CFS/ME, Anastrazole and Radiotherapy.

Hi

Yes you're right that the side effects of radio can be fatigue.  I hadn't heard that anastrozole can induce tiredness. (I'm on anastrozole and no real side effects).

I can't answer whether 15 days would be more manageable than 5 days intensive radio.  But with your ME (I've had it twice, a decade apart - in the 80's when it was called yuppie flu and a decade later in the 90's.  Was given a low dose of amitriptyline the 2nd time - it was so new the first time I had it, they didn't prescribe anything) I am convinced mine was stress induced and before the next decade was 'due', I left my job as a bank manager and have never had it since).  Although I was under a great deal of stress with my parent's ill health and their deaths from 2009-2016 and in 2017 was diagnosed with breast cancer..... 

However, with radiotherapy, the leaflets and the radiographers all said 'drink plenty'.  I drank loads and loads.  The 2 ladies who I met up with frequently during my 15 sessions who suffered fatigue didn't drink very much.  So, whichever one you opt for drink as much as you possibly can!  If going to the appointments for 15 days is going to tire you then it makes sense that they have offered 5 days of intensive radio.But if you can, can you ask the team what the pros and cons of intensive vs the 15 days are?

Best wishes,

Thank you Lesley.  Very helpful. All the best.

Hi, sorry I’m a bit late to this discussion! Just wanted to let you know that I am also on Anastrozole and that this morning I completed my five days on accelerated radiotherapy. I was given the option of 15 or 5 day course and decided to go with my onco’s recommendation for the 5 day treatment. It was explained to me that the accelerated course was at least as effective as the standard 15 day treatment and was kinder to the surrounding healthy breast tissue too. I have felt pretty tired in the afternoon but recover during the evening and then fine again the next morning before treatment. Do drink loads of fluids - I’m awash with water and herbal teas right now!

Hope this helps you a bit. It’s been great to get it all done in relatively short time!! 

Zeto xx

Hi Zeto,

Please keep us updated wrt RT treatment effects. Am due to start RT nxt Wed.

Also is helpful if cancer profile is filled (eg  DCIS etc   Size.....BCS or Mx).

Thanks for posting.

PeppermintPatti.

Hi,

     I am also having the accelerated 5 radios next week.I also kept very hydrated during FEC T and had very little side effects then as well.

  Stay safe,

     Yviex

Hi Zeto57

can I ask - were you taking anastrozole at same time as having radiotherapy? I am due to finish chemo soon and onc said to start anastrozole and ibandronic acid prior to radiotherapy. Any advice?

Hi paris66

Yes, I started anastrozole about ten days before my radiotherapy began and had my first zometa infusion about three weeks after the radiotherapy finished. That all seemed to go ok and, fingers crossed, very few aches and pains so far. Long may that continue! I guess the only advice I can give you really is to try and keep active.  I’ve been doing a fair bit of exercise each day such as brisk walking, using a rowing machine and tai chi so I’m hoping that’s all helped. Seeing the onc again on Wednesday for a follow-up, actually face to face this time rather than by Zoom!

Anyway, hope all goes ok for you.

Love Zeto xx

Thank you- yes I’m also very active so will continue and hope no side effects. I’ve had zometa infusions at alternate chemo treatments and then onto ibandronic acid tablets, 

Quick follow up- what time of day do you take anastrozole- morning or evening? Thanks x

In the morning works best for me but I know there are other ladies who take theirs in the evening x