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Will stopping Anastrazole 6 wks increase cancer recurrence?

Silverdays
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I am 9 months after masectomy, chemo and radiotherapy for breast cancer. I have been taking Anastrazole since finishing treatment. Some side effects, achy and stiff sometimes. But I have been very fatigued, literally wiped out in the afternoon and falling asleep in the evening. I spoke to the nurses this week who consulted with my team and they suggested stopping the hormone treatment for 6 weeks and see if things improve. Maybe try a different drug. The fatigue could also be my age and the effects of treatment.

My concern is that if I stop altogether there is more chance of cancer recurrence . 6 weeks will not make much difference as the drug stays in the body apparently. Do the benefits outweigh the side effects? Any thoughts appreciated!

Silver 

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    Hello Silver,

    Are you considering stopping all together? Or just for six weeks? From what I've read, I don't believe a few weeks will make much difference but any longer than that then it would be wise to discuss it with your care team. There is a tool called 'Predict' that works out as a percentage, what your chances of breast cancer returning are, based on type, grade and stage and what treatments you have had/are taking, which is worth asking about if you have not been offered it, and this may help you make an informed decision going forward.

    I have been taking Anastrazole for six months. The side effects were bearable up until the last couple of weeks when the hot sweats and painful joints went into overdrive, so yesterday I decided to have a short break of a week or so to see if it makes a difference.

    A bit of research reveals some ladies have had more success with one particular brand of Anastrazole called TEVA. A quick check confirmed my most recent prescription has changed from this to a brand called Crescent and now I'm wondering if it is these that has caused the increased symptoms. 

    With regards to fatigue I find that if Anastrazole is taken at bedtime instead of in the morning it helps with sleep through the night and the tiredness is not such a challenge during the day which is something you might try if you haven't already?

    Best wishes

    Morwenna

  • Offline in reply to Morwenna

    Hi Morwenna,

    I have been taking Anastrazole for 9 months and have been having side effects. I have been taking it at night but I still have fatigue. I'm OK in the morning but tired out by the afternoon. The Consultant suggested stopping for 6 weeks to see if I feel better. He said 6 weeks should not make a difference as the drug stays in your system . Mine is made by Accord ? When I have my appointment I will ask him to do a Prefict to see how beneficial taking the hormone treatment is. I found it quite difficult to do myself as wasn't sure of some of the medical terms.

    I worry also about the bone loss, are you taking Calcium D3 too? I have also had intravenous bisphosphonates. My dentist will not do any treatment on my teeth now without consent from a doctor as it can affect jaw bones! It's all very scary, I expect they will offer me another drug, if it prevents recurrence. If Predict shows a very small percentage I might decide against taking it, but I keep reading it can help by 7/10 % which is beneficial....

    Thank you for replying 

    Silver 

     

     

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