Anastrazole and Bowel movements!

Hi Mazz , I’m on Anastrozole too, coming up to 5 years in December. I have this issue as well! And like you have said, seems to have been cumulative. Not diarrhoea in my case either, mainly frequency. Way back, before diagnosis, I was pretty much a once a day first thing in the morning gal! Whereas nowadays the timing is erratic and it’s rare I get away with once, usually several. What I can’t be sure of, though, is if it’s just the Anastrozole (which I’m sure plays a part as I think it messes with a lot of bodily aspects). Since my diagnosis I’ve really stepped up my fibre intake and I have also added things like 20g of milled flaxseed to my daily porridge/ overnight oats, for nutritional reasons. And I’m more conscious of getting plenty of fruit and veg, whole meal everything , etc. All of which adds a decent amount of fibre! Which in turn must produce more of the end product….. so I really don’t know how much of the overall effect is from my dietary changes. 
I’ve wondered about going to my GP and asking to be checked out bowel wise, but so far have just gone along with what seems to have become my new normal in this respect. But I wouldn’t want to put you off getting checked out if you feel you should. 
Love and hugs, HFxx

PS just read your profile, your cancer sounds very similar to mine, hope you don’t mind me asking why you had chemo? I escaped that but had radiotherapy. 

Thanks Happy Feet! I too feel that my “issues” are worse when I eat lots of veggies and fruit; although it was never an issue before the meds! My alarm clock in the morning is my churning tummy telling me to “go”!  Like you, I’ve accepted this as the new normal! I don’t mind it actually, better than being constipated . I think I’m being a little paranoid because, just lately, I’ve had a bit of tummy discomfort after eating certain things. Perhaps Anastrazole is causing a bit of sensitivity, and again, I’m OK with it as long as it’s nothing ‘sinister’ and I don’t think it is! In reply to your question regarding Chemo; I had a Oncotype test which gave me a score of 28 (25 or below I think, was the ideal). I was given the “option” of having it or not and I opted to have it. They recommended 3 x EC and 3 x Paclitaxel; I managed the first 3 (EC) like a walk in the park, but the first Paclitaxel knocked me for six! Also I had to inject Filstagram following the paclitaxel (), that wasn’t my favourite! So I ended up just having four cycles of chemo in total; apparently better than nothing! Then I had just five days of radio because there was a risk that my pectoral muscle had been touched (although they got clear margins). But on the whole I’m well and back to normal, feeling good and loving life. I hope you are too! And thanks for taking time to respond to my post! xxxxxxxx PS, I recently had my pooh stix test (NHS bowel cancer check), and all was well! 

Hi Mazz , yes the joys of post 60 poo sticks! Not quite the same as playing that sweet game on a bridge! But reassuring all the same, I’ve had 2 now as I’m a bit older. I have had similar worries over any stomach pains, but nothing has continued for any length of time so hopefully all ok. What I’d really love is every investigation possible to rule out anything sinister anywhere! But I know that logically that’s daft, most tests carry some element of risk and can also throw up things that cause a lot of worry but turn out to be fine. So I try to keep a lid on my worries, acknowledge them then put them aside, and like you feel I have lots to love about my life. I’m very happy to have retired and take any opportunity to get out walking as well as other exercise (even joined a gym, never thought I’d see the day!) and it all makes me feel better as well as feeling that I’m doing positive things to keep the beast away! 
Re constipation though, I actually do get this as well, but it’s yet another possible side effect of Anastrozole so could be that. So many associated irritations! I go to a local ‘Cancexercise’ class and a friend there was told by her oncologist that she was likely to feel 10 years older whilst on the hormone treatment! So some do acknowledge the effects though my initial breast surgeon was always very dismissive. Thankfully I see a much nicer one for my annual reviews. 
Thanks for sharing your chemo story. I wasn’t offered the Oncotype test, don’t know what the criteria are. It seemed to be assumed from my initial biopsy results that I’d have lumpectomy, hormone therapy and radiotherapy and it didn’t change after my op. I had 3 weeks of rads as this was in early 2019 when the one week regime didn’t seem to be offered. Great they’ve now cut it down. Just shows how much things can change in a few years! HFxx

Hi there; you’re right it can be difficult to put things to the back of ones mind and not become paranoid about the “what ifs”. I am also retired (stopped working after I was diagnosed, I’d been at the same company for 40 years, never been sick), so I took my 16 weeks sick entitlement whilst I did some thinking and decided life’s too short and that was me retired! Best decision ever. I do lots of exercise (I get stiff joints particularly in my hand) because of Anastrazole. And I’m generally very happy enjoying life whilst I’m relatively fit and trying not to spoil the good days by worrying about bad ones that may never happen (well not for a while!). They can tell by your biopsy if it’s borderline hence the oncotype test, mine was, so if they don’t offer it, it’s usually because it’s not needed, they can tell by just looking at the sample itself . Thanks for your kind words and useful feedback! Look after yourself xxxx

Hi just read some of your replies, I am thinking of switching to Anastrazole. Tamoxifen is not good for my energy, mood, joints, too restrictive in what I can and can't eat. I want to feel life is worth living. I have a friend who has been on it and had BC twice. She is now 80 I trust her so I think I'm going to demand it. What do you think? 

Hi Sabrina22 , have chatted to you on other threads and I think (but could be wrong) that you have said elsewhere that you have osteoporosis? If so, I’d just caution that Anastrozole is very similar in effects to letrozole so I don’t think it’s recommended for those with osteoporosis. I have osteopenia so have a dexa scan every 2 years whilst I’m on the anastrozole, to monitor my bone density. Also the side effects of anastrozole can be similar to all the hormone blockers - joint pain, fatigue, hot flashes etc. But of course some people don’t get them, so definitely not a reason not to try them, if they’re not contra indicated for you. No harm in having the conversation. Hope you can get something sorted out. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Yes you are right, I do have osteoporosis. What a brilliant memory you have. I'll have a look and check it out. Thank you. 

Christine xxx