Anastrozole and difficulties to tolerate

Hi Wajdi, I’m in the Anastrozole club too and unfortunately have similar side effects, as well as some joint pains, particularly in my feet. I’ve kept popping the pills though as I want to do everything I can to prevent recurrence of the beast. Re brands, I’ve found accord and teva ‘ok’ but this month I’m on wockhardt and have found the stiffness and joint pain much worse. I’ve asked not to have that brand again but haven’t picked up my next prescription yet so we’ll see next week if my request has had any effect! 
I tolerate the side effects because I can mainly do the things I want to, mostly walking and more walking! Nordic walking in a group, dog walking, and walking with a friend. I often feel like I’m too tired to go out but always feel so much better once I’m out, and weirdly I can walk long distances once I get going. But - big but - I was able to retire earlier than I’d planned so I’m no longer struggling with work. That’s made the difference, but I know that’s not an option for many folk here.
There’s always the option of trying a different hormone zapper, I haven’t gone down that route as I was afraid of finding others worse! But many people have done that, I think you’ll find some of them in the hormone therapy thread in the diagnosis and treatment section. 
Sorry for the long ramble! Just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. If you really feel the side effects are intolerable, do consider asking re alternatives as there are a few out there. 
Wishing you well, love and hugs, HFxx 

Hi Wajdi

I too am in the Anastrozole club. My main issue is joint pain and stiffness in ankles, hips and now shoulders. I'm 3.5months in. It's miserable I agree and I am now taking glucosamine to see if that helps. I notice it's worse when I'm tired or a bit unwell ( picked up a couple of minor colds recently)  

Like HappyFeet1 I'm not keen to switch drugs at this point as can't really face having to get used to another medication. The original calcium tablets I was put on gave me constipation so had to switch to a different type of those already ! I've stuck to Accord brand for the same reason 

I plan to persevere through to 6 months and review things then as i keep being told things can settle by then. If it gets worse then I will have to do something as my 87 year mother is more mobile than me sometimes ( I'm 57!) !!

Hope things settle for you xx

Dear HappyFeet, 

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Unfortunately retirement is not an option. It’s so nice hearing others experiences and just comforting to know I’m not alone in my struggles.

Such a lovely post that has made me feel comforted!

xx

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. It is so useful to hear others views. Like you Im worried about changing so early on. I think I will try and persevere for another couple of months to see if they improve. I know it’s very minor but the hair loss is really impacting on my already emotional state. I’m interested about the calcium tablets as I also have constipation… what brand did they change you too and have you found them better. 
Warmest wishes

xx

Hi

It's understandable to feel upset about the hair thinning..After everything we gave been through with treatment Its yet another thing to deal with. I'm sorry you're having to cope with that.

The calcium tablets were the usual AdCal which is calcium carbonate. I did a bit of research and that type of calcium is the most constipating as it has the most elemental calcium. Even increasing my fibre to ridiculous levels ( I've never eaten so many lentils !!) barely helped so my GP switched me to calcium acetate which sorted it quickly. Less elemental calcium but I have a good amount of dietary calcium day to day and wasn't thought yo need calcium supplements when I was originally diagnosed with spinal osteoporosis 5 yrs before my BC diagnosis 

It is worth speaking to your GP about a change of calcium tablets if you are having constipation and can't resolve it by dietary changes. I've been vegetarian for 40 years so eat tons of vegetables so being constipated was a totally new ( and unpleasant ) experience !

Hope that helps and things settle down for you

Xxx

Once again thank you so much for your response it has been a massive help.  I will call my GP on Tuesday re the adcal that I’m currently on. 

Warmest regards and once again thank you so very much. Xx

Hi Wajdi and Jurassicgirl, interesting re adcal tablets. I haven’t tried them as I bought my own while waiting 10 weeks for my dexa scan results. They are made by Vitabiotics which is a company I like, and are called Osteocare original. They have other stuff as well as calcium and vit D (eg magnesium and zinc). My GP checked the amounts of calcium and Vit D with the practice pharmacist and they said it was fine. So I’ve never asked for a prescription and although I pay for mine there’s usually a 3 for 2 deal so they’re not too bad. No constipation issues! Mind you I’ve just looked at the packaging and they do contain calcium carbonate so maybe I’ve just been lucky. I do eat a lot of fibre! 
Love and hugs, HFxx 

I was taking anastrozole when I had my first round of breast cancer after a couple of months I was like a fruit case my oncologist changed it to exmestane that only took two weeks to turn me into a double fruit cake.  Following discussions it was decided that the risk of returning breast cancer and my quality of life I should give up hormonal therapy.  8 years  on and it reared its ugly head again and has gone to my bones.  As part of my chemo treatment I am now on Letrozole and feel fine.  It is what suits one person so it is very much trial and error but is scary when things keep changing. if you feel you need it ask for a change.  You can only try good luck with everything

Hi sb248

I am so sorry to hear it’s reappeared and gone to the bones and pleased you are finding letrozole fine. 
When you say you was like a fruit cake, can I ask in what way? 
xx

Hi Wajdi I felt that my brain didn't belong to me I couldn't think straight and usually very good at organising and couldn't be bothered and as for my mood I was the wife from hell!!!  I was so worried about taking hormone tablets again but these obviously suit me..  Really hope you find one that suits you keep asking for a change until they get it right.  One thing that has changed in me is that I ask questions sometimes the same one two or three times until I understand then I can deal with it.  So keep asking and querying anything you are unsure of it's your body and life.  Wishing you all the best stay strong particularly when talking to the oncologist.