Anastrozole

[Scotty6]

Hi everyone, I met with my doctor following my last scan and as expected the cancer hasn’t gone BUT is classified as stable So because I have had 30 cycles of chemo in 24 mths they want me to have a break so I am being given Anastrozole (Arimidex) which they hope will keep the cancer stable. I will be monitored 3 mths & then scanned again. Eventually I will have to have more chemo but the wider the gap between one & the other the better! Has anyone been on this drug and any tips?

I’ve eaten a custard slice to celebrate.

xxxx

[Di16]

I had it for 6 months in 2013 & found it easy to take, little in the way of side effects. I think it's much easier than chemo. Di

[Neona]

Good luck- please let us know how you get on.

[IrishMollyO]

Hi there

I had an unrelated to my PPC , Primary Lobular Breast cancer before Christmas 2017. A bone scan pre mastectomy showed I had Osteopenia which is very common in post menopausal women which I am . I was able to skip Chemo as I passed the Oncotype test , and went straight to 28days of Radiotherapy . Immediately after this I was put on Arimidex as my BC was hormone driven and this what is called an Aromatase inhibitor or hormone blocker . This can cause its own side effects as it can deplete calcium so I was also prescribed calcium tablets.

I was actually very happy to be put on them as I was aware from this website that another similar Aromatase inhibitor was being prescribed for OC patients called Letrozole which I was never offered by the way and I would have accepted it had it been offered.

In answer to your question the only side effect I suffered was osteoarthritis in the index finger of my right hand ( my magic finger to use for all my IPad and 📲 phone work ! ) . However that doesnt stop me typing. I also had slight shoulder pain. I used a cream called Flexiseq which is so free of chemicals that it is allowed even during chemo.

At the moment I am on my third course of chemo in eight years for a second recurrence in my peri aortic lymph nodes so I have been temporarily taken off my Arimidex. I will always wonder had I been offered Letrozole or Arimidex all along if I would be going through this right now . However in the words of that awful saying It is what it is !

I do hope I have given you positive vibes from my experience . 30 cycles of chemo in 24months puts my experience in the shade. I forgot to say that walking and special exercises are very beneficial in helping with side effects. I had just started going to a special class in my local cancer support centre . The instructor was trained in classes for women with bone density issues. However my latest recurrence and rounds of appointments put a halt to that .

Finally I want to wish you the best of luck with Arimidex and enjoy the break from chemo. Take care

X X X

💚💕

[Scotty6 in reply to IrishMollyO]

Thank You

[Maus123]

Hi there. Mmmm... custard slice!

I have no experience with this particular aromatase inhibitor but have received good advice from my oncologist about taking a similar medication, Letrozole: Specifically, he recommended to take it in the evening. That way, if there is any queasiness developing at all, you sleep right through it.

So far, it worked

Best of luck with it! Maus

[koffeekat99]

I can't comment on the treatments but I'd certainly agree on the celebratory cake option. My husband and I have always incorporated a trip to a cafe after every hospital appt. It means that we are actually going out for coffee and a cake (in my case I'm more of a caramel slice kind of a woman) and just so happen to be going to the hospital whilst we're out.

I think your other replies though are probably more useful for an answer to your question

X

[Scotty6]

Thank you ladies xx