Is there anyone that had estrogen positive cancer, without use of AI?

Posted by tygerrag2 @tygerrag2, Jul 14, 2022

Is there anyone with stage 1 breast cancer, estrogen positive that had a lumpectomy followed by radiation without any other treatment and has remained cancer free?

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed w first time ever cancer HER-2 Neg, EstrogenProgesterone POS ki67-10%
Small mass Rt Breast will have lumpectomy and target radiation it’s very small T-1 I do NOT want anything further as endocrine therapy Tamoxifen OR any other type pill I hear too many side effects and whatvis proof they will prevent cancer to return?

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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.

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed w first time ever cancer HER-2 Neg, EstrogenProgesterone POS ki67-10%
Small mass Rt Breast will have lumpectomy and target radiation it’s very small T-1 I do NOT want anything further as endocrine therapy Tamoxifen OR any other type pill I hear too many side effects and whatvis proof they will prevent cancer to return?

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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.

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed w first time ever cancer HER-2 Neg, EstrogenProgesterone POS ki67-10%
Small mass Rt Breast will have lumpectomy and target radiation it’s very small T-1 I do NOT want anything further as endocrine therapy Tamoxifen OR any other type pill I hear too many side effects and whatvis proof they will prevent cancer to return?

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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!

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Profile picture for ccwi @ccwi

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.

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I am newly diagnosed lumpectomy scheduled for next month - I am a
young just turned 70 yr old
Diagnosed HER2-Neg E/P POS
Ki67-10% N Nodes- small tumor
I have been reading abt
Tam or A1 drugs that
All seem to cause bad side effects ? I will do radiation for
5 days not sure abt endocrine therapy.

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Profile picture for bvaughn @bvaughn

I was diagnosed with stage 1A invasive ductal cancer,onc score of 22, ER+, HER-, lumpectomy with clear margins and no lymph node involvement. My MO wanted me to take anastrozole. Reoccurrence rate in ten yrs without is 16%. After researching side effects, following threads on this site, as well as other research, I have decided against taking estrogen blockers. I am 76 and in reasonably good health, widowed, and live alone. I do not want to be incapacitated due to a drug.
I limit my sugar, alcohol, and have changed my diet. In addition I put a filtration on my fridge and kitchen sink. I try to eat organic and look for items such as toothpaste, hair color, and nail polish that less toxic.
The decisions we must make are difficult in this highly protocoled medical environment. I rely on prayer.
God bless!

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I am newly diagnosed T1 HER2-Neg, E&P positive ki67-10% small tumor- I just turned 70 eat organic pretty much watch everything from sugar to alcohol I have arthritis in knees and am not convinced abt taking water blockers- ingestion many bad side effects from possible blood clots to severe high blood pressure - and there is no guarantee of cancer not returning - after my lumpectomy they have me down for 5 day radiation treatment that is where I will move forward and never look back!

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed T1 HER2-Neg, E&P positive ki67-10% small tumor- I just turned 70 eat organic pretty much watch everything from sugar to alcohol I have arthritis in knees and am not convinced abt taking water blockers- ingestion many bad side effects from possible blood clots to severe high blood pressure - and there is no guarantee of cancer not returning - after my lumpectomy they have me down for 5 day radiation treatment that is where I will move forward and never look back!

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If you live in the Northeast, MSKCC has a 3-day partial breast radiation clinical trial. You get the same amount of radiation but it’s over 3 days instead of 5. I took part and had no issues with the rad.

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed w first time ever cancer HER-2 Neg, EstrogenProgesterone POS ki67-10%
Small mass Rt Breast will have lumpectomy and target radiation it’s very small T-1 I do NOT want anything further as endocrine therapy Tamoxifen OR any other type pill I hear too many side effects and whatvis proof they will prevent cancer to return?

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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.

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Profile picture for vkroger @vkroger

If you live in the Northeast, MSKCC has a 3-day partial breast radiation clinical trial. You get the same amount of radiation but it’s over 3 days instead of 5. I took part and had no issues with the rad.

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I live in S FL and will be working with Lynn Cancer which is pretty much up to date I will definitely mention this new 3 day treatment
Thank you and hoping you’re doing great! I’m more upset over endocrine hormone therapy have not heard anything positive!

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

I am newly diagnosed w first time ever cancer HER-2 Neg, EstrogenProgesterone POS ki67-10%
Small mass Rt Breast will have lumpectomy and target radiation it’s very small T-1 I do NOT want anything further as endocrine therapy Tamoxifen OR any other type pill I hear too many side effects and whatvis proof they will prevent cancer to return?

Jump to this post

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!

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Profile picture for Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123

Aromatase Inhibitor. It blocks estrogen in the body. There are several kinds. I've been on letrozole for almost three years with no side effects, and my bones are still in normal density range.
I always suggest that a person try the one prescribed by oncologist and then go off it if side effects are too severe. A different kind might work. You can work with your doctor.

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Good to learn your experience. I’ve been on letrozole about 6 weeks and the lump in breast has shrunk and I no longer can feel it like I did. It felt about egg size originally. Have f/u appt. With oncologist in a couple weeks and anxious for her feedback. Guess I’m feeling more positive since the lump has definitely gotten smaller! Perhaps lumpectomy can be done sooner than originally thought! Glad you’re doing well!

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