Hormone Therapy after Mastectomy

Hi, Anastrozole would reduce my risk of recurrence from 4% to 2% (consultants words) which is quite a low benefit so told not to worry too much if I chose not to take it -  if side effects became troubesome. 2/3 years post menopausal, ER+, PR+. Only been taking it for 3 weeks so far. First day felt slightly sick - but felt sick BEFORE I took it because I think we always imagine the worst and get anxious, lol. Anyway slight feelings of nausea settled by drinking peppermint tea and any tea with ginger in it. Second day, slight headache, treated with 2 paracetamol, not had any since. Only other side effect so far is hair shedding, but can live with that. So, in my case  glad I have tried it and will see how I go. Also, slightly swollen fingers for a few days (rings hard to get off otherwise wouldn't have noticed), gone now. I take my tablet, which is very small, with water, and my evening meal, don't know if this makes any difference.

Dear Louise,

You are so kind to share your experience with me. Thank you. That's something I needed to hear. I'm still undecisive whether I take the tablets, but I can be related to the idea of starting to take it and see how it goes. I hope everything works and goes as you expect and be healthy.

With warmth,

Ayu

Hi Ayu,

I am in a similar position to you and the common side effects worry me, my oncologist said if I took both the Anastrozole and Bisphophonates I would have a 2% benefit after 10 years.

I am post menopausal but still get hot flushes and tender joint pain already so I’m thinking quality of life wins over all the side effects.

I am interested to hear if anyone else decided not to take the medication 

good luck with your decision x

It is not my purpose to encourage people or to recommend anyone not to take any treatment especially when it comes to cancer or serious health matters, however, I decided not to take any hormone treatment because, in my case, having a better quality of life is more important for me. Not only does anastrozole reduces circulating estrogen and give the side effects that you mentioned but also low estradiol levels are associated with decreased mone mineral density and increased fracture risk. There are a few pros and cons that need to be considered. Some people suggested starting the treatment and seeing how it goes, which could make sense in a way. Yet, I decided not to take the hormone treatment. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this difficult time. I hope one day you feel at ease.

With warmth,

Ayu

Hi I have been on both tamoxifen and anastrozole and found them both awful over the past 11 months. I’m considering stopping. When you talk about survival figures you think is it worth it. This does not take into account recurrence though, I think that’s the main thing to think about and unfortunately there is no figures to give you this guidance . Xx

Thank you. I had a lumpectomy 6 years ago but after 6 months of really struggling with Letrozole and Tamoxifen I gave up. I should say I also have suffered with M.E. for 40 yrs ( I'm 71 ) and all the existing problems I had with that became much worse.

In February I had a bilateral mastectomy and was put on Anastrozole. Originally it seemed ok and I put a lot down to the fact I'd had major surgery but last week I was in so much pain all over. Tendon pains all down right arm, right leg and left wrist.  I also had hot/cold fevers simultaneously for about 4 hours each afternoon. My head and abdomen were boiling, everywhere else freezing ...

I have now been given Aromasin and am loathe to take it.  My quality of life is already so poor because of existing chronic illness and I don't want to deal with such bad side effects on top of it. I could get cancer again but at my age I want to spend however many years I may have left feeling the best I can in the circumstances. My family are in total agreement - it's a positive decision not a negative one but it's one each of us has to make according to our own circumstances.  Wishing you all well x

Quick update six months from starting anastrozole - only side effect remaining now is leg cramps, and they have become milder. Feeling sick stopped after 2 months, hair stopped falling out at 4 months. 

I’m still awaiting radiotherapy and then have to make decision on taking EXEMESTANO.   I asked the oncologist his opinion and he said he wasn’t sure how beneficial it would be for me.  My estrogen levels are low both in bloods and in tumour. Doesn’t fill me with any strong desire to take bearing in mind side effects.  I’m already an old creaker with sore knees and hips.

That's good to know, excelled myself 2 walks today. My knees are painful but hurt more if I'm on a rest day. On my 3rd pack if Letrozole, did your cholesterol go up? What a beautiful day. 

What a beautiful picture.  Makes me want to go to a manor and be pampered.  I washed my kitchen floor today so felt like Cinderella.  But my Prince Charming offered to wax it for me!!

Barbara