Considering no more Anastrozole
I am 56 years old. Healthy. Work out 3-5 days a week (walking, weight bearing exercise etc. ) I was diagnosed with invasive ductal, hormone positive HER2- , T1 in December 2025. Lumpectomy removed 9 mm tumor with clear margins. Radiation completed successfully.
MO advised that after surgery and radiation I have prevented recurrance by 95% (statistically). But completing by AI treatment for 5 years will better my chances of not having recurrence by an additional 3%.
I started Anastrozole and completed 2 weeks. I had the following symptoms: tingling in face/hands, hot flashes/night sweats, swollen fingers, sore throat/tight chest, mood swings, insomnia, nausea/vomiting, brain fog, bumps/hives. Spoke to MO and they advised to stop for 2 weeks and then start again.
I am seriously considering NOT going back on as 3 days after stopping I feel better already. I actually slept through the night. I am not nauseaus any more etc.
I wanted to hear if others had symptoms like this so quickly and if they eventually went away. Also, what about the long term side effects? I am aware of the effect on bones and I am taking calcium and vitamin D. I am also considering Veozah to try and help with hot flashes and night sweats. IMO, 5 years of these symptoms seems like a big impact on quality of life for 3%.
Comments
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Hi @jackaroe , that sounds really tough, and honestly pretty intense for just two weeks.
Some people do get side effects quickly with AIs, but they don’t always stay that bad, and not everyone reacts the same way to each one. If you’re open to it, options like trying a different AI or even tamoxifen (if appropriate) are worth discussing with your MO, especially since symptoms like hives and chest tightness aren’t typical.
The 3% benefit is real, but it’s also fair to weigh that against your quality of life. Definitely worth a follow-up convo with your doctor to talk through options before deciding.
You’re not alone in facing this kind of decision, and there are a lot of factors to weigh.
Please keep us posted!0 -
Hi @jackaroe
Yes side effects can hit that fast. My diagnosis was fairly similar and like you I was a very active health conscious person. I was prescribed Letrozole. The dizziness & nausea hit 20 minutes after taking the first pill and never abated while I was on it. I think experienced the whole pamphlet of side effects with the strange exception of hot flashes. By far the worst for me was excruciating and disabling joint pain (I could not walk unassisted by 2 months into treatment).
It sounds like you have an oncologist who is at least willing to listen and offer medical options. Mine was useless. As the moderators indicated some people find relief with different AIs or Tamoxifen and some find symptom relief in various ways. There are lots of discussions and information on this site that might help.
Only you can decide what risk level is acceptable and what quality of life means to you.
I made it to 4 months on Letrozole and due to an osteoporosis diagnosis and other pre-existing health conditions I chose not to try any other AIs. My attempt at Tamoxifen lasted 5 days due to severe eye pain & ocular photosensitivity.
To continue with either drug, I would have had to quit work, sell my farm, horses and give up everything that my husband and I have worked so hard for. I have chosen to live with the odds given, rather than just exist. Even though I feel it's the right decision for me, I won't lie, it scares me. Maybe the fear will ease with time.
Good luck with however you choose to move forward.
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thoughtful
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Hi @jwmusic65 , welcome to the community! We noticed your first post here and just wanted to say hello. We're glad you found us.
If you’d like, feel free to share a little more about yourself or what resonated with you in this discussion. We’re glad you’re here.
The Mods
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HER+ breast cancer. Three lymph nodes removed & a tiny bit of cancer found in one of those which led to a “complete” treatment protocol which began with chemo & then radiation & immunotherapy (Herceptin). Also taking Anastrazole daily. Am overwhelmed with tiredness.
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Hi @jwmusic65 , thank you for sharing more about what you’re going through. It sounds like treatment has been a heavy load physically and emotionally. We're sorry for that, and we're here to support you.
This page on fatigue might be useful to read when you have a moment: Cancer Fatigue
Also, this other category might be a great place to connect with others going through similar experiences:
HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
Hope this helps. We're here for you!
