Anastrozole
Hi all. I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in October 2024. I had mastectomy of left breast in February with all clear margins. I am 75 years old and went to see the oncologist yesterday...
Forum Discussion
Hi Mazza1949
I started off on Letrozole and then Exemestane before settling in on Anastrozole for over 6 years ..... Anastrozole was by far, the most suitable AI for me, with hardly any side effects - and those were manageable. I am nearly 72.
Your Onc would have told you about the 'possible' side effects, so that is good that he is acknowledging it 'may' happen .... but it doesn't mean you will get them! (my original Onc dismissed my side effects, basically saying he'd not heard of any from anyone else! I swapped Oncs & they immediately changed my AI.)
Maybe, ask him if you can 'start slow' (taking one every other day for a few weeks, or even building up to the full dose even slower) so it isn't a 'big hit' at the start (I wish I'd done that 7 years ago!) .... I am actually weaning OFF them now, as I finish up completely in a couple of months!
As the girls have said - give them a 'go' for at least a few months - that will be long enough to see how you are affected .... and if you find they are causing too many side effects, have that discussion with your Onc about either trying a different one, or reducing the dose ....
Are you fairly active? If your quality of life and ability to 'do things' that you enjoy IS impacted by the meds .... have another chat with your Onc
Take care & all the best xx