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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gldilli | @gldilli | Mar 15 7:27am

If your recurrence risk is 10% then taking Anastrozole will reduce that risk to 5%; a 50% reduction.

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tda | @tda | Mar 15 10:20am
In reply to @turtle4115 "I'm 74 and am waiting to start Radiation for Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Estrogen &..." + (show)
@turtle4115

I'm 74 and am waiting to start Radiation for Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Estrogen & Progesterone +. After my radiation I'm supposed to start Anastrazole and am concerned about the side effects. My Medical Oncologist eased my anxiety. She told me to try it and if I experience side effects we have two other medications to try. If I can't tolerate any of them I'll have done what I can and just keep up with my follow ups. I figure the stress I was putting on myself is worse for my health than not taking the Anastrazole. I'm trying to keep things in perspective, with each passing year something else could kill me before the Cancer. But I don't want to be in constant pain or end up on so many medications that I can't live my life.

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I'm 68 yrs old. Stage 0-1 HR Positive- Ductal. After 5 sessions of targeted radiation, I was put on Anastrazole. My system did not work well with this medication. Joint pain and severe abdominal and back pain that put me in bed. My reoccurrence was 5% so I decided after only 6 months to not take any of the meds. Living my best life. These are difficult decisions. I wish you the very best.

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otas | @otas | Mar 15 4:11pm

Yes I experienced hair loss after 6 months of taking Anastrozole. It’s now almost 2 years on it and still experiencing hair loss.
What can I do to stop hair loss?
Thanks

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1 reply
thora902 | @thora902 | Mar 16 3:36pm
In reply to @otas "Yes I experienced hair loss after 6 months of taking Anastrozole. It’s now almost 2 years..." + (show)
@otas

Yes I experienced hair loss after 6 months of taking Anastrozole. It’s now almost 2 years on it and still experiencing hair loss.
What can I do to stop hair loss?
Thanks

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My oncologist suggested Minoxidil - topical. I am using it and it has been pretty good - I can see new hair growth.

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mrsqch1 | @mrsqch1 | Mar 17 8:48pm

I've completed breast surgery as well and I have been taking anastrazole for about 7 weeks and I have pelvic pain ,joint pain and painful sex..is anyone else experiencing these symptoms?

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