Hi

Hi, I’m taking Anastrazole. Yes, I felt like a 112 year old for the first six-eight months. Looking back, I started taking them just a few weeks after surgery and five months chemo. I also had 15 rounds of radiotherapy about 6 weeks into Anastrazole. I mostly had very painful ankle joints, and feeling like I wasn’t firing on all cylinders. But as I say, this was very soon after aggressive treatment. I’ve been taking them for two years now, and things are a lot better. I haven’t got the energy levels I used to have, but I’m 62, so maybe this would have started to decline anyway. I’m sure that other people will respond in empathy with you. It’s very common. Xx

Thank you for your response. I'm 66 and thought I was reasonably fit. This lack of energy etc is a big shock. You have given me some hope that things might improve with time. Walking/hiking is very important to me, it's my happy place. I really dread anything happening to my feet which will stop me from hiking. 

Hi, I understand. The ankle joint thing started very quickly. Just weeks. Not everyone gets it, some people have other side effects which I don’t get. My joy is my allotment. Last year I couldn’t do very much. But this year has been much better and I’m doing all I want and need to do. I’ve read on this site that some people change from Letrozole to Anastrazole if things get intolerable, and vice versa. 

Sorry to write again, but you say you need cheering up and you like walking. When I was like this, I did smaller things that would bring joy. So I planted pots of various cheery bulbs that I had never grown before. This gave me some new interest, a sense of achievement, and also reward in the spring! Could you have a little afternoon out somewhere different, involving a short 2-3 mile walk that includes a point of interest such as a lovely view or an interesting building? Just an idea, and until things hopefully settle. 

Thank you for replying. I've been doing nature walks around nature reserves looking for and photographing orchids, butterflies, carnivorous bog plants, dragonflies etc.

I live 300 yards from the beach. I've been walking along the prom. 

However I can always see my beautiful Snowdonia mountains across the Conwy Estuary. They were my usual escape and mood lifter 

I play with 2 brass bands and I'm still going to rehearsals and playing in concerts.

I crochet intricate blankets. So I have plenty to keep me busy but the mountains keep calling me. Their wide open spaces, the emptiness, the red kites and buzzards, the wonderful views and ever changing skies. It's so peaceful and relaxing far away from traffic, people and other day to day distractions. 

I will get through this, I've done it before but it seems so much harder this time.

Wow … great photos! You are very talented, and lucky to have such wonderful walking facilities and the opportunities to take lovely photos. Forgive me, but it’s crossed my mind that you might have a touch of the blues? I had this post-treatment and I had specialist cancer counselling, which helped considerably as it taught me to positively practice gratitude for the smallest of things. Both Anastrazole and Letrozole are known to cause low mood. Perhaps your breast care nurse might be able to give advice on what you could do about it, and if there are any services that might be available to you. 

Thanks. I'm trying. I've spoken to Macmillan and they are arranging some phone counselling for me.

I tried the online app. If I hadn't have been tense before I installed the app (I didn't not like apps) I certainly was when I tried to answer their quiz questions and even more so when I heard  I heard the American voice telling how to relax lol. I nearly threw the phone through the window lol.

I've made a nice meal and I'll find a film and do some crochet this evening. That will calm me down.

Most of the time I can do Pollyanna and find good things and I know I'm lucky. Sometimes Pollyanna doesn't work.

Maybe the counselling will help.

Hi There Cloudier,

I've just come back onto this forum as I'm struggling with Anastrozole side effects.  I have been taking it for roughly 2 years, having said that, I changed brands after the first few months as the breast nurses said they vary and if you don't get on with one brand, try changing to another. 

I also play with 2 brass bands, do arts and crafts and keep busy.  The fatigue, low mood and brain fog recently have been so bad, I've temporarily stopped taking the tablets and I'm waiting for advice from the breast nurses.  I don't want to risk the breast cancer coming back but I also want to enjoy life instead of struggling.  I would say, speak to your nurses or GP if things don't settle and try a different brand. 

Thank you so much. I spoke to the breast nurse yesterday. 

I also think I might have gout in my foot. That's making me feel worse because I can't walk with it. I saw the GP on Monday. I'm going to ring and ask for more help this morning.

Everything happening at once is really getting me down

Hi Walkingmum1

Yes it is a real challenge at times.  I really hope things settle for you, it's so frustrating not being able to do the things which keep you sane I find.  Music and art have been my saviour but I haven't always been able to do them at times. 

After cancer you just want to get back to some sort of normal and hopefully we will!

Take care