Anastrozole has ruined my bones.

Hi There

I was diagnosed with stage 2 Oestrogen positive Breast cancer in 2016. After just 3 round of chemo, my ping pong ball sixzed tumour had disappeared and the cancer had left my lymph noed. After 8 rounds a mammogram had showed that though I was clear, calcium depositis on my breast might flare up into cancer and so I had a full mastectomy of the right breast and had 14 nodes removed. The nodes came back clear and the breast was cancer free though I did have dome precancerous tissue. I had had a complete pathological response which considerably increased my odd of not having a recurrence, After some months I had my healthy breast reduced from an f to a c cup to match my new implant and the removed tissue was completely cancer free. I then began anastrzole with zoladex injections to stop my periods. I also took part in the palbocciclib trial from 5 cycles until it caused my to reject 2 implants and developed sepsis.  

After a year on Anastrozole a dexa scan showed that I had gone from moderate osteopenia -1.7 to osteoporosis -2.6. I was horrified. I asked the oncologist what my chances of recurrence were. She said 5 to 10% if I take the anastrozole and 7 to 10% if I take nothing.  So I stopped taking it. I worry that I have gone against my oncologist but if I keep taking that drug I reduce my chanced of recurrence by 2% but will definitely ruin my bones. I haven't told my oncologist yet

  • Hi 

    I have had cancer twice once at 29 and now at 57.

    Didnt take tamoxifen at 29, due to side effects and don't regret that one bit.

    Was told based on my current situation I had a 1% improvement using Anastrozole versus nothing.

    So thought I'd try it, I am fit anyway go to the gym healthy etc, so took it for four months.

    Although I didn't have anything like the horrendous reactions some of you have had,I had the odd pain in my hip, had a few very strange dizzy episodes and overall felt really down dare I say it a bit depressed which isn't like me at all.

    I have stopped for the last few weeks and I feel better more positive and kinda back to normal.

    On a down side I am awaiting my DNA results for the BRCA genes results were delayed as it wasn't conclusive either way so they've run it again fingers crossed .... 

    Not sure what I will do in the future re these tablets.

    Good Luck Girls 

    x

  • Dear Pug07,

    I have been so cavalier since my mastectomy in 2014, my oncologist here in Raleigh, NC actually got mad at me for being too happy, it was my last visit for 18 months as I am cancer free.  Due to family issues (a 95 year old healthy mother) and a property that needed attention, in five years I had an oncologist and chemo in Idaho, an oncologist in Palm Springs, CA and my main oncologist in Raleigh, NC.  Because I live in the moment, my sweet doctor fears I will crash if cancer comes back.  His parting words were if it did and was in my bones he could probably help me.  I'm about to begin reconstruction this month, I'll be 73 next month.  Redoing my breasts, had my right one removed, not my left, much more difficult to put back on than to take off, but I'm grateful and I heal well.  Will have skin from back, then expander, several visits.  Then left breast lifted and puffed up.  The doctor wanted to know why I waited the five years.  My response, "I'm dating", he doesn't mind, this is for me!!!!

     

    Thinking of you my dear, we are all marching together!!!!

  • Hi 1956

    I hadn’t realised you had already quit anastrozole until I followed the thread back. Sorry if I sounded like I was giving a bit of a sermon!

    It’s  brilliant that you are feeling more like yourself again. Keep going!

    X

  • Hi Pug07

    You sound like you have been through a bit of an ordeal.

    I think keeping fit and healthy is a good idea. I know it helped me when I was newly diagnosed and felt my life spiralling out of control. 

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed as well for good test results for you.

    Try and stay positive and sending you hugs.x

     

     

  •  

    Wow Penelope, 73 and a great attitude to life!

    Good luck for your future surgery.

    wishing you all the best from across the pond. X

     

  • Thank you Stephi and the same to you!!!!

  • Hope all goes well for you.

    Life is for living there's no doubt about that.

    You're brave having the reconstruction,  I had the mastectomy as I had the lumpectomy in 1991 and had it was the same breast so had to go.The thought of the reconstruction filled me with dread.

    All went well with op but still I guess getting my head round having one boob 

    x

     

  • Pug07

    yes, it is brave to reconstruct, but practically free in America per a law.  I'm just in a very strong place and I have daughters.  They've seen me happy with one breast, they were both there for my mastectomy, now they'll get to see the repair process....

  • Oh it's free here on NHS,but I didn't fancy the skin removal and recovery, although I am slim and very fit so recovery would have been good.Maybe in the future I may change my mind...


    I'm sure you will look great and have lots of fun x

  • Pug07

    yes!  I've waited 5 years, no rush if ever!!!!