My Mum had a mastectomy in October 2023 and she is now on the oestrogen blocker, Anastrozole. However, she is experiencing aching joints which are so uncomfortable and even walking or getting in or out of the car is hard for her. Is this a normal side effect or this pill and is there anything she can do to help with his discomfort. She wants to come off the tablets completely as it's ruining her quality of life.
I would appreciate your advice.
Hi LH123
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Kathryn and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
Welcome to the online community.
I’m sorry to hear that your mum is struggling so much with aching joints at this time.
Anastrozole is a hormonal therapy drug that is used to reduce the risk of early breast cancer coming back or control breast cancer that has come back or spread to other parts of the body (secondary breast cancer).
Muscle or joint pain is a common side effect of anastrozole. Your mum may find that her pain gets better over the next few months as the body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels.
We would encourage your mum to talk to her clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or cancer doctor about her pain and the impact that it is having on her quality of life. The doctor would be able to prescribe painkillers and sometimes may suggest changing aromatase inhibitor. If this does not help they may suggest she take Tamoxifen instead.
Your mum may benefit from a referral to see a physiotherapist who can give advice and treatment. Some people find acupuncture and complementary therapies such as massage helpful, but she needs to speak with her doctor or CNS before trying these. They are available on the NHS in some areas.
Your mum may benefit from having some psychological support. We are offering free one-on-one counselling with a qualified Bupa therapist, who has been trained in supporting people living with cancer. Do you think this is something your mum would be interested in? If so, your mum can do a self-referral on our website.
It can be challenging supporting someone who has had a cancer diagnosis and it is important to look after yourself too. There is further information and support available to you both through our Online Community. There are groups for breast cancer and family and friends too.
I hope this information has been useful, please contact us whenever we can help.
Take care.
Kathryn
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref: KR/Lrob
