What to expect the next 5 years
It all started back in December 2025 with a routine mammogram. Then a diagnostic ultra sound and mammogram of the right breast, next a biopsy . It has been an emotional roller coaster since I was diagnosed back in January 2026. It all happened so fast. Diagnosed after a biopsy with invasive ductal carcinoma stage 1. Lumpectomy surgery in February 2026. The lymph nodes in my right armpit were removed and tested. No sign of cancer in the lymph nodes..The Savi device was implanted in my breast for my radiation treatment. I was only able to do 2 days of treatment with the Savi device because the device didn’t fit snug in the breast. This was 4 radiation treatments. The device was remove and the more traditional radiation treatment was scheduled. 15 sessions. Which I completed on 3/30’2026. April 8th I go for the Dexa scan and April 20th I start taking anastrozole 1 MG.
Does the side effects happen right a way with this medication? Did anyone go to a dietician to help with your new way of life after cancer?
Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
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Hi @eagles97, The side effects from AIs like anastrozole vary from person to person. Some people have none but others do get them. Sometimes a NSAID or a med to help with hot flashes lessons the SEs to a tolerable level. There are two other AIs (letrozole, exemestane) and tamoxifen which is an anti-estrogen drug that works differently. Changing to a different med has helped in some cases. If things seem intolerable it is worth asking your MO how much the meds are minimizing your chance of recurrence. Some women decided that the difference is small enough to take a slightly greater risk.
My cancer center had a dietician available to those who wanted a consultation. Exercise has also been shown to help prevent recurrence. 150 - 300 minutes of moderate activity weekly (walking, cycling, swimming) has been shown to reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 50%. People also find yoga and gentle resistance training helpful.
I hope you are among the group that has no SEs. All the best going forward.
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Thank you maggie15 for responding to my questions. I really appreciate it.
I go back to my MO at the cancer center in May and I will certainly ask him about a dietician. At that point I will be on the medication for a month.
I am still waiting for my wound to heal in the breast from the Savi device. I still have a small opening but it’s been healing nicely since my radiation treatments stopped.
I haven’t been exercising much lately because of the wound still healing but I do walk every day.
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