Hi Mary

I switched from Tamoxifen to Anastrozole a couple of weeks ago. So cant say much about side effects as I dont think its hit me yet - tho I do find I have less sweats than I did on Tamoxifen. 

maggie x

Thanks Maggie, not looking forward to getting back all those menopause symptoms again! Thought I had finished with all that

Love Mary xx

Hi Mary 

this is my first menopause, can’t imagine what it would be like having to through it twice :shocked:

my oncologist said anastrozole was the one that gave little in the way of side effects - time will tell x

Hi Mary,

I have been taking Anastrozole for about 9 months now with no noticeable side effects. My biggest worry is the chance of further bone density loss due to the medication. I was told I had oestopenia after my bone scan at the start of the year, prior to starting Anastrozole. I'm sure you have been made aware of the importance of increasing your intake of calcium rich food and drink, and also doing weight bearing exercises like walking about 5 times a week for 30 minutes.

I hope you get on OK with the tablets. It's bad enough getting a cancer diagnosis, then having treatment without then worrying about possible side effects, but I am sure most people are anxious about the unknown. We just have to try and be positive, keep busy, enjoy every opportunity to spend time with family and friends and get on with our lives as best we can. I have friends who have survived breast cancer for decades, so there is much to be thankful for.

sorry to have waffled on, but hope this may have helped a bit!

Hi Fifi

Thanks for your reply and good to know that after nine months you have had no noticeable side effects. It’s all a bit of a steep learning curve isn’t it?  Yes I’ve been told to make sure I get plenty of calcium so reading up on what types of foods are good, not just milk, cheese etc. Have to go for a Dexascan at some time. The hospital said it might be worth taking a calcium supplement. I do lots of walking so should be ok on the exercise front.

Am collecting the prescription tomorrow so will see how I get on with it. Thanks for your lovely supportive message, it certainly makes you count your blessings and appreciate life. I had no idea about the cancer, it was just picked up on a routine mammogram.

Hope you have a lovely Sunday

Best wishes Mary x

Hello,

i have been on anastrozole for 3 months now, so far so good....I literally sat there ( after taking the first one) expecting all manner of things to happen to me...suffice to say nothing happened! 

I take it at 7pm... Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine...xx

Thanks Marlyn glad you are doing well on the medication. Do you take calcium supplements? It was mentioned to me about it last week at the hospital. Have to have. DEXA scan too.

Have taken my first tablet this morning, nothing happened yet  

Lovely to chat

Mary xx

Hi Mary 

Did they say when you are having the DEXA scan? No one has said anything about it to me x

I had a dexta scan before chemo, I have osteopenia , I'm on industrial strength calcium tablets from the doctor and also take sodium clondrate bone meds, my onco prescribed them not only as a bone strengthening med but as a cancer prevention tool.....honestly....I've never been on so many meds..but I'm willing to take whatever is on offer to stop this nasty cancer from returning....xxx

Not said yet but it was in a letter I had to take to GP requesting that they order one. It’s to check calcium levels I believe. 

xx