Exercise/Running and Anastrozole

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meljmcc
meljmcc Member Posts: 2
edited January 2016 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi...started taking Anastrozole back in June. I was very active up to my mastectomy (ran 1/2 marathon week before my surgery). Life is getting back to normal -- but I find that I get winded very easily now when trying to run. At first, I attributed this to my inactivity for a number of months after my initial surgery, through the reconstructive procedure. Now, I think that it is the Anastrozole. I also have some knee soreness. Relative to other postings on side effects -- I think that I'm lucky. But, I was wondering if others have had this experience. I saw my oncologist recently, and we discussed my taking a break from the drug. I'm not ready to do this. Perhaps, I just need to get used to a new normal. Since my cancer was caught very early, I question whether I even need to be taking this drug. If anyone has had similar experiences, I would appreciate your perspective. thanks!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2016

    I am on Femera and have a similar experience with running. I am winded more easily and my knees and feet hurt. I have started alternated running and walking, which is not ideal, but keeps me active and able to still dohalf marathons.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2016

    Funny, I was on Femara for 1.5 years and tamoxifen for 2 before that. Because of multiple side effects, joint pain, stiffness and fatigue being some, I am now taking Aromasin which has eradicated most of the awful SE I had on Femara. I too am a runner/bikram yoga practioner/speed hiker, etc. and looking back perhaps I was more winded on the Femara. I'm not now, and seem to have more energy overall.

    Some women do awfully on Aromasin and feel great on Femara; I was the opposite. It happens a lot.

    Depending on your dx, you may need to be on the drug for only 5 years or less, but without knowing more about why you are taking it, it's hard to say. I'll be on it for at least 10 or who knows--maybe longer, since I had + nodes and am considered high risk. Do some credible research and talk to your onc. Then perhaps you could try Aromasin and see if you feel better. I did. Good luck!

    Claire in AZ

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2016

    I did 5 years of Anastrozole & exercised throughout (although I am not a runner). I would say the winded part could definitely be caused by inactivity and the medical procedures (which take more out of you than you know) you've gone through. I read that however long you were in treatment (and reconstruction counts as part of that in my book) it will take you that amount of time again to feel 'normal'. My experience is that it takes double that amount of time. The sore knees could definitely be the anti-hormonal. I'd say it took about 6 months for my body to adjust to the lack of estrogen & then the creakiness abated. If you want, come over and check out the 'Lets Post Our Daily Exercise' thread on the Fitness Forum. We have ladies at all stages of treatment and beyond & all exercise levels too. I know one of the ladies ran a half-marathon while on Aromasin (I think that was what she was taking). And lots of others have continued to exercise on a high level while on anti-hormonals.

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  • meljmcc
    meljmcc Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2016

    Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm going to stay w/the Anastrozole for now, but may revisit at my next 6 month appointment.

    I appreciate the feedback -- experiences w/other meds, the length of time it takes to recover, getting comfortable w/the idea of taking more walk breaks, and suggestion to look at the fitness forum. Exercise has always made such a big difference on my overall outlook on life -- letting me look at the glass as being half full vs. half empty.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited January 2016

    Since you are already an athlete, you might have already thought of this, but since your knees are bothering you, it would probably be smart to alternate your running with some cardio that isn't so hard on them (swimming, rowing, elliptical etc.), and check your shoes; make sure they aren't worn down. You may even want to switch to a shoe with more support, or get some inserts for some extra cushion.

    Yes, exercise is so important.....for physical and mental health both!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2016

    It can be very hard for some runners to switch to another type of cardio...speaking from experience. Something about simply putting on a good pair of running shoes and heading out the door is very simple and liberating. Personally I dislike exercise indoors, and swimming puts me in chlorinated water (think dioxin and carcinogens and cancer). I just don't like to swim, or bike (expensive equipment necessary) as much as I like to run trails regularly.

    I found I was winded perhaps from the arimidex several years after my tx ended, so...but that's my personal experience. Many people don't mind swapping running for other exercise, but as a runner who loves the freedom of being able to exercise anywhere/anytime as long as you've got shoes and running clothes packed, it might not exactly be the right thing to do.

    Anyway....let us know how it goes for you, meljmcc. Ruth's suggestion to keep a close eye on your shoes is a good one.

    Claire in AZ

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