I’m 5 years out from my right breast mastectomy, took Anastrozole for a total of 2 1/2 years.  My bones and muscles hurt, I was beyond exhausted and finally my hair, which came in super thick after chemo, began falling out on Anastrozole.  I never tell anyone to not mind their doctor.  I just decided to take the risk of quitting Anastrozole.  Cancer free, feel and look great.  72 years old and having a great life!!!!

Thank you so much for your reply. I am delighted you are clear after 5 years. Hopefully I will be too and without Anastrozole - I know I am taking a risk but it's my decision. I also take Alow Vera juice and I am taking Plutonium tablets which my homeopath friend gave me. She has been clear for 13 years and also rejected the Anastrozole. Once I finish the radiotherapy I am going back to doing yoga. You are so right, quality of life trumps all!!

Good for you Marietta54!!!!

YES, Aloe, I drink Aloe with mango.  Yes on yoga, and great affirmations and thoughts

penelope1

What nutrional capsules are you taking and can I get these in England??

Hi there, 

I'm so so glad to have found this link , I’ve been taking “ Anastrozle” for a month now and I feel dreadful.

This year I’ve had a double mastectomy, different types of cancer in both breasts , done chemo , had sentinel lymph removal and now waiting for radiotherapy next week , and I haven’t broken down at all, even when my precious sister was diagnosed with breast cancer too. 

However, these pills are making me feel like hell. Every day is just a little worse and I thought I was going mad or not coping but knowing others have same reactions helps enormously- Thankyou.

My question is , how do I  ( or even should I ) get a Dexa scan? And how does my oncologist monitor my oestrogen levels. In our last meeting I asked him how we progress once radiotherapy finishes and he said we just monitor it? Frankly I don’t feel that’s good enough but like others here I’m prepared to believe they are the experts.

But at some point I have to take control, and I can not live with these pills for the next 10 years, I could hardly hold the kettle this morning after waking up at 4am as I can’t sleep. I have a lower back pain for a month now which is really debilitating and just can’t find any energy for anything, not even turning on the tv let alone yoga and exercise which I normally love.

I’m in tears as I write this as the relief of knowing these are common side effects is huge , but is it really worth it? 

X 

Hi Fubs, 

I just read your post and really feel for you. I had 2 mastectomies and was told I should be on anastrozole for 10 years. There’s no right answer - I lasted 11 months before I completely broke down and stopped. The anxiety was crippling, along with lack of sleep, soreness and tiredness. I checked with my consultant what the added risks to my cancer recurring - which was 1% - there was a much greater risk of getting osteoporosis for which I had initially been told I would have a DEXA scan. I was later told I would not. I later experienced stress fractures on my ribs and did get a DEXA scan showing osteopenia  

I would advise to make sure you are looked after - it doesn’t seem to happen automatically. I gradually felt better after stopping anastrozole and have no cancer recurrence. I stopped drinking cut out other things that increase cancer risks - I would rather have quality of life over what I had when taking anastrozole but that’s a personal choice - it is a highly effective medication in preventing cancer. It is just a shame that for some people it has such bad side effects . There is a very interesting research article you can look at done by the Australian NHS into how effective anastrozole is at preventing cancer versus the long term side effects. It helps to have as much information as possible before making a decision. 

Best wishes 

Dear Kiwiwife, 

Thankyou for your reply, I found it most helpful and I’ve requested an appointment with my oncologist ASAP.

As you say , sometimes the flow of information is limited. My oncologist, for example, didn’t/ wouldn’t confirm my radiotherapy in case it was “too much for me to deal with” as I’d been very “brave” until after my sentinel node removal. To say that I felt I was being condescended to would be a little understatement and sure enough, when asked again, he confirmed my radiotherapy program and I felt I could prepare myself adequately. 

I read that the benefits for a few are quite negligible versus side effects so I will keep investigating and make an informed decision when I next see him, but it’s so good to know I’m not falling apart.

Thankyou for your advice.

kind regards

P.s. couldn’t agree more about giving up alcohol and exercise, not my natural lifestyle choice but it does really help .

Hi Flubs,

wishing you the best with your oncologist, I hope he/she is sympathetic and helpful. I am now 3 years down the line from my cancer diagnosis and am physically good apart from surgery related problems and bad menopausal symptoms which have been much alleviated by not taking the anastrozole. Exercise and good lifestyle definitely help, more support and being better informed would be really helpful but I guess the NHS is very stretched and though I find the system very lacking in this respect, from my experience, I cannot blame the staff as they have all been very kind and I think have done as best as they are able.

You are definitely not falling apart. Hope you have a good new year.

Best wishes 

Hi you said you are not taking the Anastrozole? When did you stop talking them and why?

 I have stopped after 6 months. I found that 

I had pain in my hips arm hand.Went to oncologist. They said to come off Anastrozole. The small difference they would make,against the side effects.

would appreciate any more people who have had the same problem, to answer this please. I feel like I am going mad