I am 61 and post menopausal. I have been on Anastrozole (Arimidex) for 18 months. Basically manageable side effects. I had hot flashes when I went through menopause and I have them again. About the same level of intensity as before but not quite as often. Joint aches, but maybe some age related. The worse joints for me are my hands and fingers, but not enough to keep me from using them like I need to. Maybe once a week I will take ibuprofen. About 5 pounds weight gain mostly around my middle. Some insomnia but it was much worse during menopause. I stay active and I am still working as a teacher so I am on my feet a lot. I do not have quite the stamina that I had. Again, could be age related. I need more sleep per night than I used to and I am tired when I get home from work. Some days I take a 20 minute nap before cooking dinner. As far as bone scans, I had mine Dec 2022 and I was 3 points from normal range, which put me at osteopenia. For bone concerns, I walk daily for 30 minutes with 1.5 pound weights on my ankles. I take calcium and vitamin D daily as recommended by my oncologist. I was concerned about taking Prolia or Reclast and my oncologist said he would support me not taking either of those for now as long as I take the calcium/vit D and exercise. We will reevaluate based on my next bone scan Dec 2024. For me, the reduction in recurrence % is worth the side effects that I have experienced.

Thank you, much to learn! Prayers to you!🙏

Both drugs strengthen bones in post menopausal women and women who are on hormone inhibitors like those used in breast cancer treatment to reduce bone loss. Prolia is typically an injection once every 6 months. Reclast is a once/year infusion. Both have scary side effects (in my opinion). Reclast seemed to be the worst of the two. Many insurance companies will not pay for Prolia. It is very expensive. Mine would not, so my choice was to go on Reclast, But like I said in the original post, I did not start it and will not until I get the results of my Dec 2024 bone scan. I am praying for a good result and I can avoid it for another 2 years.

May I ask what Prolix and Recast used for? I assume bone density? So much to learn! I appreciate your story, thank you for sharing.

I’m post menopausal and I have very few hot flashes. I’m on Anastrozole. All in all my side effects are manageable. The beginning was tough but it’s getting better ☺️