I’ve resisted posting on this thread since it was started as it clearly stirs up a lot of strong feelings.
I’d like to tell my own story; I would stress that it’s my story, and not intended to influence anyone else in their choices.
After surgery in December 2024 I was prescribed Anastrazole, which I started taking prior to 5 sessions of radiotherapy (which ended in early February). I soon started experiencing pains in my hands and feet, and other side effects came along as time progressed. I was content to deal with those physical side effects, and employed various methods to do so, although the SEs weren’t pleasant.
From the start of taking Anastrazole I struggled emotionally. I felt extremely low, wept at least once on most days (often more frequently). I’m generally a person who presents to the world as having a half-full glass, but that was no longer the case. As time went on I felt worse and worse; my common sense, logic, pragmatism and stoicism went out of the window. I became increasingly upset by my radiotherapy tattoos (ridiculous, I know). I finally realised I’d hit crisis point when I decided I could get rid of the tattoos by cutting them out (I didn’t, fortunately).
The following morning I tried to ring my BCN, only to hear a message saying “I’m out of the office; don’t leave a message, but ring this number”. When I rang that number I got an out of office message, telling me to ring my BCN if it was urgent! That was when I rang the Breast Cancer Now helpline, and instantly received really helpful advice, saying there would be no issue with stopping the meds temporarily, but I should speak to my team regarding the long term. I did that when my BCN rang me back 11 days later.
I have since had a routine appointment with my Oncologist, and she has given her blessing to discontinue Anastrazole, saying that for me the potential benefit is low, and far outweighed by the extreme side effects. I am therefore not going against medical advice, but rather working with my Oncologist for my best outcome.
I am 71, and would rather have a few good years than continuing to feel so very unwell. If cancer comes visiting again I will deal with it but, in the meantime, I will get on with my life.