Anastrozole side effects

Hi Love being a Nan , yes I have joint aches since starting on Anastrozole. I’m in my 7th year, will be interesting to see how I feel when I stop, all going well, in December. Joint pains are mainly in my feet but also hip. I’m lucky that it’s usually worse in the morning and generally is better for exercise, so not such an issue at night. Do mention it to the doctor, but it does seem to be a very common side effect. Glad that your radiotherapy sessions are finished, another box to tick! Love and hugs, HFxx

Thanks for you response. So has it never been discussed about you tryIng something else? It seems a long time to put up with joint pains or was there just no other options for you? X

I think I’m a creature of habit, and also scared of the unknown, so I’ve just stuck with the Anastrozole. The other options would be Letrozole or Exemestane, but I’ve read posts from other folk who’ve struggled with side effects from them too so I guess I’ve just gone with the ‘better the devil you know’ approach! No better reasons, really. The joint aches and pains haven’t stopped me from walking, which became my sanity saver during radiotherapy (3 weeks, back in 2019). I’d have a bit of a lie down when I got home, to air my hot boob, then head out to walk, often in the dark as it was January! I haven’t stopped, and also do Nordic walking with a lovely local group. But do discuss the other options, I don’t really know why I never asked, apart from what I’ve said above. Xx

Yeah that makes sense. Thanks for explaining. I’ve made a refer to move more and maybe need to start walking and see if helps. I had 2 Ops in 3 weeks before the radiotherapy and it floored me. I used to walk my dog but now a charity has been walking him as he’s large and I couldn’t do it with my arm. You’ve inspired me to start slowly and build up , thanks 

Hello,  have been on anastrazole for 3 years and muscle aches in thighs are my main issue but dry mouth, dry skin, dry private parts and hot flashes.  Sleep is sometimes an issue too but all in all doing well.  I keep exercising and find that really helps.  I don’t like to give in so keep on pushing myself.  I have 2 more years on anastrazole so hope these issues clear up.  Can be challenging at times.  Take care.

Hi Love being a Nan , we have a dog too and I didn’t walk her for a good time after my op and radiotherapy, as I was scared she’d lunge suddenly and pull my arm on the treated side. She’s biggish and mostly walks well but no holds barred if she sees a cat! Glad you have a charity to help with yours. In terms of exercise, I built up really slowly, just doing what I felt able to and gradually increasing distance and pace. I started the Nordic walking 4 months after rads finished. It was ‘prescribed’ by the lympheodema nurse (less well known rads side effect, it’s why my treated breast is bigger than the other! Thankfully mild and manageable). I’ve met a lovely group of fellow Nordic walkers and see bits of my local countryside I didn’t know existed. 
Sorry I’m a bit of a bore about it! 

Hi, I suffered from joint pains, insomnia, night sweats, day sweats (is that even a thing?), weight gain and general fatigue. I lasted from December 2022 to December 2024. After a consultation with my oncologist we agreed that enough is enough. This decision was obviously based on the type of cancer, stage and other treatments (surgery + 5 x radiotherapy) and is not for everyone. All symptoms except for the occasional hot flush have disappeared and I’m generally in a much better place both physically and mentally.

Sorry to hear this and sounds like you did well sticking it out that long ! 
At my follow up it was agreed I would persevere for a couple of months more but it has started to ease a bit. Have been taking paracetamol morning and night and just started exercising a little which is helping both physically and mentally.