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

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.

I just want to update my post because that one referred to what I did in the first year, but don’t want this to be too long. So sorry. I finished 4.8 yrs of my 5 yrs on this pill and stopped it 3 weeks ago. (My doctors all along the journey kept telling me how proud they were that I was sticking it out and in my head I had convinced myself that it was the least I could do since I didn’t have radiation or chemo. I had never told anyone about the pain and especially exhaustion. Recently, I asked to come off it and only 1 of my 4 doctors could see that mathematically 3 more months wouldn’t make much of a difference and that’s what I wanted to hear! (It’s more about recurrence being on me and malpractice.) In May of last year, everything blew up. My moods were sad or rage and every part of my body hurt more intensively than the regular AI pain. Every doctor said we have ALL been through a lot because of Covid…( but I never complain, even the double mastectomy and reconstruction seemed like a cake walk, as well as PT for lymphatic cording.) However, there are other factors that could be impacting my pain. So we took care of my mood swings with antidepressants first. I am now on Cymbalta which is the only approved antidepressant for AI pain and fibromyalgia. It could also be the Prolia pain. I have not moved off the couch since November. I only do what I have to do but the pain did not go away. It settled. I can’t wear shoes that have backs, only clog types. I have not touched my sewing. On the upside…I had my first Guinness in almost 5 years! (I really did follow all the rules…and no one really knows why I suddenly had bilateral breast cancer even with regular screenings and after genetic testing. 1 doctor said it was because I was 3 months late on my last mammo, lol!) I am trying to keep doing stretch yoga, and hoping to start quilting and editing soon. I don’t know how long it takes to start feeling better and I am 5 years older, so I don’t know what’s normal. BUT, it’s all real for every one of you! Don’t let anyone discredit your choices. I may go back to talk therapy and appreciate the link for the seminar.

I have only been on it 4 months but I definitely feel the sadness, aches in my joints, and foggy brain. Just don't feel like me! I am going to give it a little longer but just wasn't expecting this at all.

@sheilaray Hi & Kudos - you took the best self healing step by reaching out and acknowledging that something isn’t right. Above are lots of great suggestions. Importantly, recognize that every ‘body’ is different. So be kind to yourself that you might have a slightly different experience from
others. I too had a bilateral mastectomy & went on the Anastrozole for 18 mos. In my case when confronted by so many things I couldn’t control, I started yoga. There are many positions that you can modify as your strength comes back. And different types of yoga like Yin that long hold stretching. I also took up swimming - which is my least favorite activity!!!!! And gosh did I walk! Exercise activities allowed me to get back 100% mobility and just made me and my head feel better. I also changed my diet - just ate better, cleaner. Started doing various vitamins. I tried to control things that I could. Hang in there and know that you have a bunch of gals who have your back on this shared journey.

TRUTH!!!!

Anastrozole. It destroyed me. Sad all the time. Chemo was a picnic compared to that pill

My money is on the Anastrozole. I was not myself all.

Thank you, Laurie!

FYI, there is an upcoming seminar on Stress and Cancer that might be helpful:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/cancer-stress-management/
If can not attend, they are recorded.

Laurie

Anastrozole and cancer diagnosis combination can be overwhelming. I was given Anastrozole for 6 months prior to surgery and it made a pre-existing depression situation worse. After crying through an oncologist appointment, the dr referred me to Mood Clinic at Mayo. My oncologist listened to me, though she wanted me to stay on Anastrozole. I stayed on anastrozole for the 6 months, and stopped taking right before surgery. I felt better almost immediately. I did not take during chemo or radiation. After treatment I refused to take again. I did try few other hormone suppressing drugs later with variety of side effects.

Make sure you let your provider know about side effects. Everyone reacts different to medications, but you need to advocate for yourself. You know what is normal for yourself.

There is multiple threads on Connect about AIs and side effects. Benefits vs quality of life. Everyone needs to make their own decisions after discussing with oncologist.

Good luck
Laurie M