The Mods
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Me diagnosticaron en el mes de agosto del año 2025 cancer de mama(Carcinoma Ductual invasivo mama derecha LuminalA. ). Me realizaron Cuadrantectomia. Medicaron Letroziol 2.5. La verdad los efectos secundarios fueron mucho, solicite nuevamente cita con Oncologia y el oncologo me cambio a Anastrozol x 1 mg. Siento que tolero mejor con leves efectos secundarios. Pregunta existe algun tratamiento mas natural o medicamento paleativo. Me estan recomenando IMUNUCAL GLUTATION. Que recomendacion me pueden sugerir ademas de una dieta para estos casos..
Gracias Gliaot.
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@gliaot
Hola Gliaot,
Lamento que hayas tenido efectos secundarios difíciles. Muchas personas toleran mejor un inhibidor de aromatasa que otro, así que es positivo que te sientas un poco mejor con anastrozol.Como cada diagnóstico y tratamiento de cáncer de mama es diferente, es muy importante que consultes con tu oncólogo o equipo médico antes de comenzar suplementos, remedios “naturales”, cambios importantes en la dieta o tratamientos complementarios.
Actualmente no existe un tratamiento natural comprobado que pueda reemplazar la terapia hormonal para cáncer de mama Luminal A. Medicamentos como letrozol y anastrozol se utilizan para ayudar a reducir el riesgo de recurrencia.
Sobre Immunocal (glutatión), lo más recomendable es preguntarle a tu oncólogo si es adecuado y seguro para ti. Algunos suplementos pueden interferir con los tratamientos o no ser recomendables según tu historial médico y los medicamentos que estés tomando.
Algunas personas en comunidades de cáncer de mama también comentan que la loratadina (Claritin) podría ayudar con el dolor óseo o articular relacionado con ciertos tratamientos, aunque la evidencia es limitada y no funciona igual para todas las personas. Asegúrate de consultar con tu médico antes de probar medicamentos de venta libre o suplementos.
También podrías consultar con tu equipo médico sobre:
- Opciones para manejar dolor articular, sofocos, cansancio o problemas de sueño
- Si sería útil ver a un nutricionista con experiencia en oncología
- Programas seguros de ejercicio o fisioterapia
- Control y cuidado de la salud ósea durante el uso de inhibidores de aromatasa
Te deseo mucha fortaleza y lo mejor en tu recuperación.
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Hi Gliaot,
I’m sorry you’ve been experiencing difficult side effects. Many people do tolerate one aromatase inhibitor better than another, so it’s encouraging that you’re feeling somewhat better on anastrozole.Because every breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is different, it’s very important to discuss any supplements, “natural” remedies, diet changes, or symptom-management options with your oncologist or healthcare team before starting them.
At this time, there is no proven natural treatment that can replace hormone therapy for Luminal A breast cancer. Treatments such as letrozole and anastrozole are commonly used to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Regarding Immunocal (glutathione), it’s best to ask your oncologist whether it is appropriate and safe for you. Some supplements may interfere with treatments or may not be recommended depending on your medical history and medications.
Some people in breast cancer communities also report that loratadine (Claritin) may help with bone or joint pain related to certain treatments, although evidence is limited and it does not work for everyone. Be sure to check with your doctor before trying any over-the-counter medications or supplements.
You may also want to ask your healthcare team about:
- Options for managing joint pain, hot flashes, fatigue, or sleep problems
- Whether meeting with an oncology nutritionist could help
- Safe exercise or physical therapy programs
- Bone health monitoring while taking aromatase inhibitors
Wishing you the very best as you continue treatment and recovery.
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Buenas tardes, mi cancer mamario advertido tempranamente incluyó cirugía, tratamiento de 5 sesiones radioterapia y ahora tratamiento hormonal con Tamoxigeno, aun no lo inicio, quiero tener mas información, mi médico me sugirió volver a la consulta con un examen de densitometria ósea en Noviembrr 2026 . Qué me suguieren?
