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Tamoxifen and anastrozole

Posted by freebird67 @freebird67, Mar 26 10:00am

Hi all,
I have a question about these AI. I'm pretty much at the beginning of this journey, just had a lumpectomy and now waiting to start radiation. My oncologist said that I will go on a AI but did not specify which one yet. I know most of you ladies are on or have been on them so I would like to know , did they change you mentally and how did you cope with them ? I already know that they will physically 😒 I believe he wants to do this because my mother and 2 sisters had breast cancer and past away.
I lead a pretty active life at the age of 67, gardening, canning, chickens and several hobbies. I know this is long winded but this really concerns me and thinking of refusing them. Your input would be greatly appreciated .

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freckle1 | @freckle1 | Apr 10 8:02pm
In reply to @bloncape "The cancer center that I go to refers to aromatase inhibitors (AI) as oral chem. I..." + (show)
@bloncape

The cancer center that I go to refers to aromatase inhibitors (AI) as oral chem. I find that term to be misleading. It is my understanding that chemotherapy is cytotoxic, meaning that it can kill cancer cells. AIs starve cancer cells which feed on estrogen by preventing the production of estrogen.

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An important distinction!

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freckle1 | @freckle1 | Apr 10 11:36pm

With such a high genetic risk it's hard to see that you have much choice. Not everybody has bad reactions to estrogen blockers. I've been on Anastrozole for two years- after chemo and radio. Not much effect except mild bone pain at night - which may be mostly due to getting older anyway. I'm 76, and apparently everyone over 40 has some degree of arthritis. Now trying magnesium supplements to see if that helps. Good luck!

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