when to start Anastrozole?

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fac03
fac03 Member Posts: 91
edited December 2019 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

HI Ladies,

Can someone let me know when did you start Anastrozole?

I had chemo, just finished surgery and will likely start radiation in January, 2020. My MO wanted me to start Anastrozole now, I am not sure as I haven't fully understand the side effect of Anastrozole.

Check with the MO is not an option as I am completely disappointed with her team. She sent me to see my PCP when I experienced bone pain after the first AC because they did not believe it was a side effect (it was). They sent me to see a GI doctor when my Hemoglobin was low (without telling me that it was an expected side effect), They told me to continue with the muscle relaxation medicine after I told them it did not work and I already tried for 24 hours (another 24 hours later, I found out I had an infection). I need some time to learn more about the side effect anastrozole (yes I will be reading this forum) before taking it. I am scared that I will be all alone to figure out how to address the side effects or what to do when they sent me to a wild goose chase. My question is whether anyone started anastrozole before radiation. TIA.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited December 2019

    Ugh. First of all I'd be looking for a new MO. As to timing, I didn't start until after I was finished with chemo *and* rads. I believe some women start it during rads but my MO didn't seem to be in any hurry, and I liked that. When you're going to be on it for a minimum of five years, postponing a few months to finish your other treatment won't matter.

    When you *do* start it, just a few tips gleaned from various threads. A lot of us ramped up--started taking it every other day for a few weeks before going up to full dosage. It seems to have helped with SEs. Conventional wisdom is to take it earlier in the day--some report sleep issues when taking it later. Taking it with food is also recommended here on BCO. Moving is the best thing you can do to help with SEs. And keep in mind a lot of women do really well on them--no reason to assume you won't.

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  • fac03
    fac03 Member Posts: 91
    edited December 2019

    Ingerp, thank you. Finding another good MO can be difficult at this point.

    Currently before taking anastrozole, I have experienced bone pain on my right arm and wrist for a few months, my MO told me she did not know what it is and, last week, asked me to see an orthopedic, as the pain is similar to the SE of anastrozole, based on my experience in chemo that they would deny any SE for drugs they gave me, I am afraid they will use my preexisting pain to brush off my anastrozole SE.



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