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Hola @orietta , bienvenida a la comunidad. Nos alegra que hayas encontrado este espacio, aunque sentimos que tenga que tenga que ser por este motivo.
Es normal tener preguntas antes de comenzar el tamoxifeno. Muchas personas encuentran útil informarse sobre los posibles efectos secundarios y comentar cualquier inquietud con su oncólogo antes de empezar el tratamiento. Si tu médico te ha recomendado una densitometría ósea para noviembre de 2026, es probable que quiera contar con una referencia sobre la salud de tus huesos para realizar un seguimiento adecuado durante el tratamiento hormonal.
Te animamos a anotar todas tus dudas para comentarlas en tu próxima consulta, y esperamos que otros miembros compartan sus experiencias con el tamoxifeno contigo.
Además, queremos que sepas que también contamos con foros de discusión en español, por si te resulta más cómodo participar allí y conectar con otros miembros hispanohablantes.
Te enviamos nuestros mejores deseos mientras continúas con tu tratamiento.
Un abrazo,
Moderadores
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Hola, @orietta, ¿cómo estás?
Hace unas semanas nos contaste que tu médico te había recomendado comenzar tratamiento con tamoxifeno y que querías tener más información al respecto. ¿Lo has empezado finalmente? ¿Cómo te está yendo? Y si aún no has comenzado, ¿hay algo que te preocupe especialmente sobre el tratamiento? Estamos aquí para ayudarte a resolver dudas y en todo lo que podamos.
Nos encantaría que volvieras a escribir y nos contaras cómo estás.
Un abrazo,
Moderadores
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¡Hola, @gliaot!
Queríamos saludarte y saber cómo te encuentras. ¿Sigues tolerando bien el Letrozol? ¿Llegaste a consultar con tu oncólogo sobre Immunocal Glutation o sobre otras estrategias para complementar tu tratamiento?
¡Un abrazo! Esperamos que vuelvas a escribirnos y nos cuentes cómo estás.
Moderadores
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hi status post bilateral mastectomy and on anastrazole since 2019. Had in transit cells in one lymph node . Developed severe osteoporosis have failed Prolia and reclast just started evenity . Elev cholesterol so now on atorvastatin
I do all the right stuff diet exercise supplements no alcohol but feel worn out and always in pain and that I’m just adding new problems and new meds each year
Grateful to be alive but worn out emotionally and physically
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Hi @mtzbenny! Welcome. We're really glad you found your way here, although we're sorry for what you're going through. We can hear how tired and frustrated you're feeling.
And yes, absolutely, you can come here and vent anytime. You'll be in good company. There are plenty of members here taking Anastrozole and managing side effects, osteoporosis, and other treatment-related challenges who will understand what you're going through.
We're glad you found us, and we hope you'll keep posting.
The Mods
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Hi @jackaroe, I'm sorry to hear you experienced so many side effects that soon after starting Anastrozole. I am currently on it for about 8 months and didn't start SE until about 2-3 months in, but the biggest one for me is bone and joint pain, which is getting worse as I go. Unfortunately, I've already tried the other two AIs and had to stop both after only a few months due to SE that were not manageable. Diagnosed with IDC 2 years ago ER/PR+/HER2-, unilateral mastectomy, radiation and DIEP flap since, AI treatment just over 1.5 years and supposed to go 5 years (post menopausal when I started).
I'm trying to make it a few more months because my MO says if I get through 2 years of AI, tamoxifen might be a good option to help my bones and would be as effective after that amount of time on an AI. TBH, I am thinking I may just stop all of it since I'm terrified of having my next bone density screening and seeing how much it's declined. I am also active, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet which I hear can also be enough to prevent recurrence.
I'm not sure what the right choice is, but I completely understand how you feel and hope maybe one of the other AIs or tamoxifen can work for you without so many SE.
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