I am nearly 3 weeks into a 4/6 Anastrazole holiday. First year was a doddle but the second year late side effects began to creep in. Joint pain was doable but the other numerous side effects wore me down and felt quite unwell. I’m just at the 2.5 year mark of 5 years.
I’m nearly 3 weeks into the holiday but these last few days the side effects are worse and not better. Memory and weepiness is better and joint pain about the same but that’s it. Is it possible for side effects to be worse before they get better? I am aware that Anastrazole leaves the body fairly quickly but it’s the effect it has on the body that there for a time and why you have to have a few weeks off. After the holiday I’m going back on Anastrazole but swapping brands as I know the fillers in generic brands can be responsible for how you feel.
Many thanks for any help
Hugs
Frances x
Hi Frances333
I’m struggling too but much earlier in the 10-year treatment. I have no noticeable side effects except the joint and muscle pain and I can barely move at times! I blamed anastrozole (which I started last May), planned a holiday till the side effects wore off and then, like you, restart with another brand (Accord, one I tolerated well at the start). Like you, I found once it was out of my system, the symptoms continued to get worse. My pharmacist (with previous oncology experience) was adamant there must be another cause and I identified my zometa infusions as timed perfectly for the onset and the worsening of the pain.
Then I went to see a sympathetic GP because I just couldn’t carry on with this pain everywhere and he pointed out that any aspect of my chemotherapy, the zometa and anastrozole could have affected my immune system and triggered an autoimmune response which mimics arthritis. He said that even if the pains are side effects, there’s no reason to put up with them. This rather startled me as my oncologist and nurses have more or less said I’m stuck with it. So, I’m awaiting blood test results. I’m vit B12 and D deficient so far - easily resolved but I’m not convinced they’ll get rid of the pain. It sounds too easy. But always worth a try.
So, I’m watching the next few weeks with interest. I‘Ve restarted anastrozole (new brand) and have had no worsening symptoms. If you haven’t done it already, perhaps find a GP who will actually listen and ask about this. I’m afraid I can’t tell you what I was tested for specifically but 2 samples went to immunology and 3 to haematology (B12. D and I think potassium or calcium). I can keep you posted if you like. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to skip down the stairs or open a jar so I know how you must be feeling. Best of luck,
Jan x
I stopped Anastrazole 3 months ago after being on it for 2 years. I went in for my annual physical and told my Doctor I felt I’d aged 10 years in the last 2. She suggested I quit Anastrazole. (But she’s not an oncologist.) It’s been a great 3 months - no more hot flashes!!! No more joint aches! I really don’t want to go back on it but feel like I should go back to my Medical Oncologist and let them try to convince me it’s worth it. Does someone still go to their Medical Oncologist even when they’re off all cancer drugs? Any other thoughts for me?