Intermittent Anastrozole???

Hi Ellis123 , I haven’t heard of intermittent Anastrozole but will follow this thread with interest! I’ve been on it for nearly six years and although it gives me a measure of peace of mind regarding reducing the risk of recurrence, I am really looking forward to stopping. All going well I’ll finish next December, after 7 years. I’m definitely weary of feeling weary, various joint aches and pains, and hot flushes. Like you I consider myself relatively lucky as I didn’t need chemo but that doesn’t stop the side effects of the hormone depletion! 
Will watch with interest, thanks for raising the question. Love and hugs, HFxx

Hi Ellis123, I haven't tried intermittent aromatase inhibitors, but I was given a two-month holiday from Letrozole after suffering muscle and joint pain. I then started Exemestane and am fine with it, so far. 

Could you talk to your team about switching to a different ai ? Good luck, Bear and Tilly 

Thank you Bear and Tilly. I will call the team. Somehow I feel a bit guilty taking up their time, especially as my annual check up was a mammogram and no consultation as such. I guess I need to be more assertive! Glad to hear you're doing fine. 

Dear Ellis123, it's that British stiff upper lip / I shouldn't bother anyone / other folk are worse off than me syndrome. I know it well   

I'm not in touch with medics much at the moment (lucky me), but when I was they were all very clear that I should contact them at any time if I have any questions or concerns. They are there for us. They want to help. And if we don't tell them, they can't. 

I'm sure you know all this. I'm just trying to encourage you to get the help you deserve. Take care, Bear and Tilly 

I had a similar experience with Anastrozole side effects, particularly joint pain, which was incredibly frustrating despite making lifestyle changes like improving my diet and staying active. First of all, it is extremely important to use only high-quality Femara (Letrozole) from reliable pharmacies, for the best treatment results and minimizing side effects. What worked for me was staying patient and communicating closely with my healthcare team. Over time, the side effects became more manageable, and I’ve felt confident that sticking with the treatment was the right choice for my long-term health.

In your case, it sounds like you’ve done everything possible to improve your quality of life, and it’s amazing that you’re being so proactive. While I haven’t tried intermittent dosing, I’ve also come across some discussions suggesting that alternating doses could reduce side effects without compromising efficacy. It’s definitely worth discussing this with your breast care team to see if it’s a suitable option for you. Ultimately, you deserve to find a balance between effective treatment and quality of life.

Thank you Anndv. Interesting you've read similar about the dosing. I reckon 15 months of patience and sucking up the side-effects is enough and I'm now awaiting a call back from the breast care unit. I have lots of questions about my personal recurrence risk as well since I was on the Pill for over 20 years and HRT for 8 years, both drugs being ones which are now acknowledged as higher risk of breast cancer. So now they're not in my system and I've nuked all estrogen for 15 months might that bring my risk right down?? I'm most concerned I might get fobbed off because I was 'lucky' and they're now dealing with the new emergencies, but with some feedback on this forum I'm feeling better prepared for the discussion. Thank you all xx

I’ve been on Anastrazole for just 6 months but combined with an under active thyroid , lead me to exhaustion by 3pm . 
I was also pill and HRT , post menopausal by several years . I am going to persevere with the AIs for as long as I can but as an early stage , no lymph node involved , with a low oncotype , i had 5 radiotherapy .

i am  going to discuss side effects v benefits with medics . Surprised that I had mild osteopenia, despite being a weight lifting , runner , so another thing to consider . 
I think unfortunately, the studies haven’t been done to show whether taking less than every day keeps recurrence at bay . That said , you can take it and still get a recurrence . 

Klf have you tried taking your tablet at night?? Just wondering if that might help out with the exhaustion in afternoon??

so annoying that all that exercise didn’t stave off the flipping bone side effects. Sorry lost track / are you on bisphosphonates?? 

I do take it at night .

I had a DEXA a month after I started the AIs, so osteopenia was already there . I’m quite small framed , although I eat a lot (!) , so I think you can be higher risk due to that . 
No, they said not but I am going to raise it with doctor when I see him .

Ok you sound like you have a similar set up to me….. small frame , do a bunch of exercise etc. I’ve never had a dexa although I’ve asked for one previously but was told what’s the point you do everything you can for your bones anyway….. that was pre BC and I was on HRT!!
 But my oncologist has said definite to the 6 monthly bisphosphonate infusion and vit d and calcium. So yes - defo ask! Obv I’m no expert but be interesting to know why I’m a candidate you aren’t eh?!