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Looking for research re: taking AI drugs vs not taking them
Breast Cancer | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (16)Comment receiving replies
Thank you for your information. I received a lumpectomy in November, 2024, for invasive malignant hormone + breast cancer. The cancer was caught early, and I feel good at the moment. I begin 15 rounds of radiation in a week or so. My oncologist is prescribing anastrozole beginning in March, after radiation. The side effects scare me, to be honest. I already have joint pain due to osteoarthritis. I have two knee replacements. I am 73 years old, and doing pretty well, but I do not want any additional health issues as side effects. I am researching the benefits/ risks of AI therapy. I am leaning towards avoiding the medication, and using a healthy diet and exercise, as well as meditation to keep me healthy. I understand there is a slightly increased risk of reoccurrence of cancer, however I think the risk is worth the absence of side effects. I am still researching before I talk to my oncologist- the information on this site is very helpful. Thank you.
Replies to "Thank you for your information. I received a lumpectomy in November, 2024, for invasive malignant hormone..."
i opted not to take AI for my stage 1 ER positive bc but did radiation.
2.5 yrs later it came back same place and now i take AI with no noticeable effects…some of us apparently escape dramatic effects which i didnt know at the outset
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I was diagnosed exactly 10 years ago at 58. Insitu. Nuclear grade 3. I opted for mastectomy to reduce my chance of a recurrence. It was 30% estrogen positive. Not really considered estrogen driven. My onc wanted me to take AI. After reading up, the side effects etc. I opted out. She tried to convince me to just try it and if bad side effects, stop. I refused. 10 years later all is good. I'm vigilant about follow up and try to watch diet and exercise. I wasn't willing to risk getting another type of cancer to prevent recurrence. I wasn't willing to live with those side effects. I'm not telling a younger woman or any woman to do what I did. It's such an individual decision. But here I am 10
Years later cancer free without taking it. Do what works for you.