1. < Breast Cancer

Looking for research re: taking AI drugs vs not taking them

Posted by celestebradham @celestebradham, Jan 4 10:38am

I am currently taking Exemestane. I’m 61. Took a while but I’m doing well on it (doing yoga, pranayama and acupuncture). I now have osteopenia after taking it six months. I’m trying to find research on taking AIs vs not taking. What I’m finding there is not much difference between taking and not taking. But more likely to get arthritis and osteoporosis.
Can anyone post links. .

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cashemire | @cashemire | Jan 14 9:09am

there is a current clinical trial for early stage bc in which the AI is only taken for 2 yrs, will be interesting to find out if 2 yrs is equal to 5 yrs

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celestebradham | @celestebradham | Jan 14 9:39am

Good to know. Who’s doing it ?

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1 reply
cashemire | @cashemire | Jan 15 8:13am
In reply to @celestebradham "Good to know. Who’s doing it ?" + (show)
@celestebradham

Good to know. Who’s doing it ?

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In Canada, ‘la least’ trial, in Quebec and also in Vancouver, BC i believe

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elliej | @elliej | 6 days ago
In reply to @bloncape "I think the 53% of reduction, to which this article refers, is prevention in women who..." + (show)
@bloncape

I think the 53% of reduction, to which this article refers, is prevention in women who are at risk for developing breast due to genetic factors or family history, for example, not for women who already have breast cancer. I have read that the risk reduction benefit from taking an aromatase inhibitor (AI) for 5 - 10 years after being diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer and after having had surgery and possibly radiation is 40% to 60%.
I was told that my chance of recurrence was 12% without taking an AI.
If I took an AI for at least 5 years, my risk would be between 7.2% and 4.8%. I had MANY side effects from anastrozole, the worst being severe depression and an overall poor quality of life. I was encouraged to try exemestane, but I declined. The hope of potentially reducing my risk of recurrence by less than 5%, was not worth feeling so awful for 5 -10 years, so I decided to stop taking anastrozole after 2 1/2 months. That was 4 years ago. I will be 75 in May. So far, I am doing well. I walk every day and eat a good diet.
I am not suggesting that anyone stop taking these drugs. It's a difficult, personal decision. Just know that it is your decision to make based on your situation and how you feel. I wish you all well. Try to be at peace with whatever decision you make. Sending hugs.

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Yes, great factual response. We have to understand the statistics as they pertain to us, individually. I refused AI treatment after Stage1 treatment including surgery and short term radiation. Factored in: stage, age, Onco Typing, current bone density, all factors being weighed. Risks and side effects outweighed benefits. AI treatment has multiple side effects. Do loads of research as it pertains to You. God Bless😘

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cancerstage1 | @cancerstage1 | 3 days ago

You are so right! I went to two other reputable organizations, Dana Farber in Boston and Sloan Kettering and they told me the same thing. these two other oncologists were women. They all agree that there are no studies for women over 55 years old and that is the problem itself. No studies and fear of suits. It is up to us to research and choose the path we instinctually think is best.

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sue417 | @sue417 | 3 days ago

Hi
For myself I did the research and decided not to do any of the hormone blockers. I already have osteoporosis in my spine with a compression fracture.
I guess you have to weigh the odds.It's a personal decision. I did not want to take a medication.That made me take three other medications to cope with one medication. It's bad enough not being able to take hormones anymore and having all those side effects.

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aej1954 | @aej1954 | 2 days ago

I totally agree. I had a lumpectomy. Stage 1 estrogen driven. I took radiation and have been taking Temoxifan. I started with three of the others before switching to Temoxifan and tolerated it better. However I took a break from it in November and decided to discontinue it. I am finally feeling so much better. I stayed on the drugs for three years and decided I would rather feel good with whatever time God gives me. I just turned 70. I exercise and try to eat healthy. It's definitely a personal decision. I have no regrets!

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