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After radiation, When do hormone inhibitors start?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Gurnee, IL
April 4
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Answer Summary

Members discussed their experiences with starting hormone inhibitors after radiation for breast cancer, with most doctors recommending a wait... Read more

Members discussed their experiences with starting hormone inhibitors after radiation for breast cancer, with most doctors recommending a wait time of two to four weeks, though some members delayed up to two months to allow for recovery or personal circumstances. Several members shared manageable side effects from hormone blockers like Letrozole and Anastrozole, including joint pain and stiffness that improved with exercise, hot flashes that often subsided over time, and insomnia, with one member noting that side effects became more noticeable after the first year. A recurring theme was the importance of listening to your body, communicating openly with your medical team, and finding encouragement in the fact that hormone blocker side effects are generally far more tolerable than chemotherapy.

A MyBCTeam Member

My oncologist wanted me to start Letrozole a couple of weeks after I finished radiation. I knew from previous experience with radiation that I would be feeling pretty crappy for a couple of months afterwards. I asked if I could wait to start until I was 6 weeks post radiation and my doctor said that was fine. By that point I still wasn't completely recovered from radiation, but I was recovered enough to deal with taking a new medication.

April 5
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Kim372,
Thank you so much for sharing. That’s great to hear that your radiation went smoothly except for feeling tired. I am so fortunate to be off and can rest! I hope you are doing great! Have a wonderful day! ♥️

April 21
A MyBCTeam Member

NaR
The only side effects I experienced from radiation was fatigue. It was kinda weird because it wasn't a "sleepy fatigue" but it felt more like my "battery died". It would hit me around 4pm and come out of nowhere! I would lay down for 30 minutes, not to sleep but just rest. It helped! That lasted through my 5 sessions and about 2 weeks afterwards.

Take care! I hope you are doing well 🩷
Kim

April 21
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member, thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you finished radiation! How did radiation go for you? I hope it went well. I will follow up on how Anastrozole works out for you. Thank you again!

April 8
A MyBCTeam Member

My Onco said to start my Anastrozole 2 weeks or a month after my radiation therapy. I just finished my radiation last Friday. I'm planning to start at the end of this month.

April 7 (edited)

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