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

Parents
  • Hello Siuin.

    I'm on Letrozole at the moment and the pain in my bones is awful. The oncologist has sent me for a bone scan. I am awaiting results. I had breast cancer HER2 positive. I've had chemo, radio therapy and herceptin for a year, they then put me on letrozole.  I just found out about the damage it can do to your bones. I have been off it for 3 weeks now and the pain is receeding. I am at my wit's end. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins, stage 1, grade 3. I feel I am being overtreated. So I have a choice: cancer coming back or my bones ruined + plus the pain that goes with it. I don't know about you, but this feels like Hobson's choice. I am in my sixties and I am asking myself, do I spend my remaining years in vile pain OR do I live and take my chances.

    I noticed your post was 2018. I hope you are okay.

    Patsy

  • I read your message. I think it's got be your decision. I found the pain to much. I want my life now. I am 64 this May. Enjoy your life today. All the best to you hugs and kisses sent to you.

Reply Children
No Data