Decide against aromatase inhibitors?

Thank you for your reply and support. I’m currently taking Anastrozole with no remarkable side effects. My tumor markers this month went from 276 to 204, so going in the right direction. However, the xgeva shot is killing my mouth. I have to stop it because the pain is too much. Trusting God, he is my everything!

I am currently switching from Cox Oncology to Mercy Oncology here is Springfield, MO. I wonder if Mercy here is part of the same hospital system in STL. I'll be sure to ask questions, next month when I go in!!

I'm with you. I stopped my Tamoxifen, knowing it isn't quite the same but it blocks estrogen same as AIs. I took it for over 10 weeks and my life was miserable. I changed doctors. He offered same thing, half the dose; from 20mg to 10mg. I politely declined. Now, 3 months later are the miserable side effects dwindling. I can't believe they let us put something in our mouths with a 7 day half life, especially after informing them ten days into the Tamoxifen. My own fault for not researching more and earlier. But shame on them for not fully informing us. Especially after reporting the miserable side effects after 10 days. And my first oncologist told me 82% chance he could guarantee cancer would return in two years. Nothing about the 2%. Much more interesting my 2nd oncologist said 5% chance it would return, 10% tops. There is something seriously wrong with this picture. My advice, be your own advocate. Sure there are conflicting reports. My research is personal, and applies to my experience.

My bottle of Anastrazol sitting unopened, too scared to even try it. Stage 1, triple positive. Had mastectomy and chemo, herception for a year ( never got an onco number?). 67 yrs old and have osteoporosis already. Seeing oncologist later this month, I'm sure she'll not be happy with me for not at least trying the med. I think I remember her saying a 1-2% benefit from A1's, did anybody else hear that as well?

The benefit from AIs varies from patient to patient. Whatever your oncologist told you is correct for you, but not for another person. It sounds like you have had a fair amount of treatment already. How did it go for you, and how are you feeling?

I commented once before. after my lumpectomy, chemo and radiation I refused AL's. That was almost 4 years ago. I'm 84 years old and enjoying life. Blood work says the cancer hasn't reocurred.

my wife had a similar profile, grade 1/ She took letrozole for one year and was miserable. Part of that bone pain came from her acute menopause, having been in the minority and having taken Premarin for 30 years since hysterectomy/oophorectomy. Her pain was severe bone pain. Her medical oncologist at a major university was next to worthless, saying most people didn't have such severe symptoms. But the literature review says 25-35% of women stop the aromatase inhibitors. Just reading this forum it appears that women are getting 'stock' answers instead of some of the individualized care they should be receiving. I've learned more about women's struggles through this site than anyplace else. Osteopenia is a major issue. In my review of the literature, if the risk factors are there biphosphonate therapy started concurrently with the aromatic inhibitors can prevent a lot of the bone loss. My wife's severe osteopenia was treated sloppily. Her risk of compression fractures is higher than her risk of recurrence. Obviously everyone has to make their own decisions but we have been very unhappy with advice received. As a retired surgeon I have been able to help her more than others may be able but I have felt ignored, condescended to and gaslighted. We are getting a second opinion or even just changing our care to Dana Farber next week. Age is an issue, my wife 75 when diagnosed, 77 now. Decisions obviously different for age and tumor type.

This is 2025 what good are these hormone receptors!!!!!the side effects are THERE for at least 75% of us!!! When you have side effects I don’t want a Dr telling me to take ANOTHER drug for side effects!! I’ve heard Lemon & Lemon grate have been SUCCESSFUL in trials WHAT are they waiting for!!!!! Fix this problem

Anyone develop diverticulitis after taking Anastrozole for several years?

Your wife is very blessed to have a doctor husband, knowledgeable but also personally care about her. Lots of medical professionals have no personal care for the person. It's just their job and the person is just another patient. I'm a retired nurse so I know what I'm talking about!