BC for me). Here's the next saga......I have been having some vaginal atrophy over the past few years and it finally became so bad that I had to start using vaginal estrogen. I have worked so hard to reduce my estrogen so my breast cancer won't recur (a goal we all share in a big way) and although this cream is low dose and doing the trick for me, I'm feeling all sorry for myself because it seems the hormone woes just never end. Sigh.....

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What side effects ?

Francine6829, sooooo pleased for you that Tomoxifin is working!!! I was on Tomoxifin for a few months and the side effects were better than when I was on Anastrozole, but I still had some nasty side effects. My oncologist has let me be on a break from meds for a few months as my cancer was a very slow growing type. It’s been heaven to have the break!! But I’m supposed to go back on Tomoxifin when I see her at my next appointment in late September. Not looking forward to it!

Oh, you are not alone! Almost 2.5 years on this drug and anxiety & depression are significant side effects... you begin to feel like "why can't I just pull it together?" but it is very real. Not sleeping soundly doesn't help either. I try to meditate but I'm not that good at it. I also use an essential oil diffuser at home and find that some of the anti-anxiety blends help a little. Worth a try and diffusers are inexpensive. All the best to you.

❤️ your comments about wreaking havoc with your emotions! This has been my story as well! I am hopeful the anxiety issues will stop once I’m off Anastrozole....awaiting Oncology appointment next week to discuss. I have been on drug for 5 years (but who’s counting?)

Has anyone tried going on a gluten free diet to reduce the joint inflammation in their body? I just started 3 days ago to give it a try.

My Dr. suggested Rogaine for bald spots on the scalp. You need to take it for about 4 months to see if it works though.

Thank you for this @newgranny ! Encouraging to hear someone is out there getting some regrowth. Feels so vain to be worried about hair, but it's upsetting to lose it to chemo, get it all back, and then start losing it again. Take care.