Exemestane

Not been on Exemestane (on Anastrozole), but just thought that  THIS post might be of interest to you

Kindest wishes,

Hi Jane,

I've been taking exemestane for about 18 months (I started taking it during radiotherapy). As I was pre-menopausal, the oncologist offered me tamoxifen or exemestane with monthly zoladex injections to shut off my ovaries. He said that exemestane had been showed to be more effective than tamoxifen in preventing secondaries, so I chose that (then had my ovaries removed as I couldn’t stand 10 years of monthly injections).

I’ve found it’s been fine. I started having hot flushes during chemo and I have occasional ones now. When I wake up, or if I get up after sitting for a while, for the first couple of seconds, I feel a bit stiff and then it wears off. I always think that people are so different and you can’t predict whether you’ll get the side effects, so it’s worth a try. I very much hope that it keeps everything in check.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Hi, and thanks for this. At the moment I'm feeling pretty low, as the Tamoxifen only worked for about 8 months, so in my mind things are deteriorating more quickly than I hoped. Still, we will see what the Exemestane does. I've taken three pills and so far I'm a bit sore and stiff, very tired (sleepy tired), but only one or two hot flushes. Thanks for your reply, I'm glad it's working for you.

Thanks lesleyhelen the post looks interesting, and a new drug is always of interest. Take care

I am trying exemestane having found Letrozole difficult (joints and weight increase)  Initial exemestane didn't make a difference but now I am lucky enough to be trying Aromatase. am so hoping it will be less intrusive although so far not much if any improvement. I have only been on this brand for 2-3 weeks, so am still hopeful.

Hi

I was on Anastrozole for 2 years but was suffering with very bad joint and muscle pain. Severe hot flushes, hair loss and fatigue. I had an eight week break and I felt so much better.  Iv been on Exemestane for three months its much worse I have the joint and muscle pain, hot flushes but now also have itchy skin, headaches and carpet tunnel and  fatigue is so much worse. Quality life is not good

 Im now on a break for another 8 weeks. My oncologist  wants me to go on Tamoxifen.  Im so worried as this is the third blocker. 

I was on anastrozole for 2 and half years but had bad depression. had a 3 week break and went on Exemestane. A lot better. Now 8 months in my only problem is weight gain. So I wouldn't worry about changing to exemestane. XX

Hi Nyla 

I am one of the community champions on the breast cancer pages and I noticed you had replied to a 5 year old post. I don’t have experience of hormone blockers as my cancer isn’t hormone responsive. If you would like support from others in a similar situation it might be worth creating a new post. 

Having had experience of Letrozole, and Tamoxifen before my recurrence, I’m now on Exemestane and I guess due to the fact it contains some form of steroid I’m finding it a tiny bit kinder than the other drugs. I’ve had two years so far this time round, three to go. Yes I’m still getting hot flushes, and the humidity of the English weather doesn’t help. I’m also getting foot and ankle pain and diminished movements in spite of being vigilant with exercise. However that did start way back with the first drugs, and only began to ease just a little in the year off between. 

I guess the alternative isn’t a lot of joy (!) so we should just make the best of it all, keeping as active as possible and coping as well as we can with the flushes. I’ve certainly got small hand held rechargeable fans all over the place!

hugs xxx

Thanks you.