Hello,
I finished treatment for grade 3 inflammatory breast cancer, node positive HER negative, in May (treatment was 24 weeks EC-PC chemo (near complete response only 6mm left from original 25x37mm mass), left mastectomy with full ANC & 15 days of radiotherapy, prescribed/taking Anastrozole for 7 years and for the past 3 days, all day/night I can smell burning when no one around me can and for obvious reasons it’s freaking me out! Should I wait to see if the smell goes away as it’s only 3 days or should I get it checked?
Hello lara2
Thanks for your post asking about the burning smell you are having over the last 3 days.
It’s difficult for us to say what may be causing the symptoms you describe and whether or not they are due to your breast cancer treatment. This symptom is not listed as a side effect of anastrozole, although people do experience changes to their taste during and after chemotherapy.
It’s not clear from your post if you are taking any other regular medication or have recently been unwell as some people can experience a changed sense of smell due to this.
As this is worrying you, do contact your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP to let them know your symptoms.
We offer a range of other free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in.
Sometimes talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You could also look at our forum posts to see if anyone has experienced similar symptoms.
You’re also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions.
The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters so if language translation is required you can also call 0808 800 6000
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back .
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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