Anastrozole - to take or not?

Hi Mogal129

I'm similar to you, found in one breast early stage and have had double mx - no other treatment - but am now on Tamoxifen.  I was told that I could take it or not, it doesn't increase my chances by more than 1% so I gave it a go.  So far (I've been on it for nearly 4 months) I've not noticed any side effects.  I'd already had a hysterectomy, so that's one side effect I couldn't get!  I'm 48.

My suggestion would be to start taking it and see if you get any symptoms.  If you don't, all well and good!  If life becomes miserable on it, then you can make an informed choice to stop if you want to.  

Hope this helps

Helen

Hi there

I had a WLE and sentinel node biopsy at the end of February. I am about to start radiotherapy tomorrow and started on Anastrozole last week. Its probably too early to say if there are any side effects for me but so far so good. The thing is not everyone does have side effects, it depends on the individual. I agree, why not give it a try because if you do suffer effects that are too bad you can always stop it. It may be the drug that gives you that extra ten years or even more. Anything is worth a try; life is precious. Try not to worry about it. sometimes when we sit waiting for aches, pains ect then they happen. It doesnt mean they are not real or that we bring them on. Its just that we are focusing our awareness on that instead of just being. Try this. Just focus your attention on your big toe for a few mins. What does it feel like? Is it warm or is it cold? Is is comfy or not? See, I bet a few minutes ago you did not even notice your big toe? So sometimes it can be like that with other things. Just see how you go.....you may be fine then it is worth taking it.

Huggs

Sue

Hi Sue,

Firstly good luck with your 1st radio tomorrow. I start mine April 23rd after a mastectomy in Nov followed by 6 chemo sessions which finished 2 weeks ago. I am due to start on Arimidex after chemo & would be interested to see if you have any side effects eventually. I know we are all different & I dont get "scared" into things I read but just like to have info so that if I do get S/E's its good to know if they are normal or not.

Good luck to you all & take care xx

hi Suzie.

Thanks for your good wishes. now had 2 sessions of radio therapy only 16 to go!! Not a problem apart from all the travelling. I will keep you posted on any side effects from Anastrozole.. I dont know how long it would be for any to materialise but perhaps thats a good thing not knowing because then Im not waiting for any. I think the meds and radio must be a doddle compared to the treatment you have had and so many ladies here on this site. You will be starting yours then the week after next. It feels like we are ticking boxes off but if it helps us get our life back on track, its all good stuff.

Best of wishes to you

sue x

hi all

I started on Anastrozole 4 weeks ago. The 2nd week I felt sick for 5 days and couldn't bear the thought of eating. However that soon passed. Since then I have a lot more aches and pains, especially in my hips when I walk. And a rash but it looks like it is slowly going now.

My body just feels like I've partied and danced the night away a bit too much lol

And I have to say it's far far easier then chemo ! :)

I've just sent off for the information pack on getting fit after treatment...don't know how I will get on but I have to try !

Ellen

Ellen .. what type & stage was your breast cancer?  Mine was early stage, 1cm, lymph nodes clear.  I am wondering with all the side effects that I have read about if it is worth it for me to take Anastrozole . I am 71, in good health except my cholesterol is on the high side (& I understand that Anastrozole can push it higher).  I am still reading & blogging in hopes that I can make a decision within the next couple of weeks and tell my Oncologist.  Thanks for your reply.  Jene

Hi,

          I am a little younger than you being 64 years old. I have been taking Anastrozole for about two and a half months and have not had any side affects.

        If you do decide to take them eat a bowl of cereal or something before taking as this I think has kept away the my sickness . I have had the odd ache and pain but I put this down to age.

Best wishes

Christine

Thank you Christine, the more information I can gather the better for my decision .. what type cancer did you have? 

Jene

Hi,

        I had oestrogen receptor cancer hope this helps. Do remember when making up your mind that everyone is different when it comes to side effects of any drug.

Best wishes

Christine

Hi Jene

Mine was Invasive ductal carcinoma,ER and PR positive, grade 2, 30mm, no lymph node involvement.

But it's my second time around. I had it in 2003. So I'm taking all that's thrown at me. I don't want it to happen again ! I've had a masectomy and 6 x fec75. Can't have radiotherapy as had it on the same side first time around. I'm not menopausal ( well before chemo I wasn't !) so I'm having Zoladex and Anastrozole. Hope it works this time.

I had Tamoxifen last time but stopped it after 4 years. Maybe that's the reason of my recurrence. They don't seem to be able to tell me if ir's a new tumour or a recurrence so I will never know if it's because I stopped the Tamoxifen.

Everyone is different as reacts differently so not everyone has side effects. But it must be worth it to prevent it coming back :)

I'd say go for it...you can always change your mind instead of regretting it one day.

Ellen x