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Bone density worsening on AI & post chemo

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 25 1:44pm | Replies (8)

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First, my surgeon told me 25% of women stop Anastrozle due to side effects. She had no real stats on the % of women who stop have a reoccurrence. I more than understand you ksue3. One of my surgeons, when discussing implants after a bilateral mastectomy, said to me "you are 70, you know". I answered "yes, I know but my mind is 35". I ended up not going for the implants simply due to all potential complications (or none) down the road, I didn't want to take the chance. You said your tumor is grade 3...do you mean the stage? With a oncotype of 37 you are considered in the high range, mine was 14, with one positive node. I more than hear you about your bone density issues. I too am worried about this. But my thoughts are these: The only treatment for my cancer is an aromatase inhibitor (right now). I can work on increasing my bone density. There are options to do this - walking, stair climbing, sitting up and down from a chair without supporting yourself (squats), a diet rich in calcium/supplements, yoga for balance issues, use of a cane/walker for support and strength training. Other options to increase bone density are available for you. There is only ONE option (right now) to help prevent cancer reoccurrence. That's my personal answer right now...do I like it? No!
I can help myself NOT to have a fall. I have NO control for cancer to return my AI the best defense right now.
Yes, it is a tough decision. Only you can weigh your options and which directions you want to pursue.
And rubyslippers: I am a retired nurse and disheartened to hear about your experience with the RN who set the infusion rate of Reclast too fast, not to mention her attitude and putting "guilt" on you. Shame on her/him!
Find out exactly what the rate should be and insist on it! I had a similar experience in the ER with a concussion headache...the protocol was a headache "cocktail" and the RN pushed the Benadryl IV way too fast, simply because she wanted to get it over with. The result? I developed immediate chest pain and was starting to
lose consciousness and she even downplayed this. I ended up asked for the IV medications that worked in the past for me. One must always be their best advocate! Or have someone to advocate for them.
Good for you Ksue3! Stay invested in Life...life is for the living...until it's not. You Go Girl!

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Replies to "First, my surgeon told me 25% of women stop Anastrozle due to side effects. She had..."

I had stage 1B, Grade 3, Oncotype 34, Total Nottingham of 9, Ki-67 was 65%, 98% estrogen positive. I can't find it now but I seem to recall that the stage ended up a II something. I will have to research that more. Those numbers all add up to high risk and more aggressive than expected, especially in my age group. As much as I try to talk myself out of Exemestane, I know it is my hope of fighting this disease. I consider myself cured at this time. Your note, as well as the others here, really did help me. Thank you Briarrose. I am a retired nurse too. I was never exposed to chemo patients so this whole thing is new to me. My cancer was on the right. My best veins are on the right. So, I am very protective of my left arm veins and want a really good technician to do my blood draws. I actually get nervous before draws. I wrap my arm in a fleece jacket and drink lots of water before labs. After this long a time I finally think that I have faced my mortality. I don't like it one bit. My family doesn't live near and I so want to spend time with them. My GI track has never really recovered from everything. So that is a concern when away from my apartment. I am mostly on a FODMAP diet. Well, not much on there to enjoy but managing. Am doing better so hope to hop on a plane this Fall to see a son and grandson. Adjust is a key word for this path we are all on. I appreciate each and every one of you.