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Decide against aromatase inhibitors?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 27 10:53am | Replies (124)Comment receiving replies
I had very similar, DCIS ER+PR+, grade 2, treated with lumpectomy, one focal point 1 mm margin which I did not have them do another surgery, and radiation, I’ll be 71 in a couple of weeks.
I was given a choice of tamoxifen or AI. I did not want an AI because I already have had plantar fasciitis twice and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis twice, and osteoporosis.
My risk level according to Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer center nomogram, link below:
DCIS recurrence risk: 5yr/10yr with Tamoxifen, negative margins, 2%,3%, without TAM 4%,6%, or with “close or positive margins” with TAM 3%,5%, without TAM 6%,10%.
My thought on taking the hormone therapy, even with a pretty low risk level, I have a fair amount of body fat although my BMI is 22. I carry more fat on my chest, abdomen, upper arm area. ER+ positive DCIS feeds off the estrogen in the chest/breast and stomach. If I have a recurrence, or new DCIS, it may be invasive. I decided to start Tamoxifen and see how it went. To tell you the truth, it didn’t go super great at the beginning when I was on 20 mg. But at 5 mg I’m not really having problems, mild thermoregulation issues, and I fight tears at emotional moments in movies, sad stories.
It’s always a balance of benefits vs side effects. I hope you can find the choice that fits you best.
https://nomograms.mskcc.org/breast/ductalcarcinomainsiturecurrencepage.aspx
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Thank you, my chance of recurrence is 4% without endocrine therapy 2% with it. My margins were all 5 mm.
I already have osteopenia, though I am very active and exercise and lift weights. I already feel like I have no estrogen, even though I do, I can’t imagine having less!
I also have borderline LDL (103) and my blood pressure, which was always great, is creeping up. I feel like these would both get worse. 2% difference doesn’t seem worth it to me, it’s funny how we all see things differently! The radiologist even told me that I could skip radiation and have about a 15-20% chance of recurrence in 10 years. He said that they wouldn’t recommend radiation for everyone, but that I was healthy and active, so it would be worth it. I don’t see an oncologist until Sept 4, so I have plenty of time to get input and hear other people’s experiences. I still work part time and have to use the hospital where I’m employed for treatment (cheaper). It has a very good reputation, but is suffering from shortage of physicians! Everything has taken forever. I was diagnosed March 21, surgery 5-30, radiation 7-15! The best to you, glad that you can tolerate the treatment.