I’ve been on Kisqali for one cycle and it has gone well, which brings me to the other drugs that I’m on. I’ve been on Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor (sometimes called an AI), since February 1st and overall it has been ok. So, what is it? Because my breast cancer was hormone receptor-positive, I need to take a drug that blocks the estrogen, so the estrogen can’t stimulate the growth of the cancer.
A drug that blocks the hormones has been standard treatment for decades-the Kisqali is the new addition to the treatment course since I was originally diagnosed.
The goal for all of these treatments it reduce the risk of reoccurance.
The side effects to anastrozole are mostly joint pain and bone density loss. The bone density loss occurs because less estrogen is reaching the bones. Estrogen promotes the cells that make new bone, so the lost estrogen accelerates the bone density loss. (It feels like sped-up menopause side effects to me.) I’ve had a bone density scan to monitor for it.
To try to reduce this loss as much as possible, I have a bunch of strategies. I take calcium and vitamin D supplements. I also need to focus on weight-bearing exercise, because putting stress on the bones stimulates calcium and other cell activities that keep them strong. I have been walking a lot, but also introducing more weight-bearing strength work. In addition, I was also told to eat between 85 and 100 grams of protein a day.
The last aspect of 85-100 grams of protein is probably the hardest, especially since I’m largely try to do via pescatarian/vegetarian options. (I do eat other meat, but trying to keep that an occasional thing.) Of course, more protein means one needs more fiber and so yes, my diet is pretty much just protein and fiber. When I’m prepping well, my fridge looks a bit like a gym bro’s fridge with smoothies, tofu favorites, fish and veggies for snacking.
Not to sound too much like a Youtuber, but feel free to drop your favorite vegetarian high-protein snacks and meals in the comments below. I’m also in need of new ideas. (Oh, but a quick reminder that I have to approve all comments manually to avoid being overrun by spam, so your comment might not show up immediately.)
There has been some joint pain as well. The relative good news is that as long as I keep moving, it seems to stay away. And by walking a lot, I knock two things: weight-bearing exercise and joint mobility. I have been biking to work, but unfortunately biking doesn’t really count as weight-bearing!
Anastrozole is just for post-menopausal women (and I need to be on anastrozole as opposed to tamoxifen because of the Kisqali) and I wasn’t quite yet in menopause, so I need to take a Lupron injection monthly to shut down the ovaries and put me in medical menopause. Most of the side effects with it are the same as anastrozole, so I don’t really know what is causing what, but overall, it has been manageable.
I’m finding the real challenge there is just time! Prepping that food, getting in the exercise and making it to various appointments, just takes time. And I’ve got other things to do in my life as well: kids, work, friends, Cubs tickets, etc. So, I do try to combine activities: using a standing desk when working, walking to Cubs games, biking to work, but it never feels like quite enough time!
Speaking of time, how long will I be on anastrozole? Either five or ten years. At the five year marker, they will be an analysis to see if I should stay on for another five. So either January 31, 2030 or January 31, 2035 will be the end date.
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