Ok? Not sure what you're looking for here, There are studies with findings that they prevent recurrence; your doctor (or google) can explain them. But it's entirely your choice.

If your cancer cells feed on estrogen like mine 98%, you would want to try AIs or tamoxifen. I believe they aim to kill rogue cancer cells that escape the original location. Cancer cells travel through either lymphatic system or blood vessels. It’s not local recurrence that worries me much. Metastasis is hard to detect. That’s stage 4 and there’s no cure.

Jury out on Ais or Tam- so far I have N nodes, Ki67-10% small tumor Her-2Neg I will do 5 day target radiation and cannot WAIT to go forward! My surgeries next month if all markets confirm what they have been I will not do a hormone therapy- it’s all chemicals leading to what? Telling you can take another drug ride effects?? I am surprised in 2025 scientists have not come up with better options with much less side effects for everyone battling breast cancer or any cancer!

Like you I wanted to avoid AI after stage 1 bc lumpectomy (age 68) hearing all the side effect horror stories so when my radiologist said rad was most important would protect about 90% against recurrence with AI just adding bit more I declined AI. then 2.5 yrs later i had local recurrence, masectomy, and virtually all lymph nodes removed (no spread) but now early lymphedema. So now have been taking AI for almost 3 yrs and essentially none of the side effects I worried about. I wish I had at least tried the AI maybe i could have spared myself the recurrence.

I was dx in April 2025 with HR+PR+ Her2- invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast. No lymph node involvement, Stage 1A. Oncotype score was 6. Had a lumpectomy with clear margins in May and immediately started on endocrine therapy (anastrozole) for an anticipated 5 years. Started radiation in June, and my last treatment (after a 4-day boost) was today (yay!).

I have not experienced any serious side effects from the anastrozole other than muscle/joint pain, and that has been manageable with OTC pain meds. The radiation has caused some fatigue, primarily in the evenings.

Obviously, each person's experience with endocrine therapy or any other treatment will be unique to them, and I know I have been very fortunate to get this far without any major issues. My best advice is to educate yourself as much as possible (including this wonderful message board), take time to look at all the options, and make the decision you believe is best for you. If something doesn't work well for you, don't be shy about requesting other options.

Good luck with your treatment, whatever you decide!