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?

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elizm | @elizm | Jul 22, 2019
In reply to @cancersucks "We are all different so our reactions are not the same . After 3 1/2 months..." + (show)
@cancersucks

We are all different so our reactions are not the same . After 3 1/2 months anastrozole destroyed my joints , bones and muscles . Stoped taking it 7 months ago and working at getting my body to function like it did before that horrible medicine. I have an 87 chance cancer won’t come back with
Out further treatment so why did they do this to me ? Money that’s why

Jump to this post

@cancersucks
I personally don't think AIs are being prescribed from a monetary gain standpoint. Rather, I believe it is because the risk of recurrence climbs over time. AIs keep the risk low during the first five years. This is a good subject to discuss with your oncologist.

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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 22, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)
@francine6829

All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life changing

Jump to this post

I have been on Anastrozole which caused severe memory/cognitive issues, along with the aches and pains. Then my doctor put me on Tomoxifin, that was better but some brain fog continued. It seems I can choose between the possibility of cancer returning, or not being able to think clearly.

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jul 22, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life..." + (show)
@francine6829

All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life changing

Jump to this post

@francine6829 Unfortunately, I have a family history of blood clots and so Tamoxifen will be a last choice if I fail the aromatase inhibitors. In addition, the second tumor I have is a more aggressive type of cancer for which AIs would handle best. I'm very happy that you are doing well with the Tamoxifen and wish you all the best.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 22, 2019

All of you warriors suffering with pain, tell your oncologist to put you on Tomoxifen. Life changing

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4 replies
lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Jul 22, 2019

I also have done yoga for many years, long before I got breast cancer. It really does help, both with the joint aches, as well as the mental and emotional side of this dreadful illness! Yoga is harder for me to do now with the joint problems from cancer meds and often I’m not able to fully do the poses as I used to be able to. But still I get a lot of emotional peace with yoga and meditation.

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Jul 22, 2019
In reply to @guntherbear "I am 3 years into this and I was wondering if anyone had any ankle/foot pain..." + (show)
@guntherbear

I am 3 years into this and I was wondering if anyone had any ankle/foot pain in the morning. When I get out of bed I have to stand there for at least 2 minutes to get circulation moving (I think). All I know is I keep saying if there is a fire I am screwed because I cannot hop out of bed and walk. I am 55 years old and my body feels 80 😔 Does anyone have this problem and is there any relief of this. It also happens if I am watching tv for a while or sitting at my desk at work. It takes me a while to get moving.

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I have joint problems everywhere . Before you get out of bed start to gently move fingers , wrists , ankles while you are laying down to get that circulation going . I learn this from doing yoga . Yoga helps

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cancersucks | @cancersucks | Jul 22, 2019
In reply to @dmgweiss "Hi- I am three months in using Anastrozole with hot flashes and muscle/joint pain. I have..." + (show)
@dmgweiss

Hi- I am three months in using Anastrozole with hot flashes and muscle/joint pain. I have heard others talk about having it effect their skin, but it isn't clear what this side effect is- is it dryness? I was just reassured by my oncologist that after three months I probably won't get additional side effects- is this what people have seen? Thanks for your help. Denise

Jump to this post

We are all different so our reactions are not the same . After 3 1/2 months anastrozole destroyed my joints , bones and muscles . Stoped taking it 7 months ago and working at getting my body to function like it did before that horrible medicine. I have an 87 chance cancer won’t come back with
Out further treatment so why did they do this to me ? Money that’s why

REPLY
1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Jul 21, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "Take lysine and zinc every day as a supplement to prevent cold sores?" + (show)
@francine6829

Take lysine and zinc every day as a supplement to prevent cold sores?

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@francine6829 When they start up.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Jul 21, 2019

Take lysine and zinc every day as a supplement to prevent cold sores?

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1 reply
jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | Jul 21, 2019

Try zinc and lysine for cold sores it really does help.

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