Sadness: Due to Anastrozole or Just Dealing With Breast Cancer?

Something about the concerns around AIs that seem to tick off a lot of doctors. 🤷🏻‍♀️

They sometimes seem to become so defensive about them but I will say, they are an important part of our treatment plan. ♥️

Thank you for your kindness. I will take your advice. It was very traumatic to reach out for some help from my doctor, when instead she became angry with me at suggesting the Anastrozole had such side effects. She seemed to have taken it very personally, as if I was criticizing her. Her reaction was disturbing.

Wow! So many years between diagnoses; I’m so sorry to hear that. Was this a different primary tumor ir a recurrence? 24 years ago there was no ONCOTYPE but maybe this time it was available to you.

I too am tolerating Anastrozole and I’m so glad I am…hoping it prevents a recurrence as I had 2 positive nodes ( and 5neg nodes upstream).

Hope you have seen the LAST of BC!

Please know that you’re not crazy. We’ve all been there done that.

You’ve come through a very traumatic experience and will need time to decompress.

Perhaps talking to a counselor about your feelings or another breast cancer survivor or support group may help.

It’s difficult to determine if Anastrozole is to blame but your oncologist should never make you feel uncomfortable for asking questions that are concerning to you. ♥️🙏

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct. 2021. I had a lumpectomy in Dec. 2021, followed by 20 radiation treatments. I began Anastrozole in March and have been taking it for 8 months. The expectation is to continue on Anastrozole for 5 years.

Since I started Anastrozole I have been experiencing depression and anxiety and bouts of crying.

When I reached out to my medical oncologist for help, she yelled at me, saying these were NOT side effects from the medicine. I felt much worse after speaking to her.

I am still taking Anastrozole because I fear my cancer returning. At least from these posts I feel better knowing I’m not the only one having these side effects. My doctor made me feel like I was going crazy.

@polianad22 Here us a link from Mayo explaining it:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer/about/pac-20384943
It states, “ Hormone therapy for breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will return.”

I have adjusted well and I’m doing just fine on anastrozole now.

@sheilaray why did you need hormonal treatment if you had double mastectomy? How are you feeling?

It addresses all cancers--that is to say that while there are examples from many different cancers our psychological reactions are somewhat "generic". It deals with what's going on in our minds from diagnosis, to treatment decisions, to treatment, to followup and concern about recurrence. I hope it helps you. It did help me.

Thank you for sharing this, I am going to see if I can find it locally first, if not then I will order it. I have a Barnes and noble so fingers crossed. I wonder if I can get a bulk discount, I could pass them around to my friends and family.
Is this specific to breast cancer or does it address all cancers?

I was surfing Amazon looking for comfort a few months ago. I found a book I wish my oncologist had given me in the very beginning. The Big Ordeal (understanding and managing the psychological turmoil of cancer) by Cynthia Hayes. It is easy to read and explains what is going on with our minds and hearts as we deal with the physical challenges. Its not limited to breast cancer. You might want to try it on for size and get a copy for those who care about you, too.