1. < Breast Cancer

Any long-term success stories from those NOT taking hormone therapy?

Posted by lj22 @lj22, Mar 30 11:08am

Hello all, I'm fairly new to this forum. Have previously described my case, early 60's, Stage 1, HR +, Her2-, lumpectomy and now radiation. Soon, I'll need to make a decision about whether to take hormone therapy. I've ruled out Tamoxifen, and if AI (Anastrozole), I would need Zometa due to osteopenia. I am otherwise healthy and take no other daily meds. I am also looking into natural AI's in foods and supplements. (Have reviewed Predict model, showing relatively high survival rates, but unclear on recurrence rates from his model.)

Anyone in a similar situation who has decided not to take AIs, and is doing well long term? Would like to hear your experiences. Many thanks. LJ

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

guillermina | @guillermina | 2 days ago
In reply to @colleenyoung "A note about natural products as a substitute for manufactured aromatase inhibitors. See the commentary -..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

A note about natural products as a substitute for manufactured aromatase inhibitors. See the commentary
- Review on Natural Agents as Aromatase Inhibitors: Management of Breast Cancer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37861041/

"A variety of natural compounds have been investigated for their capacity to inhibit aromatase activity and lower estrogen levels. ... It has been demonstrated that by decreasing estrogen synthesis, they can slow the growth of breast cancer cells that are dependent on estrogen. However, the clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety in breast cancer treatment is inadequate. More research is required to investigate the therapeutic potential of natural medicines, such as aromatase inhibitors, in treating breast cancer. The clinical trials are required to assess their efficacy, appropriate doses, and potential interactions with other therapies. In conclusion, natural aromatase inhibitory drugs are promising adjuncts in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Their clinical value and safety profile, however, require additional investigation."

More and more cancer centers and oncology specialists are open to discussing and integrating complementary medicine in programs called Integrative Medicine or Integrative Oncology. Integrative medicince is offered at many cancer centers of excellence, including Mayo Clinic.

Here's a link to more information about Mayo Clinic's Integrative Medicine programs
– Integrative Medicine and Health https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567

As always, when considering integrative, alternative or complementary therapies, talk to your oncologist. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.

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I also have decided not to take aromatase inhibitors. I have fibromyalgia, osteopenia, and atrial fibrillation (afib). I’ve had a stroke that was attributed to afib. At 86 I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular cancer. This cancer grows flat and is a little harder to detect. I had a screening mammogram and was called back for a diagnostic mammogram. I had a lumpectomy of my right breast (the surgeon couldn’t clean edges) followed by 21 radiation sessions. I read about a FES PET-CT scan FES PET-CT for Breast Cancer Services - NYC & Westchester | ColumbiaDoctors - New York | ColumbiaDoctors. I asked my oncologist to order this procedure. I live in Virginia and had to travel to Duke University in North Carolina to get one. The results were good. No cancer in other parts of my body. My oncologist said that I can have this screening annually.

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judithkk | @judithkk | 1 day ago

Hello/ my dr. did put me on 20 mg but after horrible side affects began almost immediately, I told him it was something I was no longer willing to take. I referenced the studies I had read regarding lower doses, my particular tumour and emphasized quality of life was my biggest concern at 71. He ultimately said it was my decision. I am not with the Mayo clinic. A lot of research and thought went into my decision but I feel it was the right decision for me.

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guillermina | @guillermina | 17 hours ago
In reply to @guillermina "I also have decided not to take aromatase inhibitors. I have fibromyalgia, osteopenia, and atrial fibrillation..." + (show)
@guillermina

I also have decided not to take aromatase inhibitors. I have fibromyalgia, osteopenia, and atrial fibrillation (afib). I’ve had a stroke that was attributed to afib. At 86 I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive lobular cancer. This cancer grows flat and is a little harder to detect. I had a screening mammogram and was called back for a diagnostic mammogram. I had a lumpectomy of my right breast (the surgeon couldn’t clean edges) followed by 21 radiation sessions. I read about a FES PET-CT scan FES PET-CT for Breast Cancer Services - NYC & Westchester | ColumbiaDoctors - New York | ColumbiaDoctors. I asked my oncologist to order this procedure. I live in Virginia and had to travel to Duke University in North Carolina to get one. The results were good. No cancer in other parts of my body. My oncologist said that I can have this screening annually.

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Subsequent to my scan at Duke University I discovered that “The Society for Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging” has a web site that lists national locations who do FES PET imaging. I’ve also found out that the Sentara hospital system does these scans in Southern Virginia. This scan is for people dealing with estrogen/progesterone positive breast cancer.

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