Hi belle18

I was diagnosed back in 2018 and placed on tamoxifen. I only lasted 9 months on it due to the side effects. Thankfully I was post menopausal and therefore changed to Anastrozole. It also came with side effects but they were less than tamoxifen and managed to tolerate it. I was taken of Anastrozole 6 months early due to a dexa scan showed bone density loss, which is a side effect of Anastrozole. 

You don't mention your age or if your near or going through the menopause so not sure if you're a candidate for Anastrozole. I do however remember when I was taking Anastrozole, there was a brand that suited me better, so perhaps asking for a change of brand may help.

I suggest you have a word with your GP and go from there.

Fingers crossed this will get better for you.

Thank you so much for your advice. I am well past menopause and have been on every tablet, ending on tamoxifen as I was advised that the side effects would be less but I would have to take it for ten years. That has certainly not been the case for me ans I have really suffered. Do you remember the brand name? That information would be very helpful. Thank you.

Sorry but I don't remember the brand. I tried searching my posts on here but it only goes back 3 years and my dx was 7 years ago.

I would caution you and others not to dismiss the joint pain believing its a side effect of tamoxifen. I repeatedly presented to my GP over the years with joint pain, the GP got in touch with my breast team who advised that it was a side effect and was and still am prescribed pain relief. I thought the joint pain would ease after stopping hormone treatment but it didn't and got worse. 7 weeks ago I demanded an x-ray. My GP got in touch last week to tell me she needs to speak to me about the x-ray results. I have a feeling it's not good news and will know tomorrow when we speak what the damage is. Don't let that happen to you.

Maggie 

sorry to hear you are still having joint pain hopefully all turns out well for you love Lara xxx 

So sorry to hear that you are still suffering joint pain. I did have symptoms before breast cancer but it increased dramatically after starting treatment and has gradually got worse. I know several ladies in my area who have developed similar problems, in particular rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia which they did'nt have before. There are some thoughts that it can be triggered by trauma and major surgery so please insist on more tests. It really is a minefield. Please let me know how you get on. Knowledge is power. Thinking of you.

So sorry to hear that you are still suffering joint pain. I did have symptoms before breast cancer but it increased dramatically after starting treatment and has gradually got worse. I know several ladies in my area who have developed similar problems, in particular rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia which they did'nt have before. There are some thoughts that it can be triggered by trauma and major surgery so please insist on more tests. It really is a minefield. Please let me know how you get on. Knowledge is power. Thinking of you.