Psychological side effects of AI
Hi All,
My sister was diagnosed with ILC stage 2 in October 2023. She had double mastectomy in January 2024. She started taking AI ( anastrazole) back in April 2024. Recently I'm seeing some personality changes in her that doesn't sound normal. For example, she used to call parents everyday to check on them and now she barely answers their call. I'm starting to get worried. In about 2 weeks she made an snap decision to move in with an old boyfriend. Could these changes be results of AI or something else going on ? Does anyone have similar experience with AI?
Comments
-
I don't think the changes would be directly related to AI, but it could be a kind of post-tramatic stress response from ALL the things she has been through (which affects you both physically & mentally). If she is receptive, talking to a counselor might help her sort it out. Many cancer centers have people trained to specifically help people dealing with the issues she's facing.
3 -
Thank you dear Ruth for your comment. She talked to counselor during her treatment and then another one couple months ago. I also try not to be too judgemental of her actions because then she would stop telling me what's going on. Hope things gets better. Please keep her in your prayers π
1 -
Just keep checking in with her. π
2 -
I will π. It's crazy. When people talk about breast cancer they don't think about PTSD and all the psychological side effects afterwards.
2 -
I've been on an AI (anastrozole) for 2 1/2 years, and I have experienced some psychological effects, but they are milder than what you are describing. There are days where I'm a little bit crankier than normal, or sometimes my temper is a bit quick, or I am melancholy for no reason. I definitely feel like I have some PTSD that is triggered by certain situations (like driving by the cancer center on my way to Target).
It could be that your sister's old boyfriend is giving her the kind of support she feels she needs right now. Relationships with the people you are closest too can be really hard during cancer treatment; I know I felt I had to manage my husband's feelings in addition to my own and I couldn't share everything with him. He had his own expectations that didn't always match up with mine.
2 -
My stomach would flip over for years when I passed the exit to my cancer center. I still avoid taking it when I can. It definitely messes with your mind!
3 -
Thank you dear Maggiehopley for sharing your experience. It's complicated for sure
0 -
Hi, your message popped up for a different search, and I have had some pretty big mood swing effects from anastrozole. A few years ago I was on tamoxifen, then AI. After about 9 months on the AI, I began to get the same emotional swings I did on tamox.
Mine were as extensive as rage and anger. It was very confusing for me as I had to keep reminding myself that "this is not me, it's the meds", which honestly is hard to keep up with in an episode. I call them episodes.
I didn't realize it at first. I couldn't understand why I kept getting angry, or upset without reason, and completely out of left field. I finally found some feedback on here! Others who had side effects of anger, rage, etc.
Is your sister aware of this? Have you asked her? She may be hiding because it's scary to have random emotions. Or to not understand the changes.
I suggest talking to her about it. How she feels. Ask her doctor is she can take a few days off the meds. Yes, it's ok. I stopped taking mine and immediately felt normal again.
This will help understand if it IS the meds. O hope this is helpful for you. Much love to your sister!
1 -
Thank you dear Talia for sharing your experience π. I think taking a break from the pills for couple months might be a good idea. I'll bring it up next time I talk to her
0 -
@sanazsabeth - itβs clear you are worried about your sister and your parents. They are lucky to have you.
BUT in my opinion your suggestion of stopping the meds is out of line. Your sister may wish to discuss with her doctor but that is her decision not yours. ILC is very sneaky so the decision should not be taken lightly
Dealing with cancer can be overwhelming and she needs time to work through it. Having to deal with parents on a near daily basis may be more than she can handle at this time. Iβd give her space and avoid pressuring her. This is her battle not yours.
1 -
I have two sisters who are very dear to me, but I know when to give them space. If one moved in with an old boyfriend, I don't think my advice would be to stop cancer treatment. A wise friend told me, when I was diagnosed, that friends and family would project many of their own fears and hopes onto me. But my journey can only be my own. My advice is, be loving, be welcoming, but honor the journey however difficult. The love will be there.
1 -
She should make no medical decisions without first discussing them with her oncologist.
0 -
Hi Harley07,
If you reread my comment, I specifically states to ask her doctor. I also didn't suggest "stopping" completely. I noted a FEW days. I spoke with my oncologist as a few days allowed me to understand if the meditation was causing me such extreme side effects.
Again, I'd like to be VERY clear, I do NOT suggest this unless it's confirmed with a doctor.
0 -
I would also never suggest to her to stop cancer treatment altogether. I meant only for a couple of months and if her oncologist approves. I do respect that it`s her journey, and she needs to do what`s best for her, but at the same time, I can`t help but worry when I see the personality changes and see that she has gone to this relationship way too deep and too fast. At this point, we just need to pray and hope for the best.
0
