Finishing Anastrozole (7yrs) and considering breast reduction on non-Lumpectomy side
Hi everyone.
I am finally going to be finished with Anastrozole (with my Oncologist's agreement
after Breast Cancer Index test) this October. Here's my 1st question to the women who
stopped taking the med after 5, 7, or 10 years: Did you feel or see any difference, in what way
and how long did it take to be noticeable? Did the side-effects similar to or worse than
menopause symptoms disappear or become manageable? And did sex drive come back??
I read that vaginal atrophy wouldn't get better, is that the case? Please kindly share your
experience.
I had a Lumpectomy on my right side breast in 2017 and my left side breast has been
sagging since then. It wan't a big deal in the first couple of years but every year the
difference has become more visible. The left side is bigger, longer and heavier.
All I want is for the both sides to be equal, so breast reduction only on my left side
would be enough for me. I have gone to a surgeon once for consultation and he told me the
surgery would be simple since it wouldn't involve lifting or enhancing. According to him, the
recovery time would be 2 weeks. From my online research, I believe it could take more than
2 weeks to recover to the point you would feel better and comfortable.
I'm 62 and some might say I shouldn't bother, just wear the particular kind of bra or padding
that was made to camouflage the issue, or just wear loose fitting top, etc. I tried to tell myself
that too. I also felt scared, I didn't want to be under the knife any more. So at that time, I
didn't go back to see an anesthesiologist in preparation for the surgery.
It has been a few years since then and I'm thinking about the surgery again. The size
difference of my breasts has become even more visible. I have hard time fitting them into the
bra cups, tankini tops, etc. Most of all, I feel unbalanced and self conscious.
I'd like to hear from the women who have gone through the similar situation and faced
the decision making. I'd really appreciate your comments and input.
Comments
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i have just started Anastrazole. i was on it for one month and stopped it. i am very afraid of the side effects. so i changed to letrazole. but did not stay on it either. i will talk with Oncologist soon. just wondering if others felt the same and what they decided. i am now 75 years old.
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I am 80 years old and I was diagnosed in September 2023, had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in October and 5 radiation treatments in December. Lymph nodes were negative and margins were clear. I had no chemo as my Oncontype was 10. I then took Anastrazole for 3 months and stopped because of side effects. My oncologist is encouraging me to go back on hormone blockers to prevent recurrence and I promised to give it more thought before I see her again in August. My husband and children want me to have a good quality of life as long as possible but leave the decision to me. It isn't the easiest decision to make as I don't want a recurrence but do want to enjoy the time I have left without all the negative side effects. To rosevb, I hope you can have peace with whatever decision you make.
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