@lucyanne5005 There’s this whole continuum to consider when making this type of decision. I don’t know about you, but the uncertainty really bothers me.
It looks like I will be having to make a decision soon, too. Still waiting on more testing, but I’ve been on Tamoxifen for almost 3 years and it looks like it may be pushing me towards diabetes. I’m weighing cancer risks vs diabetes.
Maybe what I’m considering would be factors that you’d want to look at (although we’re on different meds with different side effects).
My first concern is the risk of cancer recurrence. I have a pretty good idea what the research says it is, but I’ll be contacting my survivorship provider to give me some guidance because I want a professional opinion. You’d want to revisit what your risk is now. Our risk levels are all so different!
I’m also considering quality of life. You’d want to consider whether worsening arthritis is a problem to your future independence. When fine motor tasks, and hand strength is reduced, everyday self care and activities can be difficult.
Consider also how the med is impacting other organs. I’m looking at negative effects on cognition, hypothalamus, cortisol but balancing that with better heart outcomes, bones, and genitourinary function. You might consider the higher inflammation impact to your body, as evidenced by the worsening arthritis, and whether there is a connection between your arthritis and heart function and the AI.
I MAY have taken enough tamoxifen to reduce my risk for another 7 years, just as your 4 1/2 yrs of the AI may have improved your risk significantly. But I’d suggest discussing risks, side effects, and impact of other organs with your doctor.
Rubyslippers,
Thank you for your kind reply.
Yes, I keep considering this decision knowing that it would be just 6 more months! My doctor hears my concerns as does his PA. My mammogram in December was clean! But, I had a tooth pulled and working on the replacement now. Through PT for my knee - bone pain issues! Dexa said osteopenia but fall# was high..hard to win!
Thank you, thank you😊